The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 54

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Morgan

Relief washed over me, momentarily pushing aside the flurry of emotions Tsuneo's words and gaze had evoked. Thank goodness for Maya's timely interruption. The intimacy of the moment had escalated quickly, and I wasn't sure I was entirely ready for where it might have led.

"Thank you, Maya," I called back, projecting my voice through the outer chamber door. My voice was slightly breathless. "I'll get ready quickly."

I glanced at Tsuneo, a hint of apology in my eyes. His expression was unreadable, but a flicker of something akin to disappointment crossed his features.

"Of course," Maya replied.

Taking a deep breath, I rose from the bed, smoothing out the wrinkles in my robe. The playful fight from earlier seemed a lifetime ago, overshadowed by the unexpected turn of events.

"It seems like... the day has to start."

Tsuneo's lips twitched. "It seems like."

"Shall we?" I asked Tsuneo, offering him my hand.

He took it, his touch sending a familiar warmth through me.

"We shall," he replied, his voice low and enigmatic Tsuneo

air crackled with unspoken desire, a potent current that had me leaning in, my gaze locked on Morgan's flushed cheeks and parted lips. Her scent a heady mix of florals

certainly more than I had to date. Part of me knew that Maya was going to enjoy this

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irritated about it. Maya's interruption was a relief, unwelcome and unexpected, but a relief nonetheless. Morgan wasn't ready, not yet. The thought sent a pang of disappointment through me, a physical

I replied, my voice gruff but laced with a possessiveness that surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising me with a soft kiss on the cheek. The touch, fleeting though it was, sent

barely a whisper. We should find a

away from prying eyes and pressing

overlooking the west garden," I rumbled, the words tumbling out before I could stop them.

radiant

she breathed, and then she was gone,

sanctuary of the bathroom, sparked a delicious heat in my core. But one look from Maya, the knowing smile turning to a smirk on her lips, quashed the

than to Maya. "We're supposed

took Morgan far, far away from them. The retreat to the fairy pools was looking more and more appealing

the sound light and

said. "The coronation will be here before you know it,

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words hung in the air, suggestive and laced with amusement. She giggled into her hand. I scowled at her, but a grudging smile tugged at the corner of my lips. She was right, of course. But a part of me still yearned for a moment now, a chance to explore this newfound connection with Morgan, away from the pressures and expectations that seemed to constantly swirl around us. I went to get dressed and by the time I was done, the bathroom door creaked open, and Morgan emerged, a vision in emerald. The robe, one of my own that I had never worn, pooled around her like liquid emerald, catching the morning light and shimmering with an inner glow. For a moment, I forgot to breathe, my frustration melting away in the

thick

it okay?" she offered, a playful

managed, my voice a low rumble. Heat flared in my cheeks, mirroring the blush that crept up hers

the dampness on her neck and everywhere else, smell the fresh clean scent of her, and tangle my fingers in her curls. I licked my lips. She jumped. I supposed I made a sound. Quickly, I tore my eyes

moment."