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

me in your

hungry sound in his chest.

CH49

was both. The idea was both

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

to freshen up and change. The silk was cool and luxurious against

for his broader frame, pooled around my feet, the sleeves hanging loose over my

he said, his voice a

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

a final lingering look, he gestured towards the

a deep breath, I nodded. Together, we left our

hall.

the room fell silent. All eyes turned to us, their expressions a mix

seated at the long table beside the 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,

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

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

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

my heart to have you back." 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 death and

to

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

her face. contorted with rage and grief, stormed into the room. Her eyes were fiery and red-rimmed. Her eyes, narrowed with hatred, landed on

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