As Gabriel settled into the seat, the chamber filled with a hush that was almost deafening. A second of silence stretched out before the unavoidable ripple of reaction began. A wave of murmurs swept through the assembled nobility, some scandalized, others intrigued, and many already changing their masks to match the shifting tides of power.
The Empress's seat.
The implications were undeniable. Regardless of the official decree or the ongoing political game, the palace had made its decision. Gabriel von Jaunez was more than just a favorite courtier or a consort by name. He was a candidate for the throne beside Damian Lyon.
Whispers slithered behind delicate fans, veiled glances flitted from noble to noble. Some of them leaned in closer to their companions, the most interested in Damian's reaction. After all, they had all witnessed the Emperor's swift, merciless response to dissent.
Yet Gabriel did not tremble.
