Chapter 107: Journey
The day of departure arrived, and the grand courtyard was filled with nobles, aristocrats, and ministers, all gathered to witness the future queen’s send-off to war.
Among them, some looked upon her with sympathy, after all, she was with child. Others, however, felt no pity. She was a werewolf, and she-wolves were far from delicate creatures. A little battle wouldn’t kill her. And with the Duke of the North present, many whispered among themselves, questioning if he would even allow her to lift a sword. The two may have divorced, but love—once ignited—was not so easily extinguished.
"I regret that this is the choice you made," Hezekiah said, his voice thick with restrained emotion. If there were any way to stop her, he would take it.
"Don’t be," Belle replied, offering him a small smile, as if to ease his worries. "I will return alive."
But her assurance only deepened the anger in his gaze. Angry, not at her, but at himself.
For the first time since ascending the throne, he felt utterly powerless, and it broke something inside him.
"You had better," he muttered, and without another word, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers.
Gasps erupted throughout the courtyard. Some looked on in shock, while others scowled in envy.
Not far from them, Clifford stood seething. His jaw clenched as he watched the scene unfold, his hands curled into tight fists. His fury had yet to subside from the punch he had taken yesterday at the hands of the Duke. And now, watching Belle command the attention of not just one, but two powerful men, it was intolerable.
She was nothing more than a useless pawn, yet she had managed to capture what his own daughters could not.
But it doesn’t matter, he had already decided on his next move. If Belle could no longer be controlled, then his daughter would take her place.