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

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

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

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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 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

leaned in, surprising me with a soft kiss on the cheek. The touch, fleeting

barely a whisper. We should find a time to see each

stealing a moment alone with her, away from prying eyes

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

slow smile spread across her face, a radiant

she breathed, and then she was

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,

I grumbled, more to myself than to Maya.

palace was going to be happy until I took Morgan far, far away from them. The retreat to the fairy pools was looking more and more appealing

sound light and

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

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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

began, my voice thick

playful smile dancing on

mirroring the

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."