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?"

looked mostly black except for the aurora like patterns sewn into it. It reminded me of his eyes. "How about this?" he said, holding

to see me in your clothes,

low, hungry sound in his chest.

CH49

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

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

to freshen up and change. The silk was

the sleeves hanging loose over my hands. I tied the belt

he said, his voice a low

you," I mumbled again, unsure of what

look, he gestured towards

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

hall.

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

eyes narrowed with a fury that sent a jolt of unease through me. The king's

for them as well. I looked across the table. The food hadn't been served yet, but I couldn't

the tension 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 flooded his features, a stark contrast to the worry and fatigue that had etched lines on his

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

it warms my heart to have you back." He bobbed his head and pointedly did

no one spoke about why it was

his head. "It is wonderful to be back among

said much else. The staff came out with large 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 clinking of silverware and the murmured conversation of the people

a loud bang. A woman, her face. contorted with

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