Chained to old wounds

CH75

Tuned

Morgan sighed again.

“The accident that killed my father, the one that she helped orchestrate… he was in the car with him, and she didn’t even know. It was supposed to be me in that car.” She looked up at me. “If not for a sheer stroke of luck, I would not be here.”

I said nothing, stunned. A pang of sadness and fear shot through me. Where would I be now if Morgan hadn’t come in her cousin’s place? I didn’t want to think about it.

Morgan’s words hung heavy in the air. A surge of protectiveness washed over me.

I reached out, my hand finding hers. Then I talked her into my arms and squeezed her clothes.

“I am so very grateful that you are here,” I said. “Though I wish it had been under better circumstances, I wish that we could have met under better circumstances. I cannot regret our meeting…”

She squeezed me back, burying her face in my shoulder. I felt my robes growing wet with her tears.

“One day, when it doesn’t hurt so much, will you tell me about your father?

She nodded and said nothing. As we held each other, I pushed down the anger that had started to rise. Adele and Gom deserved to be punished for their selfishness.

My lips twitched. “I could have Adele and Goro arrested. Perhaps, beaten with a whip?”

She sniffled. “That will not bring my father back. Nor wake my brother.”

“No, but it might make you feel a little better.” I kissed her head. “I could have them brought into the palace as

She laughed. They would both be terrible servants. Don’t waste the palace. Resources like that.”

*Fine. Contracted labor on some miserable little farm at the edge of the kingdom.”

She looked up, her eyes sparkling with laughter. Tsunen, please. It’s… fine.”

servants,”

“Kin–killing would usually lead to execution,” I said. “Adultery is a heavy crime as well. Endangerment of a child. We have options. My wife, my

queen

She shook her head. “I would just as soon never see them again.”

“What about your brother?”

She shook her head. I would prefer to bring him with me.”

She froze and looked up. “Would you let me

Morgan

The next morning, I woke up alone and dressed in the simplest robe available. As I finished tying the sash and headed out, I heard Kal’s tiny feet rushing down the hill..

“Morgan, are you leaving? Where are you going?”

“To the human realm. I paused. “I think I’m going to visit my little brother.”

Kai grabbed onto me. Can I come? Can I come? Please, please, please?”

Hluaghed, shaking my head. “I don’t think that’s exactly up to me whether you can come or not. We best ask someone who’s actually in charge.”

“But you’re the queen. Aren’t you in charge?”

CHIL

I considered that and couldn’t argue with it. It was such a strange thought, considering how little power I had overcoming here.

“Well, I guess we should head out.”

He cheered and took my band, bouncing on his toes

“Let’s go! I have so many qu

questions!”

1 smiled, my heart warming at his enthusiasm. “Well, don’t ask them all at once.”

Tsuneo had asked questions almost endlessly. Seeing Kai so excited made me think of him… It made me think of Hiro, too. Would he ever wake up?. Together, we made our way downs the corridor. The doors and windows must have been open because the fresh morning air swept through the halls.

As we reached the main palace corridor, I spotted Tsuneo walking down the hallway, his head in a book. He stopped, tilted his head, and looked up. gazes met, and he smiled at me. His whole face lit up with happiness.

“We’re going to the human realm. Want to come?” Kai asked, waving at him,

He closed his book and approached slowly. His gaze dragged over me, clearly pleased with my choice of robe for the day.

“As you can see. Kai is very excited.”

Our

He nodded. ‘I can. Unfortunately, I have a meeting with my father and the Elders about Ari,” he explained. “They’ve decided to put her on formal trial.”

“What does that mean exactly?”

“That’s what we’re meeting to decide.” He searched for my face. If you have any desires, anything you wish to know? Tell me,

1. c. and T’II make it so.”

My lips twitched. “I just want you to be at peace.”

He nodded. “I will be as soon as I know the truth. Whatever that might be

I hesitated. “We could go later after your meeting. Maybe if you want me there…“.

He cupped my face and lowered his lips to mine, kissing me gently but soundly. I gasped as he drew back and placed another kiss on my forehead.

“Go. And be careful. He said. “I’ll be fine. I’ll see you when you get back.”

I searched his gaze, searching for the hesitance or lie. But there was now, Whatever was going through his mind, he was seemingly at peace with it. I nodded and lifted up to retum the kiss briefly His eyes widened.

“We’ll be back before you know it,”

He smiled, his eyes filled with a warmth that melted my heart. “Ill be waiting, he replied, his voice barely a whisper.

With a final wave, I led Kai through the corridors toward the portal that would put us in town. The portal shimmered before us, a swirling vortex of colors that seemed to draw us in. With a deep breath, I stepped through, Kai’s small hand clasped tightly in mine. The familiar sights and sounds of the human world washed over me, a comforting reminder of the life I had left behind.

As we made our way through the bustling streets, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia. The smells, the sounds, and the energy of the human realm were like a warm embrace, a familiar comfort in a world that had changed so drastically.

“There are so many people here. Do humans have a king?”

“Just the dragon king.”

Kal nodded and looked around. Where are we headed? Where’s your brother? Is he with a tutor?

“No, lar’s very s

sick. But whatever. But I’m hoping that he’s getting better.

We anivet at the hospital, the familiar scent of antiseptic and disinfectant filling the air. I hurried towards the ward where my brother was recovering,

heart pending with anticipation. As I pushed open the door, I su him sitting up in bed his face pale but his eyes bright with recogn

CH75

My heart almost stopped. He was awake. I had never imagined that he would be.

“Riro!” 1 ened, filled with relief. My eyes stung with tears. “I can !…”

I rushed to his side, my eyes filling with tears. “I’m so glad you’re awake,” I said, my voice trembling

He didn’t even smile at me.

1. me. He se

seemed hesitant, but he did seem happy to see me.

“What’s wrong? Are you in pain? Should I call a doctor?”

He shook his head, then dropped his gaze.

“Can L… ask you something?”