Chapter 49: Preparation

Damian looks at his reflection in the large mirror with a golden frame that the servants had brought in just a few hours ago. Despite his luxurious clothing, fine embroidery of the royal seal, color, and grandeur, they were only a spectacle to others. Damian, the alpha male, wore imperial clothing and became the Emperor, an untouchable being. He sighed as Edward meticulously arranged his clothes. The hem of his robe covered his legs and was enchanted with various spells to keep him safe in dangerous situations. The clothing served as armor during the five-day ball.

Edward, ever the meticulous servant, continued to adjust his robes with quiet precision, making sure that no detail was overlooked. Damian's gaze remained fixed on the reflection in front of him, a mixture of contemplation and assurance. 

"Is everything in place, Edward?" Damian's voice was low and commanding. This was one of the few occasions when he would allow his trusted butler to fuss over him.

"Yes, Your Majesty. You are ready," Edward replied, stepping back with a respectful bow. He admired his work; the imperial garnements were designed and meticulously crafted in less than a month. He took pride in his efficiency. 

Damian nodded, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the upcoming ball, the grand stage where his power would shine. This event was more than just a celebration—it was a statement. His position as Emperor, secured and unquestioned, would be solidified in the eyes of all who attended. This was just the beginning. He directed his men to keep a close eye on the new adults at the ball; there would be talent for him to scout. 

Damian turned toward the creaking door, revealing Astana and Maximilian. Both had arrived as expected, ready to take their places for the ball, but it was their presence more than their attire that captured his attention. 

Astana was dressed in a blue robe with bronze embroidery; his blonde hair was finely styled, and he wore bronze frame glasses to match his outfit. He proudly wore his family's colors. 

Maximilian, dressed in his dark green robe with silver accents, stood with his usual casual grace and unreadable expression, but there was an unspoken tension in the air between them. His clothing was simple, almost mocking the intricate design Damian was forced to wear. 

"Your Majesty," Astana greeted, his voice steady, though his eyes briefly scanned the royal attire Damian wore. "Preparations for the ball are almost finished. The nobles are already gathering in the hall."

"Good," Damian replied, his tone and appearance hiding his exasperation. He stepped away from the mirror, his eyes locking with Astana's for a brief moment. "Keep them in line. If any of them try to get clever, remind them of who they answer to."

Astana inclined her head, understanding the weight of his words. "Of course, Your Majesty. It will be done."

Maximilian, who had been silent until now, moved slightly, his gaze shifting between Damian and Astana. He cleared his throat before speaking, his tone casual but hinting at something deeper beneath the surface. "And when it comes to the Empress announcement, do you intend to make it a spectacle or just get it over with?"

Damian's gaze never left his reflection as he adjusted his robes, the gold thread catching the light. "I already know who the Empress will be, Maximilian," he said casually, looking over his shoulder. 

Maximilian raised an eyebrow and leaned against the doorframe, grinning. "Oh, is that so? Have you already made up your mind?" he teased.

Damian smirked, his tone a mix of amusement and authority. "Why shouldn't I?"

Before Maximilian could respond, Astana entered, his footsteps measured and sharp, cutting through the moment. An attendant had called him just minutes before. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice crisp, "Princess Anya has arrived. She would like to meet with you before the ball." Astana was more than fed up with the demanding Princess trying to get a hold of the Emperor at any opportunity, but he had to endure it until after the ball when the task Damian gave to him would be completed. He was starting to count hours until then. 

Damian sighed, turning toward Astana, his lips curling into a slight frown. "She's here already?" He knew exactly what Princess Anya was after. "I'm not entertaining her. Tell her I'm busy."

Astana didn't flinch, but there was a brief flicker of understanding in his eyes. "Understand, Your Majesty. I'll handle it."

Maximilian couldn't resist the opportunity to stir the pot. "Speaking of people, I just had a quick chat with Gabriel," he said casually, his grin widening as he glanced at Damian. "Funny how time flies when you're in the middle of things, huh?"

Damian frozen for a second, his expression unreadable, before he turned fully toward Maximilian. "You spoke with him?" he asked, his voice sharp but curious. No relevant information appeared about George or Callahan; there was no real reason for Gabriel to talk with Max. 

Maximilian gave him a shrug, as though it was no big deal. "Oh, he called me, just a quick conversation. You know, keeping in touch with the right people." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a mock-conspiratorial whisper. "But do not worry, I did not let him distract me from the important things... like your charming presence." Max was determined to make his older brother suffer as much as possible; the last few months had been hell for him, and he could not spend time with his partner because the Emperor had tasked him with ball management. 

Damian's lips quirked upward, though there was a flash of annoyance hidden beneath the amusement. "I hope you did not say anything that could get me in more trouble."

"Of course not," Maximilian replied smoothly, his grin never fading. "I'm all about smooth sailing." He winked, clearly enjoying teasing Damian.

Damian rolled his eyes and returned to the mirror, as if he had not been distracted. "If you are all done with your antics, we have a ball to attend. Let's make sure we don't get too far off track."

Maximilian chuckled, giving a lazy bow. "Lead the way, Your Majesty."

Astana, having finished his duties, gave them both a curt nod before heading toward the door. "I'll take care of the princess." Max followed him out of the room to return to his position. 

Damian, now alone with his thoughts, rearranged his clothes once more. 'Let the evening begin', he thought, knowing full well that both the ball and his power would only grow stronger as the night went on.