Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 131: Christabel

Chapter 131: Christabel

Belle thought so as well. A problem could only be truly solved by striking at the root, for tending to the branches alone would merely offer a temporary solution.

"It matters not," Lin said with a shrug, as though it were the most natural thing in the world. "So long as the agreement holds, peace shall remain in this kingdom."

"Right." Belle spoke the word, though she did not truly agree. Yet what could she do in a foreign land? She was but a werewolf, who was she to question their ways?

"Oh, that reminds me. You have yet to tell me about the baby. Shall I be tending to him at your residence, or will he stay with me?" Lin asked, steering the conversation elsewhere. Only then did Belle recall the true purpose of her journey to the kingdom.

"Unfortunately, we hail from the werewolf kingdom and have come to fight a war. The commander does not permit newcomers within the base, so I shall be burdening you with his complete care," she explained. "I am willing to pay whatever you require, and I shall visit him as often as I am able."

Lin muttered an understanding "Oh," nodding. "I suspected there was something peculiar about you and that man from earlier but refrained from making assumptions. I shall resign from my current position to tend to him full-time. You need not trouble yourself with frequent visits, just come when you are able."

His words brought a warm smile to Belle’s lips. At last, matters were settled, and she could set aside some of her worries.

"Thank you so much, I cannot express how relieved I am," she said with heartfelt gratitude.

"It is merely what a babysitter should do," Lin replied. Then, tilting his head slightly, he asked, "But do you require the father’s consent to finalize this arrangement?"

Belle frowned in confusion. "What father?"

Seeing her bewilderment, Lin clarified, "You know, the man who left you earlier."

Belle’s frown deepened. "He is neither my husband nor Ezekiel’s father. He merely offered me a ride to the kingdom and we are war partners, nothing more." She spoke hastily, cutting off Lin before he could even close his mouth.

Lin scoffed, eyes twinkling with amusement. "That was awfully defensive," he remarked, earning a nervous chuckle from Belle.

As her gaze wandered absently, it landed upon the most unexpected sight—Quinn, walking alongside a woman. Belle’s breath caught. That was the Lord of the Witches. Though she had not gotten a proper look at her before, there was no mistaking it now. It seemed the warriors had been right, he had indeed come to meet her.

Her eyes lingered upon him, but when his suddenly met hers, she averted her gaze at once, turning swiftly back to Lin.

"We should get going," she said.

"Okay. But is that not your war partner?" Lin asked, looking directly at Quinn. Belle clenched her jaw, cursing inwardly. Why was Lin doing this to her? She had no desire to intrude upon whatever was transpiring between them.

"I am not certain," she replied, feigning indifference. "But we should go." She took a step forward, eager to leave.

But before she could, Lin suddenly exclaimed, "Oh my! The Lord of the Witches! What are the odds?"

Belle halted, frustration evident in her stiff posture.

"Nothing, Lin, absolutely nothing!" Belle said through gritted teeth, knowing there was no escape now that Lin’s interest in both figures had been piqued.

She glanced down at Ezekiel, relieved to find him fast asleep despite the noise around them. She recalled how he had stayed awake nearly the entire night, not even allowing her an hour of rest. Why was he so energetic at night and drowsy during the day? Babies were truly peculiar.

As she turned on her heel, a sudden hiccup escaped her when she saw that Quinn and the woman were heading toward them. Why? Quinn had been avoiding her, so it could not be him. But she barely knew the Lord of the Witches.

"Lady Belle, is it?" Upon reaching them, the Lord of the Witches inquired. Belle parted her lips, momentarily stunned by the woman’s features now that she saw her up close. How could a witch be so breathtakingly beautiful? The common belief was that witches were hideous creatures, and until now, she had seen none to challenge that rumor.

"Erm... yes, I am Lady Belle." Composing herself, she offered a polite smile. Yet, her gaze unwittingly drifted to Quinn, and she regretted it instantly. His stare was intense, unwavering. What had she done?

"I am Christabel, the Lord of the Witches." The woman introduced herself with an elegant nod. "The king made a special request that you be treated with care, so I had my men identify you for me. I apologize if that was intrusive."

Belle’s admiration for her only grew. How could a woman be so gentlemanly? She was, in every way, an upgrade compared to Belle herself.

"Oh, no, it is quite alright. And I apologize on his behalf, we do not wish to impose upon you," Belle replied, offering a warm smile.

"Now I see why he fell for you." Christabel’s lips curled into a knowing smile. "You are truly as remarkable as he described. Please, do not break his heart, many would give anything to have him."

Belle shifted uncomfortably. It was strange to hear someone else speak of Hezekiah’s feelings for her, even though she already knew of them. But for some reason, she feared she might not be able to uphold that last request.

"I feel honored," she said simply, unsure of how else to respond.

As if by instinct, her gaze flickered back to Quinn. She arched a brow at him when she found his eyes still fixed upon her. He was beginning to unnerve her.

"I heard you were searching for a babysitter. Have you found one?" Christabel asked, shifting the conversation.

"Oh, yes! Here is he...I mean, she...sorry, this is Lin." Belle gestured toward Lin, stumbling over the pronouns, unsure of how best to address them.

"Them/they," Lin corrected with a smile before turning to Christabel.

"I see." Christabel inclined her head slightly before looking toward Quinn. "I apologize for keeping him from your side, he left to accompany me. I hope you are not offended?" She spoke with a gracious smile, though Quinn did not return it.

"Why would I be? He has helped me immensely today," Belle responded, laughing it off.

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