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?"

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

me

a low, hungry sound in his

CH49

Maybe it was both. The idea was both

smile, I took the robe from him. "Thank you, Tsuneo,"

freshen up and change. The

around my feet, the sleeves hanging loose over my hands. I tied the belt tightly

he said,

crept up my cheeks. "Thank you," I mumbled again, unsure of what else to

lingering look, he gestured towards the

nodded. Together, we left our chambers and headed

hall.

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

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

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

his rightful place beside me. He looked... happy. Relief flooded his features, a stark contrast to the worry and fatigue that had

a spark of warmth as

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

about why it was empty. As if he

"It is wonderful to be back

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 further down the table servants. We were nearing the end of the meal, the tension slowly

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,

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