Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL)
Chapter 88 - 83: Unexpected guest(2)

Chapter 88: Chapter 83: Unexpected guest(2)

Damian remained by the sideboard for a moment longer, the weight of his decision settling into the quiet of his private study. The whiskey burned as it slid down his throat, but it did little to temper the frustration simmering beneath his skin. He exhaled sharply, carefully placing the glass down before finally moving toward his chambers.

The palace corridors were silent at this hour, with the dim glow of lanterns casting long shadows across the marble floors. He dismissed the servants who were waiting outside his bedroom with a single glance, uninterested in their presence. The weight of the day pressed against his shoulders, and for the first time in hours, he allowed himself to feel the exhaustion creeping in.

The bathing chamber was already ready, as expected. A large tub sat in the center, with steam rising from the water’s surface, carrying the scent of cedarwood and faint traces of lavender. He did not care for unnecessary luxuries, but Edward, knowing his habits, made sure his baths were both practical and relaxing.

With practiced movements, Damian shed his robe, unfastened his cuffs, and loosened his collar. The garments pooled onto the floor, forgotten, as he stepped into the warm water. The heat seeped into his muscles, releasing the tension that had built up throughout the day. He leaned back, his eyes closing briefly as he indulged in the rare pleasure of stillness.

His thoughts, however, refused to settle. Gabriel. Even with the chaos of the evening, the countless demands of ruling, and the annoyance Rosaline had caused, his mind kept returning to him.

Gabriel had been at ease tonight. More than anything else, Damian felt a deep sense of peace. He could breathe when Gabriel wasn’t burdened. The thought was almost ridiculous: the Emperor measuring his own peace by the state of another. But it was the truth.

His fingers trailed absently through the water, his jaw tightening. Gabriel still did not know the extent of Damian’s claim over him. That would happen eventually. For the time being, just knowing he was within reach was enough to help him regain his strength.

Damian let out a slow breath, tilting his head back against the edge of the tub. The warmth of the bath dulled the edges of his thoughts, enough that his body finally began to relax. He could feel the attraction his body had to Gabriel on the balcony. For the first time in his life, he was grateful for the layers of official attire that Edward forced him to wear. Gabriel didn’t feel how aroused he was from their intimacy and the faint smell of Gabriel’s pheromones. He chuckled. This was only the beginning; he had time to have his mate at the right time, and it would be even better if Gabriel initiated it.

Damian exhaled a slow, satisfied breath as he sank deeper into the warm water, allowing it to lap against his skin. He had almost begun to enjoy the rare solitude when the air in the room shifted. Someone had entered. There is no sound or disturbance, only the unmistakable weight of another presence.

Gregoris. One of his shadow warriors and guards.

Damian smirked, eyes still closed. "You do realize I’m bathing, don’t you?"

Gregoris remained unimpressed. "You do realize Charles von Jaunez is at the palace gates, don’t you?"

Damian cracked one eye open, amusement flashing across his face. "Well, that’s new. I expected him to send a letter first, maybe a strongly worded threat. What does dear Charles want?"

Gregoris’ expression remained unchanged, but Damian noticed that his shoulders relaxed slightly, indicating that he was at ease in his presence. He was one of the select few who had earned that honor. "He refuses to say. He’s causing a bit of a scene. The outer guards are keeping him at bay, but it’s only a matter of time before he starts making demands. I am guessing von Jaunez did not take it lightly that their youngest one is in your personal palace."

Damian hummed in thought, dragging a wet hand through his hair. "Charles was always the impatient one. You two would get along wonderfully."

Gregoris sneered. "I’d rather not lower my standards."

Damian’s smirk widened. He had carefully chosen Gregoris, as he had done with all of his men. Capable, intelligent, and, most importantly, not easily swayed by pretty words. Gregoris was, in some ways, similar to Charles: sharp, determined, and fiercely loyal. The only difference was that Gregoris had learned to choose his loyalties wisely.

Charles had not taken his oath yet, and Damian wanted him in his shadow army; the older brother would do anything to ensure that Gabriel did not suffer the same fate as before the rebellion. But Damian was nothing alike Olivier.

Damian shifted, resting his arm on the edge of the tub and looking at Gregoris with a lazy but knowing gaze. "Let him do whatever he wants. Withdraw my shadows. Send only the usual palace guards."

Gregoris tilted his head slightly. "You want him to think he has the upper hand."

Damian chuckled. "I do not want him to think anything; I want him to believe it wholeheartedly." He traced a finger idly along the surface of the water. "Charles is a man who fights hardest when he feels cornered. I do not intend to do that; it would be better if he knocked down some of the guards."

Gregoris nodded, understanding the unspoken command beneath Damian’s words. He hesitated only briefly before adding, "You’ve wanted him under your rule for a long time."

Damian’s smile was sharp, gleaming like the edge of a blade. "And now, he’s just handed himself over on a silver platter. Let’s see how far he’s willing to fall."

Gregoris bowed slightly, turning on his heel to carry out the order. As the door clicked shut behind him, Damian leaned back against the tub, tilting his head up toward the ceiling. He barely contained his amusement; if he had known they would be so desperate to take Gabriel from him, he would have summoned him to the palace much earlier.

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