Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 68: Made for each other

Chapter 68: Made for each other

"Sneaking behind your husband’s back, huh?" A familiar voice taunted, causing Belle to slowly lift her head. She shrieked in alarm, clutching the boy in her arms tighter.

Seeing her trembling, Quinn crouched to her level, pulling out a handkerchief. Without asking, he began wiping the blood splattered across her face.

"You look just like one of those clowns right now," he mocked with a sly smirk.

Belle slapped his hand away, her glare sharp as she pushed herself to her feet.

"Did you do this? With children and elderly people here?" She demanded, her voice trembling with anger. It was reckless and cruel to pick such a vulnerable location for whatever game they were playing.

"What better place to have fun?" Quinn replied smoothly, his grin unbothered.

"You are nothing but a sadist who thrives on other people’s suffering. The rumor about you saving a child’s life must be a complete lie," she snapped, her eyes narrowing.

Quinn opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, one of the frantic fairgoers charged in their direction. Reacting swiftly, he grabbed Belle by the shoulder, pulling her close to shield her.

"We need to get you back to the castle," he said firmly, already steering her away.

"No!" Belle dug her heels into the ground, refusing to move. "I am not leaving until you tell me what’s going on!" She shouted, her grip on the boy in her arms tightening protectively.

Quinn sighed, his tone turning curt. "Once we find a safe spot for the child."

His flat response only made her more skeptical. She was convinced he was trying to trick her into leaving. But looking down at the boy in her arms, she reluctantly conceded that he was right, she had to prioritize the child’s safety.

"Fine," she muttered reluctantly, resuming her pace.

Quinn wasted no time pulling her closer to his side. "Stay close," he instructed before leading them through the panicked crowd.

As they walked through the chaos, Belle couldn’t help but notice something odd. The vampires seemed to have vanished entirely. It was strange. One vampire alone couldn’t have caused such an uproar.

"Where are the vampires?" She asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.

Without looking back, Quinn answered casually, "They are gone because we are playing along. This was just their distraction."

The explanation sent a chill down her spine. So there was more to this attack than met the eye.

Soon, they emerged from the frenzied crowd into a quieter, desolate street.

"Give me the child," Quinn said, extending his arms toward her.

Belle hesitated, her brows furrowing in suspicion. "What are you planning to do?"

"Find a safe place for him, of course," he replied impatiently.

Although she didn’t fully trust him, Belle knew it would be foolish to argue. Reluctantly, she handed the boy over to Quinn, who carried him with surprising care.

Walking ahead, he approached a small house and knocked on the door. After a moment, a young woman cautiously opened it, her eyes darting over him warily.

"How can I help you?" She asked, her voice uncertain as her gaze flickered to the boy in his arms.

Before Quinn could answer, another woman swung the door open abruptly, her eyes going wide with recognition.

"The Duke!" She exclaimed, stepping closer to him with a mix of awe and apprehension.

The first woman turned to her sister, confusion clear on her face. "You know him?"

"This is why you should go out more. He’s the Duke of the North and our kingdom’s General," the younger sister explained, causing the older one to widen her eyes in astonishment. She quickly turned her gaze back to Quinn, trying to comprehend why such an important figure stood before their humble home.

"Well, I suppose introductions aren’t necessary anymore," Quinn said with a faint smile. "I have an unusual request, and I hope you will grant it. This child needs a safe place to stay until the chaos dies down. Someone will come to fetch him later."

The mention of "chaos" made the older sister hesitate, her caution evident. But before she could voice her concerns, the younger sister stepped forward and gently took the boy into her arms.

"Don’t worry, we will take good care of him," she assured, patting the boy on the back comfortingly.

"What chaos, though? What’s going on?" The older sister asked, her curiosity piqued.

"Stay indoors and don’t open the door for anyone. The vampires are attacking," Quinn said curtly, then turned on his heels and headed back toward Belle, who had been anxiously waiting.

Belle’s eyes followed his every move. When she saw the two women at the door with the boy, a wave of relief washed over her. The child was undoubtedly in safe hands.

"Now, tell me!" Belle demanded as Quinn reached her side, her tone impatient.

"I will explain on the way. We have entertained them long enough. Their target is the treasury house, situated a few meters away from the castle. That’s all you need to know for now," Quinn replied, grabbing her wrist and beginning to lead her toward his horse without warning.

"Why are they attacking us? Is money really their goal? And what about the truce? Didn’t they reach an agreement?" She bombarded him with questions, seemingly unfazed by his firm grip on her wrist.

"Would you still want a truce after one of your men was killed during it?" He countered, his pace unfaltering.

Belle fell silent at his words, trying to make sense of the situation. She wasn’t well-versed in politics, nor had she ever shown interest in it, but even she could see his point.

"But they are the ones who started it. He deserved it! Why are they being pardoned while we aren’t?" She argued, her tone tinged with frustration.

A satisfied smile tugged at Quinn’s lips. "Thinking like me now? I knew we were made for each other," he quipped, glancing at her sideways.

Belle almost rolled her eyes. "You are joking around in the middle of this mess?!" She snapped, raising her voice.

The more annoyed she became, the more Quinn seemed to revel in it. Halting abruptly, he turned to face her and, without warning, pulled her close. Belle gasped, startled by his sudden move.

"What are you doing? We have urgent matters to deal with!" She exclaimed, struggling against his grip and glaring at him.

"No one’s here," he murmured, his voice low as he leaned closer. "Can I kiss you?"