Chapter 81: Lady Belle
After dressing for the banquet, Belle was escorted by guards to the royal carriage, where she joined Hezekiah for the journey.
Hezekiah couldn’t help but notice how composed and confident Belle seemed. Her determination to emerge from the shadows and better herself was both admirable and tempting, it made him want to offer his help. But he knew her well enough to understand that she wouldn’t accept his hand openly. Instead, he resolved to assist her quietly, from the sidelines, without risking rejection.
"Could I ask you a small favor?" Belle broke the silence as they rode toward their destination.
"What is it?" He asked, turning toward her with interest.
"I would like to familiarize myself with the guests at the banquet. Would it trouble you to introduce them to me as we move through the hall?" She requested, her voice steady yet hopeful.
"That’s no trouble at all," Hezekiah assured her with a warm smile. "I was planning to do that anyway." His reassurance melted away the lingering tension in her chest, and she managed a small, appreciative smile in return.
When they arrived at the banquet, the sight that greeted her was far more elaborate than she had anticipated. Carriages lined the grounds, and a steady stream of nobles entered the grand hall, each presenting their invitation. What Belle thought would be a modest gathering turned out to be a grand affair with nearly every aristocrat and noble from the kingdom in attendance.
"The attention will be entirely on us. Are you prepared for that?" Hezekiah asked as they paused just steps from the entrance, observing the bustling crowd ahead.
"I am ready," she said with unwavering confidence, her expression calm and composed. Without waiting for him to ask, she looped her arm through his elbow.
"You are most certainly ready," he said with amusement, a faint grin gracing his lips as they moved toward the entrance together.
"Make way for the king and the future Queen of the Werewolf Kingdom!" The announcer’s voice rang out as they approached, and the crowd immediately parted, heads bowing in deference.