Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 128: Cold

Chapter 128: Cold

"You know, I kind of agree with this. Maybe I should become one too," Belle said, playing along to show her support no matter what path Mia chose. Mia had once told her she would stand by her in any decision she made, so Belle was going to do the same for her.

"Wow. Then I would be your General, and you will be my Commander," Mia declared, nodding in excitement. And they both burst into laughter.

"Right! Have you seen Kay? I need his help finding a babysitter for Ezekiel. I can’t take care of him on my own, he needs someone." Remembering her original purpose, Belle shifted the conversation.

"Oh no! He left the base not long ago and won’t be back for two days," Mia revealed.

Belle’s shoulders dropped, disappointment washing over her. "Why? Isn’t this our final destination?"

"Yes, but the reason for his departure wasn’t disclosed. I am guessing it has something to do with the vampires. Quinn has been busy with the warriors since we arrived, so I am afraid something’s going on," Mia explained.

Belle sighed in frustration. They had only just arrived, and yet there were already so many problems to handle. The warriors hadn’t even had time to rest.

"What do I do?" She muttered, though the question was more for herself than for Mia.

"You should see Quinn. He’s the General and he will handle it quickly," Mia suggested.

Belle frowned. She already knew that, but it wasn’t as easy as it sounded.

"No, I can’t face him. I am trying not to face him. That’s why I needed Kay to talk to him for me. Now Ray is my only option, though I doubt I will be able to speak to him either," she admitted, lowering her head.

"The General is the better option, if you ask me. Just face it, what’s the worst that could happen? He can’t kill you. Now go!" Mia said, placing her hands on Belle’s back and pushing her toward Quinn’s tent.

"What? No! I can’t! Wait!" Belle pushed back, but Mia wasn’t having it. She kept shoving until, with one final push, Belle stumbled forward.

Mia grinned mischievously and called out, "I am rooting for you!" before running off.

"That sly girl!" Belle muttered, taking a deep breath as she turned toward the tent.

Honestly, Mia was right—this was the fastest way to get what she wanted. If she could just erase the memory of that night and let things flow naturally, she would be fine. Besides, Quinn didn’t seem like he would tease her anymore, so she had nothing to worry about... right?

Taking light steps, she made her way to the entrance of his tent, hesitating just outside. Peering in, she checked to see if he was alone.

The space was empty.

Assuming he had stepped out, she entered without a second thought, not bothering to check the sides.

"Woah, a show-off as usual," she remarked, glancing around the extravagant tent designed for him. It was even larger than hers and had everything a proper home should. Why did a General even need all of this if he came for war?

"You can have mine if you want," a voice from behind her offered.

She screamed, hugging herself as she stumbled backward.

Eyes wide, she turned to face the familiar voice, forcing a smile as she awkwardly stared at him. How had she not noticed him there? Not even his scent had given him away. Curse her dull sense!

"No, I am good, thank you," she said, clearing her throat as her gaze landed on his bare chest. Her breath hitched, and she hated that reaction.

Now she understood why she hadn’t picked up his scent, it was masked by the ointment he was applying. Her brows furrowed when she spotted the deep gash across his chest. When had he sustained that injury? He didn’t have it at the stream... or had she missed it?

"What did you come here for?" He asked, rising to his feet and slipping on his shirt.

"You haven’t finished dressing that wound. Let me help you," Belle said, unable to ignore it.

Quinn said nothing, simply watching her as she stepped closer. But before her hand could reach his shirt, he caught her wrist.

"Don’t do what you don’t mean," he murmured. "I like when people take responsibility for their actions."

She stilled, quickly understanding his meaning. Though she was genuinely concerned about the injury, she wasn’t ready to take responsibility for whatever came after. Withdrawing her hand from his grasp, she took a step back.

"What did you come here for?" He repeated, buttoning his shirt.

"I need a babysitter for Ezekiel. A human, if possible. I will handle everything else," she revealed, raising her head to meet his gaze, hoping he would agree.

"Those not involved in the war aren’t allowed near the base, we don’t risk bringing in intruders. You can find a babysitter in the witches’ kingdom. Steve will take you there tomorrow."

Belle’s face fell.

"But I can’t trust the witches with him. What if he gets hurt?" She insisted.

"I will assign one of my men to stay with the baby until the war ends—hopefully. And there are humans everywhere. You can always find one and pay them to stay."

His offer was reasonable, but Belle couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Ezekiel behind. What if something happened while she was gone? And the witches, especially them, adored babies like him, pale and fresh. There was no telling what they might do.

"Do you find it easy to let go of people?" She asked, her voice quieter. "You might, but I don’t." And added, bringing an awkward silence between them. Quinn just stared back at her, looking at her as though she was speaking a foreign language. She just couldn’t understand how he had grown cold just a day after she rejected him but then again, she deserved the coldness.

Then, with no other choice, she sighed. "I will take your offer." And agreed.

Then without another word, she turned and left his tent.