The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 60

CH60 Morgan

The fragrant steam swirled around us as. Tsuneo stood up. His muscles rippled as he stretched. A bead of water

trickled down his chest, catching the soft glow of the oil lamps and disappearing into the silken waistband of his

sleep trousers. My breath hitched in my throat, a traitorous blush creeping up my cheeks.

"Are you ready, Morgan?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine.

Ready? The question hung heavy in the air. Ready for what?"

He cocked an eyebrow atthen sank back down, crawling across the tub toward me.

"Maybe that after we make proper appearances." | stammered. "I meant the celebration."

| bit my lip. That's right. Tonight was the night of the celebratory banquet for our marriage - a ceremony both

grand and unsettling. While a part ofreveled in the unexpected joy I'd found. with Tsuneo, another part

remained wary. The human world felt a million miles away, and the weight of responsibility for a fragile peace

pressed heavily on my shoulders.

Sensing my apprehension, Tsuneo's brow furrowed. He cupped my cheek. His dark opal eyes. searched mine. "Is

something wrong?"

I hesitated.

"It's just... a lot to take in," | admitted.

He smiled, a gentle, understanding curve of his lips. "I know," he said, his voice soft. "But you're not alone in

this. We'll face it together."

His words offered a much-needed comfort. Taking a deep breath, | forced a smile. "You're right. Besides, | have a

feeling there will be plenty of distractions tonight."

A playful glint entered his eyes. "Speaking of distractions," he said, standing and offeringhis hands. "I have

gifts for you."

Intrigued, | let him pullup. We stepped out of the tub. He wrappedin a thick towel and ledinto his

closet toward a set of thin wooden boxes. The tops of them were intricately carved. He carefully opened it,

revealing a folded garment made of the most luxurious fabric I'd ever seen. It shimmered with an inner light, the

color a mesmerizing blend of gold and jade.

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"This is..." | breathed, speechless.

Tsuneo's smile widened. "A wedding present, he explained. "I had it made especially for you."

He pulled the garment and hung it up before opening the other box. It looked to be a matching robe. The gold

and jade robe shimmered in the light, and his was made of a black fabric intricately embroidered with gold

dragons and what looked like fiery phoenixes. It was the perfect counterpart to mine. "Dragons, huh? Not at all

making a statement."

"It is a common motif for the inheriting couple to wear. Given the circumstances..." He chuckled. He trailed his

fingers over the black dragons on my robe. "Black dragons are the most... appropriate."

"Did your parents wear something like this?"

"Before they were married yes. Afterward, | was told that my mother would wear her gown whenever she was

feeling flirty..."

| almost laughed. "Your mother sounds like such a character."

"She was," he turned. "She would have loved you... So, | want you to have this."

| frowned as he picked up a box and offered it to me. Inside was a diadem of a black metal and littered with dark

opals, gold, and jade.

"It was hers. A gift she wanted to give to her daughter-in-law...

"It's beautiful," | breathed, mesmerized.

you."

Tsuneo's lips curved into a gentle smile. "It's nothing compared to the woman who will wear it," he said, his voice

low and intimate.

A blush crept up my cheeks, a welcdistraction

"Can | help you dress?"

| met his gaze, searching for a why, but before | could think more about it, | nodded. He knelt before me, his gaze

lingering on my face for a moment before he began to helpdress. The simple act, his touch feather-light

against my skin, sent a thrill down my spine. It would be the first the'd seenaked. | didn't know what |

wanted him to think. He worked in comfortable silence, the only sound the rustle of silk and the soft clinking of

jewelry as Tsuneo fastened a delicate bracelet around my wrist and helpedsup into the robe and everything

that went

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under it. | was feverish by the the was done. Trembling.

Suddenly, he stopped, his hands framing my face. His eyes held a depth of emotion that took my breath away.

"You are radiant, Morgan," he whispered, his voice thick with something akin to awe.

Meeting his gaze, a newfound confidence surged through me. | leaned in and kissed him, the touch of his lips a

spark that ignited a fire within me. He groaned, drawingcloser, and deepening the kiss. There was a silent

promise in it. | drew back, flustered and a little overwhelmed by it.

A breathless laugh escaped my lips. "Thank you, Tsuneo," | said, my voice trembling slightly. "For everything."

He squeezed my hand. "I will dress, and we'll head out, hm?"

I nodded. As soon as he was dressed, we linked arms and headed out. The halls were almost silent until we

neared the banquet hall. The sound of music and laughter spilled down the hallway. It sounded like a huge party.

The double doors swung open, revealing a scene of vibrant colors and. joyous revelry. We were greeted by a

chorus of cheers as all eyes turned towards us, the newly-wed couple.

Taking a deep breath, | stepped forward, hand in hand with Tsuneo.

A spotlight illuminated the center of the vast banquet hall, casting a warm glow on the intricately patterned

dance floor. The music swelled, a lilting melody that spoke of love and new beginnings.

All eyes turned towards us as the Master of Ceremonies boomed, "The first dance for our esteemed Crown Prince

Tsuneo and his lovely bride, Morgan!

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Tsuneo ledthrough the crowd. My heart hammered

against my ribs, a strange mix of excitement and nervousness. | didn't know we'd have to dance!

We reached the middle, and he drewclose. | slipped my hand into his, a sense of calm washed over me.

Tsuneo's grip was strong yet reassuring, his presence a steady anchor amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces. Tsuneo

placed his other hand on my waist, his touch sending a jolt through me. He moved slowly, and gracefully,

guidingthrough the steps with a practiced ease. | mimicked. his movements, the initial awkwardness melting

away as | focused on the rhythm, on the warmth of his hand on my skin. Across the room, | spotted the king

seated in his throne. A wide grin spread across his face, hist

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eyes twinkling with pride. The Elders, however, maintained a stoic silence, their expressions. unreadable. But