Chapter 34: Family dinner (1)

Gabriel watched Linnea in silence for a few more moments, his dark brown eyes unreadable. She was too eager, too desperate. That alone was enough to make him cautious. He had long ago learned that desperation drove people to be reckless, and reckless people were dangerous in their own way.

Then, with a quiet sigh, he leaned back against the tub's edge and closed his eyes. "Not now," he said, his voice even, betraying no curiosity. "My water is cold; tell me everything you want to say after dinner."

Linnea's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to argue, but the weight of his words weighed heavily on her. She bowed her head instead. "Yes, my lord."

Gabriel didn't respond. He merely lifted a hand in dismissal, and Linnea took the cue, retreating from the room without another word.

The door clicked shut behind her, and Gabriel exhaled, rolling his shoulders. The water had gone cold, and his muscles no longer carried the tension of warmth. With a quiet scoff, he finished washing his hair and stepped out of the water. 

A servant was already waiting just outside, as expected. Joseph would have made the arrangements; his efficiency never wavered. He would definitely inform the butler about his meeting with the maid. That gave Gabriel an idea. 

Gabriel dried off and dressed in a tailored black suit embroidered with the von Jaunez crest in deep silver thread. The fabric was smooth against his skin, a subtle reminder of his family's wealth and prestige. He adjusted the cuffs of his sleeves, briefly tracing the elegant embroidery. He looked every bit the noble heir he had once been, but that identity felt distant—something he had lost during the rebellion and had yet to reclaim.

A soft knock came at the door.

"My lord," came Joseph's voice. "Your family awaits you."

Gabriel cast a final glance at his reflection before turning away. He stepped into the corridor, where the faint hum of conversation drifted from the dining hall.

The von Jaunez family was already seated when he arrived. The long dining table, polished to a flawless shine, was adorned with elegant candelabras and fine silverware. The warm glow of the chandeliers above casts golden light throughout the room.

Theo sat near the head of the table, his usual composed expression revealing nothing, but his sharp gaze flickered to Gabriel as soon as he entered. Charles, on the other hand, gave a small smirk, his amused expression lingering.

Elowen sat beside Lucius, her posture graceful, dressed in a strapless black evening gown with a diamon necklace shining subtly. Lucius, ever quiet but observant, inclined his head slightly in greeting.

Alexandra was engaged in quiet conversation with her husband, Caelan Lancaster, whose sharp blue eyes betrayed the watchful nature of a man who knew court politics well. His silver-blond hair contrasted with the deep blue of his suit. Gabriel had not seen him in five years, but he was confident he knew everything. 

Gabriel strode forward with an effortless air of confidence, taking his seat with a calm, measured motion. He did not look at Linnea, who stood among the servants, awaiting orders. He was not sure if the girl was a regular at the dinner, but he was willing to bet his favorite book that Joseph put her in service on purpose. 

As the first course was served, a delicate soup infused with fragrant herbs, Linnea shifted ever so slightly. She was waiting, hoping, expecting something.

Gabriel did not spare her a glance.

The conversation flowed among the family members, discussing matters of estate, politics, and recent events in the empire. Linnea, despite her best efforts, stood out—not because of anything she did, but because she was too conscious of herself. She carried herself as if she had something to prove, something to gain.

And the von Jaunez family was not blind.

Charles' smirk deepened as he watched her from the corner of his eye. Elowen's gaze lingered briefly but thoughtfully. Theo remained outwardly indifferent, but Gabriel could see the cogs turning in his brother's head. 

Even Alexandra, engaged in conversation with her husband, noted Linnea's presence with a subtle glance.

The girl was making a fool of herself.

Gabriel dipped his spoon into the soup and sipped slowly. He still did not acknowledge her; he was hungry, and someone would undoubtedly intervene.

By the time the main course was served, Linnea's attempts to seem composed were beginning to crack. Her hands clenched subtly at her sides, and her eyes flickered toward Gabriel with a barely concealed hopefulness.

Still, he did not speak to her.

She had expected his attention. She had expected an opportunity.

Charles leaned back in his chair, his smirk never wavering as he turned his attention to Linnea. He toyed idly with the stem of his wine glass before speaking, his voice carrying an air of lazy amusement.

"Gabriel, be nice and acknowledge this woman's efforts to get your attention," he mused, tilting his head slightly as if inspecting her like a curious specimen. "Most servants know how to blend into the background, but here she stands."

Linnea stiffened, her fingers gripping the fabric of her uniform. She lowered her head slightly in an effort to appear humble, but her trembling hands betrayed her.

"I… I apologize if I have caused any offense, my lord," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Charles chuckled, taking a leisurely sip of his wine. "Oh, no offense taken. In fact, I find it rather entertaining." His gaze flicked toward Gabriel. "But I am curious; what has she done to make herself so determined to win your favor?"

The rest of the table shifted their gaze to Gabriel, interest flashing across their faces. Even Theo, who had been silent up until now, set down his utensils with deliberate patience, waiting for an answer.

Gabriel, still calm and collected, finally set down his cutlery. He glanced at Linnea, watching how she flinched under the weight of his gaze. He then turned to face his family, exhaling slowly.

"She came to me while I was bathing," he said plainly, his tone devoid of emotion.

The air at the table shifted.