Chained to old wounds

CH45

Tsuneo

The word, unfamiliar and foreign, hung in the air between us. A frown creased my brow.

“A date?” I repeated, unsure of the meaning.

Morgan’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and a soft laugh escaped her lips. “It’s a human custom,” she explained, her voice warm. “A casual meal spent with someone you… care about.”

My heart skipped a beat. Care about. The words resonated deep within me, a truth I couldn’t deny. The way I felt about Morgan – the growing warmth in my chest, the sense of peace that washed over me in her presence – it went beyond duty or obligation. My dragon, the palace, had chosen her, and I was slowly, or maybe all too quickly in surprising ways, starting to realize why.

A slow smile spread across my face. The idea of spending more time with her, in a casual setting, filled me with a joy I hadn’t anticipated. Normally, I would have courted my wife before we were

married.

Perhaps dates were similar to that.

“A date, then,” I said, my voice echoing my newfound enthusiasm. “Yes, I would very much like

that.”

Relief and a hint of delight danced in her eyes. “Excellent,” she said, her voice barely above at whisper. Then I shall get ready. Perhaps a lighter gown this time, one that doesn’t restrict my movement quite so much.” A playful glint returned to her eyes.

My own gaze drifted down to the elegant black and ice blue robe she wore. It was mine, and I liked the look of it on her.

“Perhaps a shorter one that won’t drag everywhere?”

A sheepish smile tugged at my lips. “Indeed,” I conceded. “Perhaps something more… comfortable. There are many to choose from.”

With a final lingering look, I watched her enter our chambers and left a guard in the hallway. I wondered which of my shorter robes she would choose to wear. It didn’t matter much to me. Seeing her in my clothes was more than enough.

Hopefully, I could see to this task before she was ready. Dealing with Ari was a matter of utmost urgency, but it would have to work. I felt lighter than I had in a long time, considering what we

CH45

should do for lunch. I ran into Maya as soon as the idea hit me.

Once I told her, she squealed and dashed off to get things ready.

“Give me no more than half an hour!”

I chuckled, calling my thanks after her.

As I strode down the corridor, a familiar warmth bloomed within my chest, a feeling that resonated with my dragon. We were growing closer, and we’d continue to grow closer. For the first time in a long time, I dared to hope.

Finding the Captain of the Guard, I issued a series of swift commands. Ari’s access to my mother’s old rooms, including her library and office, was to be strictly barred. Any attempt at entry would. be met with force. The Captain, a man with a stoic expression and a loyal glint in his eyes, acknowledged my orders with a sharp salute.

With that matter settled, I made my way towards the King’s chambers. The weight of the situation. pressed upon me, but the image of Morgan’s smile, the warmth in her eyes, spurred me onward.

Pushing open the heavy oak doors, I found my father seated by a window, his once–proud posture slumped with fatigue. Dark circles rimmed his eyes, and his hand trembled slightly as he gripped a goblet of wine. Guilt stabbed at my heart. The burden of the kingdom, the recent attacks, and now Keiji’s death and my hand in it were all taking its toll. The only thing holding him here probably was a throne.

“Father, I announced, my voice firm as I approached him.

He looked up, a flicker of surprise crossing his weary features. “Tsuneo,” he rasped, his voice weak. “What is it?”

Taking a deep breath, I recounted the events of the afternoon, detailing Ari’s defiance and disrespect towards both Morgan and myself. I didn’t mince words, painting a clear picture of her insubordination and her potential theft from my mother’s chambers.

The King listened intently, his frown deepening with each passing word. By the time I finished, his face was a mask of thunder.

“Unbelievable,” he muttered, his voice laced with disgust. “Ari has always been… spirited, but this… this is unacceptable.”

“Indeed, I agreed, my voice low. “She needs to be dealt with.”

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He sighed a weary sound that spoke volumes of his current state. “You’re right, of course. But

how? Relegating her to the outer provinces would cause a stir and public punishment…” He trailed off, his brow furrowed in thought.

“If you are reluctant to beat her in the streets like the thief she is, I’m sure Morgan would gladly do it.”

He laughed. “It would be her right. And I’m certain that the constituents would think of your mother with every strike… We will think on it. Let’s think of happier things. When do you think. you will be strong enough for the coronation? Has Dr. Shang said anything about it yet?”

I shook my head, deciding to prolong my lie a little longer.

“Perhaps… perhaps it would be best to postpone the coronation for a while longer,” I suggested, my voice hesitant. “My recovery is… taking longer than anticipated. I wouldn’t want to burden Morgan with the weight of the ceremony while I’m still…”

“Weak?” my father finished my sentence, his voice laced with concern.

I nodded, forcing a grimace. “Precisely. It wouldn’t be fair to her or to the kingdom.”

He studied me for a long moment, his gaze filled with a mixture of worry and something akin to relief. “Perhaps you’re right,” he finally conceded. Focus on your recovery, Tsuneo. Spend time with Morgan. The burdens of kingship can wait a while longer.”

A wave of gratitude washed over me. My father, despite his weariness, understood the unspoken plea. He saw the budding connection between Morgan and me, and perhaps, just perhaps, he understood why I needed more time – not just to recover physically but to nurture this fragile bond. If watching me settle into married life would keep him alive for a bit longer, I’d take my time doing so until I could find some alternative to his death.

“Thank you, Father,” I said, my voice sincere. “I will,”

With a final nod, he dismissed me. As I left his chambers, a strange sense of hope–bloomed within me. The path ahead was still uncertain, fraught with danger and political machinations. But for now, I had a reprieve time to be with Morgan, to explore this new feeling that simmered within me. And maybe, just maybe, that was all I needed to face the challenges that lay ahead.

By the time I made it back to our chambers, Morgan was still in the process of changing. A half- undressed vision in silken undergarments, she startled at my entrance, a blush creeping up her cheeks.

“Tsuneo,” she stammered, clutching the discarded gown to her chest. “I wasn’t expecting you back

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CH45

so soon.”

A grin tugged at the corner of my lips. “There’s no need for formalities, wife,” I assured her,

keeping my gaze respectfully averted. “And besides, I added, a mischievous glint in my eye, “lunch is not the only surprise I have planned for today.”

Intrigued, she lowered the gown slightly. “Surprise? she echoed, a playful lilt in her voice. “Do tell.”

I chuckled, holding the suspense for a beat longer. It wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you, now would it?”

Chapter Comments

Visitor

it was just getting good wth lol