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.

his voice filled

replied, my voice firm. We're

you," he whispered. "I think I'd like that

take my son,"

them. I felt the air heat around me. Their eyes widened, and they jumped back. I saw the light rippling through the air as I brought Hiro closer to me. "Stay away

there was a strange sensation washing over me. My skin began to tingle, a warmth spreading through my body. I glanced at my reflection in

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

me, his eyes

stay a

course, at least until you go to sleep,

I gently placed Hiro back in bed,

off

CH77

They were clearly terrified, 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

voice firm. To not let anyone is without

needs rest

nodded, saluting me before taking her position. With a final glance at my brother, I led Kai away from the room. My mind racing with thoughts of the

but I felt no danger. By main concern was Adele and Goro. They liked to play the victim and garner attention too much. Hiro's sudden 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

dizzy, yet no matter how cold I turned, I couldn't get cooler at all. I felt like I was boiling in my own skin. I panted, my eyes

heard the main door open, and hope

called out. "Are you

slamping against the

I couldn't even be surprised or embarrassed. I saw him

drifting through the

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,

so hot," I said.

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

have you

the water to fill the tub. He lowered me into the tub