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?"

his arm. It wasn't a robe that looked mostly black

like to see me

sound in his chest. "I adore

CH49

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

the robe from him. "Thank you, Tsuneo," I murmured.

the bathroom to freshen up and change. The silk was cool and

The robe, designed for his broader frame, pooled around my feet, the sleeves hanging loose over my hands. I tied the belt tightly around my waist and came out, feeling

said, his

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

look, he gestured towards the door.

breath, I nodded. Together, we left our chambers and headed

hall.

All eyes turned

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, a gaggle of women adorned in shimmering silks and jewels, also glared in my direction,

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

in the room crackled like static electricity. But Tsuneo, oblivious to the undercurrent of animosity, took his rightful place beside me. He looked... happy. Relief

seemed to share Tsuneo's joy. His eyes, though weary, held a spark of warmth as they met mine. A

He bobbed his head

was still there but no one spoke about why it was

his head. "It is wonderful to

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

dining hall burst open with a loud bang. A woman, her face. contorted with rage and grief, stormed into the room. Her eyes were fiery and red-rimmed. Her eyes, narrowed with hatred,

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