Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 79: No bra

Chapter 79: No bra

On their way back to the castle, Belle sighed repeatedly, her thoughts clearly elsewhere. Eventually, Hezekiah could no longer ignore it.

"Does his presence affect you that much?" He asked, his voice breaking through her thoughts. Belle jumped, startled by the sudden inquiry.

"Why would you say that?" She responded, quickly straightening her face.

"You have been distracted since we left," he pointed out. "Are you sure you are okay?"

Belle muttered a quiet "Oh," realizing her mistake. Taking a deep breath, she finally spoke.

"I just can’t understand why he keeps doing this to himself. I thought he truly loved Sofia back then, but now it just feels like he enjoys toying with women."

"So, you are concerned about him?" Hezekiah asked.

Before she realized it, she answered, "Yes." Her eyes widened in alarm when she caught herself. "I mean, I am not *concerned* concerned, just... concerned for the women who keep falling into his trap. It’s not personal, really," she explained, trying to justify her words. Hezekiah simply smiled, not wanting to make things awkward.

"You are right, but you also fell into that trap," Hezekiah said, turning slightly away from her. "And no one warned you about it. Moreover, those other women willingly allow themselves to be played with. None of them truly love him like you did. They are after his body and wealth."

Belle nodded, a clearer understanding settling in her mind.

"Has he always been like this? Before I met him?" She asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Hezekiah paused, the words hanging in his eyes, but his mouth stayed closed.

"No," he finally replied, though something in Belle’s gut told her that wasn’t the full answer. Was Hezekiah hiding something about Quinn’s past? Was Quinn’s past even worse than she had imagined?

"Can you tell me about his past?" Belle pressed, her curiosity growing.

"I would, but I think it’s best if the person himself does," Hezekiah answered. "I am afraid my story might not be entirely accurate."

Belle sensed there was more he wasn’t saying. She couldn’t ask Quinn now, especially since he was intentionally avoiding her. And with him pushing her away so willingly, it seemed best not to involve him any further. What was over was over. It was time for her to start anew with Hezekiah.

"I will pass," she said, turning away to look out the window. "It doesn’t really matter anyway."

Hezekiah smiled faintly but said nothing more, allowing the silence to settle between them as they continued their journey back to the castle.

Later that evening, after dinner, the king came to see Belle in her room. Mistaking it for a knock from Mia, she rushed to open the door, her eyes widening in shock when they landed on Hezekiah instead.

In her haste, she hadn’t noticed that she was only wearing her undergarments, with no bra beneath. Hezekiah’s gaze inadvertently dropped to her exposed chest, and his eyes lingered on her nipples. Belle, mortified, screamed and bolted into her room, forgetting to shut the door behind her in her haste to escape the uncomfortable moment.

"Belle, I am sorry!" Hezekiah called out after her, raising his hand in apology.

"No, don’t come in further!" She shouted from within her room, hurriedly rummaging through her wardrobe for a gown.

"I will wait until you are done," he replied, turning away to give her space. He folded his arms behind his back as he waited for her to get dressed. A smile tugged at his lips as he recalled her reaction earlier. Her embarrassment was endearing. He found himself intrigued by how shy she was, imagining how their first night together was going to be. Sometimes, he assumed she was a virgin, but seeing Quinn always dispelled that thought.

"I am done, you can come in now," Belle said softly, standing by the door with her head lowered, unable to meet his gaze.

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Hezekiah smiled and entered her room, closing the door behind him.

"You can sit here," she offered, gesturing to the only chair in the room, but Hezekiah didn’t sit. He looked around, scanning her room thoughtfully.

"We should get you a couch and other furniture," he observed, noting the room’s bare simplicity.

"No, it’s fine," she replied quickly. "It’s just me and Mia, and I don’t often have guests." Refusing.

He wasn’t listening, still inspecting the room. Reluctantly, Belle gave in, letting him finish his observations.

Once he was done, Hezekiah said, "I will stand. I only came here to tell you something."

"Oh, okay. Please tell me," she said, her tone shifting as she sensed the seriousness of the conversation. This would be the first time he came to her room just to speak, and she was curious about what he had to say. The last time he came to see her had been the night Quinn nearly caused a scandal.

"We will be attending a banquet in two days, but we have received intel about a potential threat. Things may not go as planned. I had planned to leave without you, but my mother thinks it’s wrong of me to decide for you," Hezekiah explained, his voice steady.

Belle’s ears perked at the mention of the threat. So the vampires weren’t done causing trouble, even after their failed mission?

"Why don’t you want me involved with the vampires?" She asked, stepping closer to him. "If we marry, I will be Queen, and I will have to be involved in the kingdom’s affairs. Let me help you."

Desperation was evident in her eyes, and Hezekiah found it hard to refuse her.

"I will let you help once you are able to protect yourself," he said, his tone firm but gentle. "For now, I can’t risk putting you in danger. I promise, if you train well and can defend yourself, I will involve you in the kingdom’s matters immediately."

Belle’s gaze softened at his words, though the frustration of being kept in the dark lingered. She wasn’t used to being kept out of important decisions. But for now, she would trust his promise and focus on proving herself capable.