Claimed by the Prince of Darkness novel Chapter 200

Chapter 200: The Blood Between Us

Carnifex’s expression barely changed at the question and he walked to the stand, picking up the coat that hung there. He remarked, "For someone who doesn’t care about gossips, you seem rather interested in mine."

"I usually don’t," Lucian agreed. His gaze remained on Carnifex as the older vampire slipped his hands into his coat. "But Ruelle isn’t just another matter. I thought Sylvan had arranged the mansion. Then I realised it couldn’t have been prepared in only a few days and it would need to be approved by you."

At first, Lucian had dismissed it as another of Carnifex’s calculations. But the more he considered the treaty, the less it resembled politics. A treaty meant to unite two people had no need for a condition of chastity.

"Am I wrong?" Lucian asked, his eyes narrowing.

For a brief moment, the two men stared at each other. Carnifex looked like he regretted the decision of inviting him into his chambers. The Elder Minister then said,

"I am not obliged to tell you anything, Lucian. This is something between me and her. Also, I noticed that the scar on your neck hasn’t healed. Is something wrong?" He walked to the door with one hand on the handle of the door.

Lucian’s hand reached for the front of his neck and a slight smile appeared on his lips. "It is a gift," he replied.

Carnifex only frowned before he dismissed it. "Whatever it is, it is between Mira and me, or if Ruelle is my—"

"Achoo!" someone sneezed behind the door.

When the minister opened the door, Ruelle stood before him. She offered him a smile and said, "I—I was going to ask about Mother’s belongings... but... another time." Offering a bow, she turned and hurried out of there with her eyes going wide.

Carnifex’s face hardened and he glared at the pureblooded vampire in the room.

Lucian met the older vampire’s gaze without the slightest hint of remorse. He remarked, "It is better for her to know through your mouth than mine. After all, it is between you two." Without waiting for a response, he stepped past him. "I’ll see you later."

In the courtyard, Ruelle had climbed inside the carriage while her hands pressed on her lap. Her thoughts felt as though someone had scattered them across the snow. She would have considered it to be a joke or something she had imagined. But she had seen Carnifex’s face turn slightly startled.

She had only meant to ask about the mirror when she had overheard something that was not meant for her ears.

It didn’t take long for Lucian to enter the carriage and take a seat beside her. For a moment, neither of them spoke. To fill the silence once the carriage door closed, she asked, "Did they find Ezekiel in a... pile too?"

"Not yet, but if they don’t, a warrant will go out for his arrest," Lucian replied and when he knocked on the side, the carriage began to move. "Your sister is back and there are enough statements. With his disappearance it will solidify the case."

Ruelle gave a nod, even though her attention wasn’t completely there.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Lucian asked, his gaze patient.

"About Ezekiel?" Ruelle laughed, and she replied, "No. I think it is fine. Even Caroline is on board, so it should be okay."

She felt Lucian place his hand on hers, the warmth fading the weather that was pressing around her. Her eyes briefly glanced at her hand that disappeared behind his. He then said, "I meant about what you heard at Carnifex’s chamber."

"Oh, that..." Ruelle murmured, her eyebrows slightly furrowing. "I am still chewing on it."

She was yet to swallow what she found out. She closed her eyes for a moment and then shook her head as if in disagreement.

"It is just—it’s a lot of things I found in a day. Father died. Then you said you killed him, but maybe it is a good thing you didn’t kill my father now. The actual one," she rambled while Lucian didn’t interrupt her. "How—How is it possible? I don’t know what to think..." she confessed, meeting his eyes.

She had spent years believing Harold Belmont was her father. And now that she knew he wasn’t, it somehow didn’t reduce the ache in her chest. Because the man who should have known she existed had never come looking for her either.

"If you don’t want to, you don’t have to think about it right now. Or if you don’t want to see Carnifex, that can be arranged." Lucian tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear.

"I must have some sort of bad luck when it comes to having a father," Ruelle exhaled in thought.

"I will be happy to share mine with you," Lucian answered and it brought a smile to her lips.

"Thank you..." Ruelle murmured. Leaning her head against his shoulder, she asked, "If you think about it... they had an affair, didn’t they?"

That would mean Harold Belmont had never known. Because if he had... she couldn’t imagine him raising another man’s child. Not him. He would have abandoned her the moment Mother died.

Lucian didn’t deny her assumption. He stated,

"Carnifex’s marriage was arranged for political reasons and not out of affection. The couple have never had children in their marriage, but no one knows if it was due to choice or circumstance. From what he said, I believe he knew your mother before that marriage."

It certainly seemed that way. Yet she couldn’t forget the look that had crossed Carnifex’s face. She was curious to know his reasons but not right away, as she needed time to process everything.

"If he is biologically my father, then shouldn’t I have turned into a vampiress?" Ruelle asked as she pulled her head away.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify