Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 82: In her corner

It was eight at night, and in the Slaters' mansion, Ruelle gathered the few belongings of hers that she had pulled out from her trunk during her short stay. As she and the others had classes tomorrow, the carriage had been prepared to leave.

The movement of wind had increased far more than when they had arrived from the town and the sky was covered by clouds, making the atmosphere darker.

Her fingers lingered on the fine fabric of the dress she had worn earlier. For a moment, she only stood there. Looking and not touching, before she folded it with care. Slipping back into her older dress that reminded her where she belonged.

She should have said something, she thought to herself. For someone like her, she didn't understand what losing a mother meant. Because she hadn't got the time to spend with her biological mother, and her mother was only an idea.

But for someone like Lucian, who had spent and known his mother. And for one single hope of connection to be lost…

A knock broke her thoughts and Maude stepped inside the room.

"Shall I have food packed for the journey, Miss Ruelle?" she inquired.

"That won't be necessary. I ate outside before returning to the mansion," Ruelle replied with a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"It isn't my place but you should avoid eating outside," Maude replied, her expression barely changing. "It is the easiest way to poison someone. Humans do not approve of those who associate with vampires. Some prefer to solve things quietly."

Ruelle blinked, startled. "I will be careful," she murmured.

Maude moved to the neatly folded dress on the bed. Without asking she picked it up and carried it to the trunk.

"That doesn't belong to me," Ruelle reminded the vampiress.

"It does, milady," Maude replied. "It is yours now."

"That's too generous. I cannot accept something like—"

"You misunderstand, milady," said Maude, closing the trunk. "There has not been a young woman in this house for years. These clothes have no purpose here. Letting them hold dust in storage is far more disrespectful than giving them to someone who will use them."

She paused briefly and continued, "They were prepared by the lady but never worn. A trunk has already been loaded into the carriage."

"For me?" Ruelle asked, her voice almost a whisper.

"Unless Master Dane intends to experiment with lace ribbons, yes. For you." Maude's gaze rested on her for a second longer than usual. "The master was the one who ordered it."

Ruelle's lips parted but no words formed. Warmth spread through her chest along with guilt. She had learned not to expect kindness and tonight she wasn't sure she deserved it.

Maude turned toward the door and called, "Take Miss Ruelle's luggage to the carriage."

servant stepped in and carried the

softly, "Thank you." In response, the vampiress

her cheeks. She had wrapped the scarf that Lucian had given her, its warmth settling gently against her skin as she

lips as she exhaled. The next time she would

reached her ears and Ruelle turned towards the gates. She caught another carriage rolling into the courtyard. It came to

the carriage door opened, Blake Stelaris stepped out of

for a second before delight softened them, a bright smile blooming naturally across her face. The vampiress' elegance and warmth was striking and Ruelle was in awe

Blake greeted, curiosity and gentleness

bowed politely, returning the smile. "Good

an elegant updo, her thin eyebrows arched

a polite bow

Ruelle. Her gaze skimmed over Ruelle in a dismissive sweep that lingered just long enough to decide the human was beneath their status. Her lips curved into the faintest line

older vampiress demanded. "And

answered politely. "The others

her hand and with a lazy flick ordered, "Then go tell them

her

Blake's voice was polite but

staff! She's a

turned her head slowly, regarding Blake

tend to find their rightful place eventually. Best to

to look at her. She continued, "You may be unaware, but one Groundling now serves as Head of the Royal Guard. Another governs as a minister because he possessed ability, not pedigree. There are many such people. In

in Lady Stelaris's expression and

What you said was a minority. Groundlings rise only when a vampire raises them. Without us, you would still be scraping for crumbs in the dirt. So remember that before you allow confidence to outrun your

changes whether we approve of it or not.

her breath, "Insolent. Azriel has truly grown careless. How can he approve someone like her in

the sting. She had been looked down

insult barely left Lady Stelaris's lips before they heard sharp

dark against the lantern glow, shoulders straight, expression unreadably composed. Yet nothing about him felt calm. His dark

guest, Lady Stelaris." Lucian's voice was smooth

father's guest?

She blamed, "Did

for it by saying things earlier. But now she

her. It wasn't long but it

me right. Slater Ground is not a place for others to define worth. Nor is it a place where guests insult those under our protection. Especially where respect is expected. Shouldn't you return it now?"

subtly pressed her lips together, her fingers curling against her

out a faint laugh and remarked, "You misunderstand. I was only offering

Stelaris," Lucian cut in. The older vampiress looked tongue-tied as if in shock that he was defending a

"Are you trying to fall sick instead of getting inside?" He