A knight's code of honor [BXB]

A KNIGHT'S CODE OF HONOR - 13 | ''Thank you, Gabriel. For everything.''

THE CANDLES FLICKERED SOFTLY, casting long, wavering shadows across the walls of Damian's chambers. The air was thick with the scent of wax and parchment, mingling with the faint aroma of lavender from the fresh linens. Gabriel stood by the window, his silhouette sharp against the soft glow of the moonlight filtering through the glass. Damian was seated at his desk, his fingers drumming lightly on the polished wood as he scanned the letters Gabriel had brought earlier.

"We need to figure out who in the castle had access to this information," Damian said, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it, a tension that spoke of sleepless nights and the weight of responsibility.

Gabriel turned from the window, his eyes meeting Damian's. "It's not just about access," He replied, stepping closer to the desk. "It's about opportunity and motive. We need to think like them, anticipate their next move."

Damian nodded, pushing the letters aside. "Agreed. But where do we start? The castle is vast, and there are too many people who could be involved."

Gabriel leaned over the desk, tracing a finger along the edge of one of the letters. "We start with those closest to you, those who would benefit most from your downfall."

Damian sighed, rubbing his temples. "It's a long list. Too long."

The two men fell into a contemplative silence, the crackle of the fire in the hearth the only sound in the room. Gabriel studied Damian, noting the dark circles under his eyes, the lines of worry etched into his face. Despite his regal bearing, the prince looked weary, burdened by the constant threat looming over him.

"You don't trust easily, do you?" Gabriel asked softly.

Damian looked up, his expression guarded. "In my position, trust is a luxury I can't afford. But I've come to trust you, Gabriel. You've proven yourself time and time again."

Gabriel's heart swelled at the prince's words, a warmth spreading through his chest. "I appreciate that, Your Highness. And I won't let you down."

Damian offered a faint smile. "I know you won't. Now, let's go over what we have."

They spent the next few hours poring over the documents, cross-referencing schedules, and discussing possible suspects. Their conversation was punctuated by moments of silence, each man lost in his thoughts as they tried to piece together the puzzle. The hours stretched on, the night deepening outside the windows.

At one point, Damian leaned back in his chair, his gaze distant. "I never wanted this," He admitted quietly. "The crown, the power... it's a burden more than a privilege. And now, with Isabella coming, I'm terrified that my enemies will use her to get to me."

Gabriel's brow furrowed with concern. "We'll protect her, Damian. I'll make sure of it."

Damian's eyes flickered with a mixture of gratitude and fear. "I know. But it feels like I'm fighting a battle I can't win. Every decision I make seems to push me closer to the edge."

Gabriel reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Damian's shoulder. "You're not alone in this. We'll find the traitor, and we'll stop them. Together."

Damian looked up, his eyes meeting Gabriel's with a vulnerability that was rarely seen. "Thank you, Gabriel. Your loyalty means more to me than you'll ever know."

Gabriel squeezed Damian's shoulder gently. "You don't have to thank me. It's my duty -- ''

'' -- and my honor." Damian finished for him.

Their bond solidified in that moment, a silent understanding passing between them. The stakes were high, but they were determined to face the challenges together, their partnership growing stronger with each passing day.

As the night wore on, they continued their investigation, their conversation drifting to lighter topics as they shared stories of their pasts. Gabriel spoke of his training, the friends he had made, and the battles he had fought. Damian listened intently, a small smile playing on his lips as he imagined a life outside the palace walls.

"You've seen so much of the world," Damian remarked wistfully. "I envy that freedom."

Gabriel chuckled softly. "It's not all glamour and adventure, believe me. But it's made me who I am today."

Damian nodded thoughtfully. "And who you are today is exactly who I need by my side."

The room fell into a comfortable silence, the fire crackling softly as the two men continued their work. The first light of dawn began to creep through the windows, casting a soft, golden hue over the room. Gabriel stifled a yawn, glancing at the prince who looked equally exhausted.

"Maybe we should get some rest," Gabriel suggested. "We won't do anyone any good if we're too tired to think straight."

Not that he could ever think straight, with the prince in his presence. 

His eyes widened.

Where did that come from?

Damian sighed, rubbing his eyes. "You're right. We'll continue this later."

As they stood, preparing to part ways, Damian turned to Gabriel, a serious expression on his face. "Thank you, Gabriel. For everything."

Gabriel nodded, a sense of purpose filling him. "We'll get through this, Damian. I promise."

With a final nod, Gabriel left the prince's chambers, his mind racing with the events of the night. Their partnership had deepened, their mutual dependence growing stronger with each passing day. As he made his way back to his own quarters, Gabriel knew that the road ahead would be fraught with danger, but he was ready to face it, for Damian, and for the future of the kingdom.