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

to see me in your

a low, hungry sound in his

CH49

The idea was

took the robe from him. "Thank

the bathroom to freshen up and change. The silk was

designed for his broader frame, pooled around my feet, the sleeves hanging loose over my hands. I tied the belt tightly around my waist

radiant," he said, his voice a low

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

look, he gestured towards the door. "Shall

we left our chambers and headed

hall.

we entered, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to us,

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

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 on my

static 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

held a spark of warmth

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

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

bowed his head. "It is wonderful to be back among

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

her face. contorted with rage and grief, stormed into the room. Her

shrieked, her