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?"

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. "It's...

me in your clothes, don't

sound in his chest. "I

CH49

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

I took the robe from him.

freshen up and change. The silk was cool

over my hands. I tied the belt tightly around my waist and came out,

said, his voice a

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

a final lingering look, he gestured towards the door.

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

hall.

eyes turned

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

about bothering the staff went for them as well. I looked across the table. The food hadn't been served yet,

to the undercurrent of animosity, took his rightful place beside me. He looked... happy. Relief flooded his features, a stark contrast to the worry

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

have you back." He bobbed his head and

felt a bit eerie and oddly respectful that the chair was still there but no one spoke about why it was empty. As if he was acknowledging his sons death and his wrongs all at once.

"It is wonderful to be back

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

woman, her face. contorted with rage and grief, stormed into the room. Her eyes

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