Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 87: Decision sent to the King

In the evening, the corridor hummed with conversations as some of the students made their way towards the dining hall. The rich scent of roasted meat and herbs drifted through the air. Ruelle heard Hailey sighed beside her,

"I'm not certain I recovered from the dance lesson, Rue. My toes escaped unharmed, but Sawyer dances like he was trying to summon a storm. I was only there to be flung along with it."

"I am sorry about it. But I am glad you didn't fall," Ruelle patted her friend's back with a smile.

"That could have been embarrassing," Hailey thought grimly before noticing a stain on her sleeve. She pulled out her handkerchief and began dabbing it while mindlessly asking, "How about you? Did Lucian glare at you?"

"Actually, it was the opposite," Ruelle replied with a small smile. Contrary to what people believed, Lucian was thoughtful even if he wasn't loud about it.

Hailey opened her mouth to respond when a royal guard stepped in front of them, blocking their path. Hailey's hand went defensively near Ruelle's arm. The guard announced with a bow,

"Miss Ruelle Belmont. His Highness, Crown Prince Edward, demands your presence for dinner this evening."

Ruelle blinked. "Dinner… with the prince?" she repeated faintly.

Every conversation near them stopped and heads not so subtly turned in their direction. A hushed murmur began to spread around the corridor.

"A chaperone has already been arranged," the guard added smoothly, as though the whispers were beneath his notice. "So that the chaperone will ensure proper conduct. You need not concern yourself with impropriety or speculation."

"May I ask why?" Ruelle asked carefully.

"His Highness did not share his reasons. Only that he does not want to be kept waiting," the guard replied. He continued, "If you would follow me now, Miss Belmont."

Ruelle glanced at Hailey. Her friend squeezed out a smile. This was something one couldn't refuse and it wasn't every day humans like her were invited to have a meal with the royal family member.

"I'll go ahead to the dining hall," Hailey whispered, leaning close. "Kevin should be waiting." Then, she said reassuringly, "You'll be fine. Tell me everything later!" she winked.

Ruelle followed as the guard turned. Her footsteps fell quietly behind his, echoing against the polished marble floor and the hushed murmurs dimmed out. She clasped her hands together in front of her to keep them from fidgeting. They walked past the tall windows lining the corridor and when she took a peek outside, the sky looked starless.

The guard led her to a wide balcony. Two guards stood at the entrance and beyond them, lamplight glowed warmly. A long table was set near the railing, where one could view the academy grounds and the horizon.

"Miss Belmont has arrived, Your Highness," the guard announced.

Prince Edward sat comfortably at one end of the table, dressed as if this were a soiree.

"If only you had longer legs, you would have come sooner and spared me from waiting for you. I am famished," Edward shook his head in disappointment.

Ruelle offered him a tight smile and a bow. The chair opposite to him was pulled out for her. She asked him cautiously,

there a reason why I have

and down with his

with a prince should have been a

didn't want to plunge into

the ballroom lesson," Edward sighed dramatically, as if fate itself had personally wronged him. He then frowned, "They changed the

to have

the food. A roasted bird on a platter was set before her, which had a golden, crispy skin. The prince finally noticed her

too quiet." He looked displeased by the lack

Ruelle murmured softly,

anyone," Edward countered without shame and he ran his fingers through

hundred and twelve," Hermes corrected gently from behind. Ruelle nearly choked

was arranged upon Prince Edward's word, in the dining room candles and the fireplace burned warmly. Hailey hurriedly stepped inside before taking a seat at the Groundlings' table next to

it," Kevin remarked, tapping the empty rim of his bowl with his spoon. He glanced

"She was summoned to have dinner."

blinked once before giving her a polite nod. He

him from the corner of

that didn't quite make it to

Hailey turned fully toward him, her voice gentler now, "you should tell her

it off, but Hailey only rolled her eyes. After a pause he responded, "What chance does someone like me have when there's a

She stated, "You know Ruelle. She doesn't fall for titles. She always notices kindness. If you keep

stared at his

rose from the Elite tables. Lucian sat among them, listening to nothing. His gaze swept across the hall and stopped at the empty

was summoned

thin line, as

and Ruelle turned instinctively. Her eyes widened slightly at the sight of Mr. Henley, who bowed to the prince.

chaperone has arrived," Edward declared brightly. "I heard you have an uncle here, Ruelle, so naturally I

gaze slipped to Ezekiel and noticed

shall be generous and overlook it this time. Especially when he is old. His bones must creak. Hermes, you

generous, Your Highness," Hermes responded

he'd been summoned, he had not expected to find Ruelle seated beside the prince. He corrected the prince's assumption through clenched teeth while

uncle, Your Highness.

and studied the Halfling. He frowned. "Really? You look considerably older than what you say.

Ezekiel asked, "Explains… what?"

picked up a

me at first. Old and unable to afford Ruelle's freedom. But—" a

stomped