Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 81: Lady Belle

Chapter 81: Lady Belle

After dressing for the banquet, Belle was escorted by guards to the royal carriage, where she joined Hezekiah for the journey.

Hezekiah couldn’t help but notice how composed and confident Belle seemed. Her determination to emerge from the shadows and better herself was both admirable and tempting, it made him want to offer his help. But he knew her well enough to understand that she wouldn’t accept his hand openly. Instead, he resolved to assist her quietly, from the sidelines, without risking rejection.

"Could I ask you a small favor?" Belle broke the silence as they rode toward their destination.

"What is it?" He asked, turning toward her with interest.

"I would like to familiarize myself with the guests at the banquet. Would it trouble you to introduce them to me as we move through the hall?" She requested, her voice steady yet hopeful.

"That’s no trouble at all," Hezekiah assured her with a warm smile. "I was planning to do that anyway." His reassurance melted away the lingering tension in her chest, and she managed a small, appreciative smile in return.

When they arrived at the banquet, the sight that greeted her was far more elaborate than she had anticipated. Carriages lined the grounds, and a steady stream of nobles entered the grand hall, each presenting their invitation. What Belle thought would be a modest gathering turned out to be a grand affair with nearly every aristocrat and noble from the kingdom in attendance.

"The attention will be entirely on us. Are you prepared for that?" Hezekiah asked as they paused just steps from the entrance, observing the bustling crowd ahead.

"I am ready," she said with unwavering confidence, her expression calm and composed. Without waiting for him to ask, she looped her arm through his elbow.

"You are most certainly ready," he said with amusement, a faint grin gracing his lips as they moved toward the entrance together.

"Make way for the king and the future Queen of the Werewolf Kingdom!" The announcer’s voice rang out as they approached, and the crowd immediately parted, heads bowing in deference.

The sudden attention momentarily unsettled Belle, but she quickly steeled herself, lifting her chin and nodding graciously to acknowledge the crowd’s greetings.

"Look at how elegant she is."

"He’s finally found a mate? How fortunate he must be."

"She’s exactly the kind of woman I’d admire."

The murmurs of admiration rippling through the assembly only intensified Belle’s confidence as they neared the entrance.

"Your Majesty," the guard at the door knelt on one knee, bowing deeply, then gestured for them to proceed.

"My invitation?" Hezekiah asked, holding it out.

The guard shook his head emphatically. "Who would dare question the presence of the King? Your Majesty, please accept our welcome," he said, extending his hand toward the hall in a gesture of respect.

"Thank you," Hezekiah replied, his polite acknowledgement sending a ripple of delight through the women nearby, who watched him with admiration.

As they stepped into the hall, Belle was taken aback by its splendor. The vast space was filled with a hum of conversation, while soft music played in the background. Massive chandeliers hung from the ceiling, glittering like a cascade of stars. For someone attending a banquet for the first time, Belle couldn’t have imagined a grander introduction.

Hezekiah leaned toward her slightly and murmured, "The Lord of the Burrowhows and his wife, Lady Franklin," nodding toward the distinguished couple approaching them.

"Noted," Belle murmured softly, a polite smile gracing her lips as she welcomed the approaching couple.

"Your Majesty, Your Grace." The Lord and Lady greeted in unison, their expressions warm and respectful.

"Lord Burrowhow, Lady Franklin," Belle replied, her tone gracious, prompting the couple to exchange delighted glances. It was clear they were pleasantly surprised that she knew their names, especially since this was their first meeting.

"Your Grace, you know our names! We feel quite special," Lady Franklin remarked, placing a hand dramatically over her chest.

"Of course. Everyone deserves to be addressed by their name, and yours is sweet on my tongue," Belle replied smoothly, her words laced with charm. Hezekiah bit back a smirk, impressed yet amused by her sudden ability to sweet-talk. Where had she learned this?

"Your Majesty, I would say I wish you a blessed home, but it seems unnecessary. You have already been blessed with Your Grace, you will never need to ask for blessings again," Lord Burrowhow said, eliciting laughter from everyone.

"I have never been happier to be blessed," Hezekiah added, turning toward Belle with a meaningful look.

Caught off guard, Belle hesitated. What was she supposed to do now? Smile? Compliment him in return? The moment stretched awkwardly until she blurted, "I am more blessed to have you."

Even as the words left her mouth, she cringed inwardly. It felt so forced, so unnatural, where had that come from? She was sure it was the most awkward thing she had ever said.

The conversation flowed on before they eventually moved to the next guest.

"Lord Nathan and his mistress, Christabel," Hezekiah whispered to Belle as they approached the next pair. "It’s best to refer to her as his wife."

"His wife?" Belle frowned, her voice dropping into a whisper.

"He rejected his actual wife, claiming she cheated on him, but it was just an excuse to pursue his lover," Hezekiah explained, his tone neutral.

The revelation made Belle instantly dislike the man.

"Your Majesty, Your Grace," the pair greeted as they approached, bowing respectfully.

"Lord Nathan, Mistress Christabel," Belle replied, ignoring Hezekiah’s earlier advice.

Christabel’s expression soured immediately, her pleasant demeanor vanishing.

"I apologize. Her Grace is not yet familiar with your status," Hezekiah interjected smoothly, attempting to diffuse the tension. Christabel appeared appeased, her frown easing.

But Belle wasn’t done. "You are not legally married, so you are, in fact, a mistress. How does that make you a lady?" She said coolly.

The air turned cold.

"Your Grace!" Lord Nathan protested sharply, but Christabel, visibly humiliated, had already fled. Forced to choose, Nathan hurried after her, leaving Belle and Hezekiah behind.

"Cheaters," Belle muttered under her breath, turning back toward Hezekiah, only for her gaze to fall on someone unexpected.

"Your Grace, Your Majesty," Quinn greeted smoothly as he approached with another woman on his arm.

Belle stiffened, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the scene. The woman beside him was unfamiliar, a new conquest, perhaps.

"Duke Quinn and Lady...?" Belle’s voice trailed off as her question hung in the air.

"Lady Belle," Quinn answered, his tone measured, his expression unreadable.

And Belle thought, ’A new maiden with my name, seriously?’