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

cheeks and parted lips. Her scent a heady mix of florals and something uniquely hers

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

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but a relief nonetheless. Morgan wasn't ready, not yet. The thought sent a pang of disappointment

possessiveness that surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising me with a soft kiss on the cheek. The touch, fleeting though it was,

she suggested, her voice barely a whisper. We should find a

moment alone with her, away from prying eyes and pressing duties, was

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

her face, a radiant

perfect," she breathed, and then she was gone,

on the closed door for a beat too long. The thought of following her, of joining her in the cool 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 impulsive notion. With a defeated sigh, I slumped into a chair,

to myself than to Maya. "We're supposed to be enjoying our honeymoon, for

away from them. The retreat

chuckled, the sound light and

she said. "The coronation will be here before you

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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

my voice thick with something

it okay?" she offered, a playful smile

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

inadequate. I wanted to tell my father he would have to wait. I wanted to taste 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 away, clearing my throat

moment."