The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 57

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Ari

He gestured for me to approach, his smile widening as he took in the sight of me. My stomach clenched, but I steeled myself. This was no time for personal reservations. He was the key to my victory, and I had to play my part. With a calculated sway of my hips, I walked towards him, allowing a hint of vulnerability to color my expression. He met me halfway, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. Before I could protest, he pulled me into a rough kiss, the scent of strong liquor clinging to his breath. As usual, his kissed me hungrily. I wouldn't ever say it wasn't good. I allowed the kiss for a moment, playing the role he liked best. A willing partner, a woman who wanted him. His hand began to roam my back, a flicker of disgust warring with the desperation churning within me, I gently pushed him away. "Elia," I said, my voice a husky whisper. "There's no time for this. I need your help."

Elia's smile faltered for a moment, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Help?" he echoed; his voice rough.

"This wouldn't happen to be about our son you haven't come to see in all this time? Haven't you a word for your own son, Ari?"

"Of course I care about Kai," I lied smoothly, batting my eyelashes innocently. "But a mother also has duties, especially when she's about to become Queen."

The words hit its mark. Elia's chest puffed out with a surge of pride. "Queen, hm?" he rumbled, his gaze lingering on my lips. "All the same, a woman should be more attentive to her child and her future husband, wouldn't you agree?"

Despite his irritation, I could see the flicker of desire reignite in his eyes. This was good. I needed him pliable and eager.

Leaning in, I brushed my lips against his cheek. "Forgive me, Elia," I murmured, my voice laced with faux apology. "Things have been... hectic at the palace lately. The coronation preparations are all-consuming. With Tsuneo waking and everything..." "You need not worry about that brat. I'll be taking the throne soon enough... You'll be wearing my robe soon enough."

He lifted me onto the table, thrusting his hips against mine. "You draped in jewels, giving me another child. Another son... A daughter..."

Internally, I rolled my eyes. Marrying Elia was the furthest thing from my mind. He was a useful

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pawn, a means to an end, but my heart belonged to Tsuneo. The only reason I'd entangled myself

with

Trial

more.

gamble after I'd failed the Fire. A royal bastard, nephew to

sent a shiver down my spine, a calculated response rather than a genuine one. He didn't need to know

can discuss your... hectic schedule later, he rasped, his lips trailing down my neck. His fingers fumbled with the ties of my dress, his breathing growing

pretense of modesty. "There's something

pulled away reluctantly, his brow furrowed in annoyance. "More important than you becoming Queen with

"Perhaps not becoming Queen," I admitted, "but ensuring the rightful Queen

gaze narrowed. "What are you getting at,

a deep breath, I met his gaze head-on. "There's a human woman," I said, my voice

human woman who has somehow ensnared

removed."

cold fury that sent a shiver down my spine. His grip on my arm tightened, his fingers digging into my flesh with a painful intensity. "Who?" he snarled, his voice a low growl. "Who is this human

so-called prophesied savior. The

shoved me away from him so abruptly, I

about this?" he roared; his voice laced with betrayal. "You knew a human had passed. the Trial and

to regain my composure. "Besides, what difference does it make? She's just a human. Tsuneo

paced the room like a caged lion, his anger palpable. "I don't

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his voice dripping with sarcasm. A human blessed by the

"Tell me everything," he commanded,

with a bitter pang of jealousy. "What's so special about her?" I snapped. "Why can't you see that I'm the one who deserves to

a flicker of something akin to pity crossing his features before it was replaced by a cold ruthlessness. "You ignorant fool," he hissed. "Don't you understand?

1 frowned.