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?"

garment draped over his arm. It wasn't a robe that looked mostly black except for the aurora

really like to see me in your clothes, don't

sound

CH49

it was both. The

a shy smile, I took the robe from him. "Thank you, Tsuneo," I

freshen up and change. The silk was cool and luxurious

frame, pooled around my feet, the sleeves hanging loose over my hands. I tied the

he said, his voice a low

you," I mumbled again, unsure of what else

look, he gestured towards the

breath, I nodded. Together, we left

hall.

we entered, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to us, their expressions a mix of curiosity, disapproval, and...

King, was Ari. Her face was flushed, her eyes narrowed with a fury that sent a jolt of unease through me. The king's consorts, a gaggle of women adorned in shimmering silks and jewels, also glared in my direction,

or maybe they were mad that my words about bothering the staff went for them as well. I looked 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 the head of the table. With a gentle hand

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 that had etched

weary, held a spark of warmth as they met mine. A

his head and pointedly did

bit eerie and oddly respectful that the chair was still there but no one spoke about why it was empty. As

head. "It is wonderful to be back among

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

dining hall burst open with a loud bang. A woman, her face. contorted with rage and grief, stormed into the room. Her

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