Chained to old wounds

CH62

Tsuneo

Unlike Arl, there were no laws in this child’s eyes. The fact that he didn’t try to cower behind Ari when Morgan approached, set off alarms in the back of my mind. There was a lie here, but I didn’t know exactly what it was. Looking at his face, it was obvious that he was related to Ari. I had no doubt that this was her child, but… there was no child–like love for her in his expression or actions.

She seemed to be little more than a stranger to her.

I felt terrible. My suspicions were completely unfounded. Even if the child was a part of Ari’s schemes, the child didn’t necessarily have any. Morgan walked across the floor, a quiet strength emanating from her. She crouched down to meet the child at eye level. Ari hadn’t even turned to look at her.

“What’s your name?” Morgan asked.

Ari looked down at her, sneering at her. She tugged the child away from Margan roughly.

“Get away from him, human, Ari hissed.

The child’s eyes widened

ed with w wunder, rather than pulling back, he leaned toward Morgan. “You’re a human?”

Morgan smiled. “I am. I’m Morgan.”

“Im Kai,” he said. ” Ive never met a human before.”

“Well, I’ve never met a tiny dragon before, it seems like we’ve both entered into a new experience.” He giggled a little. “Are you hungry? Would you like to come with me to get something to eat?” She glanced over to the king. It looks like the adults have some things to discuss. You don’t want to stick around for boring adult stuff, do you?”

He shook his head. “I’m hungry.”

“I thought so,” Morgan extended her hand. “Let’s f find something tasty, hm?”

Ari snarled, but the child let go of her and took Morgan’s. In a matter of seconds, Morgan led

Morgan led the child any f

Her voice was gentle and soothing as she led him through the crowd,

“You’re in luck. All the good stuff probably isn’t gone yet.”

“I’ve always wanted to try roasted duck!”

“Well, let’s see if we can find some..

She stopped beside me with a smile. “Be calm, yeah. When you’re done, want to join us?

child away from Ari and through the rest of the crowd.

I glanced down at the child and then back to her face. I had no idea what her plan was, but I nodded.

I watched as she led the child away, his small hand nestled in hers. The moment Morgan disappeared into the crowd, I looked back at my father, who seemed impressed with Morgan’s actions, before taking a deep breath. I turned back to the Elders, their faces a mask of disapproval and suspicion. Some of them whispered between themselves. I caught my father’s eye and so no suspicion in them, but anger. He knew the child wasn’t mine, but he also seemed angry for another reason. Likely because of Anis gall

“It would be such a disgrace,” one of them declared, his voice booming through the hall. To have the woman who has born a son, a dragon at that, be just a concubine

After the loss of Prince Keiji, it would be a great thing to have another, true, dragon heir,” another said. “One bom of our kind rather than one with

Iwman blood.”

“Phoenix,” my father corrected before I could push down my anger enough to speak.

1 took a deep breath remembering Morgan’s words. Being angry would help me get through this as quickly as possible.

Then I forced myself to speak. “This is not the time for such talk, I began, my voice steady. “It is at least callous to bring up Keiji in relation to this child and at the celebration of my wile.”

CH62

Ari bristled. The Elders had the nerve to look completely unbothered.

“Never mind that the child shouldn’t be around to hear this conversation, and it is a matter for court in any case.”

Ari, sensing an opportunity to regain control, stepped forward. “He is five years old,” she announced, her voice dripping with false pride. “Old enough to understand the importance of his heritage.”

A murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. Five years old? The child looked younger, more vulnerable. But Ari seemed determined to push her advantage.

“I’ve been silent about it long enough,” Ari said. “I’m not going to remain silent a moment longer. I will have what is owed to me.”

“Your son,” my father corrected, stepping forward. As it is his lineage that is under question.”

But–

“And I agree with Tsuneo, and Lady Morgan’s wisdom. A child should remain as innocent as possible of the affairs of adults. The fact that you brought him here like this gives me pause and angers me at how you have squandered my benevolence and your education.” He glanced at Ari. “It would have been the work of nothing, years ago, for you to bring this child forth, yet he has been raised who knows where for the past five years.”

She stammered

… I had my reasons.”

“And I am sure you will make them apparent soon enough. For now, you will do well sit, eat, and be quiet for the rest of the evening. We will pick this conversation up tomorrow after the celebration.”

She Elushed. “Tomorrow? He’s heir to the throne! Are you going to just sweep this under the rug for a human?”

I glared

at her. “You have brought a child who bears resemblance to you here, but you have no proof that he is mine.”

She scowled at me. “You’re going g to deny your own child?” she shrieked, her voice echoing through the hall. “How could you be so heartless?”

“I see no reason to accept your words without proof, you have already been caught in far too many lies.”

She sputtered. “You know

“A lineage test,” I suggested, my voice cutting through the chaos. “It will settle this matter once and for all.”

Father shook his head. “There is no need for that just yet…

He turned to me. “Have you ever… been intimate with Ari?”

“No.” I wrinkled my nose, a bitter taste in my mouth. My stomach churned. “Never. I have never seen Ari as anything more than a relative.”

Her jaw dropped. “You’re just saying that because of that human,

*Do you I

have a theory on this child? Father asked.

I set my jaw, looking at Ari I didn’t want to say it, but I had to make a decision to either cover up the real reason or bear whatever shame may come from the alternative.

I can not, I admitted, my voice thick with frustration. Five years would put his conception around the time I went into the coma. It was the time I was actually unconscious and had no sense of time, place, or being. “Anything could have happened during that time… As I understand it Ari had full

access to my 100ML

The room fell into a stunned silence. The implications of my words were clear: if Kai was mine, which he wasn’t, Ari would have to be confessing to violating while I was unconscious. Which was… almost exactly what she was doing. The thought of it filled me with a rage that threatened to consume

“Is that what you te saying, An? Lasked, looking at her. That you conceived him with an unconscious man?”