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

to see me in your clothes,

sound

CH49

it possession? Intimacy? Maybe it was both. The idea

I took the robe from him. "Thank you, Tsuneo," I murmured. 'It's

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

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

look... radiant," he said,

up my cheeks. "Thank you," I mumbled

final lingering look, he gestured towards

a deep breath, I nodded. Together, we left our chambers and

hall.

entered, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to

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

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

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

weary, held a spark of warmth as they met mine. A ghost of a smile played on his

He bobbed his head

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 wrongs all

wonderful to be back among the walking again,

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 giving way

contorted with rage

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