Claimed by the Prince of Darkness novel Chapter 157

Chapter 157: The Mist Is Everywhere

Ruelle slipped out of her room and made her way toward the place where the carriages were usually parked. The cold bit her skin as she scanned the space but the carriage she came to look for, along with its coachman, was nowhere to be seen.

She was about to turn back when four carriages arrived in a line, one after the other, before coming to a halt.

The servants moved quickly, unloading the trunks without pause. Ruelle’s gaze lingered a moment before she asked,

"Do these trunks belong to King Septimus?"

"They are garments for the groundlings. For tomorrow," the nearby servant replied, not pausing in his work. He then scolded the person before him, "Careful—don’t drop it. Take them all inside."

And as she looked at the trunks being taken in, she caught sight of Kevin carrying a small box.

"Kevin?" she said, surprised. "I thought you were assigned to start working at the castle."

"I am," Kevin replied, adjusting his hold on the box. "Mr. Mortis sent word that I need to be presented at the bidding tomorrow. But what are you doing here?"

"I was looking for someone, but it seems I was mistaken," Ruelle replied with a small smile as they began to walk. Her gaze dropped to the box in his hands. "What is that?"

"I’m not certain. I was asked to bring it from the carriage," Kevin said, shifting it slightly. After a moment, he added, "Strange, isn’t it? That our time at Sexton is coming to an end. It feels as though we only just arrived. I will miss our study time."

Time had passed more quickly than she had realised. Sexton had become something close to a home, and tomorrow things would change.

"Me too," Ruelle murmured. She then asked him, "The castle is treating you well, right?"

"It is. I am still getting used to it. I was worried I would be hired as a royal guard, I didn’t expect it to be this smooth," Kevin explained with a sigh. He then said, "I hope Hailey ends up somewhere good too. Did you speak to Lucian? He must have prepared for your bid."

A royal guard appeared in the corridor and upon catching sight of them, he approached. "Miss Ruelle, you are to come with me. The king has summoned your presence."

Ruelle gave a small nod, bracing herself as she followed. The royal guard led her and Kevin through the corridor before stopping outside a room that had been altered to suit the king’s presence. Tall windows stood dressed in dark red curtains, tied neatly at the sides.

She didn’t get to take in the rest when her eyes fell on King Septimus, who sat across the room, a cup in his hand as he took a slow sip. Hermes, who stood next to him, quickly took the box from Kevin before dismissing him to return where the other guards were stationed.

Kevin gave Ruelle a brief nod before stepping out, the door closing behind him.

"Seventeen. Ripe. Not exceptional but tolerable blood to drink for this weather which is still warm," King Septimus said, clicking his tongue. He then turned to look at her. "I am told your blood test yesterday was lacking."

Was he disappointed?

After a brief pause, Ruelle asked, "Does that make me unsuitable for the prince’s service?"

The spark of hope was extinguished by the king’s amused laugh. And as the sound faded, his gaze held hers a moment longer. He remarked,

"Your blood might be of low grade, but there are other things that make you a good fit. I hear you have been behaving well. A marked improvement from our last meet but there seems to be resistance."

Ruelle’s nails pressed into her palms and she answered carefully, "I am still adjusting to what has been decided for me."

King Septimus hummed and lifted a hand and soon Hermes stepped forward at once. He said,

"This should hasten your decision."

When the box was opened, Ruelle’s gaze fell on the diamond bracelet set in a delicate curve, catching what little light the room allowed. She heard him say, "For you."

Ruelle lowered her head. She spoke politely, "I am not accustomed to such things, Your Majesty. I would fear misplacing it."

King Septimus’s eyes narrowed slightly. He asked in a low voice, "Did you mistake my order for a choice?"

Ruelle took the bracelet before slipping the cool metal around her wrist. The bracelet felt no less than a shackle which binded her to the royal family, to whatever place the king had already decided for her.

Why had he come this soon? He could have come tomorrow when the bidding began. The king was leaving her no room to think or move.

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