Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 153: The Illusion of Control

The cold lingered beyond the walls of the castle, but the burning fireplace kept the dining room warm. The food was rich yet Ruelle found herself eating only a little as the king’s gaze returned to her more than once. It was probably because Hermes had not stayed silent about her parchment.

To think she had folded another parchment on a whim and she closed her eyes for a second. She then heard King Septimus question,

"Are you a quick learner, Ruelle?" without looking up from his plate and her eyes opened.

"That would depend on what is required of me, Your Majesty..." Ruelle replied politely, even though the grip on her spoon tightened. "I do my best to follow what I am taught."

"I heard you hunt well. That you even won at the fair today. A doll was it?" King Septimus stated before meeting her gaze.

Given Edward’s nature, it seemed hardly surprising that the king kept watch over where his son went and what he did, thought Ruelle to herself. So the king would know about others around the prince.

"It was effort and a little luck," Ruelle replied, feeling the heavy feeling returning once more, while his gaze carried curiosity.

A soft hum escaped from King Septimus. He responded, "It would seem fortune has favoured you and the others as well today. You there. Tell me, what do you make of it?"

Ruelle kicked Hailey’s foot under the table, who looked up startled. "Me?" she asked before answering quickly, "I am a quick learner, Your Majesty."

"That is good to hear," King Septimus laughed lightly as he cut into the meat. He continued, "There should be at least one capable person present. It would be unfortunate if the others were made to answer for a lapse, right?"

Hailey swallowed before giving a small nod as her voice failed her.

"Father, the final examinations will be conducted soon. I shall be finished with Sexton soon and I intend to take first place," Edward said, glancing toward his father.

"We shall see," King Septimus replied, his movements remaining smooth and unhurried as if he had everything and everyone under control.

Ruelle had never met anyone like King Septimus. She wondered if it was the weight and the glitter of the crown that formed such a powerful presence. A word from him, and people obeyed. A movement of his hand, and death seemed never far behind.

When a servant came to serve Ruelle the meat, Edward shooed the person with a frown, "Don’t serve her that. Her stomach was in pain. Where’s the porridge?"

"Forgive me, Your Highness," the servant apologised. "I will bring it right away."

"That is quite alright. I feel better now," Ruelle said. Was Edward always so attentive, or had the king’s presence made every small action feel magnified?

When the dinner came to an end, she slipped away with Hailey, making her way to the room assigned to them.

"Oh God, I was terrified back there. He was warn—mmph!" Ruelle covered Hailey’s mouth before she could finish. She pressed a finger to her own lips, then pointed toward her ear.

"We are going hunting tomorrow. We should rest," Ruelle said and Hailey nodded. Pulling her hand away, she moved toward the bed and dropped onto it with a soft sigh and murmured, "I am tired..."

"So am I," Hailey said, moving to lie beside Ruelle. "Can you believe it has only been a week since the Winter Ball?"

"Has it?" Ruelle asked, staring at the ceiling.

"Mm," Hailey nodded, a yawn escaping her. She turned onto her side to look at Ruelle and praised, "You are a strong person."

and she turned to look at Hailey before asking, "What brought

had been me, I would have tried to escape through the window and likely be lying beneath the snow by now,"

for you. Hopefully dig

then fell even lower as she asked, "Do you think we should...tell Kevin?"

been ecstatic since the king told

the night continued, Ruelle pulled the blanket closer, her eyes tracing the empty ceiling as each moment of the day replayed in her mind. The castle felt suffocating and she could not wait to leave it. If she were back

hand moved unconsciously to her lips as though recalling

quiet warmth climbed to her cheeks. But the moment did not last. Her eyes flashed through

away, she turned toward the window, where the snow continued

sat on one of the horses, and

Elliot, you shall ride with

tone light as she

would be better that I guide her instead, while you and he continue with

The horse leapt forward at once and soon the castle fell behind as they disappeared into the

rode deeper into the forest,

brought his crossbow

When a guard moved to collect the animal, the prince glanced back at Ruelle with a pleased expression. He

continue then," Ruelle responded, urging her horse forward as

crossbow close to her side. "At this rate, the prince will leave nothing for

prince had already moved ahead, leaving the guards and Kevin trailing behind him. The

compete with the king in a bid. It is considered nothing

with each passing hour, the weight of the situation deepened, as though she

while the others continue the hunt on the ground," Hermes

horses moved forward. Even though it was winter,

believe I hear an elk ahead, Your Highness," one of the royal guards

Ruelle pulled out the small vial from her pocket, which was filled with human blood that she had taken before leaving the dining room in the morning. She poured it over her ankle. The next moment, she tipped sideways and let herself fall. Her body hit the ground hard, rolling once before coming to a

his horse and so did the others

the sight of Ruelle on the ground. He pulled

you alright, Ruelle? Are you hurt?"

have lost my balance while trying to look

Ruelle sit with you, so we return to the castle,"

forward to the hunt. I would hate for Hailey, Kevin and you to miss it

important," Edward said at once, already turning away. Ruelle reached out and

only needs to be wrapped and I will be fine. I can rest here while the rest of you continue the hunt... bring back something big. A bear, perhaps. Right?" Ruelle said with a small smile but the

didn’t like to lie. In fact, right now, she felt terrible looking at Edward’s worried face. But she needed to speak

the

"But Your Highness—"

hand, and Hermes’ frown only deepened before they finally

on to it, Edward ordered, "You two take a walk. And

His hand reached out and his fingers brushed

cleared his throat and murmured, "I was always curious how your blood would taste. I