Chapter 40: Draped in Rumors (2)

Gabriel's senses were overwhelmed as soon as they entered the atelier by the scent of finely pressed fabrics and fragrant parfumes. The grand space, with its intricate chandeliers and mirrors reflecting the latest haute couture creations, could have easily been mistaken for a palace rather than a shop. The air was thick with the faint hum of scissors and sewing machines, and Gloria Ohara was standing near the fitting area, surveying the room like a queen holding court.

Her sharp, calculating gaze shifted to them as they entered, a smile curling at the corners of her lips. The fabric of her dress shimmered in the light, impossibly refined, just like her reputation.

"Ah, Gabriel," Gloria's voice floated toward him like a silk thread. "And Alexandra, as… punctual as always." Her words were both teasing and pointed, but she spoke with a warmth that only someone who knew the von Jaunez family could muster.

Gabriel returned her smile with a faint nod, refusing to show her any signs of annoyance. "I guess punctuality is relative." He was beginning to understand his past behavior toward her. 

"To a certain extent," she agreed smoothly, her dark eyes flicking to Alexandra, who was already ushering Gabriel toward the fitting area. "Well, let us get you dressed more... presentable, shall we?"

Gabriel sighed as he took a seat on the plush chair. Gloria's attendants swarmed him, pulling his sleeves and adjusting his measurements, while she flitted around him like a conductor, inspecting every detail. He could feel the weight of the day beginning to settle in. His thoughts turned to the upcoming ball, the rumors, and the decisions that would follow.

He did not enjoy the back-and-forth of fashion, but as Alexandra had pointed out, this was a battlefield, and he needed to play his part.

Gloria leaned in closer as the fittings began, a mischievous smile spreading across her lips. "I have heard there are some fascinating new rumors circulating lately. Would you care to hear them, or should I spare you the scandal?"

Gabriel looked up, surprised by his own curiosity. "You never spared me from scandal, Gloria. "I would rather hear it from you than the others."

She leaned back, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, let me begin with the most intriguing one. Have you heard about the Ebon Count? "What a turn of events, would not you say?"

"Count Ebon?" Gabriel asked while trying to remember the familiar name. "The Ministry of Magic?" He remembered the short, stubby man. They met once for the pilot project of Ashmont, and his lack of interest in his work imprinted his image on Gabriel's memory. He disliked the man. 

Alexandra sat on a nearby couch, her black dress gracefully draping over her legs. She was sipping from a teacup. Gabriel was still surrounded by Gloria's employees, and every part of his body was being measured for the final fit. "That's the one. Or rather, was."

Gabriel's brow furrowed. "Was? What happened to him?" 

Gloria tilted her head slightly, as if savoring the moment before delivering her news. "Ah, now that is the talk of the capital. The good Count met a rather… unfortunate fate. You see, our dear Emperor Damian, in what can only be described as a spectacular loss of patience, decided to make an example of him. And not just any example: he blew out his eyes.

Gabriel stiffened. "What?"

"Oh yes." Gloria's voice was thick with amusement, but her eyes were sharp, watching him intently. "According to rumors, Damian did more than just punish him—he snapped." she made an elegant flick of her fingers, mimicking an explosion, "gone. The Count will never see another sunrise."

Gabriel felt his heartbeat quicken. He knew Damian was capable of ruthlessness, but this—this was a brutal statement. The weight of it set in, and he exhaled slowly. "Why?"

Gloria's smile widened. "Oh, now that is the interesting part." She cast a glance at Alexandra before returning her attention to Gabriel. 

Gloria's voice took on a knowing lilt. "Now, I am wondering why Damian would react so violently to that? What could have possibly set him off? Oh, but then I heard something truly intriguing—" she leaned in ever so slightly, lowering her voice, "someone at that hearing pointed out, quite explicitly, that the Ministry was not doing its job."

Gabriel's breath hitched. His mind flashed back to the hearing, to the moment when he had spoken, when he had made his stance clear.

Gloria and Alexandra were watching him now, closely.

It hit him all at once. The realization hit him like a cold water: it was all because of him.

His lips moved slightly, but he did not say anything. There was nothing he could do; Damian may have grown tired of people failing to complete their tasks. 

"Well," she sighed, "at least someone handled the situation. Though, honestly, it's been nothing but a headache for Caelius."

Gloria raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Busy with the investigation, is he?"

"Of course." Alexandra's lips curled in amusement, but her voice contained an unmistakable hint of annoyance. "You know how he is. Thorough to a fault, no matter how obvious the conclusion." She reached for her tea once more, sighing. "Naturally, that means he has little time for anything else. The empire comes first, after all."

Gabriel cast a glance at her, noting the slight irritation in her normally composed demeanor. It wasn't often Alexandra voiced her discontent so openly, but he understood. Caelius was one of the few men in the empire who took his duty as seriously as his marriage, but he was not immune to the demands of Damian's reign.

Gloria, of course, caught on right away, her smile deepening. "My, my. "Alexandra, you almost sound jealous."

Alexandra scoffed, swirling the tea in her cup. "Hardly."

Gloria's smile sharpened, planning to drop the real question that was creating waves in the social world. "Oh, dear Gabriel. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that hearing, would you?"