Chapter 26: Memories with him
"I am not protecting him, Your Majesty. I am merely sparing you from future regrets. His fate matters not to me, but I cannot bear to see your hands stained with his blood," Belle said, her tone urgent. "I beg of you, calm yourself, and I shall explain everything in due course." She hoped Hezekiah would grasp the deeper meaning of her words and restrain himself.
It was not that she opposed Quinn’s death, he deserved every torment imaginable but if anyone were to end his life, it must be her. She wouldn’t need to strike him with a blade, her revenge alone would destroy him utterly.
Quinn, observing the exchange, could not discern whether she sought to protect him or merely to protect Hezekiah. Her words carried an edge of disdain, as though she wished him dead, but not yet, and not like this.
"Just this once," Hezekiah said at last, after a long pause. He signaled his men to stand down.
Glancing briefly at Quinn, though his words were directed to Belle, he commanded, "Let us speak in private," turning his back and walking away without waiting to see if she followed.
Casting a hateful glance at Quinn, Belle exhaled deeply before following Hezekiah.
They walked in silence for several minutes, eventually reaching the King’s garden, secluded from the rest of the castle.
"Why did you truly protect him? Speak plainly, Belle, and spare me no honesty," Hezekiah said, his back still turned toward her, his voice steady but firm.
"I came to you seeking revenge, and that revenge includes Quinn," she began, her tone deliberate. "If he were killed now, it would all be for nothing. His family would divide his properties and sell them off, leaving me no chance to reclaim what is mine. It is far too soon."