Chained to old wounds

CH53

Morgan

My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the sudden shift in atmosphere. His words held a double meaning, both a playful instruction to continue our game and a serious command that left me breathless.

Before I could even respond, his lips brushed against mine, a feather–light touch that sent a jolt of electricity through my body. My breath hitched, caught between surprise and a dawning desire. He groaned, licking at my lips as if planning to have more, but the moment was shattered before it could truly begin. A loud banging sound erupted from outside the door, followed by a shrill voice that pierced the morning calm.

“Tsuneo! Open the door!” It was Ari, her voice laced with a sharp urgency.

A growl ripped from Tsuneo’s throat, low and dangerous. He pulled away from me abruptly, his expression a stormy mix of frustration and barely contained anger.

I scrambled to sit up, pulling the silken robe tighter around myself. I hadn’t even noticed that it had fallen open. My cheeks burned. What had been about to happen? Would I have let it happen? The raw heat in his eyes felt like it would melt through any resistance I thought I might have.

“That girl… Tsuneo muttered, his voice tight with annoyance.

The banging on the door continued, accompanied by a heated argument between Ari and the guard stationed outside.

“Who are you to stop me? You’re just a knight!”

“I am under orders from His Highness–”

“He would never refuse to see me! Move! I told you; I need to speak with Tsuneo immediately! It’s a matter of utmost importance!” Ari’s voice shrieked from the other side.

Tsuneo threw his head back and let out a frustrated groan. The sound rattled through me. It was the first time I’d heard him make such a noise, and it sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of fear and a strange sense of arousal. He was really frustrated. Whatever his plans were for me had really been interrupted, and it didn’t seem like he knew how to get them back on track.

Ile looked back at me, huffed as she screamed some more. From the sound of it, she wasn’t going away. With a sigh of resignation, Tsuneo threw back the covers and strode towards the door in nothing more than a pair of loose pants. He paused for a moment, his eyes locking with mine.

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“Stay here,” he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.

I watched as he opened the door and walked out into the main chamber. He left the door of the

bedroom cracked. His expression was thunderous. I heard the main door open. Then, Ari, seemingly oblivious to his anger, pushed her way into the room, a smug smile plastered on her face. Ari stomped into the room, her nose held high and a triumphant smirk plastered on her face.

“Finally!” she declared, oblivious to the way she’d shattered the intimate moment. Maybe she expected that she had and was glad for it. “There you are, Tsuneo. Wallowing in bed at this ungodly hour. Have you completely forgotten your duties?” Her eyes flicked towards the bedroom. door, and disdain dripped from her voice. “And what, pray tell, is that… human doing in your chambers at this time of day?”

Tsuneo’s snarled. I could see through the eyes of the palace the way his eyes narrowed into slits.

“What happens between a husband and wife is none of your concern, Ari,” he growled, his voice dangerously low.

“Oh, but it is!” she retorted, her voice laced with a sharp edge. “We all know she’ll only be here temporarily. She’s mortal! And look what she’d done to you already! You used to be up with the sunrise, ready to tackle the day. Now, thanks to her, she said, the word dripping with sarcasm, “you’ve adopted these human habits of laziness.”

Before Tsuneo could unleash his fury, the guard stationed outside cleared his throat and spoke up.

“Your Highness,” he addressed Tsuneo, I will gladly remove Lady R from your chambers. Simply

say the word.”

I felt a surge of gratitude towards the guard. There was no way I was letting Ari get away with her accusations and intrusion. And I was glad that at least the guard was on my side.

Still, I couldn’t allow Ari to continue to harass and agitate Tsuneo.

“That won’t be necessary,” I said, my voice echoing into the chamber through the palace. Ari looked up and around, looking shocked and terrified. The guard looked deeply impressed. I caught Tsuneo’s eye through the crack in the door. His eyes were blazing with heat. I could feel how much he wanted to shove them both out and pick up where he left off.

I swallowed, steading my voice despite the heat rushing through me and the irritation.

“I will be informing the King about Lady Ari’s behavior this morning. Get out, Ari. Now.”

Ari’s expression faltered for a moment, a flicker of ear crossing her eyes. But she quickly

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recovered, her chin jutting out defiantly.

“I was simply ensuring that Tsuneo is prepared for his coronation! It’s–”

“Apparently,” I said, my voice laced with steel, “You are hard of hearing. Or simply being childish. Where I’m from children who do not listen are made to listen.”

I focused my will through the palace, not entirely sure that it would work, but then, Ari was shoved out of the door by a shimmering wall of magic. She shrieked in surprise, flailing as it shoved her back and sent her to the ground in a heap.

“Thank you, captain,” I said. “From now on, no matter how she pleads she will not be allowed entry into any of the royal chambers.”

He nodded. His lips twitching into a smile. “It is my honor to be of service to you.”

A stunned silence descended, broken only by Ari’s muffled shouts from the other side of the barrier. The captain closed the door behind him and I watched Ari stand and try to shove her way back inside only to be kept several feet away from the captain. He looked amused as she continued to shriek and yell.

Tsuneo turned and came back into the bedchamber. A mix of desire and amusement flickering in his eyes.

“That was… impressive, wife,” he said, closing the door behind him. “Deliciously vicious…. You’re coming into your position more and more by the day.”

My breath hitched under Tsuneo’s intense gaze. His words hung in the air, a compliment laced with something deeper, something that sent a jolt through me. For a moment, we just stared at each other, the tension in the room thick and charged. His eyes smoldered with heat, and I felt a blush creep up my cheeks. It felt like he was undressing me with his eyes.

Before he could move Both of us jumped slightly, startled back to reality.

any closer, an insistent rapping on the outer door shattered the spell

“Your Highness, Lady Morgan, came Maya’s voice from outside. “The King requests your presence to discuss the veil and the upcoming events.”

The Dragon King’s Substitute Bride.