The Dragon King's Substitute Bride (Morgan and Tsuneo)
Chapter 84

CH84 Morgan

We walked arm in arm across the meadow toward a pair of trees that had grown together into an arching doorway. It filled with the same light that had been in the gate, and I realized this must be where I came through.

"How'd I get here, if I didn't walk through the

e gate?

"You were in the heart of the palace, dear. You're the queen! You and the palace are connected in ways you haven't started to understand... The truth is of the veil

I frowned. "One day, you'll be able to open the veil from wherever you are at will, and then things get fun!"

I chuckled. "I hope you'll be back by then. It would be nice to hear from a mure experienced source.

She smirked. "I think you'll be fine even if you have to figure it all out on your own... Thank you for visiting, dear. This is much more pleasant than I expected. Part of me had been dreading getting a daughter-in-law in case she was terrible. Like Ari." I laughed. "Has she always been like that?"

"Since the moment she was brought into the palace? Honestly... I told him! I told him to get her under control as she was going to be a problem, and look where he is... I can't wait to rub it in his face. You know, he's the king, so he thinks he knows everything." Her eyes turned gently. But he's also incredibly trusting and naive at times, and 1 think she knows that. They all do. He's the golden dragon after all..."

"Tsuneo didn't realize that Ari had feelings for him."

She scoffed. "Because she's sneaky, and he's not paying attention to her. Tsuneo never really spent a lot of time around her. He had a lot of energy to burn off. She smirked. "I hope you'll enjoy it to the fullest so I can tease you mercilessly."

I scowled at her. "So that's what kind of mother-in-law you are."

She squeezed me

me close. "You wouldn't have me any other way."

I chuckled at that and squeezed her back. She pulled back with a sigh.

"Tell Tsuneo I love him... And tell my husband that..." Her eyes turned misty. "That every distance is but a step for the love of a brave warrior, even if the sun has seemed to stop setting."

I nodded.

"Come visit again when you have the time..." She smiled, then took my hand, slipping something onto my arm. "And this... as my blessing. It will come in handy for all those wenches who think they have room to talk.. And do something for Anya and Maya when you can, hm? Anya deserves better, and Maya is a princess, for goodness' sake.

I nodded. "I try my best."

With that, she reached out, her hand brushing against mine. A surge of energy coursed through me. Then, she was gone, and I was stumbling through darkness. As I stumbled out of the portal, I felt a sense of peace wash over me "Morgant

I turned to face Tsuneo. My heart skipped a beat. He flew to me, wrapping me in his a

s arms and squeezing me close. He was shaking.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice low and restrained. He threaded his hand in my hair. "Please... Please never do that again."

I smiled and squeezed him back

"I'm fine, L-replied pot... I saw her.

He pulled back. His

eyes were wide. "What?"

I turned to look at the king. He was frozen in place. His eyes were blowing with a sense of hope, but he said nothing hedding himself still.

'She wanted me to pass on a message..

the pain

in his mes He glanced back at the gate before looking

ass turned glossy. And he lifted his chin, taking a brave stance, though I could see the

back at me.

"It has been... too long since she passed a message."

"She said that every distance is but a step for the love of a brave warring, even if the sun has seemed to stop setting

Tsuneo

I gasped. I was stunned, my mind reeling. The words washed through my mind as if she was right there to say them. I remembered her saying it often. in my youth. Father's eyes filled with tears. He clenched his hands at his side. Then he dropped his gaze to the ground.

The sun will always rise to a new day, and that distance will be just a dream... He nodded stillly. Thank you, Morgan.... Are you alright?!

Morgan nodded. "Just fine. Met my mother-in-law and learned quite a few things.

She pulled away from me and walked towards father. She said something in a very low tone, so love that I couldn't hear her, but the look on my fathers face told me it was something good. Certainly he pulled her clase and squeezer tight, sniffling a bit. "Frecious child..."

She pulled back. "Would it be okay if I came to visit her every once in a while? I think we have a lot to talk about, mother-in-law to daughter-in-law."

He chuckled. "You are queen you may go wherever you wish... Who would I be to get in between such a bond?"

He sniffled and wiped his eyes.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Morgan patted his back.

"It's the least I could do, she replied, her voice soft. "She loves you very much."

He nodded, his eyes filled with tears. "I love her too," he replied, his voice barely a whisper. "More than anything."

Father took a deep breath and pulled back from her,

"If it is not too much to ask for, would you explain everything to Tsuno? I don't believe I am in a place to do so at the moment."

Morgan nodded.

"Of course. Take all the time

e time you need."

With that, she stepped back. Father turned to me. "Your mother is quite the woman."

My lips twitched. She ahrays has been.

"Ws. Co with Morgan hack to your chambers, hm? He asked, wiping his face. "You You need to talk... And I need a bit more time..."

He sank onto the bench beside the casket and took a deep breath. He leaned forward onto his knees, shumping his shoulder, and breathed deeply. I swear that I heard him sandlling and crying again I hesitated before Morgan took my hand and pulled me away. Cheart ached. It felt like walking away now meant I would see him again any time soon. The fear gripped me like a premonition.

Father."

He lifted his head, but he didn't turn around. He took a deep breath.

"Td... like to have dinner with you tonight if you have the time."

He chuckled, low and wet. Td like that a lot. Tell Maya to come... We should have a family dinner for a change."

I winced. "The full family?"

"No... just the tolerable

ones.

I laughed. A bit of my fear eased, and Morgan led me away from him. It took a lot of restraint to turn my gaze away from him. Together, we walked back hrough the corridor. Soon, we reached Father's office.

"What... are we talking about?"

our mother, she said.