Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 115: Let her go

Chapter 115: Let her go

Belle eventually gave up trying to convince Quinn to get her another horse, resigning herself to her fate. At some point during the journey, she even found herself leaning into him. From now on, she would ask questions instead of making assumptions.

Two hours into the ride, sleep began creeping in, her head bobbing forward before she jerked herself awake, only to repeat the cycle moments later.

Quinn, noticing how hard she was struggling to stay awake, offered, "Close your eyes for a few minutes. I will let you take over the reins once you wake." A tempting bargain, one he knew she wouldn’t refuse.

Her eyes snapped open. "Really? Don’t go back on your word later," she said, eager at the prospect. The entire reason she had wanted to ride was to have some fun, but with Quinn controlling the reins, it had been nothing but dull. Had she known, she would have simply stayed in the carriage.

"Of course." Without warning, he pulled her closer until her back rested against him, his voice turning smooth as he coaxed, "Sleep."

Before Belle could fully relax, an arrow suddenly whizzed through the air toward them. Quinn, sensing the attack, dodged instantly, but with Belle in his arms, he was forced to shift his movement, going down to shield her as they hit the ground.

Belle jolted awake, gasping as the impact registered. Her eyes landed on the arrow now embedded in the dirt, her breath hitching as she turned to Quinn. "Are you okay?" She asked, scanning him frantically for any sign of injury.

"We are under attack!!" Ray’s voice rang through the air, and at once, the warriors fell into formation, preparing for battle against the unseen assailants.

"I am fine," Quinn assured her as he stood, keeping Belle securely in his arms while his sharp gaze fixed on the direction the arrow had come from.

"No! It’s just one shooter...it’s a distraction." His voice turned grave just as a wave of men wielding swords came charging toward them.

Before they could react, they were surrounded.

Quinn’s grip tightened. "Do not let go of my hand, no matter what happens. This might be bloodier than the last one, but I won’t let you get hurt again." Then, as if the situation wasn’t dire enough, he added with a smirk, "As much as I would love to see you naked again, I prefer it when you are alive."

Belle rolled her eyes. He had the nerve to joke at a time like this?

"Put me down," she demanded.

He obliged but immediately entwined their fingers, shifting her behind him protectively.

"Anyone who brings me that woman’s head will be granted a promotion!!" The man who appeared to be their leader declared, pointing at Belle. A deafening cheer erupted from his men, their gazes filled with bloodlust.

Quinn smirked. "Looks like they came for you."

"But how did they know I was here? The Twelve Elders agreed to keep my presence hidden, as did the minis..." She trailed off, realization dawning on her. A weary sigh left her lips. She knew exactly who was behind this.

"Guess you already know," Quinn said, turning to her.

Belle nodded. It seemed her father was truly determined to kill her this time, be had sent an even greater number of assassins.

"You have the best father in the world," Quinn teased.

Belle, no longer in the mood to tolerate her father’s nonsense, shot back, "And I must be the best daughter in the world too." As she spoke, she placed her hand over their entwined fingers, prompting Quinn to tighten his grip.

"You have to let me go. I can fight for myself now," she urged, her gaze locked onto his, pleading yet resolute.

Quinn hesitated. As much as he wanted to protect her, that fire in her eyes, that passion, he wanted it to burn for as long as possible. He didn’t want to be the one to extinguish it. With a sigh, he released her hand. "Promise me you will come back if you can’t handle it?"

A smile curved Belle’s lips. "I promise."

He didn’t believe her, but this time, he wanted to trust her.

"They are rogue wolves, and they have wild wolves. Don’t underestimate them. Stay back if they start shifting," he warned, making sure she knew what she was up against.

Turning to his horse, he retrieved a small dagger from the pack and handed it to her. "Use this, it’s rogue and wild too."

Before she could thank him, he had already moved ahead, heading straight for the enemy.

"I have exactly thirty minutes to waste on you fools. Spend your time wisely," Quinn declared, glancing toward Ray—a silent cue.

"Charge!!" Ray bellowed, and the battle erupted, both sides tearing into each other with ruthless precision.

Belle, sword unsheathed, fought among them without mercy, each strike swift and precise. She poured every bit of skill into slicing the rogues, leaving no room for hesitation.

"This isn’t what that old man told us! How are they this strong?" The rogue leader hissed, realizing they were losing. His gaze darted around, searching for leverage.

Then he spotted her—a noble-looking woman standing apart. A wicked grin curled his lips. Fighting his way toward her, he struck swiftly, wrapping an arm around Mia before she could react.

"Move, and you will feel the sharpness of my blade against your smooth neck," he threatened, halting Mia’s struggle.

"The king’s sister has been captured!" One of the warriors shouted, drawing Ray’s gaze to them.

Ray, mid-strike, froze. His sword had been mere inches from a rogue’s chest, but the moment his gaze landed on his mate, his focus shattered.

The rogue seized the opportunity, plunging a blade into Ray’s side.

"Ray!" Kay, who had been beside him, swiftly struck the attacker down before turning to his friend. "Are you okay?"

Ray barely heard him. His gaze remained locked on Mia—his mate—held in the arms of a filthy rogue.

Blood boiled in his veins.

"Let her go!" He roared, gripping his sword tighter as he advanced toward them.

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