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 into it. It reminded me of his eyes. "How about this?" he

like to see me in your clothes,

sound

CH49

it possession? Intimacy? Maybe it was both. The idea

took the robe from him.

the bathroom to freshen up and change. The silk was

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

radiant," he said, his

crept up my cheeks. "Thank you," I mumbled again, unsure of

he

breath, I nodded. Together, we left our chambers

hall.

turned to

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

earlier still, 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 on my back, he ushered

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 lines

His eyes, though weary, held a spark of warmth as they met mine. A ghost of a smile played on

to have you back." He bobbed his head and pointedly

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

wonderful to

said much else. The staff came out with large platters. I 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. We were nearing the end of the meal, the tension slowly giving way to

the heavy oak doors of the dining hall burst open with a loud bang. A woman, her face. contorted with rage and

she shrieked, her voice laced with venom. "Are you