Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 107: Journey

Chapter 107: Journey

The day of departure arrived, and the grand courtyard was filled with nobles, aristocrats, and ministers, all gathered to witness the future queen’s send-off to war.

Among them, some looked upon her with sympathy, after all, she was with child. Others, however, felt no pity. She was a werewolf, and she-wolves were far from delicate creatures. A little battle wouldn’t kill her. And with the Duke of the North present, many whispered among themselves, questioning if he would even allow her to lift a sword. The two may have divorced, but love—once ignited—was not so easily extinguished.

"I regret that this is the choice you made," Hezekiah said, his voice thick with restrained emotion. If there were any way to stop her, he would take it.

"Don’t be," Belle replied, offering him a small smile, as if to ease his worries. "I will return alive."

But her assurance only deepened the anger in his gaze. Angry, not at her, but at himself.

For the first time since ascending the throne, he felt utterly powerless, and it broke something inside him.

"You had better," he muttered, and without another word, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.

Gasps erupted throughout the courtyard. Some looked on in shock, while others scowled in envy.

Not far from them, Clifford stood seething. His jaw clenched as he watched the scene unfold, his hands curled into tight fists. His fury had yet to subside from the punch he had taken yesterday at the hands of the Duke. And now, watching Belle command the attention of not just one, but two powerful men, it was intolerable.

She was nothing more than a useless pawn, yet she had managed to capture what his own daughters could not.

But it doesn’t matter, he had already decided on his next move. If Belle could no longer be controlled, then his daughter would take her place.

His lips curled into a sinister smirk as a shadow leaned close and whispered into his ear, "It is done."

"Good." His voice was low, pleased. "Remind Michelle of our arrangement."

The lackey bowed and disappeared into the crowd.

Michelle, his eldest daughter, his disgrace. She had shamed him by mating with a weak, impoverished fool, a man he had already disposed of, though no one knew it yet. It no longer mattered. Now that she had a new match, she would forget all about her former mate soon enough. Once she secured the Duke’s favor, she would be of proper use to him.

Meanwhile, two pairs of eyes burned with barely restrained fury at the scene before them, each belonging to a man who wanted to rip another apart.

Mia, who had been quietly observing, let a smirk play on her lips. She casually stepped to Quinn’s side, her presence drawing his attention.

"I understand how you feel," she murmured, a hint of sarcasm in her tone. "This time, I am on your side. I have a feeling my bet won’t fail me again."

Quinn arched a brow at her.

"You should place your bets on something more worthwhile," he replied smoothly. "Like gaining your mate’s affection."

Mia’s smirk vanished.

Her heart lurched as she glanced around quickly, checking if anyone else had heard him. Lowering her voice, she hissed, "How do you know?"

She had yet to even tell Belle. Just the mere thought of yesterday’s incident made her skin heat with mortification. How could she have succumbed to such foolish feelings?

"Well, someone had quite the night. I wish you luck on that," Quinn remarked with a sly grin, shaking his head.

Mia’s hands clenched into fists. Was he underestimating her ability to attract a man?

She may have spent the last few years as Belle’s maid, her beauty overshadowed by duty, but she was reclaiming herself. She could have any man she wanted now, or maybe not everyone but except Klaus because he had a mate and she was not a homewrecker. Right?

"I don’t need luck to have a man. I am enough," she boasted.

Quinn merely scoffed and walked away.

"Did you..." she started, but then she hesitated, realizing they were still surrounded by a crowd. Taking a deep breath, she swallowed her words and forced herself to cool down.

As she turned to return to Belle’s side, her gaze unexpectedly met Ray’s. His expression was unreadable and her breath hitched. She quickly averted her eyes and hurried away, pretending she had seen nothing.

"Yes, brother, I would take care of herself," Mia suddenly cut in, forcing a laugh as she joined them, though she had no idea what the conversation was about.

Hezekiah gave her a bemused look but let it slide.

"Take care of yourself as well," he said. "So that when you visit Aurora upon your arrival, she won’t have to worry."

Mia’s eyes widened with excitement.

"She’s finally ready to see me?" She asked breathlessly.

Hezekiah nodded.

Tears stung her eyes, but she blinked them away.

"You can write to her," he added. "Steve will deliver the letters with my signature to ensure they reach her."

Mia nodded eagerly. She would make sure to send her letters as soon as possible.

"It is time to depart!"

The call rang out from among the assembled soldiers, and moments later, a trumpet sounded, signaling the grand send-off.

"Lady Belle," a voice called out.

Everyone turned toward Quinn.

Belle arched her brow, wondering if she was seeing things. Why was he her escort? She had expected Steve, whom Hezekiah had assigned. Has there been a change in duty?

Noticing her confusion, Hezekiah quickly stepped in.

"Ah, yes. I sent Steve ahead to deliver a message to an old acquaintance," he explained. "Quinn will be your escort for the next two days until you arrive."

Belle muttered a quiet oh, then smiled to reassure him that she was fine with the arrangement.

"I will be on my way now," she said.

Hezekiah returned her smile but watched silently as she left—once again, in another man’s care.

Quinn stretched out his hand to help her into the carriage but Belle didn’t even acknowledge it. Without a word, she climbed in on her own, completely ignoring him.

A smirk tugged at Quinn’s lips. He preferred this to her being warm and friendly.

Stepping to the carriage window, he pulled the curtain back and revealed, "It will be a tedious journey from here, with stops only every six hours. If your seat grows uncomfortable, you may ride a horse instead."

Belle didn’t respond. She simply turned away and stared out the opposite window bringing a satisfied smile to his cheeks.