Claimed by the Prince of Darkness

Chapter 152: Weight Of Absence

Ruelle did not look away and neither did Hermes as the attendant took hold of the folded parchment. Beyond the walls of the castle, the weather had changed, with wind howling through the night, lifting loose snow into spirals.

"Do you know that this is considered the finest weather for hunting, Ruelle? It has long been a tradition in our family to hunt in such storms," Edward remarked as he looked outside the window. He turned back to look at them with a bright smile. "Do you want to try it?"

"I am going to be buried..." Hailey murmured as her faced turned pale while she stared at the parchment in Hermes’ hand.

Ruelle held Hailey’s hand without drawing anyone’s attention. She replied politely,

"I do not think it would be wise for us. With the storm as it is, the vision would be poor and might end up shooting each other. Not to mention we are humans."

"I have shot Hermes... and others in my own family. Do not trouble yourself, Ruelle. It will be just fine," Edward laughed as though what happened in the past were trivial.

"Maybe we can go early tomorrow, if the weather improve," Ruelle replied, offering him a polite smile.

"Then it is settled!" Edward declared, clearly pleased. He would make a coat out of the animal they would hunt!

The prince led the two young women outside the library. When Ruelle turned, she caught sight of Hermes stepping out of there and disappearing into another corridor.

She looked out through the passing windows. Darkness had settled across the grounds, leaving only the lanterns along the poles to burn faintly. The sound of the storm seemed to press faintly against the glass.

"Let me show you the tiger’s and bear’s hides. This way you will know what you want to hunt for tomorrow," Edward spoke next to Ruelle. "I hunted the tiger when I was six years old."

Ruelle’s gaze flickered toward Hailey before settling on Edward, a silent cue given without a word. Hailey was quick to catch the look even though her face was marred in anxiousness with what had occurred back in the library. She cleared her throat and spoke,

"That is very impressive, Your Highness. Not everyone could manage such a thing."

Edward huffed slightly, his chest moving forward. He replied, "That is hardly new to me."

"Unfortunately, I have never gone hunting before nor do I know how to use a crossbow, Your Highness," Hailey admitted with a dramatic sigh. She asked him, "If you would not mind, perhaps you could guide me in tomorrow’s hunt?"

noticed Edward taking his time, she felt a flicker of hope until he said bluntly, "Ha, then it is better you remain behind. This is not a hunt one attempts to learn. Incompetent," he

her lips pressed together as though

should remain behind. We could make use of the

fell at

it not be rather rude to leave a friend behind all alone?" Ruelle asked, noticing

me. We shall do it during the hunt," Edward nodded, a smile returning as though he had fixed

another floor of the castle, Hermes quickened his pace despite the pain that struck through his feet

raised the folded note. "This was taken

seems you have remembered your duties," the

attendant walked forward and placed the parchment into the king’s hand. He saw the king unfold it, his gaze lingering for no longer than a

upon the blank

am certain there was

itself as blank," King Septimus remarked as the look in his eyes turned serious but the faint smile remained. "It seems Edward has not chosen poorly after

drew in a quiet breath in the hope that his other toes wouldn’t be severed. Soon, the king walked past him before he stepped

covered in dark red wood, while three circular chandeliers hung above the long table, casting a steady glow. Kevin had already joined them and stood listening as

the room, Ruelle made her way toward the fireplace, the flames burning bright and she lowered herself before it. Hailey followed quickly, sitting on her heels with

so calm, Ruelle?" Hailey whispered, her voice barely

blizzard?" Ruelle asked quietly before pulling out the folded parchment from her pocket. She whispered back, "The other one was a blank," before throwing it

know how that happened," Hailey whispered in a rush. She had been too stressed writing to notice anything.

and placed it above

better now?" Hailey asked with a slight

chest and made her less overwhelmed than before. But she didn’t

approaching them. "You need

Ruelle answered, "We were feeling a little cold and thought

sit at the same table as

are my friends from Sexton. There is no need to

not dare," Ruelle said with a slight smile. The

you not?" came a voice from the doorway. It was King Septimus. Everyone’s back straightened at once. The

do like to help them remember if they can’t