The Dragon King's Substitute Bride (Morgan and Tsuneo) novel 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.

“About your reluctance to take the throne.”

I went still. That was the last thing I wanted to talk about.

Morgan

I 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 a playful litt. “When do you two plan on giving the kingdom an heir?”

My gut twisted, and I shook my head.

“I have no intention of having children.”

“Well, what about the baby–making part?” She blinked. “The fun part, that is. Tsuneo was always quite popular, so I know he knows what to do, and yet…

My jaw dropped, and she laughed. “What are you—-

“I read 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 it? I can tell you want him, or at least, you are starting to warm to the idea.

My face burned, and I sipped. I never thought about it like that. Would talking to her about it make me feel more comfortable with the idea, or 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 never planning to get married, — and the guys in town were… less than interesting.

Haruka laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“Im only teasing, but if you want advice, I’ve got a few things to share,” she replied, her voice filled with a playful tone. As for the kids, it would probably be best that you didn’t try. A black dragon cannot have kids of his own.”

Tsuneo said that as well, but do you know if that’s supposed to mean literally?”