The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 59

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Morgan

There was that word again.

""I... I well..."

"Ease your heart. What matters most is the bond you share, the trust you are building." He leaned. forward, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "It's been a long time since I've seen Tsuneo so... engaged. He cares for you, Morgan. That much is clear."

A warmth bloomed in my chest at the King's words. "I am starting to care for him as well, Your Majesty, I admitted, surprised by my own candor. It almost feels like a lifetime has passed since the Trial,..

"I am glad. Though we will never forget that period of time, it is good not to dwell on it," the king said, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "But before love stories and happily ever afters," he added, his voice turning serious, "I have to warn you about the remaining Elders and the factions at

work.

"The Elders, I echoed, the gravity of the situation returning. Are they all like the ones that were with Keiji?"

"No. Some are worse." The King shook his head sadly. "Knowing Tsuneo, I do not expect many of them to survive his wrath if they have aims against you."

My breath caught in my throat. I remembered the bloodbath from my kidnapping.

"Could I... convince him otherwise?"

He smiled. "I suppose only time will tell about what sort of sway you have over my son..."

"Why do they hate me? I didn't ask to be here..."

"It is an old issue. Many have issues with the fact that their daughters cannot simply step into the position of the queen, though they are eligible to be in the harem. Do you think you'll have children, Morgan?" grimaced. "No."

He smiled. "That is perfectly fine. Though, depending on how things go... Perhaps give some thought about members of Tsuneo's harem."

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nose. "I know at least one person who would jump at the

laughed. "Ari you mean. She

"Why

"She

Did she know that?"

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"That is a long way away. For now, know that more than you know, Morgan, your bravery, your level-headedness, and temperament can be a powerful tool for unity. But for now," he added, his voice softening, "you need rest. And perhaps more time with Tsuneo as a couple." He gestured toward the

door trembled and Tsuneo leaned in

"Father..."

you," the king said, his voice filled with a knowing

believe you two have a date

rose from my seat. I headed toward him and took his head, letting him

of the room.

"Everything okay?"

I think... He mentioned

his nose. Yeah, let's talk about that.

long do

on

Tsuneo seemed to be growing tired. I didn't mind climbing back into bed with him for an afternoon nap. A gentle breeze ruffled the silken curtains, carrying the sweet scent of blooming jasmine into the room. Sunlight slanted through the window, casting a warm glow on Tsuneo's face as he slept beside me. A content

a sense of peace had settled over us. We'd fallen into a comfortable routine, the shared bath at the

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the stone walls. Lunchtime found us stealing moments together in the palace gardens, the stolen bites of food punctuated by whispered secrets and lingering touches. He was just as busy as I was, but he made time to come with me to the human realm when he could. He

Tsuneo was patient, respecting my boundaries and unspoken anxieties. For the first time since arriving in this strange, beautiful kingdom, I felt a flicker of

to his room, or our room as it had become. He sighed deeply as soon as the door closed behind

haven't seen you all day," he grumbled, burying his face into my shoulder. I

a few hours.