Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 111: What is mine

Chapter 111: What is mine

In another tent, Quinn, Ray, and the warrior from earlier stood discussing the issue of the food shortage.

"Let two people share a meal for now. We will replenish supplies once we reach our next stop. It’s near the deserted village, they should be able to provide for 200," Quinn instructed, earning a nod from the warrior.

"Alpha, what about the commander and the King’s sister?" The warrior asked, causing Ray to frown in confusion. Wasn’t he the commander? Why was the man concerned about him?

Noticing Ray’s reaction, Quinn smirked. "I made the future Queen my second-in-command. She’s been quite helpful in handling this matter," he explained, earning a surprised look from the warrior. Helpful? He only remembered her asking a question, how did it help?

"She has?" Ray questioned skeptically.

"Of course. Do you take your Alpha for a liar? Right, Kay?" Quinn turned to the warrior for confirmation, putting him in an awkward position.

"Ah! Yes, she was very helpful," Kay agreed hastily, quickly averting his gaze when Ray’s cold stare settled on him.

"You should ease up a little. Your glare terrifies everyone, I wonder how she manages," Quinn teased, further fueling Ray’s discomfort.

Who is she? Kay thought, his confusion deepening with the mention of another woman. Just what in the hell was going on?

"I won’t eat. You can give my portion to someone else," Ray said flatly, ignoring Quinn’s playful remarks as he turned to leave. Quinn only smirked as he watched him walk out. He never could resist teasing Ray, especially when it came to Mia. In all his years, this was the first time he had seen someone so disinterested in their mate. Though he partly understood why, he sometimes wished Ray would move on from the loss of his adopted daughter.

Ray had been deeply attached to the girl, and while her death had led Quinn to him, the man he had found was nothing like the one who had once lived. If Ray had still been his former self, Quinn doubted he would have been able to recruit him, the strongest of all his men.

"What about you, Alpha?" Kay asked.

"Bring mine. I will share it with the commander," Quinn replied, and Kay nodded before leaving the tent.

...

Belle, having wandered around for a while, finally returned to her tent, her frown deepening when her gaze landed on the chair that had caused her trouble earlier. Now that she thought about it, most of the furniture here was far from perfect, old and worn. Things were only going to get more difficult from here, but it didn’t matter. She had gone days without food before, eaten cold meals on an empty stomach more times than she could count, this was nothing. She would endure the next two months, or however long it took, as long as she reminded herself why she was here.

Stepping further inside, her eyes landed on the bed, and for the first time that day, she smiled, relieved that at least one comfort had been provided.

Deciding to take a short nap before they resumed their journey, Belle began removing her shawl, then moved down to unbutton her shirt slightly, only to freeze when someone abruptly entered, her hands pausing on the third button.

"I am tempted to watch," Quinn remarked, standing there unbothered, making no effort to look away.

Quickly covering her exposed chest, she stormed toward him. "Were you never taught manners? You knock before entering a lady’s room!" She scolded.

"There is no door," he replied, his tone casual, which only made her blood boil. He clearly understood what she meant and was merely toying with her. Deciding not to waste her breath, she exhaled sharply. "Why are you here?" And asked.

"Ah, I came to share my food with you. Everyone is sharing," he said, raising the tray in his hands. It was then that she noticed the bread and pie resting upon it.

"I am fine. You can have it," she refused, turning away. But before she could take another step, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her back, wrapping an arm around her waist as she stumbled against him.

Startled, she gasped, frowning as she realized what had happened. "I order you to let me go this instant," she demanded.

"I do not love your sister. I have my reasons for agreeing to marry her," he revealed suddenly, causing her heartbeat to falter.

Her gaze sharpened with scrutiny, her head tilting slightly. "What reason?" She asked, her voice softer than before.

He remained silent. Taking his hesitation as an answer, she sighed and straightened her posture. "I suppose it’s something I shouldn’t know about. You don’t have to explain, and who you marry is none of my concern," she stated, though the chuckle he let out in response irritated her. What was so amusing?

"Your body never fails to betray your words," he mused, and only then did she realize the heat rising to her skin.

"I want to take a nap. Please let me go," she said, eager to change the subject.

"Shall we nap together, then? We leave in an hour. I could use some rest too," he suggested, his lips dangerously close to her ear, his breath fanning against her skin, sending an unwelcome shiver through her.

"You have your own tent, Alpha. I suggest you rest there. And a particular someone would be worried if they knew you were here, it would only inconvenience me," she replied evenly.

"I have never cared about others. Why would I start now?" He murmured, his warm breath making it all the more difficult to maintain her composure. But this time, she was determined not to falter. Clenching her fists at her sides, she steeled herself.

"You should care," she countered. "If people see us together, rumors will spread, and my purpose here will be rendered meaningless. Let’s both remain loyal to our partners, regardless of the reason behind the union."

His smirk faded, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. A thought gnawed at him, but instead of voicing it, he reminded, "I told you...I am not letting you go again. You should take that seriously. I never let go of what is mine."

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