Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 77: Way to have clean hands

The clock on the mantel ticked steadily in the living room, each second pressing faintly against Ezekiel's patience. He had been ready for some time now. Everything was in place except for his wife.

His thoughts drifted to Ruelle.

By now, her parents would have reprimanded her for her shameful action. He imagined her standing there silent and wounded. When he reached there, he would offer her what she lacked. A shoulder and a reminder that she still had him.

He had a meeting with Lorenzo Helsing, but he had postponed it because it could wait today.

At last, Caroline entered the living room, her dress catching the light as she moved, flattering her skin exactly as she had intended. She had been careful to make sure people of Brackenwell knew her status had risen and that she was no longer poor.

"I am almost ready," she said with a small laugh.

Ezekiel reminded her, "We should hurry. It would be rude to arrive late."

"Mother and Father aren't going anywhere," Caroline replied with a shrug, though she nodded after a second. She lifted the pearl necklace in her hand. "Would you help me with this?"

"Of course," Ezekiel murmured, getting up from his seat. He stepped behind her and fastened the hook of the necklace. But his fingers lingered at her nape, close enough to feel the warmth beneath her skin. For a brief moment, the urge to tighten his grip surfaced in his mind.

"Is it stuck?" Caroline asked, unaware of her husband's ill intentions.

Not yet, he reminded himself, withdrawing his hands away from her slender neck.

Instead he answered, "No. It looks perfect. The fabric suits you well. You chose wisely." It wasn't hard to change Caroline's mood as she smiled brightly at his praise. "I regret that I couldn't accompany you for it," he added, his voice carrying regret.

"You are far too hard on yourself," she offered, turning to him and resting her hands briefly against his chest. "I told you it was alright we can shop together next time. We can buy something for mother too, right?"

Megan Belmont. How could he forget that woman?

"Of course. She is family now," Ezekiel said with a false smile. "Since I lost mine long ago, I consider myself fortunate to have gained yours."

Caroline's eyes lowered with a hint of sadness that she felt for her husband. She had always believed suffering made people kinder and Ezekiel was gentle, composed and endlessly giving, which seemed proof of it.

"I forget sometimes how alone you must have been," she said quietly. "You lost everything. Your parents. Your home. And still you give so much."

"It was a long time ago," he assured her, which was slightly dismissive in a way that sounded like strength to Caroline.

Before she could answer, a servant stepped inside and bowed his head. He then informed, "Sire, there is a gentleman asking to see you."

"Tell him I am engaged today," Ezekiel didn't hesitate in his response. "I will make time later."

The servant lingered and replied, "He says he is the village officer from Brackenwell."

Caroline looked up at once and murmured in surprise, "An officer from Brackenwell?"

Ezekiel barely reacted at this. His mind moved faster than his breath. He had been extremely meticulous the day he had June disappear. No one had seen him speak to her or had seen her enter his carriage. The officer of Brackenwell had no reason to come here. After all, he was a respected instructor, newly married, a man whose hands were publicly clean.

Bring him in,"

eyebrows. His clothes were regular to

day, Mr. and Mrs. Henley. I will try to keep

a seat," Ezekiel

taking a seat, and the couple sat

matter, Mr. Thompson?" Caroline

her eyes. "I am here to enquire about June Clifford's disappearance. Considering she was last seen visiting your family

mean they have raised concerns?" Caroline's eyes widened. "They think I had something to do with her

is only a mandatory questioning, madam," Mr. Thompson answered

pause. "She wanted to inquire about the tablecloth. She spoke with me and then left. I haven't seen

in the small leather-bound book resting on his knee. He then continued without looking

that there had been

a short laugh which

spoke as though she were better than others, when in truth she was no different. Her family simply fared better

expression was composed and attentive, the very picture of a supporting husband, while she

doesn't mean I would ever

Thompson studied her for a moment, his eyes thoughtful rather

right, disagreements are common. We found that one witness caught sight of her getting into

on his neck but he smiled. He replied, "A dark carriage, Mr. Thompson. Just like

your wife, Mr. Henley? When she visited

meet Miss Clifford. My wife received her briefly. She left soon after,"

June had stayed. The officer gave a faint hum of acknowledgement as he wrote,

wife with ease. I wonder whether Miss Clifford found you equally reassuring, Mr. Henley You are an instructor at Sexton Academy and Miss

eyes as though he had nothing to hide. "They usually approach the head instructor Gemma

Mr. Thompson noted. "Did you hear of any

shook his head once and

and their absences are often swept under the rug. We only hope to offer justice to at least

Ezekiel appeared agreeable. "We are happy to assist in any

from his seat. "I will not take more of your time today. But

instructed the servant, "Bring the carriage around. We will be

sire," the servant bowed

a step forward, when Caroline's

did he mean by seduction

watched her confusion with unease creeping in her eyes.

as it sounds. The title is far more provocative than the subject

did not know

replied without hesitation, "It was the only subject available at the time. I am not the head instructor but a mere assistant. Most of the students are directed to

him, startled. "You have?"

softened. "Since marrying you, my priorities have changed. I would never wish for

right moment and Caroline's shoulders eased slightly. She confessed, "It is just that you didn't say

not wish to trouble you unnecessarily. Especially when I knew the

nodded. Trust with him which was familiar and instinctive, began to settle back into place. Though it did not rest as easily as before.