The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 56

CH56

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.

be true? Was Tsuneo truly ready to

him see reason, to remind him of our bond, of our 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 I was

a final, withering glare, I stormed away, the scent of blood was a small comfort amidst the storm

the door shut with a resounding boom that rattled the paintings on the wall. The room,

onto the plush carpets. A priceless silk tapestry was ripped from the wall, the threads raining down like a grotesque snowfall. I didn't

pitiful echo of the devastation inside me. The very foundation

future with Tsuneo - felt like crumbling sand slipping through my fingers. The human had wormed her way into his heart, stealing a place

wasn't even a placeholder

onto the edge of the shredded bed, the 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.

together, the way I was always by his side, all the training I've undergone to be the perfect wife, and the destiny that awaited us. I had to make him see it, to remind him of the loyalty and unwavering devotion I offered, qualities that

92

all to myself, and no one would be able to fight me about it. I would be quee killing her would be easy. But that would

its purpose. Now, it was time for action. I would not be cast aside. I would win Tsuneo back,

I stalked towards the sound, a flicker of hope igniting in my chest. Perhaps it was Tsuneo, who had come to

messenger, his face etched with a mixture of fear and urgency. He bowed hurriedly, thrusting a rolled

Ari," he stammered, before scurrying away

unfurled the note I recognized the writing. The message

10:16 Wed, Oct

CH56

Kingfisher's Perch at dusk.