Chained to old wounds

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Morgan

Relief washed over me, momentarily pushing aside the flurry of emotions Tsuneo’s words and gaze had evoked. Thank goodness for Maya’s timely interruption. The intimacy of the moment had escalated quickly, and I wasn’t sure I was entirely ready for where it might have led.

“Thank you, Maya,” I called back, projecting my voice through the outer chamber door. My voice was slightly breathless. “I’ll get ready quickly.”

I glanced at Tsuneo, a hint of apology in my eyes. His expression was unreadable, but a flicker of something akin to disappointment crossed his features.

“Of course,” Maya replied.

Taking a deep breath, I rose from the bed, smoothing out the wrinkles in my robe. The playful fight from earlier seemed a lifetime ago, overshadowed by the unexpected turn of events.

“It seems like… the day has to start.”

Tsuneo’s lips twitched. “It seems like.”

“Shall we?” I asked Tsuneo, offering him my hand.

He took it, his touch sending a familiar warmth through me.

“We shall,” he replied, his voice low and enigmatic

Tsuneo

The air crackled with unspoken desire, a potent current that had me leaning in, my gaze locked on Morgan’s flushed cheeks and parted lips. Her scent a heady mix of florals and something uniquely hers filled my senses. I was burning up with need, seeing her wield the queen

powers of the almost casually lit a fire in me that I couldn’t explain or ignore. Did we really have to start the day right now? Part of me knew that if Maya hadn’t interrupted, I could have had Morgan beneath me for at least another hour. Maybe not completely, but certainly more than I had to date.

Part of me knew that Maya was going to enjoy this I opened the door and welcomed Maya in, ignoring the way Ari was still screaming and fighting the barrier Morgan had erected far enough from the captain that he wouldn’t have to deal with Ari.

How considerate of her.

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Maya walked in with a knowing smile. I scowled at her. She beamed at me, gamely. I knew I shouldn’t be so disappointed or irritated about it. Maya’s interruption was a relief, unwelcome and unexpected, but a relief nonetheless. Morgan wasn’t ready, not yet. The thought sent a pang of disappointment through me, a physical ache that surprised me with its intensity. I looked back at Morgan, finding her eyes apologetic. She seemed to be breathless. Was I breathless too? The question hung unanswered as I took her hand, the warmth of her touch a flicker of comfort amidst the frustration.

“We shall,” I replied, my voice gruff but laced with a possessiveness that surprised even me. Morgan leaned in, surprising me with a soft kiss on the cheek. The touch, fleeting though it was, sent a jolt through me.

“Lunch?” she suggested, her voice barely a whisper. We should find a time to see each other today, hm?”

The idea of stealing a moment alone with her, away from prying eyes and pressing duties, was incredibly appealing.

“The balcony overlooking the west garden,” I rumbled, the words tumbling out before I could stop them. “After your meeting? I can pick you up from my father’s study.”

A slow smile spread across her face, a radiant sunrise that chased away the shadows of disappointment.

“It sounds perfect,” she breathed, and then she was gone, disappearing into the bathroom.

My gaze lingered on the closed door for a beat too long. The thought of following her, of joining her in the cool sanctuary of the bathroom, sparked a delicious heat in my core. But one look from Maya, the knowing smile turning to a smirk on her lips, quashed the impulsive notion.

With a defeated sigh, I slumped into a chair, the frustration bubbling over.

“Do we ever get a moment’s peace?” I grumbled, more to myself than to Maya. “We’re supposed to be enjoying our honeymoon, for crying out loud!”

No one in the palace was going to be happy until I took Morgan far, far away from them. The retreat to the fairy pools was looking more and more appealing by the second.

Maya chuckled, the sound light and teasing.

“Patience, Your Highness,” she said. “The coronation will be here before you know it, and then you’ll have plenty of time for… other pursuits.”

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Her words hung in the air, suggestive and laced with amusement. She giggled into her hand. I scowled at her, but a grudging smile tugged at the corner of my lips. She was right, of course. But a part of me still yearned for a moment now, a chance to explore this newfound connection with Morgan, away from the pressures and expectations that seemed to constantly swirl around us. I went to get dressed and by the time I was done, the bathroom door creaked open, and Morgan emerged, a vision in emerald. The robe, one of my own that I had never worn, pooled around her like liquid emerald, catching the morning light and shimmering with an inner glow. For a moment, I forgot to breathe, my frustration melting away in the face of her unexpected beauty..

“You… I began, my voice thick with something I couldn’t quite define. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Is it okay?” she offered, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “I figured—”

“Breathtaking, I finally managed, my voice a low rumble. Heat flared in my cheeks, mirroring the blush that crept up hers under my intense gaze. “And anything of mine is yours.”

The words felt inadequate. I wanted to tell my father he would have to wait. I wanted to taste the dampness on her neck and everywhere else, smell the fresh clean scent of her, and tangle my fingers in her curls. I licked my lips. She jumped. I supposed I made a sound.

Quickly, I tore my eyes away, clearing my throat roughly. “We should probably get going. Just a

moment.”

With a muttered excuse, I disappeared into the bathroom myself. The cool tile felt refreshing against my heated skin. Splashing water on my face, I tried to tamp down the surge of possessiveness that gripped me at the sight of her. This wasn’t the time. Soon. Eventually. I could feel how–much more comfortable she was with me day after day. She was mine. I just had to be patient.

Moments later, I emerged, adjusting my robe to fall properly. The weight of the dragon silk felt heavy on my shoulders.

Together, we left the room, Maya’s knowing wink and suggestive smile doing little to ease the restless energy simmering beneath my surface. We walked in comfortable silence, the unspoken tension between us a tangible entity..

Ari was still outside, fuming. Her shrill voice broke off as soon as she saw us. Her gaze darted between us, taking in the matching stride of our walk, the lingering touch of our hands. To my surprise she said nothing as we walked down the hall towards my father’s private meeting room.

Just as we reached the imposing oak doors leading to the King’s office, I reached out and clasped Morgan’s hand in mine. Leaning down, I kissed her firmly, tasting her just enough to tide me over until lunch. She gasped, melting into the kiss. I pulled back and smirked at the dazed look in bas

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eyes.

I brushed my lips against her cheek. The look of surprise and pleasure on her face fueled a surge of possessiveness within me.

“See you for lunch,” I murmured in her ear, my voice a husky whisper.

She nodded shakily. I kissed her forehead and knocked on the door for her. A satisfied smirk played on my lips.

“Come in.”

I pushed the door open and ushered Morgan inside.