Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 40: Her scent

Chapter 40: Her scent

"How much you overestimate yourself, Belle. I chose the location long before knowing you would be tagging along," Quinn said, shaking his head at her assumption. Embarrassed for jumping to conclusions, Belle muttered a soft, "Oh," her cheeks warming in quiet shame.

Clearing her throat, she turned her gaze to the window, frowning as she silently chastised herself. This was Quinn, after all, why would he care about her preferences or her at all?

"We are here. Stay close to me unless you are with the King," he instructed, handing her a small dagger. Belle raised her head, her brows arching in question as their gazes met.

"Your loving husband can’t always protect you," he remarked, earning a frown from her.

"You are not my husband!" She snapped, assuming he was referring to himself. Quinn burst into laughter, clearly amused.

"I meant the King. You really should stop overthinking, it makes you look cute," he teased, dropping the dagger onto her lap before exiting the carriage, a rare warm smile gracing his lips.

Belle blinked in surprise. It had been a long time since she saw him smile like that, not since their first misunderstanding, which had begun barely a month into their marriage. Could that have been when it all started to fall apart?

"Are you getting down or just daydreaming?" Quinn’s voice broke through her thoughts as he lifted the curtain, extending a hand to help her out.

"Oh, right," she murmured, shaking off her reverie. She picked up the dagger and accepted his hand, stepping out of the carriage.

"Are the scouts ready?" Quinn asked one of his men. The guard nodded and quickly departed.

"Send two of our men to join the King’s escort and inform the restaurant of our arrival. The King should be here any minute," he commanded, taking a sword handed to him by another guard.

"General, the scouts have sent a report." A soldier rushed forward, bowing slightly as he handed Quinn a folded paper.

Taking the paper, Quinn opened it and read its contents, his expression unreadable. Belle watched him, curiosity stirring as she wondered what was going through his mind.

Seeing him on duty, commanding with authority, stirred something within her. He looked every bit the leader, so confident and composed. It made her momentarily forget his flaws—the betrayal, the pain. She could almost understand why women admired him so blindly. How could someone so capable also be so infuriating?

"Tell the scouts to wait," Quinn ordered, crumpling the paper and tossing it aside. He turned to the group of men. "The rest of you stay here. You two, follow me," he added before grabbing Belle’s wrist.

"What’s going on?" She asked, anxiety lacing her voice as he led her away.

"The vampires are playing a foul game, and I intend to join in," he replied cryptically, his pace quick.

"What are you even talking about? What foul game? Be clear!" She demanded, struggling to keep up.

"All you need to know is that today will be bloody," he said coolly as they entered the restaurant.

Quinn came to an abrupt stop, causing Belle to bump into him. Her lip gloss smeared against his back, leaving a faint stain on his clothes. "Hm!"

"Your... your clothes!" Belle pointed out, gesturing to the faint smear of her lip gloss on his back, but Quinn didn’t respond. His focus remained fixed on something in the restaurant, completely ignoring her.

Frustrated, Belle pouted and followed his gaze. Her eyes widened when she noticed a group of pale, gaunt men staring intently at them. Instinctively, she shifted closer, hiding behind Quinn.

"I thought we were coming for a truce. Why do they look like they want to fight?" She whispered, tightening her grip on Quinn’s hand. He glanced at her sideways, an amused glint in his eyes.

For a fleeting moment, he entertained the idea of scaring her just to make her cling to him more. But that would only draw attention from those loathsome vampires, and he wouldn’t risk making her their target.

"What a grand entrance!" One of the vampires exclaimed, his voice laced with mockery. The others burst into laughter, their tone anything but welcoming.

Belle noticed their defensive postures and instantly realized they hadn’t come for peace. This wasn’t a truce, it was a setup for trouble.

"The King is almost here," one of Quinn’s men whispered into his ear. Quinn gave a subtle nod of acknowledgment, dismissing the guard.

"All thanks to the King. You know this isn’t my style," Quinn replied smoothly, a cryptic smile tugging at his lips. His words provoked a round of snorts from the vampires.

"And where is your supposed king? Has he left you to handle his dirty work yet again?" The leader taunted, drawing even louder laughter from his companions.

"Here is the supposed king," came Hezekiah’s voice, sharp and commanding, as he stepped into the room. His presence was magnetic, and his aura silenced the mocking vampires instantly.

"Your Majesty!" The leader stammered, dropping to one knee. The other men quickly followed suit, bowing in submission.

Belle let out a small sigh of relief, finally feeling safe as the once-arrogant men now groveled. Their fearlessness toward Quinn puzzled her earlier, but it was clear they had no choice but to submit to Hezekiah.

Quinn noticed Belle’s reaction and felt an unexpected pang of anger. Why was he bothered by her relief? He had told himself his recent attentions toward her were merely part of his plan to win her trust. Yet, ever since that night at the cave, something had shifted within him.

When she had come looking for him while he was in the bathroom two days ago, her scent had unsettled him, breaking his resolve. And now, her presence beside him stirred inexplicable feelings he couldn’t suppress.

"My lady," Hezekiah said suddenly, extending a hand to Belle. Startled, she placed hers in his and allowed him to lead her further into the room.

Once seated at the designated table, Belle and Hezekiah sat facing the arrogant man and one other man.

"I never knew you had a Queen. How has her existence escaped us? Are you hiding her?" The leader remarked, his voice tinged with suspicion.

"Three individuals were announced for this meeting," Hezekiah interjected coolly. "Why are there twenty men here and more stationed outside? Are you planning an attack?"

His words silenced the leader immediately, and Belle couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride. ’What a perfect comeback,’ she thought, admiring Hezekiah’s composure.