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?"

didn't push. He disappeared into his closet, emerging a moment later with a garment draped over his arm. It wasn't a robe that looked mostly black except for the aurora

me in

a low, hungry sound in his chest. "I adore

CH49

both. The idea was both thrilling and

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

up and change. The silk was

around my feet, the sleeves hanging loose over my hands. I tied the belt tightly around my waist and came out, feeling a

he said, his voice

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

a final lingering look, he gestured towards the door.

I nodded. Together, we left our

hall.

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

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 consorts, a gaggle of women adorned in shimmering silks and jewels, also glared in my direction, their

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 me to the head of the table. With a

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

joy. His eyes, though weary, held a spark of warmth

bobbed his head and pointedly did not look at the empty seat Keiji

that the chair was still there but no one spoke about why it was empty. As if he

head. "It is wonderful to be

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.

heavy oak doors of the dining hall burst open with a loud 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 hatred, landed

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