Chained to old wounds

CH24

Morgan

Sunlight speared through the gaps in the heavy curtains, dappling my face with warmth. I blinked, the remnants of a strange dream clinging to the edges of my consciousness. A dream filled with flickering firelight, a comforting warmth against me, and a voice – Tsuneo’s voice – murmuring

reassurances.

Disorientation washed over me as I realized where I was tangled up with Tsuneo. My breath hitched. Memories of the previous night flooded back – the ridiculous drinking game, the inexplicable chill, and then…nothing. How had I ended up here?

A quick glance at Tsuneo revealed him still fast asleep, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath. He looked different this morning. Gone was the rigid tension that had characterized his sleep the first time we shared a bed. Now, his face was relaxed, a hint of a peaceful smile playing on his lips. The darkness in his skin, which I figured was a result of the poison, had also faded considerably.

Blessed by the Phoenix, indeed.

For a moment, I couldn’t help but be mesmerized. He was undeniably handsome, even in sleep. But the moment was fleeting, replaced by a wave of self–consciousness. Shame burned hot in my cheeks as I realized the compromising position I was in with our legs twined together and my face buried in his chest.

Without further ado, I disentangled myself from the sheets, careful not to wake him. My head throbbed with a dull ache. What the hell had been in the goblet? I don’t see why anyone would ever willingly drink so much.

Leaving Tsuneo, I made my way out of the room, the lingering warmth of his body a stark contrast to the cool air of the antechamber. I grabbed the robe I’d dropped off the floor and put both layers back on. A knock sounded on the door, and I let Maa inside. A worried frown creased her brow.

“Good morning, Your Majesty,” she greeted, her voice laced with concern. “How are you feeling?”

“Like I’ve been trampled by a particularly enthusiastic horse,” I mumbled, forcing a smile. “Specifically, my head.”

Maya chuckled softly. “I wouldn’t be surprised. Golden wine is quite strong, though I was told you did very well. The previous queen would be proud.

I smiled. “Your aunt?”

CH24

Her eyes lit up. “You’re learning more about the family. That’s great.”

She came inside and started to run a bath in Tsuneo’s bathtub. She came bearing more slips but not robes. She went to the closet and disappeared inside, coming out with a pale pink set for the day. I shrugged. Sure. I got into the bath, bathed, and dressed again. By then, she was bringing in breakfast. A soft knock came through the main door. I let it open and smiled at Doctor Shang. His usually stoic face was etched with worry. In his arms, he cradled a small, whimpering child. And behind him, a young woman with dark eyes glared at me with undisguised hostility. She’d been at the dinner. Doctor Shang looked exhausted.

“Doctor Shang? And?”

He sighed, his shoulders slumping with exhaustion. “This is Anya and her mother, one of the king’s concubines,” he explained, his voice weary. “Anya has come down with a fever. I was on the

way to you to deliver the next batch when she stopped me.”

He looked exhausted, like he hadn’t slept.

“How about you join us for breakfast? Take a load off unless you need to go?”

The woman sneered and stomped out, closing the door behind her. Doctor Shang sank into a seat with a sigh, letting the child rest on his chest.

“I’m starving, and she’s the worst.”

“I can tell.”

Maya led a small team of servants into the room with a tray laden with fresh fruit, warm pastries, and a steaming pot of tea. I couldn’t help but wonder what the day ahead held. I’d be meeting with the Elders and the king soon, I was sure, but that would have to wait. Maya brought the final. tray of steaming dishes and fresh bread.

“Join us, Maya,” I said, sitting across from Doctor Shang. I made myself some tea, hoping to get

rid of the headache with some food.

The young girl looked back, her eyes bright yellow, and her gaze flickered over the collection of

fruit.

“You want some?” Doctor Shang asked.

She rubbed her eyes and nodded, but she didn’t speak. Doctor Shang made her a plate with a bunch of fruit and set her up in his lap to eat, leaning against him. He made himself a plate and rubbed his eyes.

2/4

CH24

“I’ve heard that the next food delivery is being prepared. Do you plan on going back?”

I nodded. “Soon, probably. 1-”

A loud knock sounded on the door. I sighed and willed it open. Ari charged in, and Keiji sauntered behind her. I almost groaned. Ari looked at me with a sneer, and Keiji grinned.

“Is there something you need?” I asked, looking at both of them, my voice laced with a hint of

steel.

Ari scoffed, her voice dripping with disdain. “Just taking note of what to report to the king about your obvious affair with Doctor Shang.

I almost rolled my eyes, but my eyes started to throb. I looked at the little girl as she stuffed something soft and juicy into her mouth with a delighted little hum. Doctor Shang rubbed her back and looked genuinely at peace.

“You’re good with kids.”

“You’re not denying it?” Ari hissed.

“Such a shame, Morgan,” Keiji drawled, his voice dripping with mock sympathy. “One would expect a woman of your…resources to secure a more…prestigious affair partner.”

My eyes narrowed, anger simmering beneath the surface. “You think so?”

He chuckled a humorless sound. “Oh, come now, don’t be coy, Everyone knows the good doctor prefers men. A wasted opportunity, wouldn’t you say?”

Doctor Shang looked mortified and scandalized. Kejji’s audacity was mind–numbing. But instead. of stooping to his level, I decided to have some fun.

“Perhaps,”

“I said, a playful smile blooming on my face. “He simply hasn’t met the right man yet. Maybe someone strong, arrogant… with a penchant for gossip?” O

Keiji’s smirk faltered, his face reddening with a fury so sudden it startled me. For a moment, he sputtered, unable to form a coherent response. The sight was so utterly comical that a genuine laugh escaped my lips. Then, Doctor Shang and Maya both snickered.

Just then, Ari charged across the room to the door to Tsuneo’s chambers, but I didn’t take down my barrier. She tried the door, yanking at it before whirling around to yell at me.

“Open this door at once!”

3/4

CH24

“No.”

“You can’t keep me from seeing him, I-

“Am queen,” I said. “His wife and I refuse to have an unmarried, unrelated woman alone with my husband while he can’t defend himself.”

She turned bright red. Keiji’s eyes widened. I picked up a pastry with a sigh. Whatever she was going to say got cut off by the next knock on the door.

“What is this a family meeting?” I grumbled and willed the door open. The king entered, grinning.

He looked at me, and his shoulders slumped. “I was hoping you would look a little worse for wear, Morgan.“