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?"

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

really like to see me

made a low, hungry sound in his

CH49

both. The idea was

robe from him. "Thank you, Tsuneo," I murmured.

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

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

he said, his voice a

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

he gestured towards the door. "Shall

nodded. Together, we left

hall.

entered, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to us, their expressions a mix of curiosity,

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

earlier still, or maybe 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 escorted me to the head of

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

seemed to share Tsuneo's joy. His eyes, though weary, held a spark of warmth as they met mine. A ghost of

heart to have you back." He bobbed his head

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

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

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 of silverware and

loud bang. A woman, her face. contorted with rage and grief,

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