Chapter 9: Did you do it?
"The Duke has returned!" The maid's words hit Izabella like a bolt of lightning, leaving her in a state of shock.
"So soon!" Izabella muttered, her heart sinking. The Duke was supposed to be gone for three days, how could he return on the second day? She had barely had time to relish her victory, nor had she tortured Belle to her satisfaction. It was all going wrong.
"Quickly! See to it that Belle is cleaned up. We must make it appear as though we have not harmed her too severely. My son still holds some misplaced affection for that woman!" Izabella snapped, her voice laced with irritation. Without another word, she hastened out of the room to greet Quinn.
As she reached the entrance, Izabella's breath caught in her throat. The sight of Quinn, his face dark with anger, sent a chill down her spine. Has someone informed him of her actions? What if he takes Belle's side?
"My son, you have returned just in time," Izabella said, her tone feigning joy as she reached out to him, taking his hand.
"Where is she?!" Quinn thundered, jerking his hand away from her grasp.
"The dungeon," Izabella replied, stepping back.
Without hesitation, Quinn stormed towards the dungeon, tearing open the prison gate where Belle lay.
"How dare you try to poison my woman?!" Quinn's voice, full of rage, jolted Belle from her sleep. Slowly, she rose to her feet, leaning against the wall for support.
For a brief moment, Quinn's anger faltered as he took in her tattered state, his eyes narrowing in confusion.
"You are back," Belle said bitterly, offering a faint smile, a flicker of hope igniting within her.