Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL)
Chapter 114 - 109: The seventh day (1)

Chapter 114: Chapter 109: The seventh day (1)

Gabriel lingered in the Emperor’s study long after Charles had left, his fingers tapping idly on the wooden armrest of his chair. Charles’ words had lodged themselves in his mind, unwelcome but immovable.

’The Emperor is smitten with you, Gabriel. Completely. He’d do anything for you.’

It was ridiculous. Damian was demanding, possessive, and, if Gabriel is honest, infuriatingly unreadable most of the time. But smitten? Gabriel let out a scoff, shaking his head.

And yet...

There had been moments. Damian’s hand lingered a second too long at the small of his back, his otherwise commanding voice softened when addressing him, and his golden eyes held something Gabriel would not dare to name. He would dismissed it as a strategic maneuver, another way to keep him in check. But Charles’ confidence in his claim made it difficult to dismiss.

Gabriel exhaled through his nose, annoyed at himself for even considering the thought. It didn’t matter. What mattered was the contract, and he could no longer afford to ignore the warning signs that something was seriously wrong.

He spent another few hours reflecting on Damian’s reactions and his desperation the previous nights in clarifying things, before returning to his room to prepare for the final day of ball.

Gabriel had endured two nights of this ceremony, standing alongside Damian as waves of young adults aged twenty to twenty-five presented their greetings to the Emperor. Each one bowed, spoke their rehearsed lines, and accepted Damian’s nod of acknowledgement with the indifference that only an Emperor could muster.

Now, it was his turn.

Edward adjusted the folds of Gabriel’s ceremonial robe with practiced precision, making sure that no thread was out of place. The imperial colors of black and gold served as a stark reminder of his new role, with heavy embroidery indicating his position for all to see. Gabriel let him work with a composed expression. He wasn’t thrilled about the process, but he understood his duty now.

Edward stepped back, giving a final once-over before nodding in approval. "Perfect, Your Grace."

Gabriel smoothed his sleeves, exhaling softly. "If nothing else, I’ll look for the part."

Edward’s lips twitched in something that was almost amusement. "His Majesty will appreciate that you are upholding tradition properly."

Gabriel hummed noncommittally. He had hoped Damian would let him off the hook for this particular event, but he should have known better. The Emperor valued structure, and Gabriel’s formal presentation to the court was necessary—an official marker of his place at Damian’s side. He had spent the previous two nights observing from the Emperor’s perspective, watching as others paid their respects, and now it was his turn to be placed in full view.

"You will be the first to present your greetings tonight," Edward continued, adjusting the folds of Gabriel’s outer robe.

"Of course I will." Gabriel exhaled, already resigned to it. "Why let me blend in when I can be the opening act?"

He guessed when he got the programming that Damian was using him and Christian to keep things interesting even on the last day of the ball. Nobles were excited to begin the social season in their mansions.

"It is a matter of rank," Edward replied smoothly.

Gabriel didn’t argue. He played with one of his rings while looking out the window at the city lights.

"After your greeting, you will take your place at His Majesty’s side, as you have for the past two nights," Edward added.

Gabriel nodded, barely reacting this time. He had expected it. Just as he had expected that Damian would leave nothing in his control.

Still, something nags at him. Damian was meticulous, always present when needed, but today there had been a shift in the schedule.

"Where is he now?" Gabriel asked, keeping his voice even.

Edward hesitated. It was a fraction of a second, but Gabriel caught it.

"His Majesty is currently attending to matters outside the palace," the butler finally said.

Gabriel arched a brow. "Official matters?"

Edward clasped his hands behind his back. "He is occupied."

That was an interesting choice of words.

Gabriel regarded him for a long moment. "Ah. So the rumors do hold some weight, then."

Edward did not react, but Gabriel had known him long enough to spot the way his posture stiffened ever so slightly.

"You know," Gabriel continued conversationally, "people have been whispering about Rosaline lately. About how the Emperor has been spending time with her. Some claim she might be carrying his child."

’I’m sorry Edward, but I need to know.’

Edward exhaled through his nose. "That is an unfounded claim."

"Is it?" Gabriel tilted his head slightly. "You were quick to deny it. Almost as if you know exactly where he is and that it has nothing to do with Rosaline."

Another pause. Another flicker of hesitation.

Gabriel smiled faintly. "Go on, Edward. Just tell me."

Edward sighed, clearly unimpressed. "His Majesty is at the royal hospital."

Gabriel’s amusement faded, his posture straightening slightly. "The hospital?" Something twitched in his chest.

"His rut arrived earlier than expected," Edward admitted. "It is not uncommon, but he is receiving a suppressant to delay it until after the ball concludes."

Gabriel was quiet for a beat, processing the information. Suppressants weren’t unheard of for alphas in high positions, but Damian? The Emperor, who controlled everything around him with unwavering precision, was forced to submit to something as unpredictable as his own body?

’That must have been frustrating for him.’

Gabriel exhaled, his fingers smoothing over the edge of his robe. He wasn’t sure why the knowledge settled so strangely within him. Perhaps it was the realization that Damian, too, had things outside his control.

He certainly wouldn’t go looking for him. Damian would handle himself, and there was barely enough time before the ceremony began. Besides, he had his own role to play tonight.

Edward studied him carefully. "What do you intend to do with this information?"

Gabriel lifted a shoulder in a small shrug. "Nothing."

Edward blinked, clearly surprised.

Gabriel chuckled lightly. "What? Were you expecting me to storm the hospital and demand an audience with him?"

Edward gave him a long-suffering look. "It would not be the most irrational thing you’ve done."

Gabriel smirked. "I’ll take that as a compliment."

Edward sighed. "You will not seek him out?"

"No," Gabriel said simply. "I understand my duties now, Edward. I’m not thrilled about them, but I won’t make things difficult for him—not tonight, at least."

Edward gave him a considering look before nodding. "Very well, Your Grace."

A knock on the door interrupted them, and a young attendant stepped inside, bowing. "Your Grace, you should take your seat. The ceremony will begin shortly."

Gabriel nodded and smoothed the front of his robe once more.

Edward’s voice was calm as he added, "Try not to look too reluctant, Your Grace."

Gabriel smirked as he turned toward the door. "No promises."

And with that, he walked toward the grand hall, ready to face the night ahead.