The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 49

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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?"

over his arm. It wasn't a robe that looked mostly black except for the aurora like patterns sewn into it. It reminded me of his eyes. "How about this?" he said, holding it out to me.

me in your clothes,

sound in his chest. "I adore

CH49

both. The idea was

a shy smile, I took the robe from him.

into the bathroom to freshen up and change. The

sleeves hanging loose over my

said, his

cheeks. "Thank you," I mumbled again, unsure of

a final lingering look, he gestured towards

nodded. Together, we left our chambers and headed towards the

hall.

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

of unease through me. The king's consorts, a gaggle of

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

undercurrent of animosity, took his rightful place beside me. He

eyes, though weary, held a spark

his head and pointedly did not look

chair was still there but no one spoke about why

"It is wonderful to be back among the walking

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

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

shrieked, her voice laced with venom. "Are you the one that