Chapter 48: Uncomfortable (4)

"So what are we going to do?" Gabriel asked while rising from his seat to look out into the garden. Flickering lights danced through the night, making the garden look strangely eerie.

"Nothing; we should prepare for the upcoming ball and keep our eyes wide open." 

A server knocked on Gabriel's room door and entered carrying a tray, which he placed on the tea table in the corner and bowed before leaving. 

Gabriel barely acknowledged the server as he left, his mind preoccupied. The garden beyond the window stretched into the night, with flickering lanterns casting long, swaying shadows. Something about the way they swayed bothered him, as if they, too, were whispering secrets just beyond reach.

He turned back to the room, his gaze landing on the tray. The scent of warm food filled the air, but he had no appetite. Regardless, he approached the tea table and slowly lifted the silver lid. A simple meal of roasted meat, greens, and a small bowl of broth awaited him. It was nothing out of the ordinary, but he hesitated.

Maximilian's voice came over the phone, slightly muffled now that it was on the desk. "Gabriel?"

"I'm here." He placed the lid back down with a soft clink and returned to his seat. "You really think we should just wait?"

"For now," Maximilian admitted, though he didn't sound convinced himself. "The ball will gather all the key players. If something is brewing, we will see it happen."

Gabriel leaned back, rubbing his temple. He hated waiting, but for what they knew, Maximilian was right. Despite their unfortunate meeting a week ago, both had a tacit agreement to tolerate each other for the time being. 

"And Callahan?" Gabriel spoke mostly with Callahan during his five years at Claymore Company; he never missed an appointment and was always available to answer the phone when Gabriel called. 

"I'll keep asking around," Maximilian said. "If he's missing, someone will notice."

Gabriel exhaled sharply. "Fine." His fingers tapped against the wooden surface of the tea table. The rose wood on the table is subtly spreading a rose perfume around it. 

A gust of wind rattled the window, and Gabriel glanced outside once more. The garden was still, yet the uneasy feeling in his chest remained.

"I'll look into it myself," he murmured. He needed something to do because all of the preparation for the ball was going to drive him insane. 

Maximilian groaned. "Gabriel—"

"I will not do anything rash; you are busy enough," he said, though they both knew it was only half the truth. But I am not going to sit around waiting for answers either."

Another sigh from the other end. "Just... don't make me regret this. I have a hunch that Damian will have my head if something happens to you."

Gabriel smiled despite himself. "No promises. Plus, the Emperor is free to form alliances with anyone from von Jaunez."

"I'm not so sure about it." Said Maximilian with a strange laugh. Gabriel brushed off his laugh; he had an unusual sense of humor.

The call ended, leaving him alone with his thoughts. He reached for the cup of tea on the tray, now slightly cooled, and took a slow sip.

If Callahan was missing, then something was moving in the shadows.

– 

The days leading up to the grand ball flew by, with endless preparations and subtle shifts in the air. The capital was alive with excitement, as noble families arrived in waves, their carriages crowding the streets and their estates ablaze with activity. Tailors, jewelers, and perfumers worked tirelessly, ensuring that every young noble was adorned in their finest for their long-awaited presentation.

At the von Jaunez estate, the atmosphere was no different. Servants hurried through the halls, carrying trays of refreshments for visiting seamstresses and stylists, while invitations and messages poured in. The family had its own plans to make, with each evening bringing new discussions of alliances, potential matches, and whispers of courtly intrigue. Gabriel listened, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

Callahan was still missing. Maximilian had nothing new to report, and Anabelle's attempts to reach him had been met with silence.

The unease in Gabriel's chest tightened, but there was little he could do. He had to do his duties as a young heir of a prestigious family. Everything was handled by Alexandra and their mother. 

Even George remained elusive, his presence fading into the background like a shadow passing through cracks in the light. He appeared in public only when it was necessary, and neither Gabriel nor Max could approach him. 

Despite his suspicions, he went through the motions. He attended required meetings, made appearances as needed, and allowed himself to be fitted for his clothing without complaint. He listened to Alexandra's teasing remarks about potential suitors at the ball with the same unimpressed expression he always had.

"Shouldn't Charles marry before me? He's the older one." Gabriel complained bitterly as he, Alexandra, and Caelan rode in the same car to the ball. 

Caelan raised an eyebrow, meeting his wife's gaze, her teasing smile unwavering. "If you think he is ready to take on that responsibility, by all means, bring it up with him," he replied dryly. 

Gabriel chuckled softly, though it was tinged with a hint of amusement. "I'm sure Charles would love that," he said, lounging his legs, the heavy fabric of his robe draping over them. "I think he does a fantastic job in staying out of this subject."

Alexandra's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she glanced at Gabriel. "You do have a way with words, Gabriel," she teased, leaning slightly toward him in the confined space of the car. "But perhaps it's not Charles you should worry about."

Caelan smirked, his hand resting on his knee as he kept his gaze ahead. "No need to bring up the subject at all, unless you want an uninvited headache. The ball will be enough of a spectacle."

A server of the palace opened the car door, inviting Gabriel to exit the car.