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.

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

came Edward’s bright voice as he walked towards her. Ruelle offered him

been rather busy surviving. I doubt she had

and the

rose from where he had been crouched, straightening to his full height. When

impression you had finally returned to Hell," Edward wore a look of

pockets. He responded, "Give

as if dismissing him. Edward turned to Ruelle and

He placed a hand over his chest and inclined his head slightly. "I

weight had been lifted from her shoulders. A small smile appeared on her lips. "That must have been troublesome for

Lucian watched the exchange in silence. The prince replied, "It was

Edward, what do you suppose you are doing to one of the ministers in

Elder minister was very happy to see me and he said I should spend more time with him," the

of reflection will help Your Highness determine what exactly went wrong and how it could be handled differently. Please...’

being discussed wherever I go," Edward gave out a tired sigh before questioning, "I stopped by your class earlier and was told

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

Edward asked, his

answer would decide if the people from yesterday deserved more torture or not, and she wondered about it

you do something

to speak, "He

Edward’s question and this had the prince blink. Before the prince could decipher it, Lucian continued, "If you mean the part where several vampires tried to drink from her, then yes, that did happen. It seems not everyone

Lucian, as his competence and title were being questioned. His voice lowered and he said, "You have

of, and I would not wish for the matter to be stirred again," Ruelle tried to bring the conversation to an end. "If you and Mr. Slater continue like this, people might misunderstand the situation.

a moment before letting out a quiet, exasperated sigh. He replied, "I wouldn’t want to tarnish your name. But I would like to be informed on