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?"

a robe that looked mostly black except for the aurora like patterns sewn into

see me in your

low, hungry sound in his chest. "I adore

CH49

was both. The idea was both

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

slipped into the bathroom to freshen up and change. The silk

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

he said, his voice a low

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

lingering look, he gestured towards the

a deep breath, I nodded. Together, we left our chambers and headed towards the

hall.

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

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

food hadn't been served yet,

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

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

you back." He bobbed his head and pointedly did not look at

there but no one spoke about why it

wonderful to be back among the walking

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

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

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