Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL)
Chapter 87 - 82: Unexpected guest(1)

Chapter 87: Chapter 82: Unexpected guest(1)

Damian’s thoughts lingered on Gabriel as he moved through the palace corridors, his steps measured and deliberate. Gabriel was finally at ease, and Damian could breathe freely for the first time in what seemed like an eternity. He had protected him, given him the space he required, and he knew deep down that tonight was crucial. Not just Gabriel, but also for himself.

When he reached his private study, he found Edward standing by the door, a small, knowing smile on his face. He did not bother to keep up appearances, dismissing the majority of the staff and promising to take care of Damian’s needs. Edward was sure that the Emperor had a very long day. He sighed, at the late hour and turned to face Damian.

"You are looking like a man who is had a long day," Edward said dryly, his voice carrying the familiar warmth of someone who understood Damian’s burden but was not afraid to tease him about it. "Or perhaps it’s just the company you’ve been keeping."

Damian met his gaze and, for a moment, allowed the tension in his body to slip away. "I could use a drink," he admitted, moving to the sideboard.

Edward’s smile softened. "I figured as much. Might I suggest something a little stronger this time? You’ll need it with the news I have for you."

Damian paused, turning to face him with a raised eyebrow. "What news?"

Edward’s expression turned just a little more serious, though still without the formalities he would use in front of others. He was not mocking Damian, but his jabs were his way of keeping his emperor grounded, reminding him of the real work that awaited him—no matter how much he wanted to avoid it. "It is about Lady Rosaline of Trennova and the small...’situation’ she appears to have gotten herself into. You know, the one who claims to have your child. The staff handled the majority of the rumors she had spread, but I still believe that some scandal-related channels would love to speak with her."

Damian’s lips thinned; the last thing he wanted was to be reminded of the scandalous rumors. "What about it?" he asked. He already ordered Edward to deal with her. He did not see why he needed to hear about her again.

Edward leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed casually. "Well, it turns out the paternity test has come back. And before you go getting any ideas, I’ll spare you the trouble of guessing. It’s highly unlikely that the child is yours. That should bring some peace of mind, wouldn’t you say?"

Damian’s expression darkened, his earlier relief replaced by a simmering anger that had long been suppressed. He set his glass down with almost delicate precision, as if the action itself was a calculated decision. His gaze locked on Edward’s, and for a brief moment, there was an intensity in his expression that demanded no argument.

It was a moment in which Edward knew he was under Damian, that the man in front of him would order the destruction of anything that could harm his image in Gabriel’s eyes. Until now, Damian had barely thought about the woman he used for pleasure; they had an agreement, a contract, and she was one of the most persistent in putting on a show with the pregnancy.

"Rosaline," Damian said slowly, his voice low and dangerous. "I want her to pay for this. For the lies she’s spread, for the audacity. But no one, especially Gabriel, can know about it."

Edward nodded, already understanding the gravity of Damian’s request. "You want her to disappear, Your Majesty?" He returned to formal speech; he recognized his tone; he was now the Emperor, and he wanted his orders carried out immediately.

Damian’s lips thinned. "No. She is a tool, a pawn, and I will make sure she understands the consequences of trying to play games with me." His fingers flexed as he considered the best way to deal with the woman. His eyes flashed with cold resolve. "But her claims about the child? I want that taken care of. The child should never be born. Make it so that it’s... gone. Quietly, cleanly. Make sure Gabriel is never brought into this. The less he knows, the better."

Edward’s expression remained neutral, but his gaze sharpened as he felt the full weight of the order. "I understand, Your Majesty. I’ll see to it personally." There was no judgment in his voice, only recognition of his role in carrying out the Emperor’s wishes. He had served Damian long enough to know that when he made such an order, it was to be carried out without hesitation or question.

Damian took a moment to stare out the window, his thoughts already turning to the larger implications of his decision. He could not afford for this scandal to continue. Rosaline had done her part, but it was time to remove her from the board, and the child was a complication he was not willing to deal with. After all, it was not his.

"See to it that the woman’s situation is handled before it grows too loud. And make sure no one ties it back to me," Damian added, his voice cold with finality.

Edward bowed his head slightly. "It will be done as you wish, Your Majesty."

Damian’s eyes narrowed as he turned away from Edward and walked back to the sideboard. "Good. And keep me updated. I don’t want any mistakes." He poured another glass of whiskey, the amber liquid swirling as he focused on the task at hand. Rosaline would learn her lesson, but she would do so carefully, as he had instructed.

Edward walked out of the room with a measured step, fully aware that the quiet denial of Lady Rosaline’s claims was just another piece in Damian’s masterful power play. She went too far; the contract she signed was more than generous, providing a relationship with the Emperor for a month and she got a lifetime of easy living. However, she became greedy.

Edward was glad that for the moment, Gabriel wasn’t a part of Damian’s plan. For now.

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