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."

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

I would have tried to escape through the window and likely be lying

I would have come looking for you. Hopefully dig you out," Ruelle

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

head. "He’s been ecstatic since the king told him he

felt suffocating and she could not wait to leave it. If she were back at Sexton, she would be lying in her bed, and Lucian would be there either asleep or working as he

lips as though recalling the moment from

But

away, she turned toward the window, where the snow continued to fall, burying

snow. Right now, Ruelle sat on one of the horses, and though she had planned for Hailey to ride

shall ride

had intended to guide her," Ruelle said, her tone light as she glanced toward the prince. "He is

my guidance. It would be better that

unbothered. He called, "Let us begin," pressing his heels to the horse. The horse leapt forward at once and soon the

past on either side. They rode deeper into the forest, where the silence

excited voice. He brought his crossbow up and released the arrow

animal, the prince glanced back at Ruelle with

Ruelle responded, urging her horse forward as they

holding the crossbow close to her side. "At this rate, the prince

behind Ruelle, while the prince had already moved ahead, leaving the guards and Kevin trailing behind

compete with the prince, Miss. Just as one would not compete with the king in

words. Because with each passing hour, the weight of the situation deepened, as though she had fallen into something without end, where the light above grew

others continue the hunt on

beside them as the horses moved forward. Even though it was winter, it seemed like it was still flowing, how strange,

ahead, Your

the morning. She

horse and so did the

his horse at once, his eyes widening at the sight of Ruelle on the ground. He pulled the reins to a sharp halt before jumping down

alright, Ruelle? Are you hurt?" Edward asked

is nothing. I must have lost my balance while trying to look for the elk," Ruelle smiled

you, so we return to the castle,"

"I am perfectly alright. All of us were looking forward to the hunt. I would hate for Hailey, Kevin and you to miss it because

more important," Edward said at once, already turning away. Ruelle

rest of you continue the hunt...

looking at Edward’s worried face. But she needed to speak to Edward and with Hermes always tagging along, she felt it would be

two guards stay here and the rest

"But Your Highness—"

his hand, and Hermes’ frown only deepened

on to it, Edward ordered, "You two take a walk. And don’t

Edward’s eyes fell on the blood-smeared fabric of her skirt. His hand reached out and his fingers brushed the blood that

was always curious