The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 84

CH84 Morgan

We walked arm in arm across the meadow toward a pair of trees that had grown together into an arching doorway. It filled with the same light that had been in the gate, and I realized this must be where I came through.

"How'd I get here, if I didn't walk through the

e gate?

"You were in the heart of the palace, dear. You're the queen! You and the palace are connected in ways you haven't started to understand... The truth is of the veil

I frowned. "One day, you'll be able to open the veil from wherever you are at will, and then things get fun!"

I chuckled. "I hope you'll be back by then. It would be nice to hear from a mure experienced source.

She smirked. "I think you'll be fine even if you have to figure it all out on your own... Thank you for visiting, dear. This is much more pleasant than I expected. Part of me had been dreading getting a daughter-in-law in case she was terrible. Like Ari." I laughed. "Has she always been like that?"

"Since the moment she was brought into the palace? Honestly... I told him! I told him to get her under control as she was going to be a problem, and look where he is... I can't wait to rub it in his face. You know, he's the king, so he thinks he knows everything." Her eyes turned gently. But he's also incredibly trusting and naive at times, and 1 think she knows that. They all do. He's the golden dragon after all..."

"Tsuneo didn't realize that Ari had feelings for him."

She scoffed. "Because she's sneaky, and he's not paying attention to her. Tsuneo never really spent a lot of time around her. He had a lot of energy to burn off. She smirked. "I hope you'll enjoy it to the fullest so I can tease you mercilessly."

I scowled at her. "So that's what kind of mother-in-law you are."

She squeezed me

me close. "You wouldn't have me any other way."

I chuckled at that and squeezed her back. She pulled back with a sigh.

"Tell Tsuneo I love him... And tell my husband that..." Her eyes turned misty. "That every distance is but a step for the love of a brave warrior, even if the sun has seemed to stop setting."

I nodded.

visit again when you have the time..." She smiled, then took my hand, slipping something onto my arm. "And this... as my blessing. It will come in handy for all those wenches who think they have room to talk.. And do something for Anya and Maya when you can, hm? Anya deserves better, and Maya is

"I

mine. A surge of energy coursed through me. Then, she was gone, and I was stumbling through darkness. As I stumbled out of the portal, I felt a

a beat. He flew to me,

arms and squeezing me close. He was

low and restrained. He threaded

smiled and

fine, L-replied pot... I saw

He pulled back. His

eyes were wide. "What?"

at the king. He was frozen in place. His eyes were blowing with a sense of hope, but he said nothing

wanted me to pass

the pain

mes He glanced back at the gate before

chin, taking a brave stance, though I could see

back at me.

too long since she passed

said that every distance is but a step for the love of a brave warring, even

Tsuneo

remembered her saying it often. in my youth. Father's eyes filled with tears. He clenched his hands at his side. Then he dropped his gaze

that distance will be just a dream... He nodded stillly. Thank you, Morgan.... Are you

nodded. "Just fine. Met my mother-in-law

love that I couldn't hear her, but the look on

back. "Would it be okay if I came to visit her every once in

may go wherever you wish... Who would I be

sniffled and wiped his

"Thank you," he whispered.

Morgan patted his back.

the least I could do, she replied, her voice soft.

her too," he

a deep breath and pulled back from

ask for, would you explain everything to Tsuno? I don't believe I am in a place to do so at the