The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 60

CH60 Morgan

The fragrant steam swirled around us as. Tsuneo stood up. His muscles rippled as he stretched. A bead of water trickled down his chest, catching the soft glow of the oil lamps and disappearing into the silken waistband of his sleep trousers. My breath hitched in my throat, a traitorous blush creeping up my cheeks.

"Are you ready, Morgan?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine.

Ready? The question hung heavy in the air. Ready for what?"

He cocked an eyebrow at me then sank back down, crawling across the tub toward me.

"Maybe that after we make proper appearances." I stammered. "I meant the celebration."

I bit my lip. That's right. Tonight was the night of the celebratory banquet for our marriage - a ceremony both grand and unsettling. While a part of me reveled in the unexpected joy I'd found. with Tsuneo, another part remained wary. The human world felt a million miles away, and the weight of responsibility for a fragile peace pressed heavily on my shoulders.

Sensing my apprehension, Tsuneo's brow furrowed. He cupped my cheek. His dark opal eyes. searched mine. "Is something wrong?"

I hesitated.

"It's just... a lot to take in," I admitted.

He smiled, a gentle, understanding curve of his lips. "I know," he said, his voice soft. "But you're not alone in this. We'll face it together."

His words offered a much-needed comfort. Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile. "You're right. Besides, I have a feeling there will be plenty of distractions tonight."

A playful glint entered his eyes. "Speaking of distractions," he said, standing and offering me his hands. "I have gifts for you."

led me into his closet toward a set of thin wooden boxes. The tops of

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CH60

is..." I

explained. "I

his was made of

for the inheriting couple to wear. Given the circumstances..." He chuckled. He trailed his fingers over the black dragons on my robe.

parents wear something

married yes. Afterward, I was told that my mother would wear her gown whenever she was feeling

laughed. "Your mother sounds like

was," he turned. "She would have loved

it to me. Inside was

hers. A gift she wanted to give

I breathed,

you."

a gentle smile. "It's nothing compared to the woman who will wear it," he said, his voice low

up my

I help you

could think more about it, I nodded. He knelt before me, his gaze lingering on my face for a moment before he began to help me dress. The simple act, his touch feather-light against my skin, sent a thrill down my spine. It would be the first time he'd see me naked. I didn't know what I wanted him to think. He worked in comfortable silence, the only sound the rustle

CH60

by

my face. His eyes held a

whispered, his voice thick with something akin