The Dragon King's Substitute Bride

Chapter 136

CH136 Morgan

"I've passed that on to Tsuneo. He said that there's a list of sworn guards who can be trusted, and he'll work on getting the others sworn in or incarcerated to be investigated. "That will go for the staff, too. Everyone will be thoroughly screened, and the palace's defenses

will be restored before then."

Maya and Anya took note, before we could move on, a knock sounded on the door.

"Come in."

The door creaked open, and two guards entered.

"Your Majesty," one of them said, bowing respectfully, "we are ready to accompany you."

Was it that time already? I guessed so.

I nodded, standing from my chair. "Thank you. Maya? Anya?"

They stood as did Jun who hurried ahead to get back to her room before we arrived at the harem.

We walked down the long corridors, the flickering torches casting eerie shadows on the walls. My footsteps echoed against the marble floors, matching the rhythmic stride of the guards.

We stopped at the first door, and I nodded to the guard. He knocked firmly.

A moment later, the door opened, and Lady Maro appeared, her face still pale from dinner. I met her gaze, watching the resistance and irritation war in her eyes.

""Lady Maro."

Her lips pressed into a thin line, but she stepped aside, allowing us to enter. Inside, there was a table piled with jewelry, gowns, and various other luxuries she had purchased with the extra funds.

there," she said bitterly, avoiding my

how to pack it up

CH136

85%1

nothing more. As I turned to leave, I noted that her servant was glaring at me openly. For

and continued down

smoother than I thought it would," Maya

Who is

her family's home. They

them. She seemed rather bold

frown tugged at my lips. From what I knew of her, it would be unusual for her to leave it open like that. I motioned for the guards to stay alert as I pushed the door open, stepping

on a table near the far wall. Something

called out, but there was

instincts kicking in. I stepped back, allowing the guards

'Search the room."

stood near the entrance, my senses heightened. The longer

room, reaching for a wardrobe that seemed slightly out of place. Just

smoke erupted

in front of me as I coughed, the acrid scent stinging my lungs. It wasn't poison it seemed. I suppose when she went back for the vial, she couldn't

CH136

I shouted, my voice muffled by the

escape, but she couldn't have gotten far. Through the haze, I saw a shadow dart toward the back of the room, heading toward the window. I lunged forward, my hand reaching out just as

turned back toward the guards, who were fanning the

the window.

window." I turned back to the other half of the guards. "Send out a search party. Lock down the palace and the capital. No one leaves until she's

hadn't imagined that she would make it this easy to have a reason to interrogate her about

toward the nearest open window. The cool evening breeze hit my face, helping to clear the lingering smoke

asked. "Was she an active

Your Highness. If anything she's always