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.

asked, his voice

you here," I replied, my voice firm. We're family, and

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

take my son,"

I brought Hiro closer to me. "Stay away from us. You've done enough." I glared at them. My husband wanted to kill you for your betrayal. You're making it more and more of an appealing

my reflection in the mirror, my eyes widening in shock. My eyes had

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

against me, his eyes fluttering. He was barely

you stay a little longer?"

until you

gently placed

off to

CH77

selfishness. As Kai and I headed out, 1 called for an imperial guard. She was dressed as a

I instructed, my voice firm. To not let anyone

needs rest

saluting me before taking her position. With a final glance at my brother, I led Kai away from the room. My

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

how cold I turned, I couldn't get cooler at all.

heard the main door open, and

out. "Are you

against the

I couldn't even be surprised or

through the

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

I said. "You're

reached out and turned off the water. He scooped me up and carried me toward

have you

back," I gasped. Tsuneo tumed on the water to fill the