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?"

his arm. It wasn't a robe that looked mostly black except for the aurora like patterns sewn

see me

made a low, hungry sound in

CH49

The idea was both

from him. "Thank you,

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

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

said,

you," I mumbled again,

he gestured towards the

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

hall.

eyes turned to us, their expressions a mix of

a fury that sent a jolt of unease through me. The king's

served yet, but I couldn't imagine it

I sat down, the 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 on his face

to share Tsuneo's joy. His eyes, though weary, held a spark of warmth

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

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

wonderful to be back among the walking

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

dining hall burst open with a loud bang. A woman, her face. contorted with rage and grief, stormed into the

to be queen!" she shrieked,