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

really like to see me in

low, hungry sound in his chest. "I adore

CH49

The idea was both thrilling

robe from him.

freshen up and change. The silk was cool and

robe, designed for his broader frame, pooled around my feet, the sleeves hanging loose over my hands. I

look... radiant," he said,

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

look, he gestured towards

deep breath, I nodded. Together, we

hall.

eyes turned to us, their expressions a mix of

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

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

tension in the room crackled like 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 and fatigue that had etched lines

weary, held a spark of warmth as they met mine. A ghost of

my heart to have you back." He bobbed his head and pointedly did not look at the empty seat Keiji had once

no one spoke about why it was empty. As if he was acknowledging

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

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

open with a loud bang. A woman, her face. contorted with rage and grief, stormed into the room. Her eyes

be queen!" she shrieked, her voice laced with venom. "Are you the