The morning sun filtered softly through the tall windows of Garnet Hall, bathing the corridors in warm gold. Gabriel strolled in with an easy confidence, his boots clicking against the polished floor. There, he found Aisha arranging a small bouquet in the front hall.
"Good morning, beautiful," Gabriel said with a cheeky grin.
Aisha glanced up, arching a brow with amusement. "You know such words do not work on me. If you think I will abandon my husband for your charms, you are sorely mistaken," she teased.
Gabriel gasped dramatically, pressing a hand against his chest. "You wound me, Lady Aisha. It was but a harmless compliment."
Their shared laughter filled the hall, warm and familiar.
"Kael!" Aisha called toward the back of the hall. "Your friend has arrived!"
Kael soon appeared, wiping his hands on a cloth, a smile breaking across his face.
"I hope he wasn't making advances at you," Kael joked, slipping an arm around Aisha's waist.
"You know him too well," she said, laughing.
"What brings you here, my friend?" Kael asked, leading Gabriel toward the sitting room.
Gabriel's shoulders lifted in a slow sigh. "I depart for Calonia tomorrow. I thought it best to bid you farewell."
Kael nodded, his expression softening. "When will you return?"
"That, I cannot say," Gabriel replied, running a hand through his hair. "Matters arise that require my attention. Kingly duties must be performed, whether I wish it or not."
Aisha joined them, setting drinks before the men with a smile. "At least you have a sense of duty."
She paused, fixing Gabriel with a knowing look. "What of the maiden you were so smitten with?"
Gabriel's face hardened instantly. "Who said I was smitten with anyone?" he asked, too sharply.
Husband and wife exchanged a silent glance.
"All is well?" Kael ventured carefully.
Gabriel's hands tightened around his cup. Just thinking about Ava made his blood boil.
"I have nothing to be concerned about," he said tersely. "Merely a disrespectful maiden who will soon learn her place. I have decided to punish her... by making her my mistress."
Kael blinked in disbelief. "How, exactly, does that sound like a punishment?"
Gabriel smirked darkly. "You will see."
Kael didn't laugh. Instead, a knot of unease twisted in his gut. He remembered too well what happened the last time Gabriel's pride had been wounded.
"What are you plotting, Gabriel?" Kael pressed, his tone edged with warning.
Gabriel waved a hand dismissively. "Nothing of consequence. Come, let us wrestle one last time before I leave. I should like to boast that I defeated the great Kael Thompson."
Kael chuckled, setting down his cup. "You wish, my friend."
The two men made their way to the training hall, tying on their gloves with easy camaraderie.
"I bought a piece of land to expand Garnet Hall," Kael said, fastening his straps.
Gabriel's face lit up. "That is splendid news. Truly, I am happy for you."
They squared off, exchanging playful blows.
"But some of the Lords claim it will never happen," Kael added, his tone darkening.
Gabriel dodged a swing, frowning. "And why would they say such a thing?"
Kael shrugged, landing a light jab. "They believe a black hustler like me can never be greater than them."
Gabriel's frown deepened. He threw a punch harder than intended, his anger flashing. "Do you need my help? You know I would gladly deal with them."
Kael grinned, ducking the blow. "I can fight my own battles."
Gabriel nodded, respect gleaming in his eyes. "I know. But if matters become dire, do not hesitate. Go to the Emperor. Tell him you are a friend of Gabriel Flynn."
Kael nodded, though a shadow crossed his face. In a world ruled by power and prejudice, some battles were harder won than others.
And in the back of his mind, he wondered what exactly was Gabriel planning for the maiden who had dared defy him?