Chapter 28: Homecoming (4)

"There is no use to change all the planning we did; you will return to your rightful place and we can deal with Duke George Claymore when his time comes." Theo lunged in his chair while speaking; he loosened his silk blue tie with his right hand. 

"Well, George is forcing Maximilian's hand into marking me. He seems to have changed his plans for some reason. Until recently he took his time in planning every step, but now…"

Lucius' expression darkened, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood of his desk. "He's accelerating," he murmured, more to himself than to the others. "That is unlike him."

Elowen's lips pressed into a thin line, her eyes narrowing. "George Claymore is a strategist. He was not going to change his plans unless something or someone forced him to. The question is: "What changed?" She walked away from her husband, hands on her hips, to the window wall behind the count's desk. 

Gabriel exhaled slowly and leaned back into his chair. "That's what I've been trying to figure out. Before, he was patient and methodical. He gave me space; he made me believe I had options, but now he is cornering me. If Maximilian marks me, it strengthens my ties to the Claymores and ensures that I will continue to manage his projects." Gabriel paused before speaking again. He was reluctant to ask for help, but his family needed a chance to help their youngest son and brother.

"George wanted to start with the mark; if we changed it, it might erase the contract, but the truth is that the mark is my doing. The contract's symbol is underneath. And I do not think making a real mark will help. I had my doubts at first, but I believe that only someone with imperial blood and powers can erase it."

Theo hummed thoughtfully, his gaze flickering toward their father. "You think he suspects something? About Gabriel's contract?"

Lucius didn't answer immediately. He shifted his focus to Gabriel, his sharp gaze evaluating. "Do you think he was involved with Olivier's plans?"

Gabriel hesitated. "I don't think so. If he did, he would not be attempting to bind me to Max; he would have already made his move."

Lucius nodded slightly. "Then he's either acting out of desperation or opportunity. Either way, he's trying to claim you before someone else does."

Elowen sighed, rubbing her temples. "Maximilian already has a partner, doesn't he?"

Gabriel scoffed, surprised that they already knew. "That hasn't stopped George before. He does not care about Max's feelings; he simply wants to ensure my loyalty to his family, whether I like it or not. Or so is my guess."

Theo let out a low whistle. "Sounds like a real mess. So what's your play here, little brother?"

Gabriel was silent for a moment, his fingers drumming against the armrest of his chair. He had been running through every possibility in his mind, but none of them came without risks. Finally, he spoke.

"I don't have one," he admitted. "I stalled for a while with the little charade with Maximilian, but as Theo sensed earlier, his pheromones are on me and will eventually fade away. The magical contract is more complicated than we know. It could be be broken with imperial blood, but if it takes someone with Olivier's power…"

Elowen nodded. "Then there are at best two options: Damian, the emperor, or his father Hadeon. Maximilian is strong, but he was unable to complete the blood ceremony. His eyes never changed color, and there was no more power in his blood to awaken." 

Gabriel raised a brow. "Then how is George expecting Max to seize the throne? If that would be something he wanted."

Lucius exhaled, his fingers lacing together atop the desk. "I don't know. Maybe he wants something else. We have to analyze his movements in the last five years at least; we have to know what he really wants."

"There are many unknown movements between the noble parties; Damian's plan to reintroduce the social season was to make these movements more visible."

Elowen turned from the window, arms crossed. "Then we take advantage of that. If the season forces nobles into the open, we can track alliances, deals, and power shifts. If George has been making moves in the shadows, they will start surfacing."

Lucius nodded. "I'll have our people keep an eye on his known associates, but we also need to look beyond what's obvious. George is not careless; if he is playing a long game, his most important moves will not be visible in public."

Gabriel sighed, running a hand through his hair. "That's the problem. If we can not see what he really wants, we will always react rather than act first."

Theo smirked, loosening his sleeves gold buttons. "So, we shake the board."

Gabriel arched a brow. "And how do you suggest we do that?"

Theo grinned. "We make George think he's losing control. If he's accelerating his plans, then he must feel time isn't on his side. What happens if we push him just a little further?"

Lucius' gaze sharpened. "He'll be forced to show his hand."

Elowen's lips curled into a smirk. "And once he does, we'll finally know what he truly wants."

Gabriel exhaled, feeling the weight of their plan settle over him. It was risky, but risk was the only path forward. He would been controlled for five years; perhaps it was time to reverse the situation.

"The Von Jaunez family will host a ball for your homecoming after the official coming of age one. People will fight to be invited to it. We can use this party as an opportunity to see what he wants from you, Gabriel, and if we get lucky, some of his plans." 

"Maximilian told me that he will talk to Damian about what is going on between him and George. I am not sure if it is a good idea, but he wields absolute power."