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?"

robe that looked mostly black except for the aurora like patterns sewn

really like to see me in your clothes,

made a low, hungry sound in his chest.

CH49

Maybe it was both. The idea was both thrilling

from

up and change. The silk was cool and luxurious

The robe, designed for his broader frame, pooled around my feet, the sleeves hanging loose over my hands. I tied the belt

look... radiant," he said, his voice

I mumbled again, unsure of what else to

he gestured towards the door.

nodded. Together, we left our chambers and headed towards

hall.

silent. All eyes turned to us, their expressions a mix of

flushed, her eyes narrowed with a fury that sent a jolt of unease through me. The king's consorts, a

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

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 lines on his face just a

a spark of warmth as they met mine. A ghost of a smile

his head and pointedly did not look

about why it was empty. As if he was acknowledging his

is wonderful to be back among the walking

recognized a few 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.

open with a loud bang. A woman, her face. contorted with rage and

you? Are you the human wretch pretending to be queen!" she shrieked, her voice laced with