Chapter 50: The Coming of Age Ball (1)

Gabriel stepped out of the car, his gaze sweeping over the grand entrance of the imperial palace. The towering marble columns gleamed in the light of countless chandeliers, casting golden reflections on the polished floors. Nobles dressed in their finest silks and velvets moved in elegant groups, their whispered conversations blending with the soft strains of an orchestra playing from the grand hall.

He adjusted the cuffs of his robe, the deep purple fabric embroidered with subtle silver patterns catching the light. Alexandra and Gloria chose colors that matched the von Jaunez family; white gold rings gleamed on his fingers. 

Alexandra and Caelan stepped out behind him, their presence a reassuring weight at his side. Alexandra had always carried herself with grace befitting the von Jaunez and Lancaster names, and tonight was no exception—her gown of dark emerald green shimmered as she walked, her arm loosely linked with Caelan's.

The palace server bowed respectfully and stepped aside, allowing them to enter. As they moved forward, Gabriel felt the weight of curious eyes rest on him. He had expected as much. The whispers had already started.

"The von Jaunez heir..."

"He looks well. I heard he was unwell after the hearing."

"Do you think the Emperor will—?"

The last voice fell silent as Gabriel passed, his expression composed and unreadable. He was trying to ignore the magical waves that were engulfing the palace floors and walls. All the energy reminded him of his work, which he thoroughly enjoyed. His chest tightened as he realized that he might never return to the field and would only be able to push papers. 

Gabriel exhaled slowly, suppressing the irritation curling in his chest. He had no patience for speculation, nor for the ever-watchful eyes that followed his every move. He moved forward with his posture straight and his expression composed. The grand hall loomed ahead, its gilded arches framing the dazzling spectacle of noble society in full display.

He was still absorbing the subtle magic infused in the palace when a palace attendant approached, dressed in crisp imperial livery. The man bowed low.

"Lord von Jaunez," he said, his voice smooth and practiced. "His Majesty has arranged a special area for the young lords and ladies before the opening ceremony. You are requested to join them."

Gabriel flicked a glance toward Alexandra, who raised a knowing brow but said nothing. Gloria had already vanished into the swirling crowd, likely off to find her own circle of influence. Caelan, ever the quiet observer, simply inclined his head.

"Lead the way," Gabriel said, following the attendant as they slipped past the main gathering.

The side hall they entered was quieter, though the hum of conversation remained. It led to a pair of ornate double doors, already slightly ajar, revealing a grand lounge bathed in soft golden light. The air carried a subtle mix of perfumes, wine, and tension.

Inside, the younger generation of nobility had gathered, their laughter and murmured conversations filling the space. Some stood in groups, already conducting careful negotiations disguised as casual conversation. Others sat languidly on velvet-upholstered lounges, sipping wine and taking in the surroundings.

Gabriel recognized the familiar faces—heirs and children of powerful families, some of whom he had met previously, others only by reputation. Their eyes shifted to him as he entered, assessing and measuring.

He was debating whether to get a drink or take a vantage point near the window when a rich, unmistakably poised voice called out from nearby.

As Gabriel entered the golden-lit lounge, the hushed conversations around him shifted. Some of the younger nobles looked his way with veiled curiosity, while others stared openly, as if assessing the truth behind the rumors about his return.

Before he could decide whether to get a drink or find a quieter place, a voice called out, stirring something deep inside him.

"Gabriel?"

Gabriel turned, his composure intact, but for a fleeting moment, something flickered behind his dark gaze.

A tall man with chestnut-brown hair and warm amber eyes walked toward him, his expression alternating between disbelief and something dangerously close to relief. He was dressed in dark green and black, the colors of House Durnière, but Gabriel could recognize him without the crest on his lapel.

Felix Durnière.

Gabriel had known him since childhood, and their friendship was one of the few that went beyond politics. They had trained together, debated together, and once, long ago, laughed together. Before the rebellion. Before everything had shattered. Before he became another character in a play that Gabriel couldn't remember. 

Felix came to a stop before him, searching his face for something unspoken. "You really returned," he murmured.

Gabriel inclined his head slightly. "So it would seem."

Felix hesitated, as if he wanted to say more, but another figure joined them before he could.

"Gabriel, you bastard!"

A firm hand clapped Gabriel on the shoulder, and he barely had time to shift before coming face to face with Nicolas Varnay, Duke Varnay's second son. The young man had always been quick to laugh, and his dark curls were tousled as if he had just emerged from a fencing match. His brown eyes, on the other hand, were filled with a heavier emotion Gabriel could not quite place.

"I thought you were dead," Nicolas said bluntly, though his voice was quieter than his usual bravado. "Or worse."

"I'm flattered," Gabriel replied dryly.

Nicolas huffed a laugh, but there was a sharpness in his gaze. "You vanished, Gabriel. And now you are just, what? Here, at a ball, as if nothing happened?"

Gabriel met his gaze evenly. "What would you have me do, Nicolas?"

Nicolas opened his mouth, then closed it, running a hand through his hair. "Hell, I don't know," he muttered. "But I didn't expect you to come back looking like you belong here more than the rest of us."

Felix exhaled through his nose, crossing his arms. "You disappeared without a word. We heard rumors about the rebellion and the palace. But no one knew for sure. And now you are standing here as if you never left.

Gabriel remained silent for a moment. He had no intention of explaining himself—not here or now. But something in their voices, the unspoken frustration and uncertainty, reminded him that these two had once been more than just noble acquaintances. They had been friends.