Divorce The Duke, Marry The King!
Chapter 92: He is too weak

Chapter 92: He is too weak

Arriving at the Duke’s estate, Hezekiah strode straight into the building where Quinn resided, paying no mind to the murmured greetings of the servants.

"Should I say it’s nice to see you, considering you have gone to such lengths to stop me from seeing you?" Quinn’s voice rang out, halting Hezekiah’s steps. His gaze landed on Quinn, who lounged against the wall as if he had been expecting him.

"Let’s go inside," Hezekiah ordered, uninterested in banters at the moment. Without another word, he moved toward the study, not bothering to check if Quinn followed.

Quinn smirked and trailed after him, shutting the door once inside.

"So, what’s your decision?" He asked, already aware of why Hezekiah had come in such haste. The king valued his people above all else, no matter the circumstances, their safety was his priority.

"I have read the scroll," Hezekiah stated, his voice resolute. "They have no interest in negotiations. Their first target is our allied kingdom, the witches and I will not allow that. How quickly can you prepare the new army?"

For the first time in years, Quinn felt something akin to satisfaction as he observed the man before him. He had expected Hezekiah to propose another truce, but it seemed he had finally realized that sometimes one must speak with a sword rather than words.

"It will take four to five days if we go through the official enlistment process. If we forgo the ceremony, two days should suffice," Quinn answered, striding to his desk. He unraveled a war map across the table.

"This is our battle strategy. I drafted it before considering the new army, but we can adjust accordingly. What do you think?"

Hezekiah stepped closer, his fingers tracing the lines of the map as he absorbed the details. He nodded in approval.

"This is sound, but instead of confronting the vampires directly, we will station our forces within the witches’ kingdom. Our territories are interconnected, positioning ourselves there will safeguard our own borders from direct assault. My men will fortify the inner kingdom while you secure the outer perimeter," he suggested, the tone of a seasoned warrior in his voice.

"I do not trust them," Quinn countered. "We have evidence that they are working with the vampires."

"I trust them," Hezekiah stated simply. "And that is enough."

Their gazes locked in silent conflict, neither man yielding.

"Just a reminder," Quinn finally said. "I do not work for you, I work with you. I will follow your command, but if I find them untrustworthy, I will handle matters my way."

"I have no objections," Hezekiah replied without hesitation. "Come to the castle the day after tomorrow. The Twelve Elders will be present, it will be the perfect time to announce the war. We must begin preparations at once."

Quinn frowned.

"The Twelve Elders? Why are they convening at the castle?" Quinn inquired, his gaze sharpening.

Hezekiah sighed, allowing silence to settle before finally admitting, "Belle’s father exposed her past marriage to you. The ministers have taken his side and they do not want her as queen, so they have deferred the decision to the Twelve Elders." He clenched his jaw, hating himself for not foreseeing this.

"You didn’t consider that before presenting her to them? How is she?" Quinn pressed, his expression darkening.

"You think I would knowingly put her in danger?" Hezekiah countered.

"Yes. This was not the tone you used when you told me to stay away from her. Do you have any idea how much she despises her father?" He asked.

"So much that she gave up everything for a man like you to destroy...yes, I do," Hezekiah retorted, his voice edged with anger.

"And yet you didn’t consider any of this before making your move? I was willing to give you both space, but I am starting to think that was a foolish decision. I will not stay away from her any longer," Quinn declared. He had thought he was doing her a favor by staying away but he should have made a move after seeing her so exhausted at the banquet.

"You cannot defy your king," Hezekiah warned. "Do not interfere now that I am reclaiming what is mine. Tomorrow, we will complete the mating bond. Give up this futile attempt to win her back, she belongs to me." His words were laced with venom.

Rage flared in Quinn’s eyes. Without a second thought, he drove his fist into Hezekiah’s face, sending him staggering back from the unexpected blow.

Hezekiah chuckled darkly, wiping the blood from the corner of his lips. "You can lash out all you want, but she will never return to you. You lost her the moment you signed those divorce papers like a fool."

Quinn seized him by the collar, his fist clenched, ready to strike again but he stopped short, his voice low and firm. "She will always be mine. The mating bond means nothing. I am still her mate, Kia, and she will never feel truly connected to you." He let go, stepping back.

"The guards will escort you out. I will be at the castle, as you wish," Quinn added, but there was a hidden meaning in his words that made Hezekiah’s gaze narrow. He was about to question him when the door swung open, revealing Steve.

"Your Majesty!" Steve exclaimed, eyes widening at the sight of Hezekiah’s bruised face. In an instant, he unsheathed his sword, positioning himself between the king and Quinn.

"How dare you strike the king?!" He roared, his fury palpable.

Quinn barely reacted, an amused smirk playing on his lips. "Because he is too weak to protect himself, how can he possibly protect a woman?" He let the insult linger before adding, "And remember, I trained you. You still haven’t learned how to unsheathe your sword properly." His smirk widened before he turned and strode out.

Steve tried to pursue him, but Hezekiah held him back. "Let him go. He will be leaving for war soon." Then, without another word, he exited the room.

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