Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 87: Not a cage

Chapter 87: Not a cage

Belle’s lips parted at the tempting question, her pulse quickening. Strangely, she found herself wanting to ask the very same thing, not to him, but to herself. What if one day, she can no longer refuse him? If that moment came, what would she do?

Quinn brought her upright once more, drawing her closer as he lowered his lips to her ear. His voice, a mere whisper, sent a shiver down her spine.

"If you truly wish to choose Hezekiah, I will stand down... for a while," he murmured. "Otherwise, you might consider avoiding the mating day, which, I fear, will be hastened."

Before she could fully register his words, he turned away, meeting Hezekiah’s seething glare. Belle followed his gaze, her breath hitching at the sight before her.

She had never seen Hezekiah this enraged. Was it because of their closeness?

Taking advantage of her distraction, Quinn leaned back slightly and said, "I have something to attend to, my lady."

Then, just like that, he vanished into the crowd, leaving her standing there, breathless and bewildered.

Belle inhaled deeply, then exhaled, steadying herself. Avoid the mating day?

The banquet drew to an end, and one by one, the guests departed in their carriages. Throughout the entire ride home, Belle’s thoughts remained tangled in Quinn’s words. Could she truly be selfish and choose herself?

But she had already signed a contract, her fate was sealed. Even if she dared to reconsider, who would stand by her? No one. She would be despised by all, including Mia, the only family she had left.

The carriage rolled to a stop. Without a word to Hezekiah, Belle stepped out and strode into the castle, lost in thought.

"Belle..." Hezekiah called after her, but she was already gone, disappearing into the halls without so much as a glance back.

His jaw tightened. He stood there for a moment, watching her retreating form, then turned sharply to Steve.

"Bring my mother to my study. Now." His voice was edged with impatience.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Steve bowed before hurrying off to carry out his orders.

Now alone in his study, Hezekiah paced restlessly, his thoughts a storm of frustration. If expediting the mating day was the only way to claim her, then so be it. If she was so drawn to men like Quinn, then perhaps it was time he became one himself.

Knock, knock.

A sharp knock at the door broke his thoughts. Without hesitation, he strode forward and pulled it open.

Maddie stepped inside, concern written across her face. "You summoned me? Is something wrong?" She asked, noting the late hour and the tension radiating from him.

"I want you to set the mating day for the day after tomorrow," Hezekiah declared, his tone unwavering. "Tomorrow, I will introduce her to the ministers, nobles, and aristocrats of the kingdom." Maddie blinked, caught off guard. The abruptness of his decision left her momentarily speechless.

"I thought you wanted her to heal fully before even considering this?" She asked, stepping closer, her voice careful. "Besides, this is all too sudden. How do you intend to inform everyone tonight? They must be exhausted from today’s banquet."

"It is already in motion, and my men are not sluggish. If I command it, they will see it done within the hour," Hezekiah replied, striding toward his desk to retrieve a scroll. "She is healed enough, we can delay no further."

Maddie sighed, stepping closer. "I don’t know what has brought on this sudden decision, but why don’t you take a moment to think it through? You wouldn’t want to act rashly and regret it later." She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, hoping to ease his storm.

But Hezekiah only exhaled, his resolve firm. "I have my reasons for hastening things, and I promise, I will not regret it." His voice was calm now, unwavering. No, this was not a decision made in anger. If anything, he was ensuring that he had no regrets in the future. He was thinking clearly, and this was his final decision.

Maddie studied him for a moment, searching for any trace of hesitation. "A reason strong enough that you cannot wait just seven more days? The mating day is already set, and I am certain it will unfold as foretold." Her gaze softened, but Hezekiah had already made up his mind.

"Mother, I have never feared losing anyone the way I fear losing Belle," he admitted, his voice low but charged with emotion. "I loved her before she even came to me. If I let her go, I will never be whole again. And as long as Quinn lingers, that mating day will keep shifting. I will not leave my fate to chance, I will take control of it."

Maddie’s heart ached for him. How had she failed to see this before? How had she been blind to the turmoil within her own son?

"I will do as you ask," she relented. "But promise me one thing."

A small smile touched Hezekiah’s lips. "Anything for you, Mother."

"Do not lose yourself in the pursuit of having her," she implored. "Belle deserves happiness, not a cage. If her heart belongs elsewhere... let her go. There is someone out there for you, I promise."

Her words struck deep, leaving Hezekiah momentarily speechless. He could not promise to let Belle go. And if not losing himself meant releasing her, then how could he possibly agree?

"Yes, Mother. I will," he lied, silently begging for her forgiveness.

Maddie searched his face but said nothing. Instead, she reached for the scroll he held out to her.

"This is for Belle," he said. "You are the one who inscribes the women of the royal line. Once the mating is sealed, I trust you to see it done."

Maddie accepted the scroll, nodding. "I am with you." With that, she turned and walked away, the weight of her son’s decision settling in her mind. If this was what he wanted, then she was going to do it.

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