Smiling mischievously, Quinn lowered his head and continued eating, acting as though he wasn't the one responsible for her discomfort. Why was he even sitting close to the king? He might be a Duke, but he shouldn't be this honored just because he is the king's best friend.
Glaring hard at Quinn, she noticed an odd smile on his face and scrutinized him, wondering what he was about to do.
Glancing at her briefly, Quinn shifted his attention to the King and started, "It seems, Your Majesty, that our lady cannot endure…" only to be cut off by Belle when she noticed what he was about to say.
"Pray, cease this at once!" she exclaimed, stretching out her hand to him to halt his words. Her abruptness shocked everyone, leaving them confused as to why she interrupted him. Why did she appear as though she were guilty of something?
"'Cease,' you say?" Quinn raised a brow at her, repeating her words with an air of mockery.
Realizing how foolish she must have seemed, she quickly composed herself and said, "I mean to say, I am quite well. I merely require a brief break." With that, she awkwardly exited the dining room.
Not finished with her, Quinn rose to follow after her, halting only when Hezekiah called, "Quinn, I shall see to this matter myself." And raised his hand to stop him from proceeding further.
Without sparing him another glance, Hezekiah took to his heels and followed after Belle.
"Belle!" He called when he saw her moving farther away, causing her to halt and widen her eyes, shocked to see Hezekiah in pursuit.
"Your Majesty, is there anything you require of me?" she inquired as he approached, bowing slightly.
He shook his head. "Was it Quinn who caused the unease in the room?"
"Wha… No, Your Majesty, nothing of the sort. It concerns him not," she replied, though her tone betrayed her. Hezekiah, ever observant, easily discerned the falsehood. If only she knew how skilled he was at observing others, she might never attempt to deceive him again. The more she lied, the greater his anger grew.
Sighing, Hezekiah stared into her eyes and took a step closer, leaving but an inch between them. "Belle…" he began, his voice laden with intent, only to be interrupted by Quinn, who appeared suddenly.
"Already doubting your wife, Your Majesty?" Quinn uttered, leaning against the wall opposite Hezekiah and Belle.
"Would you kindly remove yourself?" Hezekiah urged, his tone calm but taut, his temper barely restrained. He would not grant Quinn the satisfaction he so clearly sought.
"You speak as though I were a burden. I merely linger here, safeguarding your interests," Quinn replied mischievously, a chuckle escaping his lips as he savored the moment.
Unable to endure further, Hezekiah took a step toward Quinn and said, "I…" only for Belle to hold him back.
"I shall move into thy chambers fully tomorrow and let my maids begin the preparations this very evening," she interjected swiftly, hoping to distract him, and successfully so. Hezekiah's features brightened at her declaration, his earlier anger dissolving.
"I have already arranged for the beddings," he replied eagerly. "Do examine them today and inform me should you desire any further furnishings."
He smiled warmly at her, his joy apparent, much to the silent irritation of a certain observer, who concealed his displeasure behind an ever-present smirk.
"I am certain that whatever you choose for me shall be most fitting. I thank you, Your Majesty," she said, her words carrying a faint air of subdued gratitude. Her broad smile, however, was enough to ignite Quinn's temper. Could she truly be so brazen as to engage in such flirtation with another man whilst still bound to him?
Hezekiah, seemingly unaware of all else, absently closed the space between them, his gaze fixated upon her lips. Belle's heart quickened with anxiety. Was he truly about to kiss her here? Before Quinn, no less? Not that she objected to the notion of their first kiss, but the thought of sharing such a moment in the presence of her former husband filled her with unease.
She balled her hands into fists, gripping the fabric of her gown tightly, and forced herself to close her eyes, resigning herself to the moment. Best to endure it and be done with it, she reasoned.
Yet, just as Hezekiah leaned in to claim her lips, Belle was abruptly yanked away, startling both her and the king.
"Your Majesty, it is most unseemly to engage in such intimacy without adhering to the proper protocols," Quinn interjected, his tone laced with a fake concern. His grip upon Belle's wrist was firm, and he swiftly maneuvered her behind him, shielding her possessively from Hezekiah's reach.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Hezekiah bellowed, his voice rising with fury as he launched a fist directly at Quinn's face.
"Ahh!" Belle cried, horrified by the sudden violence. She began struggling against Quinn's hold, scolding herself for not attempting to free herself sooner.
"Ever the one to let your fists speak, I see," Quinn remarked, his tone almost amused. He chuckled softly, the blow appearing to have done little to unnerve him.
Hezekiah, undeterred, reached out to seize Belle by her free hand, tugging her toward him. Yet Quinn's grip held fast, leaving Belle caught between two fiercely possessive men whose rage left her head spinning.
"Release me at once, Quinn! And Your Majesty, I implore you to calm yourself!" Belle pleaded, her voice edged with panic as she addressed them both, hoping for even a sliver of reason to prevail.
"Why must I be the one to release you and not him?" Quinn replied pettily, his tone dripping with mockery.
Belle scoffed, scarcely able to believe his audacity. "I am to wed the king, Quinn. You have neither a right nor a claim over me. Know your place and unhand me this instant!" She declared sharply, her tone unwavering. Yet her words seemed only to deepen Quinn's audacity. His gaze darkened, and his grip upon her wrist tightened, causing her to wince in pain.
"Make me," he said coldly, refusing to yield.
Hezekiah's expression hardened, his patience reaching its limit. "Guards! Seize this man at once!" He thundered, releasing Belle and issuing his command.
From seemingly nowhere, a group of guards appeared, their swords drawn and poised to strike. Yet just as they advanced upon Quinn, Belle threw herself between them, her arms outstretched to shield him.
"Wait! Pray, wait! Your Majesty, I beg you to stay thy hand and temper thy wrath!" she cried, her eyes wide with desperation as she gazed imploringly at Hezekiah's stormy expression.
"You would defy me to protect the very man who wronged you?" Hezekiah's voice trembled, not with anger but with evident pain. The weight of his disappointment struck Belle like a blow, filling her with guilt.