Chained to old wounds

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Morgan

The fragrant steam swirled around us as. Tsuneo stood up. His muscles rippled as he stretched. A bead of water trickled down his chest, catching the soft glow of the oil lamps and disappearing into the silken waistband of his sleep trousers. My breath hitched in my throat, a traitorous blush creeping up my cheeks.

“Are you ready, Morgan?” he asked, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down my spine.

Ready? The question hung heavy in the air. Ready for what?”

He cocked an eyebrow at me then sank back down, crawling across the tub toward me.

“Maybe that after we make proper appearances.” I stammered. “I meant the celebration.”

I bit my lip. That’s right. Tonight was the night of the celebratory banquet for our marriage – a ceremony both grand and unsettling. While a part of me reveled in the unexpected joy I’d found. with Tsuneo, another part remained wary. The human world felt a million miles away, and the weight of responsibility for a fragile peace pressed heavily on my shoulders.

Sensing my apprehension, Tsuneo’s brow furrowed. He cupped my cheek. His dark opal eyes. searched mine. “Is something wrong?”

I hesitated.

“It’s just… a lot to take in,” I admitted.

He smiled, a gentle, understanding curve of his lips. “I know,” he said, his voice soft. “But you’re not alone in this. We’ll face it together.”

His words offered a much–needed comfort. Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile. “You’re right. Besides, I have a feeling there will be plenty of distractions tonight.”

A playful glint entered his eyes. “Speaking of distractions,” he said, standing and offering me his hands. “I have gifts for you.”

Intrigued, I let him pull me up. We stepped out of the tub. He wrapped me in a thick towel and led me into his closet toward a set of thin wooden boxes. The tops of them were intricately carved. He carefully opened it, revealing a folded garment made of the most luxurious fabric I’d ever seen. It shimmered with an inner light, the color a mesmerizing blend of gold and jade.

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“This is…” I breathed, speechless.

Tsuneo’s smile widened. “A wedding present, he explained. “I had it made especially for you.”

He pulled the garment and hung it up before opening the other box. It looked to be a matching robe. The gold and jade robe shimmered in the light, and his was made of a black fabric intricately embroidered with gold dragons and what looked like fiery phoenixes. It was the perfect counterpart to mine.

“Dragons, huh? Not at all making a statement.”

“It is a common motif for the inheriting couple to wear. Given the circumstances…” He chuckled. He trailed his fingers over the black dragons on my robe. “Black dragons are the most… appropriate.”

“Did your parents wear something like this?”

“Before they were married yes. Afterward, I was told that my mother would wear her gown whenever she was feeling flirty…”

I almost laughed. “Your mother sounds like such a character.”

“She was,” he turned. “She would have loved you… So, I want you to have this.”

I frowned as he picked up a box and offered it to me. Inside was a diadem of a black metal and littered with dark opals, gold, and jade.

“It was hers. A gift she wanted to give to her daughter–in–law…

“It’s beautiful,” I breathed, mesmerized.

you.”

Tsuneo’s lips curved into a gentle smile. “It’s nothing compared to the woman who will wear it,” he said, his voice low and intimate.

A blush crept up my cheeks, a welcome distraction

“Can I help you dress?”

I met his gaze, searching for a why, but before I could think more about it, I nodded. He knelt before me, his gaze lingering on my face for a moment before he began to help me dress. The simple act, his touch feather–light against my skin, sent a thrill down my spine. It would be the first time he’d see me naked. I didn’t know what I wanted him to think. He worked in comfortable silence, the only sound the rustle of silk and the soft clinking of jewelry as Tsuneo fastened a delicate bracelet around my wrist and helped me sup into the robe and everything that went

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under it. I was feverish by the time he was done. Trembling.

Suddenly, he stopped, his hands framing my face. His eyes held a depth of emotion that took my breath away.

“You are radiant, Morgan,” he whispered, his voice thick with something akin to awe.

Meeting his gaze, a newfound confidence surged through me. I leaned in and kissed him, the touch of his lips a spark that ignited a fire within me. He groaned, drawing me closer, and deepening the kiss. There was a silent promise in it. I drew back, flustered and a little overwhelmed by it.

A breathless laugh escaped my lips. “Thank you, Tsuneo,” I said, my voice trembling slightly. “For everything.”

He squeezed my hand. “I will dress, and we’ll head out, hm?”

I nodded. As soon as he was dressed, we linked arms and headed out. The halls were almost silent until we neared the banquet hall. The sound of music and laughter spilled down the hallway. It sounded like a huge party. The double doors swung open, revealing a scene of vibrant colors and. joyous revelry. We were greeted by a chorus of cheers as all eyes turned towards us, the newly–wed couple.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped forward, hand in hand with Tsuneo.

A spotlight illuminated the center of the vast banquet hall, casting a warm glow on the intricately patterned dance floor. The music swelled, a lilting melody that spoke of love and new beginnings.

All eyes turned towards us as the Master of Ceremonies boomed, “The first dance for our esteemed Crown Prince Tsuneo and his lovely bride, Morgan!

A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowd. Tsuneo led me through the crowd. My heart hammered against my ribs, a strange mix of excitement and nervousness. I didn’t know we’d have to dance!

We reached the middle, and he drew me close. I slipped my hand into his, a sense of calm washed over me. Tsuneo’s grip was strong yet reassuring, his presence a steady anchor amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces. Tsuneo placed his other hand on my waist, his touch sending a jolt through me. He moved slowly, and gracefully, guiding me through the steps with a practiced ease. I mimicked. his movements, the initial awkwardness melting away as I focused on the rhythm, on the warmth of his hand on my skin.

Across the room, I spotted the king seated in his throne. A wide grin spread across his face, hist

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eyes twinkling with pride. The Elders, however, maintained a stoic silence, their expressions. unreadable. But for the moment, their disapproval mattered little.

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All that mattered was the circle of Tsuneo’s arms around me, the way his eyes held mine. In this shared moment, the weight of my purpose, the anxieties about the future, all faded away. Lost in the music, lost in the warmth of his touch, I allowed myself to simply be with him.

Chapter Comments

Michelle White

Your story is very exciting. Looking forward to new updates soon

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