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?"

moment later with a garment draped over his arm. It wasn't a robe that looked mostly black except for the aurora like patterns sewn into it. It reminded me of his eyes. "How

me

sound in

CH49

it possession? Intimacy? Maybe it was both. The idea was both thrilling and a little

robe from

bathroom to freshen up and change. The silk

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

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

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

he gestured towards the

nodded. Together, we left our chambers and

hall.

All eyes turned to us, their expressions a mix of curiosity, disapproval,

fury that sent a jolt of unease through me. The king's consorts, a gaggle of women adorned in shimmering silks

I looked across the table. The food hadn't been served yet, but I couldn't imagine it

the undercurrent of animosity, took his rightful place beside me. He looked... happy. Relief flooded his features, a

king, however, seemed to share Tsuneo's joy. His eyes, though weary, held a spark of warmth as

He bobbed his head and pointedly did not look at the empty seat Keiji

eerie and oddly respectful that the chair was still there but no one spoke about why it was empty. As if he was acknowledging his sons

his head. "It is wonderful to

delicious and I told them so. Then, dinner started. The oppressive silence was broken only by the

with a loud bang. A woman, her face. contorted with

to be queen!" she shrieked, her voice laced with