Chapter 53: The mate (2)

The weight of Damian's words settled between them, while the noise from the ballroom below faded into the background. Max's usual smirk disappeared, and even Astana straightened, his sharp mind already working through the implications.

George was a strong man, in mind and body; how could that be? That shifted something in him; rage began to burn in his mind for those responsible. 

"How sure are you?" Max finally asked, his voice level but laced with unease. "If someone has a hold over George, it means they've been operating under our noses for a long time."

Damian's fingers tapped against the cold stone railing, his gaze fixed on the shifting bodies below. "Sure enough." He spoke with confidence. "The traces are faint, but the pattern is unmistakable."

Astana frowned, his mind already racing with possibilities. "There are not many wizards capable of such control," he said softly. "Manipulating the mind of a noble, especially one as cautious as George, is not an easy task. The number of people who could do this..." He trailed off.

"Is dangerously small," Damian finished for him. His tone had cooled to something unreadable.

Max exhaled sharply, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "So, we are dealing with someone strong enough to get past a Duke's mental defenses. And they've been using George as a puppet." He scoffed, shaking his head. "Perfect. Just what we needed."

Astana's frown deepened. "If we do not act quickly, George could unknowingly tip off whoever is controlling him. If they suspect we are on to them, they might cut ties, or worse, pressure him into doing something reckless."

Damian didn't respond immediately. His focus had shifted elsewhere, and his gaze narrowed as he noticed a familiar figure weaving through the ballroom's elegant chaos.

Princess Anya, surrounded by her attendants and a few noble ladies.

She moved gracefully, her expression carefully composed, yet Damian saw the intent behind her every step. And she was heading straight for Gabriel.

His fingers stilled against the stone railing, his stance shifting slightly.

Max followed his gaze and let out a low whistle. "Well, well. Look who decided to slither over."

Astana's lips pressed into a thin line. "She was bound to make a move sooner or later." He was tired of her antics in attempting to meet the Emperor, but approaching Gabriel was most likely related to their history prior to Damian becoming Emperor.

Damian said nothing. His gaze remained locked on Gabriel, who, oblivious to the approaching storm, was engaged in quiet conversation with his companions. The dark-haired man beside him, a noble of some sort, made far too familiar gestures, brushing his hand against Gabriel's sleeve as he spoke.

Damian's expression darkened.

Then, as they talked surrounded by curious nobles, Damian disappeared.

Max blinked. "Wait, did he just—"

Astana stiffened. "He teleported."

Max let out a dry laugh. "That impatient bastard."

—

Gabriel was trying to ignore Felix and Nicolas bartering while sipping from a glass of wine. He barely reacted when Nicolas tugged at his sleeve, trying to pull him into their playful banter. Felix had just finished a dramatic retelling of a duel he had witnessed, only for Nicolas to respond with an exaggerated version of his own. Their laughter and the low hum of conversation in the ballroom made for a comfortable backdrop, until the shift in the atmosphere became undeniable.

The silence was subtle but noticeable. The nobles around them shifted their stances, some straightening, others lowering their voices. A ripple of interest spread through the crowd, and Gabriel was quick to recognize the cause.

Princess Anya was approaching.

Draped in an elegant gown of deep sapphire, she moved with the grace of someone who knew how to command attention. Her attendants trailed behind her, their presence a quiet reminder of her status. A few noble ladies flanked her as well, but they seemed more interested in the spectacle than in supporting her.

Gabriel set down his glass, his fingers tightening slightly around the stem before releasing it. He had expected this moment, but now that it had arrived, he found himself uncharacteristically still.

"Lord von Jaunez," Anya said, her voice soft but firm enough to demand recognition. "It has been too long."

Gabriel inclined his head slightly. "Princess Anya."

Her lips formed a ghostly smile, but her gaze was unreadable. "I had hoped to speak with you sooner, but, as you can imagine, I have been very busy with the festivities." She looked at Nicolas and Felix, as if she had only just noticed them. "Would you mind if we spoke in private?"

Felix raised an eyebrow, as if to ask if he should intervene, but Gabriel only tilted his head slightly. A silent dismissal. Felix and Nicolas took a reluctant step back, but only a short distance.

"I suppose you came to reminisce?" Gabriel said, his voice neutral. He didn't have much information on the princess. With the rest of the people in his life, it was relatively easy for his men to gather the information required to socialize. He had no idea how their relationship was; Alexandra appeared to know something about the Princess of the Paisian Kingdom, but she refused to tell him anything. 

Anya's expression didn't waver, but there was something keen in her eyes. "How did you succeed in lying to everyone? Olivier is dead, but you seem more alive than anything." Her voice was full of venom. 

"I apologize for my confusion, but should I at least understand what lies Your Highness is talking about?" Gabriel relaxed as he anticipated what the Princess was preparing. He could see his family approaching slowly from the corner of his eye. Nicolas called and sent a server after them.

Anya's expression darkened at Gabriel's composed response. She stepped closer, her voice dropping into a dangerous tone. "You think you can just erase the past? Olivier's death has left a mark on both of our lives, and you—" She hesitated, her eyes scanning his face, searching for any sign of guilt or fear. "You stand here, unharmed, while I am left to pick up the pieces."