Chapter 44: Unknown Feelings(2)

Max groaned, throwing his head back against the chair. "Oh, yes, because organizing a large party was something I had wished for. It was a suggestion I made, which you threw at me. Thank you, Damian, truly. You are the most considerate older brother."

The enchanted chandelier overhead cast shifting patterns of light as Max stood, rolling his shoulders as if trying to shake off the exhaustion clinging to his bones. Damian remained by the fireplace, his night robe loose at the collar, his back straight despite the exhaustion. The tension between them was familiar, like an old friend neither wanted to admit.

Max exhaled sharply, running a hand through his tousled hair. "You do realize what you're forcing me into, don't you?"

Damian finally turned, arching a brow. "You'll have to be more specific, brother. I force you into many things." He was playing with his imperial ring, which he usually did when he was tired. 

Max scoffed and threw himself back into the chair from which he had just stood. "The ball, Damian. The coming-of-age ball." He gestured vaguely, exasperated. "The grand spectacle in which I, your poor and suffering younger brother, must parade around like a prized stallion while every ambitious noble family throws their daughters and sons at my feet. You know that will happen."

Damian smirked faintly. "I don't recall asking you to enjoy it."

"That's the problem," Max shot back. "You never ask. You just command." He leaned forward, his voice thick with irritation. "You have the entire court watching your every move, trying to predict your next step. And now, thanks to you, I get to be part of the entertainment. What a privilege." His voice was thick with irony. He despised the idea of being controlled, and in recent months, George and Damian had been doing the same.

Damian shrugged, completely unconcerned. "Consider it a character-building exercise."

Max groaned, rubbing his face. "Character-building? Damian, if I wanted to build character, I would wrestle a dragon rather than court insufferable nobles." He pointed at his brother accusingly. "And don't think I don't know what you're doing. This ball is about more than just young adults and your search for a bride. It's about solidifying alliances. All this means you will be dangling me in front of the most powerful families to see who bites. Damian, I have a partner."

Damian tilted his head slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "You're not as stupid as you pretend to be." He leaned back slightly, considering. "I might stop meddling when you finally introduce me to your partner. Until then, I remain unconvinced he even exists."

"I wish I were making him up," Max muttered. "It would make tolerating this nightmare much easier."

Edward, standing near the doorway, cleared his throat softly. "Would you like me to fetch you a stronger drink, Master Maximilian?"

Max looked at him, deadpan. "Edward, if I start drinking now, I might not stop until the ball is over."

Edward inclined his head. "I shall prepare a decanter, then."

Damian snorted, shaking his head as Max groaned dramatically. "You'll survive," Damian said dryly.

Max narrowed his eyes. "Speaking of things I have to endure, let's get back to Gabriel."

Damian's amusement faded instantly.

Max didn't miss the shift. Damian would have to suffer and beg his lover to be more patient than he already was. He leaned back, folding his arms. "So? No thoughts about me spending all night with him? The apartment was quite small, you know."

Max had a hunch that Damian had his eyes on Gabriel; Edward confirmed his suspicions when he earlier mentioned that Damian had become serious and had not slept around in a few weeks.

Damian's jaw tensed. "I fail to see how that's relevant."

Max smirked. "Oh, Do you?"

'Oh, boy, this would be funnier than I expected,' Max thought while planning to make his brother suffer just as much as he did.

There was a silence between them, but it wasn't the usual kind. It was edged with the Emperor's confusion on what he should feel. Max was having fun; he would laugh at him later, but not right now.

Damian turned away, his fingers tightening against the edge of the nightrobe belt. "If Gabriel was uncomfortable, he would have thrown you out himself."

Max's smirk widened. "Oh, he definitely wanted to, believe me. But he didn't. We had... long discussions." His voice carried an unmistakable tease. There was no need for him to know Gabriel was about to throw him out the window or that the two of them were extremely awkward. It was better for Damian to be humbled once in a blue moon. 

Damian's grip on the belt barely loosened. "And?"

Max stretched lazily, dragging out his words just to irritate him. "And nothing happened." He gave a mock sigh. "A shame, really. He's quite attractive when he glares."

Damian turned then, his eyes sharp. "Max." His voice was cold enough to chill his enemies' blood, but not enough to stop his brother.

Max grinned. "Just testing something."

Damian stared at him, unreadable, but there was a flicker of something buried deep—something he had not fully grasped.

Max's grin softened. "You don't even realize it, do you?"

Damian remained silent.

Max stood, rolling his shoulders again. "Don't worry, big brother. You'll figure it out soon enough." He clapped a hand on Damian's shoulder before heading toward the door. "See you at the ball. Can't wait."

With that, he was gone, leaving Damian standing in the dim light, the embers of an unfamiliar irritation smoldering in his chest.