Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 56: A human being

Chapter 56: A human being

Raising his head so their gazes met, Quinn said smoothly, "We will be closer than this as we train. It’s not too late to request another trainer from the King." Though his tone sounded genuine, Belle could sense the teasing underneath. He knew she wouldn’t dare refuse the King’s orders, and that was why he could advise her.

Choosing to ignore him, Belle turned her face away, determined to avoid letting his words sway her resolve.

Quinn continued adjusting her dagger belt, his hands brushing against her waist at intervals that sent fleeting, involuntary shivers through her. His warm breath blew near her, adding to her unease. She wasn’t sure if it was deliberate, but his touch made it nearly impossible for her to stand still.

And why was he taking so long?

"Done. Let’s get to work." Just as she opened her mouth to confront him, Quinn spoke, stepping back. Belle exhaled in relief, her tension melting away for a brief moment.

Trailing behind him, Belle approached the archery stand, her eyes scanning the selection of bows and arrows. The vibrant array caught her attention, each piece more striking than the last. She hesitated, torn between the choices, until Quinn handed her a medium-sized blue bow and matching arrow set. She accepted it reluctantly.

"I don’t need your help," she muttered under her breath, though loud enough for him to hear. His smile in response told her he didn’t take the remark seriously.

"In archery," Quinn began, pointing toward the target, "position is the greatest advantage an opponent can have over you. This is called the Anchor Point. You don’t have to be perfect; what matters most is your aim. Even a novice can outmatch you if their Anchor Point is consistent."

"Even if I am more skilled?" Belle asked, intrigued.

"Yes," he replied simply, and she nodded, taking in the information.

Quinn stepped behind her. "What hand do you use for writing?" And inquired, realizing he didn’t know this little detail about her.

"My left," she replied, her tone matter-of-fact. Quinn stilled momentarily before retrieving the bow from her hands. He walked to the table, exchanged it for another, and returned to her.

"This one is better for a left-handed archer. Hold it in your right hand." Returning to his position behind her, he waited as she adjusted her grip. Once she did, he gently placed his hands over hers.

"Don’t tense up. I am right here," he murmured, guiding her movements as he positioned her properly. Belle nodded silently, focusing on his instructions.

"Keep your back straight and your feet shoulder-width apart," he instructed, adjusting her posture. His hands brushed her sides as he lightly nudged her legs into position.

"Now, look ahead," Quinn continued, raising her arms to hold the bow and arrow in unison. "Place three fingers on the string and position your hand evenly. If you aim high, the arrow will land low. If you aim low, it will land high. Always remember the arrow’s path is straight unless you intentionally adjust it otherwise."

His calm, steady voice filled the space as he lectured her, correcting the smallest of movements. After several seconds, he stepped back, satisfied with her posture.

"Flex your hand, don’t bring it too close to your neck, just aim straight," Quinn instructed, his voice calm but firm. Belle adjusted her posture, taking a deep breath as she prepared herself.

"Now focus on the target," he directed, his eyes shifting toward the mark ahead. "Shoot!" He commanded, and she released the arrow. It flew forward but missed the target entirely.

"Fair," he remarked, his tone neutral as he stepped behind her once more.

"What did I do wrong?" Belle asked, disappointment evident in her voice.

"You were too tense. Let’s try again...together this time. Relax," Quinn replied, positioning both of their hands as they readied the bow. His movements were steady, almost soothing.

"Think of me as the target," he added, his words somehow sharpening her focus. Belle fixed her gaze on the target, drawing a deep breath as she waited for his command.

"Right there," Quinn said softly, then gave the order, "Shoot!"

The arrow hit the target. Excited, Belle jumped, her joy contagious. "I did it!" She exclaimed, her enthusiasm lighting up her face. Quinn couldn’t help but feel a strange satisfaction, knowing she still held a grudge against him.

"All thanks to me," he teased.

Belle nodded, smirking. "Who knew my hatred for you would come in handy? Let’s keep going," she said, eager to continue.

"This time, I won’t stand behind you," Quinn stated, stepping back to observe. Belle gave a quick nod, ready to try on her own.

She positioned herself carefully, determined to succeed. Despite her best efforts, the arrow missed its mark again, but she refused to give up. She continued shooting, her persistence unwavering.

---

Meanwhile, in another training ground, Mia was locked in a battle of wills with her trainer, Ray. Frustration clouded her expression as she tried, for the umpteenth time, to persuade him to reject his role.

"As I said, I can’t refuse a royal order," Ray explained, his arms folded across his chest. His passive demeanor only fueled Mia’s irritation.

"Don’t give me that nonsense!" She snapped, her hands gesturing wildly. "Everyone knows the King can’t directly command the Duke’s men unless the Duke allows it. You could have turned it down if you wanted to!"

"The Duke approved it," Ray replied, his tone unchanging.

Mia scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Of course he did. But why you? I would have preferred Klaus. Why did it have to be you? We have nothing in common! You are a sadist, and I am a human being!" She ranted, her voice nearly cracking as frustration turned into anger.

Ray remained unmoved, his stoic expression unwavering. His silence only served to magnify her exasperation.

"Do I get punished if I slack off?" Mia asked, finally resigning herself to the situation.

"Every mistake, no matter how small, will result in punishment. You have already wasted several minutes and will be punished for that. The more time you waste, the harsher the punishment. Any further questions?" He stated sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"You are unreal," Mia muttered under her breath, throwing her hands up in defeat. It was going to be hell from now on!