The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 103

CH103

Tsunea

He flinched, clearly surprised that I knew his name

Eventually, he shuffled forward, nodding and bowing his head. "Yes, Your Highness."

"Do you know why her lunch is late? He hesitated, glancing between me and the woman. 'Do not fear telling the truth."

"Lady Maro has requested that she have lunch alone, earlier than the others, on the opposite side of the palace in a private parlor and has required a special menu. I cocked an eyebrow. "We have had problems procuring the ingredients for it. I scoffed. "And the rest of you?"

"Our meals are late as well!" They said.

1 scoffed. Let me guess. They have much of the same requests?"

Gen ducked his head. "Yes, Your Highness."

"And what is this request?"

"Star Fruit Pastries."

I shook my head. Star Fruit has been out of season for months.

Tarofu laughed from the back of their minds. It seems they are trying to gain your father's favor.

What does that mean?

known to make a woman more desirable, more lovely, and more alluring as it gives them a sweet

He showed me an image of it and it took everything

her with a knowing smile. I suppose I am grateful that I didn't know exactly what they were doing when I

1/4

CH103

though I didn't need to make her smell any more lovely than the already

have a

I could only hope

staff with your ridiculous requests. don't care if none of you like each other. I don't care if you don't want to share a meal together. I don't

am the

her whims

flushed. I turned to Gen.

not take meals in the

other, but none of these separate parlors or randomly across the palace arrangements any longer. Whatever modifications you have done to the parlors they have been using as their own personal dining rooms, I need a tally of them and to get them to me as quickly as possible. In addition, they will all be served the same meal as

them should need any special accommodations." I glanced over them. "If you have personal servants or a relationship with staff member who can and is willing to make you whatever specialty thing from your home region, that is something different, but you will not make yourselves,

Their jaws dropped.

said.

"Wait until His

doubt you will like

growling and grumbling. I turned to the servants,

2/4

attention and do not fear retaliation, I said, my voice filled with

let's get

decree. I could only imagine how stressful dealing with the concubines was

hall. I entered with steady, deliberate steps, my eyes scanning the long table where members of the royal family were seated. The air was thick with tension. Most of my siblings, who generally avoided me, looked stiff in their seats as if they were afraid of offending me and ending up like Keiji and his sister. It was a good fear to have, considering their ambitions. As I walked to my seat, I felt their eyes on me-the unease, the quiet fear-and

me.

a deep, dark part of me