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?"

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 like patterns sewn into it. It reminded me

really like to see me in your clothes, don't

made a low, hungry sound in his chest.

CH49

possession? Intimacy? Maybe it was both. The idea

robe from him.

slipped into the bathroom to freshen up and change. The silk was cool and luxurious against

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

he said, his voice a low

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

look, he gestured towards the door.

Together, we

hall.

turned to us, their expressions a

her eyes narrowed with a fury that sent a jolt of unease through me. The king's consorts, a gaggle of women adorned in

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 gentle hand

crackled like static electricity. But Tsuneo, oblivious to the undercurrent of animosity, took his rightful place beside me. He

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

you back." He bobbed his head and pointedly did not look at the empty seat

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

"It is wonderful to be back among the

table. Everything looked delicious and I told them so. Then, dinner started. The oppressive silence was broken only by the clinking of

heavy oak doors of the dining hall burst open with a loud bang. A woman, her face. contorted with rage and

human wretch pretending to be queen!" she shrieked,