The laughter of Edward, Max, and Gabriel echoed throughout the evening, light and unburdened, in stark contrast to the weight of expectation on the court. Their conversation had become more casual, with the barriers between them dissolving into simple banter.
And all the while, Damian could only listen.
The Emperor remained seated beside Gabriel, forced to exchange pleasantries with the new class of nobles eager to introduce themselves. He was trapped in endless, rehearsed exchanges—family names, ambitions, rehearsed flattery—while Gabriel sat not two feet away, utterly at ease, lost in conversation with his most trusted butler and a man he had no idea Gabriel had grown so comfortable with.
The worst part? It wasn't defiance.
It wasn't open rebellion.
It was disregard.
Gabriel was not fighting him. He was ignoring him.
And the court had taken notice.