Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL)
Chapter 96 - 91: The Emperor’s Moves (2)

Chapter 96: Chapter 91: The Emperor’s Moves (2)

Gabriel paused for a moment, recalling the events surrounding the project’s completion. His mind meticulously retraced each step, looking for any detail he may have missed.

"Elliot has always been desperate to prove himself," Gabriel finally answered, choosing his words carefully. "If he saw an opportunity to put himself at the center of a project related to the imperial court, he would seize it. But... I don’t think that was his only reason."

Damian nodded, clearly expecting that answer. His fingers tapped against the armrest in a rhythmic pattern, his gaze fixed on Gabriel, as if weighing the significance of his next words. "He wanted to be useful. That much is clear," Damian mused. "What concerns me is whether he was working with anyone else."

Gabriel frowned. "You think there was interference?"

Damian’s lips curled into a humorless smirk. "I don’t think, Gabriel. I know. Someone tampered with the final version before it got to me. Your project remained intact, but there were subtle changes, nothing major, but enough to suggest outside involvement."

Gabriel’s expression darkened. The thought of someone interfering with his work—work that affected a critical sector—set his teeth on edge. "Did you confirm who it was?" he asked, his tone measured but tense.

"Not yet." Damian leaned in, his gold eyes gleaming with interest. "But I believe whoever it was wanted to see your reaction at the hearing. To see how much you knew, how much you’d fight back. You didn’t disappoint."

Gabriel exhaled sharply. "So, Elliot was either used or complicit."

"Both are possibilities," Damian agreed. "But given his nature, I doubt he was the mastermind. More likely, he was the ideal pawn: entitled, eager to impress, and too arrogant to realize he was being manipulated."

Gabriel crossed his arms. "Who do you think is behind this?"

Damian studied him for a long moment before answering. "There are a few options, but I will not name them yet. Not until I am sure. What matters now is that you are not caught in the crossfire."

Gabriel scoffed lightly, shaking his head. "I already am. Whether I like it or not, I am drawn into your political games."

Damian reached out, his fingers brushing against Gabriel’s wrist in a reassuring yet possessive touch. "It’s no longer just a game, Gabriel."

For a moment, they sat silently, tension between them like an unseen force. Damian’s expression softened, but his gaze remained firm. "Attend the ball with me tonight. You can see for yourself who is watching you and me. You might notice things I don’t."

Gabriel hesitated before nodding slowly. "Fine. But don’t expect me to play along with whatever scheme you have planned."

Damian smirked, his grip tightening just slightly. "I wouldn’t dream of it. But I do expect you to dance with me."

Gabriel sighed, regretting his decision. "You really are impossible."

Damian chuckled. "And yet, here you are."

Lunch passed with an air of unspoken understanding between them. The meal was served quickly, and the conversation was kept to a minimum, with the project’s lingering thoughts taking precedence. Gabriel, on the other hand, could not help but notice something strange: Edward was not there. He had come to expect the butler to be near Damian at all times, but there was no sign of him.

As if sensing his thoughts, Damian casually remarked, "Edward had an errand to run. He will return shortly."

Gabriel nodded, but the absence left him with a lingering question.

Damian rose from his seat after lunch, stretching briefly before returning his gaze to Gabriel. "I have matters to attend to outside of my study. You can settle in there and make yourself comfortable. Everything should already be in place."

Gabriel gave him a wry look. "How thoughtful of you."

Damian smirked, but said nothing else before leaving. Left alone, Gabriel made his way to the study, his thoughts already turning to the work that awaited him. He exhaled, allowing the weight of everything to settle for a moment before gathering the necessary documents and seated himself at the new desk.

—

The receiving room was quiet except for the faint clink of porcelain as Lady Rosaline of Trennova carefully placed her teacup down. Dressed in her finest sapphire gown, she exuded a sense of calm triumph, her chin raised with the confidence of a woman who believed herself untouchable.

Edward, standing a few feet away with his hands neatly clasped behind his back, had no patience for this ruse. He had previously dealt with dozens of women who believed that bedding an emperor, even contractually, gave them power above their station. He was here because of her deception, because she had forced his master’s hand, which irritated him.

He’d rather be anywhere else.

"I must say, I expected more resistance," Rosaline mused, her voice sweet with false modesty. "But perhaps you see the wisdom in my claim. It is only natural for me to bear His Majesty’s child. Our union was always intended to result in something greater."

Edward curled his lips into a faint smirk. "A child that, according to the laboratories, has no trace of royal blood."

Her fingers twitched, but she quickly collected herself. "That is absurd," she said, her voice rising. "The test was clearly tampered with. I know what I carry."

Edward exhaled through his nose, his patience fading. "Do you, now? Do you think the palace does not verify claims like yours? You lied, Lady Rosaline."

She inhaled, bracing herself. "What if I did?" she asked, her eyes narrowing. "Who dares to accuse me? If I go to court and announce this to the noble families, they will demand acknowledgement. A public dispute would tarnish His Majesty’s reputation—"

Edward moved closer, looming over her, his voice dropping to a low, biting tone. "You think you are important enough to be a scandal."

Her lips parted slightly, as if offended by the suggestion.

"You were a contract partner," he continued, his tone cold, precise. "Nothing more. Your obligations ended when the contract expired. You were given wealth and favor in exchange for your services, but instead of accepting what was given to you, you sought something more valuable."

"I deserve more," she snapped, her calm mask slipping. "I stood by His Majesty’s side when he needed me. "I sacrificed for him—"

"You were paid," Edward said mercilessly. "Handsomely, I might add. And if you had not overplayed your hand, you might still have enjoyed the privileges that came with your time in the palace. But instead, you lied. You forged a claim that could have jeopardized the very empire you wished to marry into."

Rosaline’s breath was heavy, her grip on the teacup tightening as rage flared in her eyes. "If I am cast aside like this," she seethed, "I will not go quietly."

Edward cocked his head, unimpressed. "You will."

She forced a bitter laugh. "Do you really believe I have no allies? That I have no supporters who would view my treatment as an insult to our clans? "I was supposed to be Empress, and you—"

"You were never meant to be anything," Edward said abruptly, his patience drained. "You were a temporary bedmate, just like the others before you. Nonetheless, you convinced yourself that you could be more."

She abruptly set down the cup, her nails digging into the table’s polished wood. "Then tell me, Edward," she sneered, "what you intend to do with me. Make me disappear during the night? Throw me to the gutter like a common whore?"

Edward chuckled softly, his eyes darkening with amusement. "Nothing so dramatic."

He pointed at her cup. Her gaze shifted toward it, then back to him, as a slow realization dawned.

Her stomach twisted.

"What did you do?" she whispered.