Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 157: The Mist Is Everywhere

Ruelle slipped out of her room and made her way toward the place where the carriages were usually parked. The cold bit her skin as she scanned the space but the carriage she came to look for, along with its coachman, was nowhere to be seen.

She was about to turn back when four carriages arrived in a line, one after the other, before coming to a halt.

The servants moved quickly, unloading the trunks without pause. Ruelle’s gaze lingered a moment before she asked,

"Do these trunks belong to King Septimus?"

"They are garments for the groundlings. For tomorrow," the nearby servant replied, not pausing in his work. He then scolded the person before him, "Careful—don’t drop it. Take them all inside."

And as she looked at the trunks being taken in, she caught sight of Kevin carrying a small box.

"Kevin?" she said, surprised. "I thought you were assigned to start working at the castle."

"I am," Kevin replied, adjusting his hold on the box. "Mr. Mortis sent word that I need to be presented at the bidding tomorrow. But what are you doing here?"

"I was looking for someone, but it seems I was mistaken," Ruelle replied with a small smile as they began to walk. Her gaze dropped to the box in his hands. "What is that?"

"I’m not certain. I was asked to bring it from the carriage," Kevin said, shifting it slightly. After a moment, he added, "Strange, isn’t it? That our time at Sexton is coming to an end. It feels as though we only just arrived. I will miss our study time."

Time had passed more quickly than she had realised. Sexton had become something close to a home, and tomorrow things would change.

"Me too," Ruelle murmured. She then asked him, "The castle is treating you well, right?"

"It is. I am still getting used to it. I was worried I would be hired as a royal guard, I didn’t expect it to be this smooth," Kevin explained with a sigh. He then said, "I hope Hailey ends up somewhere good too. Did you speak to Lucian? He must have prepared for your bid."

A royal guard appeared in the corridor and upon catching sight of them, he approached. "Miss Ruelle, you are to come with me. The king has summoned your presence."

Ruelle gave a small nod, bracing herself as she followed. The royal guard led her and Kevin through the corridor before stopping outside a room that had been altered to suit the king’s presence. Tall windows stood dressed in dark red curtains, tied neatly at the sides.

get to take in the rest when her eyes fell on King Septimus, who sat across the room, a cup in his hand as he

nod before stepping out,

warm," King Septimus said, clicking his tongue.

Was he disappointed?

Ruelle asked, "Does that make me unsuitable

amused laugh. And as the sound faded, his gaze held hers a

there are other things that make you a good fit. I hear you have been behaving well.

"I am still adjusting to what has been decided for

a hand and soon Hermes

hasten your

set in a delicate curve, catching

not accustomed to such things, Your Majesty. I would fear

asked in a low voice, "Did you mistake my order for a

before slipping the cool metal around her wrist. The bracelet felt no less than a shackle which binded her to

the bidding began. The

proud moment, one would think for a son to be taken into royal service." His gaze lingered, unreadable. "The other humans’ families have also been invited. It is only fair they should witness... where their children are

Ruelle fell silent.

one this cunning before. He was nothing like Edward, who was better

her mind. She asked, "Even

guards. The

letter has already been dispatched to the address recorded in Sexton’s registry,

of satisfaction in his expression. His gaze drifted, catching the hem of her nightgown where it showed beneath her coat. "It seems you were in some haste this morning. Looking for something...?" Without waiting for her response while his eyes sharpened,

left the room. The moment the door closed

settle no matter how steadily she tried to breath in. Her hair slipped loose behind her, brushing

she turned her head and caught sight of the royal guard trailing behind her

"Of course," she murmured.

yielded to her request, but the