Chapter 96: Tie you up
"Are you all right? Did anyone touch you inappropriately?" Hezekiah asked, concern laced in his voice as he studied her.
Belle quickly shook her head, stepping forward to grasp his arm.
"I caught you first, which means I win," she declared, swiftly diverting the conversation.
Hezekiah opened his mouth to press further, but before he could, the priest’s voice rang out.
"Our Queen has found the King! She is victorious!"
The crowd erupted into cheers, leaving Hezekiah with little choice but to set his worries aside. Together, they ascended the altar once more.
"The ceremony has now come to an end. It is time for our Alpha and Luna to complete the final task."
Belle’s breath hitched at the priest’s words. Task? The night she had both anticipated and dreaded had finally arrived. There was no escape now, no more room for excuses.
"Shall we?" Hezekiah extended his hand toward her, his expression unreadable.
Swallowing her hesitation, Belle placed her palm in his, allowing him to guide her away from the altar, away from the gathering, until they were alone in the dimly lit corridor.
Hezekiah couldn’t help but smile as he felt her grip tighten around his own. He resisted the urge to tease her, wary of worsening her nerves. The thought amused him; how could a woman who had already been married be so shy?