Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 98: Half the Way to Sexton

Ruelle dragged her trunk to the carriage stop and waited for the local carriage to arrive. And while she sat on the wooden bench, she came to the conclusion that Sexton was the only place left to go.

The road was quiet at this hour, save for the occasional passerby who glanced at her sitting alone with her belongings. No one asked her questions as if the villagers had already decided she was not their concern. It was only when her stomach grumbled that she remembered that she hadn’t eaten anything since last night.

So easily her family had cast her aside, the thought ran again and again, refusing to leave her in peace. All those years beneath one roof, every small hope she had foolishly nurtured had been swept away in a single moment.

After some more minutes, the local carriage appeared, its wheels rattling on the ground. Ruelle rose to her feet, brushing dust from her skirt.

"Is this carriage bound for Sexton?" she asked, forcing a polite smile.

"It is. The ride will cost four crowns," the coachman replied, climbing down from his seat.

"Four?" Ruelle frowned. "But it is usually two."

"It’s Saturday, miss," he answered with a shrug. "And not many coaches run to Sexton on the weekend."

Ruelle hesitated, her fingers tightening around the handle of her trunk. She had only two crowns and five shillings... hardly enough for the journey. She glanced back toward the direction of her house. She doubted the door would open for her again.

"So—are you getting on?" the coachman asked.

"Then... I would like to go half the way from here. For two crowns," Ruelle let him know.

The coachman considered it for a moment and then nodded. He replied, "Alright."

He took her trunk and secured it behind the carriage. Ruelle climbed inside and sat in between the two women as on the opposite side sat two men. The moment the carriage began to move, she could feel the fellow passengers curious eyes on her.

Ruelle pulled her scarf higher around her neck, covering the lower half of her face as though the fabric could shield her from their curiosity.

She wondered how she would complete the rest of the journey to Sexton.

to Sexton on foot? She still had today and all of tomorrow to reach,

face?" the woman

did not turn

Nothing good comes of it. I don’t

it. She didn’t see a

Instead of dropping her halfway, the coachman had stopped after another stop

busy with carriages passing every

some work to cover the rest of the fare to Sexton," Ruelle murmured to herself, A small inn caught her eye, the smell of warm bread and broth drifting

for her trunk, a sharp pain shot

protested. Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to pick up the trunk, using her

finally reached the inn, the innkeeper stepped forward and pulled out a chair, mistaking her for

you like to eat, miss? We have

day, if you would allow it. I can wash dishes or serve tables." She

in surprise before shaking

if I take you in looking like that, people will think I’m the

innkeeper’s wife called as she stepped out from the

with a dismissive wave. "Just this one asking for work. I told her we don’t need help." He muttered to himself, "People will think I beat them

to Ruelle’s cheeks. She gave a quick apologetic bow, keeping her eyes lowered. She murmured, "Forgive me. I will look for another

frowned, glancing between them. Then she smacked her husband lightly with

aching

"Ruelle."

it?" the woman asked, and Ruelle nodded. "Well then, Ruelle, you can help

you," Ruelle

utensils. She worked quietly and without complaint.

clatter of plates and low murmur of conversation filled the inn, and soon every table

hands on her apron as she prepared another bowl of food. She glanced toward the doorway and

to now?" she muttered, craning her neck. "Always vanishing

to