Claimed by the Prince of Darkness novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124: The Prince’s Temper

Prince Edward paced restlessly along one of the stone corridors of the courthouse, while a handful of ministers lingered nearby, hoping to catch his favour.

"I believe it would be more comfortable to wait inside, Your Highness. It has been four hours since we have been standing here," Hermes said cautiously while subtly ushering the curious ministers farther down the hall.

"No." Edward’s mouth twisted with irritation. His foot tapped twice against the floor before he paused. "It has been thirty hours since last evening. Maybe we should post a notice declaring him missing? A bounty might encourage him to appear."

Hermes blinked. "I hear the minister has been occupied with urgent matters of state."

Edward snorted in response.

From the far end of the courtyard, Minister Maverick Griswold stepped down from his carriage and began making his way toward his office. Since yesterday, he had been trying to find the young woman who had attempted to deceive him.

Before he could reach the entrance, one of the newly appointed ministers hurried forward to greet him.

"Minister Griswold," the man said with a respectful nod. "His Highness has been waiting to meet you since yesterday."

Griswold let out a small, amused laugh as he straightened the front of his coat.

"Well," he replied with easy confidence, "that hardly surprises me. King Septimus has long relied upon my counsel. It would seem the prince intends to do the same. It is time for you to learn how work is carried out with the royal family. Watch and learn."

"Of course, Minister," the younger minister replied at once.

Moments later, Minister Maverick Griswold spotted the prince waiting at the end of the corridor. Composing himself, he approached before offering a courteous bow and greeted.

"Good afternoon, Your Highness. Shall we continue this conversation in my office?"

Edward, who was seeing the man for the first time, regarded him with open disinterest, as though examining an insect that had wandered too close. He asked flatly,

"For what purpose?"

But the smile on Griswold’s face did not falter.

"I am told Your Highness has been waiting for me since yesterday. I would have come sooner if I had heard it," he replied smoothly. "Whatever the matter may be, I imagine it is not something meant for public corridors. Matters of importance are best discussed privately."

Edward’s eyes began to narrow and he questioned, "You are...Greasewold?"

"It is Griswold..." Hermes tried to correct but his voice faded when the prince raised his hand to silence him.

"Minister Maverick Griswold, Your Highness. We met two nights ago," Minister Griswold reminded Edward, who seemed to not react. "I am the first minister—" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"It would be best not to be hasty and first confirm—" Hermes whispered behind Edward.

"Ruelle wouldn’t lie," Edward said with a frown. "And you saw her."

The minister blinked, clearly struggling to follow the direction of the conversation. Edward’s expression hardened and he called, "You," pointing at the minister. "Did you touch her that night at the ball?"

"Touch her?" Minister Griswold’s smile faltered for the first time. "Your Highness, I’m afraid I don’t understand what you’re implying."

"For a first minister, you are remarkably slow," Edward commented. Then he added, almost thoughtfully, "Perhaps this will help you remember." The next moment, his fist shot forward without warning, and the blow landed squarely against the minister’s face.

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