Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 117: Stream

Chapter 117: Stream

Ray finally stirred awake deep into the night, but the moment the physician managed to extract the last of the poison, he slipped back into unconsciousness.

"When will he wake up?" Mia asked, seated beside him on the small bed, her gaze never straying from his face. Seeing him like this made her realize he was just as vulnerable as anyone else, he could also be wounded, too. She wondered now why she had disliked him so much back at the Duke’s estate. Perhaps it was because he had never been playful or socialized the way she thought he should. Thinking about it, there would be a reason he was a cold person or chose to be one. She had judged him without knowing properly and it made her feel bad, considering all the times she said harsh words to him.

"By midnight," the physician answered, gathering his tools. "His immune system is strong, and his wolf kept the poison from spreading too far."

"I see. Thank you, Physician," she said with gratitude.

"You can just call me Drex. I am a warrior physician, not a proper one," he interjected.

"Oh," she murmured, then added with a smile, "Thanks, Drex."

He nodded in acknowledgment before stepping out of the tent, leaving her alone with Ray.

Once he was gone, Mia placed a hand on Ray’s forehead, then pressed the back of her palm to her own, checking for any sign of fever. Finding none, she sighed in relief and let her gaze wander over his features. Squinting slightly, she tilted her head and noticed a small birthmark just beneath his neck.

Curious, she reached out and traced it lightly with her fingertips. How had she never noticed it before? It wasn’t entirely visible unless one looked closely, but still... they had been near each other often enough since that fateful day.

"What more is there to know about you?" She murmured, eyes drifting back to his face. A part of her wished she could always see him this peaceful, but with the war ahead, such serenity was impossible.

Why now? Why did fate have to mate her to him when they were on the brink of war? They had no idea how long the war would last or the horrors that awaited them. And with Ray’s nature, he would fight for what was right no matter the cost, even if it meant putting his life in danger.

Mia remained by his side all night, refusing to leave even for a moment. The others kept their distance, sensing she needed the space. Quinn had ordered that no one enter the tent until Ray awoke, a request Belle had made on Mia’s behalf.

—

By the stream nearby, Belle sat on a rock, lost in thought. Today had shaken her. If mere rogues had swords laced with poison, what horrors awaited them at their destination?

The vampires were already creating vamp-wolves, an abomination far deadlier than anything she could hope to fight. Unlike the others, she had no wolf to shift into. If they unleashed those creatures in battle, things would turn disastrous. And she... she would only be a burden. Maybe if she could at least unleash her wolf side, she wouldn’t have to worry them.

Sighing, Belle glanced around to ensure she was alone before stepping off the rock and moving toward the water. She started by removing her shoes, placing them within reach, then unbuttoned her shirt, leaving only her bodice.

Lowering herself further, she slipped off her pants, now clad in just her body bodice and drawers, before easing into the water.

Once submerged, she ran her hands over her arms, letting the water cleanse her skin with slow, delicate motions. The warmth was soothing, a welcome contrast to the growing chill in the air. Winter had yet to begin in their kingdom, but as they neared their destination, the cold grew sharper. It had likely already arrived there. She would need to acquire winter garments once they reached their location.

Leaning back, Belle let her head sink into the water, gazing up at the sky with a soft smile. It had been so long since she had taken the time to admire the stars. She had almost forgotten how beautiful they were, just as she was beginning to forget how beautiful life could be with the right person.

"Swimming without me, huh?"

Quinn’s voice startled her. She quickly lifted her head and turned, frowning as she caught sight of him kicking off his shoes.

"I will be done soon. Let me finish up first," she said, not wanting to share the stream with him at the same time.

But he ignored her, continuing to undress until he stood shirtless, clad only in his pants.

Belle knew it was futile to argue. If he thought she would leave the stream for him, he was sorely mistaken. There was enough space for them both, so there was nothing to worry about.

Shifting toward the left, she gave him room before lowering her head back into the water, reveling in its warmth. Just as she was about to close her eyes, she felt something wrap around her waist. She let out a startled scream, convinced something was lurking beneath the surface—until her gaze met Quinn’s.

"Why would you scare me like that?!" She yelled, smacking his chest in frustration.

"I like it when your body rises for me," he murmured with amusement before pulling her closer, pressing her against him.

Belle stiffened as her chest met his, her pulse quickening.

"What are you doing? Let me go before someone sees us," she hissed, glancing around anxiously. The fact that she couldn’t see anyone only made her more uneasy. What was she even thinking? If someone were spying, they wouldn’t make themselves known.

"The full moon is in two days," Quinn said suddenly, his voice quieter now. "What should I do?"

Belle stilled, caught off guard by the question. She had no answer for him, because she was just as uncertain about how to avoid making a mistake.