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

had me leaning in, my gaze locked on Morgan's flushed cheeks and parted lips. Her

couldn't explain or ignore. Did 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

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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

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

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

stealing 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 stop them. "After your meeting? I can pick you up from

radiant sunrise

and then she

bathroom, sparked a delicious heat in my core. But one look

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

was going to be happy until I took Morgan far, far away from them.

chuckled, the sound

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

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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

my voice thick with something

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

I finally managed, my voice a low rumble. Heat flared in my cheeks, mirroring the blush that crept up hers under my intense

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

moment."