Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 61: The vampires

Chapter 61: The vampires

"I shall retire for the night. Thank you for today," Belle said, standing up. She grabbed Mia’s hand, pulling her to her feet, and began pushing her toward the door. She should have known better than to share her thoughts with Mia, knowing it would only worsen her worries.

"You know, you can always come to me... whenever your friend feels unsure," Mia teased, letting out a sly grin. She winked as Belle continued to push her out, making Belle roll her eyes.

"She won’t feel that way again. Goodnight," Belle said firmly. Reaching the door, she opened it and ushered Mia out.

"Be—" Mia began, but Belle quickly shut the door before she could finish. Exhaling loudly, Belle leaned against the door, trying to collect herself.

Turning back to her room, she approached the desk where the box Hezekiah had given her sat. Lifting the lid, she took out the beautiful blue gown inside. She held it up, her eyes tracing the fine details of the pearls adorning it. It was exquisite, the kind of dress that seemed to belong to someone far more confident than she felt.

She couldn’t help but wonder how much it must have cost. And if Hezekiah had been truthful about the source of the gown, it must have cost a fortune to provide this for many other ladies like her.

The longer she stared, the more uneasy she became. The gown felt too grand for her. Even as the Duke’s former wife, she had chosen her own simple dresses, preferring to avoid attention. Their strained marriage had only made her social outings rare, leaving her unused to such extravagance.

What would people think of her wearing it? Would they call her names? Say she was with the king for his riches? Now that Hezekiah was ready to introduce her to the world, why did the thought fill her with dread instead of pride?

Shaking the thoughts away, she carefully folded the gown back into its box. She moved to her wardrobe and changed into her nightdress. Though it was still early and she hadn’t eaten dinner, she couldn’t face going outside, especially after what had happened. She decided to starve herself and endure it until the following day.

The Next Morning

Belle was dressed and ready for the wedding. A guard escorted her through the castle grounds toward the waiting carriages. Her heart pounded louder with every step, her nerves growing stronger.

How would she face Hezekiah? Should she act as if nothing had happened? How could she? If she avoided him, he might think she hated the kiss. But she didn’t...not entirely. She just didn’t understand what she felt.

"We are here," the guard said, stepping aside after announcing their arrival.

Belle glanced ahead and saw Hezekiah and Quinn standing by the carriages. They were deep in conversation, their faces serious and tense.

Her stomach sank. Was something wrong? Could their discussion have anything to do with why Quinn had left so suddenly the day before?

Taking a deep breath, Belle steadied herself before stepping forward. Each gentle step brought her closer to the two men until she finally stood before them.

"Your Majesty," she greeted softly, bowing her head slightly. Her voice drew the attention of both men, their gazes swiftly turning to her.

Hezekiah’s mouth fell open in stunned silence as his eyes landed on her. She stood before him like a vision of elegance, her presence striking him like a bolt of lightning. The pearl-adorned, off-shoulder blue gown hugged her figure perfectly, the slit along her left thigh revealing just enough to be alluring yet modest. To him, she looked like a fairy sent to calm the storms in his heart. Yet, a part of him wished the slit wasn’t so high, feeling an odd possessiveness over her beauty.

Forcing himself to focus, he brushed aside the thought and approached her with a warm smile, extending his hand toward her.

"You are the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes upon," he said earnestly, his gaze filled with admiration.

Belle’s cheeks flushed, and she shifted awkwardly under his intense gaze. From beside Hezekiah, Quinn snorted and turned away, a smirk playing on his lips. Belle’s brow furrowed at his reaction, irritation sparking within her. What was so amusing to him?

Uncertain whether Hezekiah’s words were genuine or simply an exaggeration, she let out a nervous chuckle.

"Shall we?" Hezekiah asked, nodding toward his outstretched hand.

"Ah! The imperial guard leader is responsible for my safety. Protocol dictates I ride with him," Belle corrected, her tone polite but firm.

Hezekiah’s hand fell to his side, his smile faltering momentarily. He recovered quickly, feigning forgetfulness to mask his disappointment. Though he knew the rules well, he had hoped to keep her close by his side.

"Very well. I shall see you there," he said with a gracious nod.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Belle replied, offering a slight bow before turning toward Quinn.

"Lead the way," she said coldly as she reached him. Without a word, Quinn obeyed, his usual defiance replaced by quiet compliance. He assisted her into the carriage, ensuring her comfort before stepping aside.

"I won’t be sitting with you, my lady," Quinn said calmly, reaching for the curtain to close it.

Abruptly, she dropped her hand on his before he could close the curtain and inquired, "Why?" Her voice came out sharper than she intended, her urgency betraying her coldness.

Quinn paused, glancing down at her hand, which now rested on his to stop him. Realizing her action, Belle quickly withdrew, her face warming in embarrassment.

"I didn’t mean to... I apologize," she murmured, rubbing her hand nervously.

Quinn’s lips curved into a faint smile. "There is unrest, my lady. Someone stirs trouble, and precautions must be taken. Your husband will behead my head if any harm is directed at you." Then he relayed.

Her frown deepened. "Are the vampires still in the kingdom?"

"Yes," he answered curtly.

Unsatisfied, Belle pressed further. "Why? What’s happening? Are they refusing to sign the truce? Did they cause trouble yesterday as well?"

Quinn chuckled softly at her barrage of questions. "Your husband has forbidden us from sharing such matters with you. It is a royal order, my lady. If you seek answers, I suggest you ask him yourself."

Before Belle could respond, he gently pulled the curtain shut, leaving her alone with her thoughts.