Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 139: He knows

The infirmary room was quiet except for her breath and the soft flutter of the curtains.

Unable to meet Lucian’s eyes, Ruelle started to pull away but his fingers came up to her chin, holding her there gently, as if he were not ready to let her go just yet.

"Look at me, Ruelle," Lucian murmured, his voice quiet and controlled. When she looked up, she met his wine-red eyes, which could drown a person with his undivided attention. "Do not mistake that for a lesson. I kissed you because I wanted to and I still want to."

Her thoughts scattered at his words, and she realised she had been staring at him for far too long. She quickly lowered her eyes, her fingers tightening in her lap before she gave a small nod.

"Good girl," he said softly.

When he finally let go of her chin, his fingers brushed lightly against her jaw as they withdrew, and the small touch made her heart stumble again.

His eyes lingered on her face for a moment longer, as if studying her reaction. She still would not look at him, and he noticed the way her fingers were gripping her dress and the faint colour that had not yet left her cheeks.

She had not pulled away and something in his expression softened, almost subtly.

As if to distract from the current emotions that she felt in her chest, Ruelle asked, "Can I...ask you something?"

"Go ahead," he replied, watching her patiently.

Ruelle’s fingers fidgeted lightly in her lap. She hesitated for a second and then asked, "Do you have enough money?"

For the first time since she had known him, Lucian looked caught off guard. Then something seemed to click into place in his mind, and the corner of his mouth moved slightly before he asked, "Are you asking whether I intend to buy you?"

Before either of them could utter another word, she heard hurried footsteps approaching the infirmary, which seemed nothing less than a whirlwind. She instinctively stood up, staring in its direction.

the next second, Prince Edward walked through the front of the room with Hermes

Edward’s bright voice as he walked towards her. Ruelle offered him a polite bow, and the next moment, he held her

she

voice from below, and the sound of it immediately grated

his full height. When he glanced at

the impression you had finally returned to Hell," Edward wore a look of displeasure at the sight

slipped his hands into his pockets. He responded, "Give it time,

as if dismissing him. Edward turned to

his chest and inclined his head slightly. "I have resolved the matter after speaking with him personally and he will not try

Ruelle’s face at once, as though a weight had been lifted from her shoulders. A small smile appeared on her lips. "That must have been troublesome for you. Thank you for doing that for

huff and shook his head while glancing at Lucian with a proud smile. Lucian watched the exchange in silence. The prince replied, "It was hardly any trouble. Being a prince has its advantages. We were received immediately and had a hospitable time

of the ministers in here?!’

Elder minister was very happy to see me and he said I should spend more

help Your Highness determine what exactly went wrong and how it could be handled differently. Please...’ said the Elder Minister

gave out a tired sigh before questioning, "I stopped

answered, "It isn’t anything big. It was a small mistake and I

that happen?" Edward asked, his

decide if the people from yesterday deserved more torture or not, and she wondered about it for a second.

did you do something

began to

prince could decipher it, Lucian continued, "If you

at Lucian, as his competence and title were being

stirred again," Ruelle tried to bring the conversation to an

exasperated sigh. He replied, "I wouldn’t want to tarnish your name. But I would like to