My father’s body hadn’t even been in the ground more than a few hours before my uncle had tried to take his place as head of the family. Now, the only thing standing in his way was the imperial summons and me. Hundreds of years ago, the dragon king began summoning humans for the Trial of Fire in search of the next queen. To defy it would mean death to the entire family.  As far as I am concerned, every member of the Ryuyama family deserves a painful death, except for my little brother who was fighting for his life, trapped in a coma and at the mercy of my uncle. 

If I stepped down as the rightful heir to the family and agreed to take my cousin’s place, my little brother would live whether he woke up from his coma or not. I’d see my father again sooner than I’d ever imagined and be free of the snake pit that was my family. 

That was the deal I struck.

“My name is Morgan. I’m nineteen years old, and I am answering the conscription for the Trial of Fire.”

By midnight, I would be dead, or so I thought.

The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

CH305

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Morgan
There was that word again.
"I... I well..."
"Ease your heart. What matters most is the bond you share, the trust you are building." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "It's been a long time since I've seen Tsuneo so… engaged. He cares for you, Morgan. That much is clear."...

Morgan

There was that word again.
"I... I well..."
"Ease your heart. What matters most is the bond you share, the trust you are building." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "It's been a long time since I've seen Tsuneo so… engaged. He cares for you, Morgan. That much is clear."...

CH59