Gabriel gave a breathy chuckle and spread his arms wide as if Damien had just accused him of kicking puppies. "Don't worry," he said, his tone dripping with artificial innocence. "I admit defeat, Your Highness. The day is yours." He paused dramatically, then added, "But I would like you to meet some of the guests. I did invite them all this way from far away. It would be dreadfully rude not to."
Damien raised an eyebrow. "I still don't know what you're up to. And if you think for one second that I believe that bullshit, you must think me naïve."
"Oh, Damien, I've never thought you naïve. Impulsive, maybe. Reckless? Absolutely. But never naïve."
As they moved deeper into the crowd, the music playing behind them shifted to something more upbeat. The crowd was high on joy, on wine, and on gossip.
