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?"

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 of his eyes. "How about this?" he said, holding

see me in your clothes, don't

hungry sound in his chest. "I

CH49

The idea

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

up and change. The silk was cool

sleeves hanging loose over my

he said, his

crept up my cheeks. "Thank you," I

look, he gestured towards

nodded. Together, we

hall.

turned to

at 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

looked across the table. The food hadn't been served yet, but I couldn't imagine it would be that bad. Ignoring

me. He looked... happy. Relief flooded his features, a stark contrast to the worry

held a spark of

bobbed his head and

one spoke about why it was empty. As if he was acknowledging his sons death and his wrongs

"It is wonderful to be back among the walking again,

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

face. contorted with rage and grief, stormed into

you? Are you the human wretch pretending to be queen!" she shrieked,