Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 136: Battlefield

Chapter 136: Battlefield

Two days later, preparations for battle were in full swing. Warriors moved swiftly across the camp, arming themselves for the morning ahead.

Inside Quinn’s tent, Ray, Kay, and several high-ranking warriors were gathered, finalizing their strategy. Though the war was in an hour, they could not afford to trust the vampires, especially given their confidence.

Quinn had not fought at his full strength during his duel with the vampire king, yet the encounter had made one thing clear—the vampires were not to be underestimated. Their king alone was powerful enough to best both Ray and Kay, and there was something in his stance, in his movements, that hinted at a hidden skill.

"They are currently spying on our base. It seems they are planning something," Kay reported, prompting a tense exchange of glances.

"Send more scouts. I want to know exactly what they are up to," Quinn ordered. Without hesitation, Kay turned and left to carry out his command.

Once he was gone, Ray spoke. "What about Lady Belle? How do we stop her from fighting? You know she won’t allow herself to be locked away."

Quinn’s expression hardened. He had already considered this. Belle wanted to stand alongside them, to prove herself. He respected that, yet this was war, and the vampires were willing to do anything to secure their victory. Her powers, though awakening, were not yet strong enough to sustain her through the battle.

There was only one solution.

"Fetch the physician," he said at last.

Ray hesitated, but seeing the resolve in Quinn’s eyes, he nodded and stepped out of the tent.

A few minutes later, he returned with the physician.

"You will prepare a strong sleeping drug for Lady Belle. Ensure it takes effect swiftly, and do not act suspiciously. If she discovers it and the plan fails, I will have your head," Quinn commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument.

The physician swallowed nervously. "Do not worry, Alpha. I will do as you wish. You may rest assured."

Quinn was not assured. Belle’s determination ran deep and she might not fall for the deception. But it was worth trying. If she did see through it, then he would do whatever it took to protect her, even at the cost of his own life.

"If we suffer a heavy loss tonight, you will take her back to the kingdom," he instructed Ray.

Ray gave a firm nod. It was the best course of action. If the battle turned against them, Belle had to be removed from the battlefield.

Just then, Kay rushed inside. "Alpha, they are ready!"

Quinn took hold of his sword and strode forward. "We move."

Kay raised his voice, calling out to the warriors, and the camp erupted in a triumphant roar.

Meanwhile, Inside Quinn’s Tent

Belle, fully dressed and ready for battle, was about to step outside when the thunderous cheers reached her ears. She halted, her pulse quickening. Before she could move again, the entrance to the tent was pushed open, and a physician entered abruptly.

"My lady, please take this before you go. I was unable to determine the cause of your fainting sickness days ago, but this will ensure it does not happen again." The physician extended a cup toward her, his expression earnest.

Belle frowned. She knew well enough why she had fainted and it had nothing to do with her health but rather the vision she had seen.

"I am fine, you need not worry," she assured him and made to step past him, but before she could, the physician suddenly fell to his knees.

"Please, my lady, I nearly lost my head when I failed to wake you last time. I beg you, take this and help me keep my life. It will do you no harm, only prevent it from happening again."

His desperate plea made her pause. Quinn could be extreme when angered, and she did not doubt the physician’s words. With a sigh, she relented. After all, it was only medicine.

Stepping forward, she took the cup from his hands and raised it to her lips.

The physician, still kneeling, lowered his gaze as she drank. Though he had not poisoned her, guilt gnawed at him. He had robbed her of a choice.

Once finished, Belle handed him the empty cup with a bright smile. "There. I may leave now, yes?"

"Yes, my lady," he murmured, keeping his head bowed as she moved past him. He silently counted the seconds, waiting for the drug to take effect.

As Belle neared the entrance, a sharp wave of pain struck her head. She pressed a hand to her temple, staggering as dizziness overtook her. A frown crossed her face. What was happening?

Turning swiftly, her eyes locked onto the physician, widening as realization dawned.

