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

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

we really have to start the day right now? Part of me knew that if Maya hadn't interrupted, I could have had Morgan beneath me for at least another hour. Maybe not completely, but certainly more than I had to date. Part of me knew that Maya was going to enjoy this I opened the door and welcomed Maya in, ignoring the way Ari was still screaming and fighting the barrier Morgan had erected far enough from the captain that

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walked in with a knowing smile. I scowled at her. She beamed at me, gamely. I knew I shouldn't be so disappointed or 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

me. Morgan leaned in, surprising

whisper. We should find a time to see

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 stop them. "After your

radiant sunrise that chased away the shadows of

breathed, and then she was gone,

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

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

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

chuckled, the sound light

she said. "The coronation will be here before you know it, and then you'll have plenty of time

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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

I began, my voice thick

it okay?" she offered, a playful smile dancing on her

rumble. Heat flared in my cheeks, mirroring the

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."