Claimed by the Prince of Darkness novel Chapter 152

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?"

When Ruelle 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 muttered.

Hailey’s brow twitched and her lips pressed together as though holding something back.

"Then maybe she and I should remain behind. We could make use of the stables while you and the others ride out," Ruelle proposed gently.

Edward’s expression fell at once. "Remain behind?"

"Would it not be rather rude to leave a friend behind all alone?" Ruelle asked, noticing his brows furrow.

"If she is to learn, it may as well be from the best . From me. We shall do it during the hunt," Edward nodded, a smile returning as though he had fixed the little hiccup. He then turned to Hailey and said lowly, "Be ready," and it sounded nothing less than a warning.

Far from them, on another floor of the castle, Hermes quickened his pace despite the pain that struck through his feet with each step. The attendant soon arrived at the king’s chamber and noticed King Septimus had only finished changing his clothes.

"Your Majesty," Hermes bowed as he raised the folded note. "This was taken from Miss Ruelle."

"It seems you have remembered your duties," the king hummed softly as he extended his hand.

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 second before one corner of his lips curled. His eyes rose from the page as his hand lowered.

Hermes blinked when his eyes fell upon the blank parchment. Turning nervous, he explained,

"I am certain there was writing upon it, Your Majesty."

"Yet it presents 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 all. Keep a closer watch on her and those she keeps near."

Hermes bowed at once, his eyes closing for a brief moment as he 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 out of the room.

In the castle’s dining room, the walls and the ceiling were 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 Edward spoke.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify