The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 49

CH49

Morgan

I was a bit nervous about dinner. It was odd that he was calling us to dinner like this. Tsuneo, thankfully, seemed oblivious to my sudden unease.

"Thank you, Captain, he replied, his voice smooth. We will be there shortly."

He gave a curt nod and disappeared down the hallway. Left alone, I looked up at Tsuneo, apprehension clouding my joy.

"Everything alright, Morgan?" he asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

"It's just..." I hesitated, struggling to find the words. "Is everything alright, you think?"

Tsuneo's lips curved into a reassuring smile. "Don't worry," he said, his voice calm. "It's just dinner."

Taking a deep breath, I forced a smile. He knew more about court politics than I did.

With a nervous flutter in my stomach, I allowed Tsuneo to lead me down the hallway. Relief washed over me as we entered the familiar haven of his chambers. The whirlwind of the day, the joy of returning with Tsuneo, and the looming uncertainty of the king's dinner had left me emotionally drained.

"I think I'll freshen up before dinner, I announced, sinking down onto the plush chaise lounge.

Tsuneo nodded, his gaze lingering on me for a beat longer than necessary. "Of course," he said, his voice a husky murmur. "Would you like some assistance?"

The possessiveness in his tone sent a shiver down my spine. "I can manage," I replied. "Though... maybe if you could... pick something appropriate for dinner?"

He disappeared into his closet, emerging a moment later with a garment draped over his arm. It wasn't a robe that looked mostly black except for the aurora like patterns

like to see me in your clothes,

a low, hungry sound in

CH49

Maybe it was both. The

smile, I took the robe from him. "Thank you, Tsuneo," I murmured. 'It's

into the bathroom to freshen up and change. The

feet, the sleeves hanging loose over my hands. I tied the belt tightly around my waist and came out,

said, his voice a low

my cheeks. "Thank you," I mumbled again, unsure of what else to

final lingering look, he gestured

nodded. Together, we left our

hall.

All eyes turned to us, their expressions

sent a jolt of unease through me. The king's consorts, a

across the table. The food hadn't been served yet, but I couldn't imagine it would be that bad. Ignoring their hostility, Tsuneo escorted me to

in the room crackled like static electricity. But Tsuneo, oblivious to the undercurrent of animosity, took his rightful place beside me. He looked... happy. Relief flooded his features, a stark contrast to the worry and fatigue

spark of warmth as they met mine. A

He bobbed his head and pointedly did not look at

was still there but no one spoke about why it was empty. As if he was acknowledging his sons death and his wrongs all at

bowed his head. "It is wonderful to be back among the

of them and they smiled at me, placing the dishes on the table. Everything looked delicious and I told them so. Then, dinner started. The oppressive silence was broken only by the clinking of silverware and the murmured conversation of the people further down the table servants. We were nearing the end of the meal, the tension slowly giving way to

woman, her face. contorted with rage and grief, stormed into the

to be queen!" she shrieked, her voice laced with venom. "Are you the one