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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my nose. "I know at least one person

"Ari you mean. She

frowned. "Why is

blinked. "She is

Did she know that?"

81%

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

and Tsuneo leaned in

"Father..."

the king said, his voice

you two have a

headed toward him and took his head, letting him lead

of the room.

"Everything okay?"

think... He mentioned

wrinkled his nose. Yeah, let's talk about that. At least half a century

laughed. "How long do you think humans

smirked at me, a knowing look on his face. "I suppose

chambers as 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

my talk with the king, and a sense of peace had settled over us. We'd fallen into a comfortable routine, the shared bath at the end of each day becoming an intimate ritual. Soaked in the warm, lavender-scented water we'd talk about

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that echoed softly off 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 helped mend fences, shared his knowledge of agriculture, and

the growing closeness, our relationship hadn't progressed beyond heated kisses. I could. tell he wanted more, but he didn't push me. Tsuneo was patient, respecting my boundaries and unspoken anxieties. For the first time since

He sighed deeply as soon as the door closed behind us and

you all day," he grumbled, burying his face into

got a few hours.