Chapter 37: The Wrath of Von Jaunez House (2)

Dinner resumed, though the earlier tension had not entirely dissipated. The sounds of cutlery against fine porcelain filled the room, but the conversation was sparse. It was a silent acknowledgement that things were changing and that the evening had been tainted by more than just a rash attempt at deception. 

Gabriel took another sip of his wine, the dark liquid rolling over his tongue, but the taste felt dull. He set his glass down, his fingers pressing lightly against the base. He was wondering what would take for him to have a lazy day or at least an evening. Even if he looked detached from the earliest events, he was still disturbed by the maid.

'Why me? What did I do for this to happen? I really hoped that my return home would help me remember something more, anything really.'

Elowen was the first to break the silence. "Joseph will handle the rest. There's no need to waste any more of our evening on a failed scheme."

Gabriel exhaled, trying to clear his mind. There was so much more to be done before the coming-of-age ball. "Agreed," he murmured.

'I have to find out what Claymore is planning and if Damian will help Maximilian. Until now, there has been no movement from George Claymore to officially discuss the marriage between me and Maximilian with my father. There is still some time left.'

"Speaking of more important matters," Alexandra said smoothly, dabbing her lips with a napkin before putting it away. "Gabriel, we have an appointment tomorrow morning."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow; her question took his attention away from the Maximilian situation. "We do?"

Alexandra's lips curled into a small, knowing smile. "Yes. A fitting session for the ball."

Gabriel sighed. "Must I?"

"Absolutely," she replied, unbothered by his lack of enthusiasm. "You are the center of attention, whether you like it or not. You will dress appropriately." Alexandra wasn't going to let Gabriel slip through her fingers. 

"I have clothes. You can pick something from what I already have." Gabriel knew how important the ball was, but for all the reasons and motives, he couldn't care less about fashion and clothes. He has already purchased a lot of high-quality items; there must be something that matches the theme of the ball.

"You have functional clothing," Alexandra corrected. "Not attire fit for the coming-of-age ball. There are expectations, Gabriel. I'm not going to let this happen."

Charles smirked, leaning forward. "She's right. Imagine showing up in one of your dull suits while the rest of the nobility flaunts their best. "You would stand out for all the wrong reasons."

"Let them flaunt," Gabriel said dryly. "I don't really seek attention. The opposite would be best."

Elowen, who had been listening patiently, finally spoke, her voice carrying a quiet authority. "Gabriel, it is not about seeking attention. It is all about what you represent. Whether you want it or not, your presence draws attention. You should not deny yourself the ability to stand as you are supposed to."

Gabriel met his mother's gaze, her words sinking deeper than he wanted to admit. "Mother, you know I hate all of this," he murmured, his fingers tapping lightly against the table.

Elowen reached out with a firm but warm touch, placing her hand over his. "I know," she said softly, "but you are still my son. And you are still von Jaunez. No matter what shadows lurk in your past, the guests at that ball will only see what you show them." She gave his hand a small squeeze before letting go. "I would rather them see the man you truly are, not the one they assume you to be."

Gabriel sighed, his resolve wavering. "Fine," he relented. "But I refuse anything excessive."

He knew Alexandra's taste; he had received countless designs from her in the previous weeks, and something told him that he would have to try them on tomorrow. 

Alexandra's smile widened while clapping her hands. "I promise it will be tasteful. Refined. Elegant. Powerful. Just as it should be." Caelan let out a soft sigh, he placed his right hand on Alexandra's back. 

Theo chuckled, watching Gabriel's defeated expression. "Sounds like you're doomed."

Gabriel gave him a look but said nothing; he was clearly outnumbered. 

Lucius, who had been silent, finally leaned back in his chair. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow, Gabriel endures Alexandra's relentless sense of fashion." He raised his glass slightly in mock salute before taking a sip.

"Don't even think about slipping away before then," Alexandra warned, her tone teasing but firm.

Gabriel rolled his eyes. "No promises."

Dinner continued in a slightly lighter mood, though the weight of the night's events still lingered. As Gabriel toyed with the stem of his glass, he couldn't shake the feeling that the ball would bring more problems than he could imagine. 

–

Dinner concluded with the quiet clinking of glasses and the subtle rustling of napkins being folded. Gabriel excused himself first, eager to retreat from the looming discussions of fashion and noble expectations. Alexandra watched him go with a knowing smile, while Elowen's gaze lingered on his back, a quiet sigh escaping her lips.

Once the last servant cleared the table, Lucius, Elowen, Theo, and Charles exchanged glances. Without a word, they all understood what came next.

In the dimly lit study, the air was heavy with unspoken tension. The maid, Linnea, kneeled in the center of the room, her hands bound in front of her. Fear clung to her like a second skin, her wide eyes darting between the figures surrounding her. Nearby, Joseph stood rigid, his expression grim as he prepared to present his findings.

Lucius was the first to break the silence. He leaned against the heavy oak desk, fingers drumming idly against the surface. "Let's not waste time. Who put you up to this?" His voice was quiet, but the weight behind it was unmistakable.

The maid swallowed hard, her body trembling. "I... I wasn't trying to—"