The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 77

CH77

Morgan

Hiro burst into fresh, heart-wrenching sobs and buried his face in my shoulder, clinging to me. He felt so small in my arms. His sobs were muffled against my shoulder. He trembled, and I couldn't figure out what to say. "Promise me you won't abandon me," he cried, his voice filled with desperation. "Promise?"

I promise," I whispered, my voice barely audible. TI always be here for you,"

As he cried, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. It was a relief to know that he knew. The truth was out, and while it was painful, it was also liberating. At the very least, he'd be able to start processing it all.

I know it hurts right now, but it will get better. And when you're free to leave the hospital," I continued, my voice firm, Tm taking you with me.

"Taking me with you where?"

The dragon realm."

He gasped and pulled away, his eyes wide with disbelief. "It's realm?"

I nodded

"You're living in there? Ren, what's going on?"

I grinned. "It's a bit complicated, but what do you think? Do you want to come? Meet my husband? See the palace?"

His jaw dropped. "You have a husband? But you said that you weren't going to get married."

"Let's talk about it when you can have cake?" I smiled. I glanced over at Kai. "What do you say? A trip? Maybe adopt a little brother on the way!

Kai flushed and looked down at his feet.

he asked, his voice filled

I replied, my

with gratitude. "Thank you," he whispered. "I think I'd like

my

the air as I brought Hiro closer to me. "Stay away from us. You've done enough." I

at my reflection in the

her warning that the Trial would change me.. I had not understood then, but the longer I looked at myself like this, the more it sunk

me, his eyes

you stay a little longer?" he

course, at least until

placed Hiro

off to sleep.

CH77

but I didn't care. They'd put us all through so much for their selfishness. As Kai and I headed out, 1 called for an imperial guard. She was dressed as a purse, but

I instructed, my voice firm. To not let anyone is without my

needs rest

final glance at my brother, I led Kai away from the

disappearance, even if I wanted to keep it quiet for his sake, it likely wouldn't remain quiet. As soon as we got back to the palace, Kal was already nodding off. I put him in bed and shuffled back to the room I shared with Tsuneo. The power and odd sensations continued to course through me. I felt water than usual. By the time I got to the room, I was sweating and desperate to get out of all the layers. 1 was burning up. I couldnt strip fast enough. I rushed to the bathroom and turned the water on cold. The water turned to steam around me.

normal. I felt dizzy, yet no matter how cold I turned, I couldn't get cooler at all. I felt

open,

Tsuneo called out.

panted, slamping against the

couldn't even be surprised

through

steam. He came in closer quickly, and suddenly, he was leaning over me. He lifted me up, and I sighed, feeling the heat starting to flow out of me. I curled closer to him. He gathered me closer. "Are you alright? You.." He growled, lowering his head and burying

hot," I said. "You're

turned off the water. He scooped me

have you been running

Tsuneo tumed on the water to fill the tub. He