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?"

emerging a moment later with a garment draped 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

like to see me in

hungry sound

CH49

The idea was both thrilling

robe from him. "Thank you, Tsuneo," I murmured. 'It's

freshen up and change. The silk was

my feet, the sleeves hanging loose over

he said, his voice a

"Thank you," I mumbled again, unsure of what else

look, he gestured towards the

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

hall.

entered, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to

the long table beside the King, was Ari. Her face was flushed, her eyes narrowed with a fury that sent a jolt of unease through me. The king's

like they were upset from earlier still, or maybe they were mad that my words about bothering the staff went for them 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 hostility, Tsuneo escorted

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

His eyes, though weary, held a spark of

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

one spoke about why it was empty. As

to be back among the walking

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 were nearing the end of the meal, the tension slowly giving way to

the dining hall burst open with a loud bang. A woman, her face. contorted with rage and grief,

queen!" she shrieked, her voice laced with venom. "Are you the one that killed