Bound by the Mark of Lies (BL) Chapter 46 - 41: Draped in Rumors (3)

Gabriel t Gloria's gaze with unwavering calm, even as the weight of her question fell between them. His fingers curled slightly against the material that was draped over him, but his expression remained unchanged. Alexandra lied; he was there only for the final asurents and fit, not for the choosing of the clothes. He sighed.

'There is no point in lying; Caelan is investigating, and Alexandra knows everything for sure. It seems like not a day goes by without sothing happening. I should be cautious of Damian and his brother.'

He let the silence linger before responding, tilting his head slightly as though considering his answer. "Well, I do enjoy being the center of attention," he said with an air of mock contemplation. "And nothing quite says 'influence' like a man losing his eyes over my words."

Gloria's lips curled in amusent. "Oh, Gabriel, I do appreciate your honesty. It makes my work so much easier."

His mouth quivered in a faint smirk. "I live to make your life easier, Gloria. Truly, it's my greatest service to the empire."

Even if Gloria didn't address it, Gabriel knew that his every movent was highly scrutinized by those who thought better than himself.

As the conversation continued, the tailors around him worked with practiced precision, tugging at the fabric draped over his fra, adjusting seams, and pinning the final pieces into place. The cool tal of asuring tape was pressed against his neck and wrists, followed by the fleeting brush of chalk dust as adjustnts were made. A seamstress crouched near his legs, folding the hem of the trousers with quick, deft movents, while another smoothed a deep green brocade vest over his torso.

Gabriel's posture remained perfectly composed, but he could feel the weight of their hands guiding his arms, checking the tightness of the cuffs, ensuring every asurent was exact. The subtle scent of pressed linen and faint traces of perfu clung to the garnts, mixing with the delicate tension in the air.

'I need to ask Alexandra for more information in the car before we return. If Damian only reacted to my words, I would be next, but that is impossible. He knows about the Pilot Project from Ashmont. There is sothing to that.'

He forced the thought away as Alexandra set down her cup with deliberate grace. "It was a necessary conversation," she said, her tone neutral. "The Ministry's shortcomings couldn't be ignored forever. I know for certain that the count was only the final straw."

Gloria tilted her head, as if looking for a hidden aning beneath Alexandra's words. "Well, of course. But what a reaction it provoked." Her sharp and knowledgeable gaze returned to Gabriel. "You should feel honored. Few people can claim to have provoked the Emperor into such a spectacle."

Gabriel exhaled quietly, his face betraying nothing. "Oh, absolutely. I'll be sure to add it to my list of achievents. Right between 'excellent dinner guest' and 'surprisingly patient with tailors.'" He lifted a hand slightly, allowing one of the attendants to adjust the fit of his sleeve. "Really, I should send Damian a thank-you note."

Gloria laughed, genuinely entertained. "You should! Though I'd recomnd sothing without ink. He might take it as a challenge."

"I'll consider embossing it in gold leaf."

Alexandra, having had enough of their back-and-forth, set down her cup. "Facts have consequences." She allowed the words to settle between them before reaching for her tea again.

For a mont, the only sound was the gentle rustle of fabric, the quiet snip of scissors trimming excess thread, and the flick of pages as the attendants noted down the final adjustnts. Gabriel felt the weight of unspoken understanding settle between them. Gloria, despite her amusent, was aware of the ga being played. Despite knowing the entire story, Alexandra refused to confirm or deny it.

One of the tailors stepped back, surveying their work before giving a small nod of approval. Another attendant carefully removed the pinned fabric, preparing the final stitchwork that would be completed before the ball.

Gabriel let the silence stretch a little longer before speaking again, tilting his head toward Gloria with a lazy smirk. "Rumors are currency, and you seem to have quite the fortune. Any plans to retire?"

Gloria pressed a hand to her chest in mock offense. "Oh, darling, I could never abandon my true calling." Her long, red hair was shining in the light with every move of her head.

"As expected. The empire would simply fall apart without your sharp tongue keeping it in check." Gabriel said he found entertaining the idea of giving in Gloria's chatter, and he knew that he needed all the distraction. His mind was still fixated on Damian's actions; sothing felt odd. The story was about more than just the Count.

'What ga are you playing, Damian?'

Her laughter was light, unbothered by Gabriel's jabs. He was one of the few people she allowed to speak with her in that way. "You flatter , Gabriel. But you know as well as I do. In this world, information is power. And I have no intention of wasting it."

Gabriel knew better than to believe what she said, no matter how innocent she tried to appear. Gloria Ohara never missed an opportunity to capitalize on her extensive knowledge of rumors.

Gloria set down her cup with a knowing smile, her fingers tracing the rim as she glanced between Gabriel and Alexandra. "Speaking of spectacles," she remarked, "it appears the capital has welcod a rather intriguing new guest. Princess Anya has arrived."

Gabriel's fingers stilled against his cuff at the ntion of Anya's na. A strange unease curled in his chest, subtle but persistent, like an itch at the back of his mind. He kept his expression relaxed, tilting his head slightly as though considering Gloria's words, but the feeling didn't fade. If anything, it grew stronger.

Gabriel was wondering why he had a very bad feeling about the princess.

'Do I knew her?'