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?

snickered. Star Fruit is known to make a woman more desirable, more lovely, and more alluring as it gives them a

I rubbed my head. He showed me an image

my father had always looked at her with a knowing smile. I suppose I am grateful that I didn't know exactly what they were doing when I was younger. How often did my mother flirt with my father in

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CH103

to remember to somehow procure Star Fruit for Morgan though I didn't need to make her smell any more lovely than the already dd Restraint

No worries. He chuckled. I have a feeling that my Pyra is imparting all sorts of tips

I could only hope

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 care if one person wants one thing and somebody else wants something else. You will not burden the staff with your

am the

with her whims is the queen,

to Gen.

in the dining

have done to the parlors they have been using as their

can and is willing to

Their jaws dropped.

I said.

glaring. "Wait until His Majesty hears

will like

stomped off, growling and grumbling. I turned to the servants, who were watching me

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of the palace as well. Bring your concerns and outrageous requests to my attention and do not fear retaliation, I said, my voice filled with a sense of reassurance. They will suffer much more for the attempt

let's get to the

simple decree. I could only imagine how stressful dealing with the concubines was without my mother's presence and with Morgan still just

to finish making lunch and headed to the main dining 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