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

me leaning in, my gaze locked on Morgan's flushed cheeks and parted lips. Her scent a heady mix of florals and

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

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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.

replied, my voice gruff but laced with a possessiveness that surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising

a whisper. We should find a time to see each

alone with her, away from prying eyes and

balcony overlooking the 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

across her face, a radiant sunrise that chased away

and then she was gone, disappearing into

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

get a moment's peace?" I grumbled, more to myself than to Maya. "We're supposed

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

sound

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

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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

began, my voice thick with something I couldn't

offered, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

mirroring the blush that crept up hers under my intense gaze. "And anything of

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

moment."