Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL)
Chapter 104 - 99: Cold war (3)

Chapter 104: Chapter 99: Cold war (3)

When Gabriel arrived, his chambers were dark, with the soft glow of the lanterns casting long, flickering shadows across the polished wood and velvet furnishings. The weight of the evening sat on his shoulders, heavier than the fabric of his clothing. The night beyond the windows was silent and endless, and the grandeur of the ball seemed like a distant echo in his mind.

His hands trembled slightly as he undid the cuffs of his sleeves, the adrenaline from the evening’s revelations still burning beneath his skin. He removed his coat with measured precision, letting it fall from his fingers onto a nearby chair. His waistcoat was removed first, followed by the meticulous undoing of his shirt’s fine buttons, each movement more mechanical than the last.

By the time he reached for the fresh set of nightgowns neatly folded on the dresser, the tension in his shoulders had reached new heights. He pulled the loose fabric over his head, allowing the cool air to brush against his skin before sinking into the softness of linen. As he moved to undo the clasps on his boots, his mind raced, replaying every word, betrayal, and quiet revelation that had chipped away at the foundation he had thought he still possessed.

He threw himself onto the big bed, the fine, cold sheets touching his heated skin as he exhaled and placed an arm over his eyes. He was regretting his actions, his foolishness, and his trust. Gabriel left too many loose ends to return to the capital, but Damian’s actions forced him to return sooner than he intended.

’Fuck this ball.’

The delicate silence was broken by a sharp knock on the door.

He had expected manipulation from the court. He had even prepared for it. But from his own family? The quiet, vicious betrayal sank like a stone into his chest, making each breath feel heavier. They had never planned to bring him back for his sake. No, it had always been for the von Jaunez name and the advantages he could offer.

And Charles had tried to warn him. That morning, his brother’s hesitant words, the way his fingers curled against his sleeve as if restraining himself from saying more—it all made sense. Gabriel had dismissed it, refusing to acknowledge the unease in Charles’ voice. Perhaps if he had listened, the weight of the evening would not have felt as crushing.

’I should’ve left this fucking country,’ he thought, ignoring the knock.

Gabriel already knew who it was before he even turned. The weight of Damian’s presence was unmistakable. He was dressed in casual clothes—a dark, silk pajama with a nightrobe over it. He appeared as much like an Emperor as he did when dressed in imperial robes.

Damian entered without waiting for permission, his presence an unspoken demand, his golden eyes cutting through the dim light. "You left without a word."

Gabriel shifted into a more comfortable position without looking at Damian. "I had nothing left to say."

The sound of the door closing behind Damian felt final. "Did you find the answers you were looking for?"

Gabriel let out a quiet, brittle laugh, the sound scraping against the thick air between them like a dull blade. "Oh, I found more than I expected." He turned to face Damian, his dark eyes burning with something unreadable. "How long did you know?"

Damian moved closer, leaning against one of the bed’s beams and crossing his arms over his chest. "About what?"

Gabriel’s lips curled into something bitter. "Don’t insult me, Your Majesty. You knew my family was using me. You knew they had the means to break the contract all along." His voice dropped lower, sharper. "And yet you said nothing."

Damian did not deny it. "I see," he said smoothly. "Well, you never asked."

Gabriel inhaled sharply, disbelief flashing across his face before anger took its place. His voice came out cold and edged with steel. "I never asked?" He sat up, his posture rigid with tension. "You made sure I never had the opportunity. You and everyone else."

Damian’s eyes narrowed. "Gabriel—"

"They controlled what I knew." Gabriel’s voice rose as he swung his legs over the side of the bed. "I left the capital alone to shield my family from what I did—or what I would have done. And you—you stood there and watched, fully aware that I was running around in circles, trapped by a lie!"

Damian’s composure broke, irritability flashing across his face as he pushed away from the bed. "You think I knew exactly what you were looking for?" he snapped, his voice rising to meet Gabriel’s. "Do not mistake me for someone who plays their cards too soon. I don’t read minds, Gabriel. If you wanted answers, you should have told me what you wanted to know."

Gabriel laughed, a sharp, humorless sound. "I should have told you? And when, exactly, would I have had that chance? Before or after you dragged me into your games?" His dark eyes locked onto Damian’s, unyielding. "You had every opportunity to tell me, but you didn’t. Because it suited you to keep me in the dark."

Damian exhaled sharply, his frustration mounting. "You think this is all some grand manipulation on my part?" He ran a hand through his hair, golden eyes burning. "I don’t have time to waste controlling every step you take. You—" He stopped himself, his jaw tightening. "You are irritating."

Gabriel scoffed. "And you’re a liar."

Damian’s expression hardened, his voice sharp. "I am anything but a liar, Gabriel. You may hate me, you may curse me, but do not mistake my silence for deceit."

Silence stretched between them, thick with everything unsaid. Damian’s gaze bore into him, searching, calculating. Gabriel refused to look away. For once, he wanted Damian to see the fury, the exhaustion, the betrayal that simmered just beneath his skin.

Finally, Damian let out a slow breath, his voice softer but no less firm. "Talk to me, Gabriel."

Gabriel clenched his jaw, his breath unsteady. He wanted to refute it, to push back, but he couldn’t. Damian was right. He wasn’t a liar. Not with him. Everything he did and said was always true, no matter how cruel. Gabriel exhaled sharply, his voice quieter but firmer. "Fine. I will talk to you. Only this time."

Damian didn’t hesitate. He stepped closer, his gaze steady, his voice measured. "Then talk. Stop circling the truth and tell me what you want. What you need." There was no mockery in his tone, only an edge of command, of expectation. "I don’t play games with you, Gabriel. And I won’t start now."