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," Ezekiel

few seconds, the servant returned with the officer, who was in his mid-fifties. His hair was shoulder-length, brushed away from his high and frowning eyebrows. His clothes were regular to the eye,

Orev Thompson. I seem to have interrupted your day, Mr. and Mrs. Henley. I will try to keep it short," the man spoke to

your visit. Please take a seat," Ezekiel raised his hand towards

it, taking a seat, and the couple sat down on the opposite

Mr. Thompson?" Caroline asked

enquire about June Clifford's disappearance. Considering she was last seen visiting your family

have raised concerns?" Caroline's eyes widened.

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

Clifford did come by that afternoon," Caroline said after a brief pause. "She wanted to inquire about the tablecloth. She spoke with me and then left. I haven't seen her

leather-bound book resting on his knee. He then continued without

been prior tension between the

short laugh which carried disbelief

I did not like her. She spoke as though she were better than others, when in truth she

and attentive, the very picture of a supporting husband, while she continued

doesn't mean I

his eyes thoughtful rather than accusatory. At last he

one witness caught sight of her getting into a dark carriage further down the road. What

prickle on his neck but he smiled. He

did you meet her along with your wife, Mr. Henley? When she visited the

received

how long June had stayed. The

ease. I wonder whether Miss Clifford found you equally reassuring, Mr. Henley You are an instructor at Sexton Academy and Miss Clifford was your student there. You teach subjects that require… proximity. Especially with a subject

when it comes to such subjects," Ezekiel answered, his gaze unwavering as he met the officer's eyes as though he had nothing to hide.

see," Mr. Thompson noted. "Did you hear of any altercation between

shook his head once and

often swept

happy to assist

all for now," Mr. Thompson concluded, closing his book and getting up from his seat. "I will not take

instructed the servant, "Bring the

the servant bowed

had just taken a step forward,

mean by seduction techniques?"

unease creeping in her eyes.

it sounds. The title is far more

the response. She murmured, "I did not know you taught something like that. I

the head instructor but a mere assistant. Most of the students are directed to Gemma Gilbert. I rarely conduct such lessons myself. I understand why it

him,

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

and Caroline's shoulders eased slightly. She confessed, "It is

I

nodded. Trust with him which was familiar and instinctive, began to settle back into