Chereads / Divorce The Duke, Marry The King! / Chapter 37 - Avoiding her

Chapter 37 - Avoiding her

After the incident in the forest, Hezekiah upheld his promise, ensuring Belle was never left alone without the constant presence of two or three guards. 

While their vigilance quickly became frustrating, barely allowing her a moment's peace, Belle understood Hezekiah's actions came from a place of care, not control. 

Deciding to endure it for the time being, she permitted the guards to follow her everywhere. Over time, she even grew accustomed to their company, treating them with friendliness and occasionally involving them in her daily tasks. 

Though the lack of freedom was suffocating, Belle found some relief in knowing Quinn had not approached her since. She attributed his absence to the guards' presence and, truthfully, was grateful. She wasn't ready to face him after what had happened in the cave and prayed he would continue to keep his distance. 

---

At breakfast, the dining hall was filled with chatter from some, while others remained quiet. Quinn was among the silent ones. Over the past five days, his demeanor had grown distant, as though he existed in his own world, ignoring everyone around him. 

"Your Majesty, I have set a date for your mating with Belle," Maddie suddenly announced, drawing everyone's attention. 

Mia and Aurora's faces lit with excitement at the news, eagerly anticipating Belle's union with Hezekiah and the prospect of a royal heir. 

"Oh, that is good news," Belle said warmly, her smile putting Maddie at ease. It was clear Belle held no lingering feelings for Quinn, which reassured Maddie greatly. 

"I consulted the priests, and they chose the tenth of the coming month," Maddie explained. "It is said the date holds a strong, positive energy for a child." 

Hezekiah nodded in approval. "Make all necessary preparations, and have Belle oversee them. I trust her judgment." 

"The royal physician will also begin weekly checkups to ensure everything is proceeding well," Maddie added. 

"With just three weeks left, we must give you some lively adventures before my brother leaves you swelling," Aurora teased shamelessly, earning a playful slap from Mia. 

"What? It isn't as though I am wrong," Aurora quipped, prompting a round of laughter from the table. 

Belle joined in the laughter, though her gaze wandered unintentionally to Quinn. His indifference unsettled her. Where was the man who once thrived on taunting her? This newfound distance felt out of character, and it left her feeling strangely uneasy. 

"Are you all right?" Hezekiah asked, noticing her distraction. 

She quickly composed herself, smiling reassuringly. "Yes," she replied softly. 

"Shall we have tea in the garden after breakfast?" He suggested, to which she nodded with a gentle smile. 

---

Later, as they sat in the garden sipping tea, Hezekiah broached a subject. 

"I will be traveling to town in two days for a truce meeting. Would you care to join me?" He asked, hopeful she might accompany him. 

"How long will we be staying?" She inquired. 

Before Hezekiah could respond, Quinn appeared. He greeted the King with a formal bow but completely ignored Belle, as though she were invisible. 

Belle's irritation flared. She had initially thought his distance was due to the presence of the guards, but now it felt deliberate. Typical Quinn. Ignoring her as if she were nothing after what had transpired. 

What a scoundrel. And what a fool she was for wasting even a moment worrying about him.

"How did it go?" Hezekiah inquired as he rose to retrieve a scroll from Quinn. 

"They insisted on their terms, so I played a little game. The dice is now back in our hands," Quinn replied, his tone calm but his words carrying an edge. 

Hezekiah's brow furrowed in concern. He knew Quinn's reputation for achieving his goals, no matter the cost. Judging by his demeanor, it was clear he employed some troublesome method to force the vampires into submission. 

"We cannot afford any further conflict with them. Control your temper," Hezekiah commanded, though his tone carried a hint of plea. 

Quinn slipped his hands into his pockets, his expression blank. "Don't ask for more than you can manage. If you want someone with a cool temper, perhaps a woman would be better suited for the job," he retorted, fixing Hezekiah with an unwavering stare. 

A tense silence followed as the two men locked eyes, their gazes heavy with unspoken challenges. The intensity of the moment caused Belle to spill her hot tea. 

"Ah!" She exclaimed, wincing as the liquid scalded her hand. She reached out for a tissue, but Hezekiah was quicker, handing one to her with quiet urgency. 

"Be careful. Let me see," he said gently, taking her hand. He wiped the stain with the tissue and then blew softly on her palm. 

Belle stared at him, her lips parting in surprise. She hadn't expected him to fuss over something so minor. The tenderness of the gesture sent an unfamiliar warmth through her chest. 

As she studied him, she noticed a side of Hezekiah she had never seen before, soft and endearing. Even his slightly disheveled hair seemed charming, and she was struck with the sudden, foolish urge to run her fingers through it. 

"Belle!" Hezekiah's voice called her name, jolting her out of her thoughts. Her cheeks flushed deeply as she realized how shameless her thoughts had been. 

"Ah, thank you. I am fine now," she murmured, withdrawing her hand and looking away in embarrassment. 

"We will be traveling with a smaller entourage," Quinn suddenly interjected, as if oblivious to the tender moment. "Tell your assistant to reduce the number of men." 

Without waiting for a response, Quinn turned on his heel to leave, but Hezekiah called after him. 

"Quinn! We will be traveling with a larger entourage, Belle is coming with us." 

Quinn stopped abruptly and turned back, his expression incredulous. "Since when do you prioritize love over duty?" He asked and scoffed. 

"She is this kingdom's future Queen," Hezekiah replied firmly. "I want her to begin familiarizing herself with our allies." 

Belle's heart skipped at the mention of "Queen." The warmth and conviction in his tone made her throat tighten, and she swallowed hard. 

Quinn's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "You haven't even claimed her, and you are already calling her Queen?" He mocked before walking away, leaving an uncomfortable silence in his wake. 

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