Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL)
Chapter 68 - 63: Unyielding

Chapter 68: Chapter 63: Unyielding

The bedroom was dimly lit, with the golden glow of the sconces casting long shadows across the rich, dark wood furniture. Damian stood in front of the large mirror, unbuttoning the collar of his shirt, his expression unreadable. Gabriel had not reacted as he had hoped, which made the night both amusing and irritating.

Edward moved methodically behind him, helping to remove the Emperor’s heavy ceremonial coat. His old hands were steady and efficient, and his voice retained its unshaken ease.

"You seemed rather entertained tonight," Edward said, carefully folding the coat. "I dare say that the young Lord von Jaunez left earlier than expected. He did not seem impressed by the palace."

Damian smirked, but his reflection in the mirror revealed a more calculated expression. "He never was. He is uninterested in the political game, but this only adds to his appeal. The more he resists, the more they talk about him. And the more I ensure that he has no choice but to return to me."

Edward hummed, amused but not surprised. "It is a dangerous game, Your Majesty. Not everyone enjoys being cornered, even by an Emperor."

Damian turned and began slowly rolling up his sleeves. "It is not a game. He is mine. He just does not realize it yet."

Edward simply sighed and shook his head slightly. "Speaking of those who claim to belong to you..." He approached the small table near the fireplace, where a single parchment rested. "We have received an update regarding Lady Rosaline of Trennova."

Damian’s mood instantly changed.

Edward picked up the paper, adjusting his glasses. "As you recall, she boldly stated that she was carrying your child.The imperial blood test results are still pending, but she has taken it upon herself to spread the news that the test has already confirmed her claim." He paused, paying close attention to Damian’s reaction. "It is, as you might expect, a potential issue."

Damian exhaled through his nose, his jaw tightening. "She is lying."

"Naturally," Edward agreed, unconcerned. "However, lies have power in the right ears. We are handling it, of course, but if Lord von Jaunez hears—"

"He will not," Damian cut him off, his voice sharp.

Edward arched an eyebrow. "Rumors travel fast, Your Majesty."

Damian’s fingers curled into a fist before he forced them to relax. "Then make sure they do not reach him."

Edward chuckled, though his gaze was watchful. "You are already very protective of him. If I did not know better, I would guess you were concerned about how he would react."

Damian shot him a cold stare. "I do not care for gossip, nor do I have patience for manipulative women who believe they can gain power by making false claims." He exhaled, rubbing his temples. "And if Gabriel hears about it, I do not want him to believe I am that careless."

"Ah," Edward said, his smirk barely hidden. "So you really care what he thinks."

Damian turned completely, his gaze sharp. "Edward."

The older man raised his hands slightly, faking innocence. "I am only observing, Your Majesty." He sighed, becoming serious. "We have already started investigating Lady Rosaline. If she lies, as we both suspect, the consequences will be severe. However, if by some unlikely twist of fate she is telling the truth—"

"She isn’t." Damian’s voice was final.

Edward simply nodded. "We will see once the results arrive. Meanwhile, I recommend that you prepare for the inevitable mess she will make in court. I will ensure that the right people put an end to the rumors before they spread too far."

Damian rolled his shoulders, still tense. "Do so quickly."

"As always, Your Majesty."

The room fell silent, the crackling fireplace being the only sound between them. Edward lingered a moment longer before giving a slight bow. "I will leave you to your rest, then."

Damian didn’t respond immediately. His focus was already elsewhere—on the ball, Gabriel, and the path ahead. But, just as Edward turned to leave, Damian spoke.

"Edward."

The butler stopped, glancing back.

"If the blood test comes back false, make sure Lady Rosaline understands the consequences of lying to the Emperor."

Edward’s lips curved slightly. "Of course."

Damian stripped off his outer layers and made his way toward the bath chamber, where the warmth of the room greeted him as he entered. Steam curled into delicate wisps, fragrant with cedar and bergamot. The sound of water filling the large marble tub echoed softly, providing a brief break from the weight of his thoughts.

Damian sank into the large marble tub, the heat seeping through his muscles. The tension in his shoulders, the sharp weight of the day’s events, had subsided beneath the water’s surface, but his mind remained restless.

He closed his eyes and rested his head against the cool edge of the bathtub. Gabriel had left early tonight, cutting through the palace with the same sharp efficiency he used for everything. Constantly avoiding and resisting. Damian could still see the guarded way he had carried himself, as if every conversation was something to be endured rather than enjoyed.

He exhaled quietly. Gabriel had no idea how deeply entangled he was already.

The sound of the water shifting drew him out of his thoughts. One of the attendants had stepped forward, placing a fresh towel nearby before retreating in silent deference. Damian barely acknowledged them. His fingers trailed absently through the water, his thoughts already shifting to the next steps.

Lady Rosaline of Trennova. At the very least, she is an idiot. The idea that she would try to manipulate him into claiming a child that was not his was both irritating and predictable. If not handled properly, her rumors would spread, and Gabriel—damn him—might learn of them before Damian had a chance to put them down.

His fingers curled into fists beneath the water.

Gabriel’s trust was shaky at best, and while Damian had no intention of playing the courtship game like a desperate suitor, he refused to let another’s lies harm what was his.

The Emperor remained in the water for a moment longer, his expression unreadable, before finally rising. The attendants moved quickly, placing a towel over his shoulders. He allowed them to assist in drying his hair, the dark strands still damp as he walked toward the bedroom. His silk robe was draped across his shoulders, the fabric cool against his skin.

Edward had left, as he should have, but the old butler’s words remained in Damian’s mind.

’So you really care what he thinks.’

Damian scoffed quietly. He wanted to make sure Gabriel did not slip through his fingers. That was it.

He sat on the edge of his bed, fingers resting against his temple. Rumors would be addressed tomorrow. Rosaline would find out what happened to those who dared to lie to their Emperor.

And Gabriel...

Gabriel would continue to run. But Damian was never one to let anything or anyone get away from him.