Gabriel's lips curled into a smirk as he leaned slightly toward Anya, amusement flashing through his dark eyes. "You know, Your Highness, if you were that interested in the Emperor's personal affairs, you could have asked him directly. But then again," he mused, tilting his head, "I suppose you enjoy the drama more than the truth."
Anya's face stiffened for a split second before she recovered her composure, her sharp blue eyes narrowing. "And what truth would that be, Lord von Jaunez?"
Before Gabriel could answer, Christian sighed loudly, drawing both of their attention. "There is nothing to talk about," he said flatly, his usual easygoing demeanor replaced by something far colder. His steel-gray gaze never left Anya, as if he could see through every calculated word she spoke. "The royal hospital confirmed it: Rosaline is not carrying my brother's child."
