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

Her scent a heady mix of florals and something uniquely hers filled my senses. I was burning

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

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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 ache that surprised me with its intensity. I looked back at Morgan, finding her eyes apologetic. She seemed to be breathless. Was I breathless

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

should find a time to see each other today,

away from prying eyes

the west garden," I rumbled, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. "After your meeting? I can pick you up from my

radiant sunrise that chased

breathed, and then

joining her in the cool sanctuary of the bathroom, sparked a delicious heat in my

moment's peace?" I grumbled, more to myself than to Maya. "We're supposed to be enjoying our honeymoon, for crying

to be happy until I took Morgan far, far away from them. The retreat to the fairy

the sound light and

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

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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.

thick with something I

she offered, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "I

in my cheeks, mirroring the blush that crept up hers

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 roughly. "We should probably get going.

moment."