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

to see me in your clothes, don't

a low, hungry sound

CH49

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

robe from him.

bathroom to freshen up and change. The silk was cool

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

he said,

"Thank you," I mumbled again, unsure

look, he gestured

we left our chambers

hall.

All eyes turned to us, their expressions

a jolt of unease through me. The king's consorts, a gaggle of women adorned in

served yet, but I

electricity. But Tsuneo, oblivious to the undercurrent of animosity, took his rightful place beside me. He looked... happy. Relief flooded

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

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

but no one spoke about why it

bowed his head. "It is wonderful to

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

oak doors of 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, landed on

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