"You...why?!" She gasped, her voice barely above a whisper before her knees buckled beneath her.

"He is doing this to protect you," was the last thing she heard before darkness consumed her.

The physician stepped forward, lifting her gently and laying her upon the bed. With care, he tucked the blankets around her before straightening. His task was complete. Now, all that remained was to report to Quinn and keep his distance until her anger subsided.

Exiting the tent, he strode toward the warriors, where Quinn was already astride his horse, poised to lead them into battle.

"Alpha!" He called, drawing Quinn’s attention.

"It is done."

Without a word, Quinn turned his gaze forward and spurred his horse into motion, galloping ahead as the warriors followed.

...

The Battlefield

The armies stood in silence, each side watching the other, waiting for the first move.

Quinn’s gaze remained fixed on the enemy, but his words were meant for Ray and Kay. "No matter what happens, do not let them near the base."

"Yes, Alpha!" They answered in unison, turning their attention forward as the battle loomed before them.

Ray stood at the rear, his expression clouded with worry as his gaze landed on Mia, who stood among the supply handlers. Thankfully, she had not insisted on joining the battle and had instead agreed to assist in reloading supplies. He would reject her after this war should in case he didn’t survive the coming weeks. At the very least, she would be free to move on, unburdened by the bond of a mate lost to death.

As if sensing his stare, Mia turned in his direction, her expression unreadable when her eyes met his. She could not tell whether he was concerned for her or if he simply saw her as a burden. Either way, it mattered little. They were no longer committed to one another, his opinion held no weight in her life. Without another thought, she turned away, engaging the warriors beside her in conversation.

Ray watched her for a moment longer, silently hoping she would remain safe, before shifting his focus back to the impending battle.

Just as he looked away, Mia let her gaze linger on him and murmured, "Please... come back alive." To her, it was merely a sentiment of concern—nothing more.

Suddenly, a command rang out.

"Attack!!"

The vampires’ war cry split through the air, followed by Quinn’s resounding order for his warriors to advance.

The clash of swords erupted across the battlefield as both sides fought with relentless force, each warrior wielding their weapon with deadly precision. Quinn moved through the enemy ranks like a wraith, his blade cutting through flesh with ruthless efficiency. He aimed for the neck, severing heads without hesitation.

Time stretched on, yet neither side wavered. The battle raged, each soldier driven by the unyielding will to dominate.

Quinn’s sharp gaze swept over the enemy lines. The vampires still swarmed in vast numbers. He knew the key to breaking their morale lay in eliminating the vampire king. However, the task would not be simple as the king was guarded by towering figures, their presence far more menacing than the lesser vampires. These were purebreds, just like the king himself.

"Alpha! Should we follow you?" Ray’s voice came from beside him, noticing Quinn’s shifting focus.

"No, I don’t want his attention divided. Leave him to me," Quinn refused, surging forward without hesitation. He carved through the vampires in his path, his blade cutting a swift and deadly course toward the vampire king.

Just as he neared, two purebreds descended in front of him, their fangs flashing in a cruel, amused grin.

"You want him? Then you will have to go through us first," one sneered before erupting into maniacal laughter.

Quinn wasted no time. He struck without warning, catching his foe off guard and landing a deep slash along his side. The purebred staggered but quickly regained his footing, and with his companion at his side, they lunged at Quinn in unison.

The fight wore on, each clash of steel against steel pushing the warriors to their limits. Hours passed, and Quinn steadily gained the upper hand.

Sensing the tide turning, the vampire king raised his hand. A horn sounded through the battlefield, forcing all movement to a halt.

Then, from beyond the vampire ranks, a new noise arose.

Quinn narrowed his eyes, straining to see what approached.

"The hybrids," he muttered, already anticipating what lay ahead.

A wave of dread washed over the warriors. They all knew the stories—knew of the creatures’ unnatural strength and lethal venom.

"Everyone, shift into your wolves!" Quinn commanded.

Without hesitation, the warriors began their transformation, bracing themselves for the battle yet to come.