The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 83

CH83 Tsuneo

How much longer would it be? Had it been minutes? Hours? Every second of not feeling her presence felt like an eternity. This was maddening. How had my father hung on all these years? I paced the chamber, my heart pounding in my chest. I couldn't help but feel anxious. This was the heart of the kingdom, the heart of the palace. This was literally the safest place Morgan could be in our entire realm. And yet, I did not feel that she was safe because she wasn't here. Morgan's absence felt like a vold that seemed to consume everything.

I turned to my father, his gaze fixed on the gate where the statues had not moved again, still blocking the way.

"Father," I said, my voice barely a whisper. "What's happening?"

He didn't respond, his eyes still fixed on the portal. I reached out, my hand resting gently on his shoulder.

"Father," I repeated, my voice filled with a mixture of concern and fear.

He turned to me, his eyes filled with a strange intensity.

"Sit down," he said, his voice barely a whisper. We should talk as it seems that your mother has quite a bit to say to your wife."

1 hesitated, my mind racing. What did he mean by that?

I sat down, my heart pounding in my chest. As I looked at my father, a sense of unease overtook me. He was acting strangely, his behavior filled with a mixture of anticipation and dread. The golden scales on his neck seemed duller and patchier than ever. A part of me knew he wasn't just shedding them, per se

"Tsuneo," he began, his voice filled with a

with a sense of urgency. "You must tell me the truth."

My heart skipped a heat. The truth? What truth?

"About what?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

He hesitated, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination.

to take

went still. That was the last thing I wanted

Morgan

found myself laughing. Haruka was such a character, and it was nice that she didn't actually hate me. I'd heard plenty of horror stories about mother-in-laws. Haruka's eyes were filled with a mixture of amusement and curiosity, regarded me with a knowing glint. "You and Tsuneo, she began, her voice filled with

gut twisted, and I shook my

no intention

blinked. "The fun part, that is. Tsuneo was always

jaw dropped, and she laughed. "What are

your life force, darling. I know you and my son have had an... interesting marriage so far. You need advice? A woman's perspective on

was that just hopebal thinking? I'd never talked to anyone about... of any nature, I didn't really see the need to since I was

eyes sparkling

voice filled with a playful tone. As for the kids, it would probably

as well, but do you know if that's supposed

She frowned.

have to ask him. Even if it's not a

"Why?"

only been in his arms for a short time, so you don't know what he's like. Possessive protective. Outright dangerous in the right circumstances. All dragons are protective of those they consider their treasure. Family and all that," she replied, her voice filled with a mixture

dropped.

"And probably bring the whole

00

didn't know he was at

aren't a lot of black dragons born into the royal family. There's no real cosmic need for it. It would be best not to talk to him about it right now. He already fears so much about being the Black Dragon.

on the horizon that needed him. I hope you're prepared for it.

Prepared for...

fun part. I have no idea! But if you're worried about it being

that."

to have

turned misty. I