Chapter 25: Make me
Smiling mischievously, Quinn lowered his head and continued eating, acting as though he wasn’t the one responsible for her discomfort. Why was he even sitting close to the king? He might be a Duke, but he shouldn’t be this honored just because he is the king’s best friend.
Glaring hard at Quinn, she noticed an odd smile on his face and scrutinized him, wondering what he was about to do.
Glancing at her briefly, Quinn shifted his attention to the King and started, "It seems, Your Majesty, that our lady cannot endure..." only to be cut off by Belle when she noticed what he was about to say.
"Pray, cease this at once!" she exclaimed, stretching out her hand to him to halt his words. Her abruptness shocked everyone, leaving them confused as to why she interrupted him. Why did she appear as though she were guilty of something?
"’Cease,’ you say?" Quinn raised a brow at her, repeating her words with an air of mockery.
Realizing how foolish she must have seemed, she quickly composed herself and said, "I mean to say, I am quite well. I merely require a brief break." With that, she awkwardly exited the dining room.
Not finished with her, Quinn rose to follow after her, halting only when Hezekiah called, "Quinn, I shall see to this matter myself." And raised his hand to stop him from proceeding further.
Without sparing him another glance, Hezekiah took to his heels and followed after Belle.
"Belle!" He called when he saw her moving farther away, causing her to halt and widen her eyes, shocked to see Hezekiah in pursuit.