The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 56

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Ari

The other servant tried to pull me off, but I swung my arm back and knocked her to the ground.

"Wait your turn, wench!" I growled, my focus still on the one pinned against the wall. The servant in my grip struggled, her eyes wide with fear.

"Please calm down. This isn't helping your-

"I don't need advice from servant trash!" I screamed.

I could feel my control slipping, the rage taking over completely. I'd d tear them to pieces. My claws ripped through her dress. She crumbled. Blood filled the air. Their surprised shrieks quickly turning into screams for help. The mouthy one tried to fight back, throwing the tray she'd been. carrying at me. The world dissolved into a blur of movement and rage as I unleashed my frustration on the unsuspecting servants.

But even in the throes of my anger, a sliver of fear wormed its way into my heart. Their words echoed in my mind.

....lost her favor

...throw her out.

Was Tsuneo truly ready to

destiny together. But first, I had to silence these gossiping fools, to make sure no one else dared question my position. My roar echoed through the empty corridor. A slice of pain went across the back of my head. I heard the mouthy one talking to the other one. She kicked me in the face and then they were running away. I got up rushing after them, but then, I noticed a guard and backtracked. There was no sense in getting in more trouble. I should have killed them both, but it wouldn't have helped my case. Tsuneo always had a soft spot for servants. He'd be mad if I killed them, and until

amidst the storm raging within. Every muscle in my body felt coiled tight, a live wire buzzing

I slammed the door shut with a resounding boom that rattled the paintings on the wall. The room, once a reflection of my

was ripped from the wall, the threads raining down like a grotesque snowfall. I didn't care how many times the stupid servants would have to fix it. That's what they

a pitiful echo of the devastation inside me.

felt like crumbling sand slipping through my fingers. The human had wormed her way into his heart, stealing a place that was rightfully

mine. She wasn't even a

room a chaotic reflection of my inner turmoil. Tears welled in my eyes, a torrent of frustration threatening to break. But I wouldn't allow it. Weakness was a luxury I couldn't afford. No, I had to fight

was blinded by this infatuation, but surely, with time, he would see sense. He would remember our bond, the years we'd spent together, the way I was always by his side, all the training I've undergone to be the perfect wife, and the destiny that

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was still in a coma, I could have him all to myself, and no one would be able to fight me about it.

upright. The tantrum, a childish indulgence, had served its purpose. Now, it was time for action. I would not be cast aside. I

I stalked towards the sound, a flicker of hope igniting in my chest. Perhaps it was Tsuneo, who had come to his senses finally. I hesitated and adjusted my robe just to make sure I was as alluring

with a mixture of fear and urgency. He bowed hurriedly,

Lady Ari," he stammered, before scurrying

unfurled the note I recognized the

10:16 Wed, Oct

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Kingfisher's Perch at dusk.