Chapter Text
The God Garden was a lost wonder. Burned to the ground, a grand sight of beauty that held hundreds of rare flowers and trees now lost to time. Others paled in comparison to its wonder— even the Gardens of the Fae. Yet beyond the marble-clad walls of Aelix Castle— nestled in the hearts of the human continent, Dradona, lay a sanctuary of flora that threatened to contest it . Despite being in an area that was dwarfed from the size of the castle alone, the gardens stretch out for a mile easily. From the silver leaves of the Duskwood trees, to the buds of the elusive moon roses, the Aelix garden had plants from all across the human continent. Nestled further into the gardens themselves was a stone sitting area. Benches made of a pale stone lined the pathways, bushes with small, pale roses grew from behind them. The pathways, four of them, all met together at a large marble fountain.
A goddess.
That was the only thing that described the being carved into the stone, holding what appeared to be a branch in one hand and an arrow in another. Water cascaded from the tip of the arrow and the end of the branch she clutched with her head looking to the sky— well, what was meant to be it. The area was covered by a matching marble awning held up with the help of eight carved pillars— one sat on each side of the four meeting pathways.
And casually reclining against one of these pillars, was a man. A soldier, bearing a gleaming silver chestplate with the sun reflecting from it, making the engraved emblem glow in the light. His sword hung against his side in its scabbard while his hand rested near the hilt in anticipation. While silent and unmoving, his eyes— a blue as piercing as the northern frozen rivers— stayed locked on to another figure that sat deliberately on the edge of the fountain's base. A breeze passed though, carrying the scent of a rain storm yet to approach as well as several floral scents from the array of the garden. With that breeze, loose strands of dark golden hair fell against the soldier’s brow.
The figure he tracked vigilantly was bathed in a silk robe of a pale, iridescent blue that shimmered just faintly enough that it was reminiscent of a rare moon pearl. The robes pooled down and over his feet from how he rested against the cool marble. His face was obscured by a veil made of the same material, attached to his head by a silver chain that looped back. Though the veil hid his face and expressions, he still held himself in a poised manner, his hand folded together in his lap, the material of his sleeves gathered together. His place in the garden and his enchanting robes gave a sense of divinity and grace. There was a faint sense of restlessness that he seemed to carry today.
Birds passed through the large branches of a weeping tree, its trunk and branches were covered with lantern vines, threatening to touch the pathways below it from how low they hung. Its leaves were a soft green color with flower buds of a light blue, close tight. Rumor had it that the tree would simply bloom for one reason— blood had to be spilled upon its trunk. The veiled figure turned, watching as a small butterfly of a rich blue passed so close that it almost landed upon him. He reached a hand towards it. The small creature avoided his hand and came to rest upon one of the nearby moon roses. It danced around one before landing and resting a moment and repeating the motion. The butterfly then moved off and soon out of sight of the two men. The veiled one looked down towards the fountain, reaching a hand towards the water, his sleeve pushed away slightly to expose a soft pale hand reaching. His hand stretched out, the sleeve slipping and almost touching the water when he was startled by a voice speaking up.
”Castiel,” It was the soldier, pushing himself up from the pillar— his voice was low and edged with a polite sense of warning. “You will soak the sleeve of your robes, again.”
Castiel retracted his hand back to his lap, his fingers now toying at the opposite sleeve with a slight sense of frustration from being interrupted from where he had allowed his thoughts to wander to. An exasperated sigh escaped as he shifted from how he sat to turn and stare at the guard who seemed to have a flash of concern briefly pass his eyes as he watched him shift. He tilted his head, the facial expression unseen, yet the man tensed still as the silence mixed with the motion sent enough of a message. Castiel did not care about the state of these robes.
”You are ever vigilant, Gabriel,” He murmured, hands stilling in his lap as he spoke— tone light and soft yet dripping with dry sarcasm. “One would think you’ve now become assigned as my keeper and handler rather than simply a guard.”
”You will be-“
”I will be fine.” Castiel interrupted him smoothly, half angling himself back towards the fountain. “A damp sleeve should not be a cause to raise alarm. Even if it was, for whatever reason that may be, you should not be concerned about it.”
Gabriel remained silent. Castiel was correct in the sense that a sleeve briefly exposed to water was no worrying matter. It was not like the veiled man had completely fallen into the fountain. No, that was not what bothered the guard. It was the restlessness that he could pick up from Castiel, the sharp tongue that interrupted him.
”Is that all I am? A guard,” The words fell from Gabriel’s lips before he could stop them as Castiel whipped his head around to face the guard.
“You would be wise to watch your words as much as you watch my robes,” Castiel’s voice dropped lower as Gabriel stepped forward towards him so that he may hear what was being said. “To ask for privacy here is a fool’s wish. We have company.”
Castiel tilted his head a bit more to the side and Gabriel turned, gaze following where it was gestured to. The weeping tree, also known to some as the banshee willow, was just a bit too small to completely obscure the sight of an alcove along the path that curved that direction. Within that alcove, a young girl— no older than twelve years— peeked out towards the two as the rest by the fountain. His hidden eyes tracked the girl, picking up on her presence the moment he had caught the sight of movement from that direction. Gabriel shifted so that he stood blocking the direction of the alcove and Castiel, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword and unsheathing it just slightly enough to convey a threat.
The servant girl, unsure in her steps, moved from the alcove and into the opening, her hands trembling a bit as she wrung the hem of her tunic which was easily two or three sizes too big for her.
An errand girl.
”For give me, Blessed One,” Her face flushed red as she shifted from foot to foot and a slight tremble shook her words as she made an awkward attempt to bow Before straightening back up.
”Out with it.” Gabriel demanded and half stepped to the side only so that Castiel could see the girl better from behind his veil, and the girl lost the flush from her face, almost paling a bit as she anxiously glanced at Gabriel.
“The priestess, Priestess Naomi, requested for me to fetch you, sir,” The girl gripped the hem of her shirt more, pulling at it slightly as she slightly swayed before catching herself and straightening up to be respectful. “I was told to tell you that she will be doing lessons. High Priest Michael had to leave the Castle. Something happened outside the city, and he was called.”
”Very well. I’ll see to it that he arrives,” Gabriel confirmed as he went to turn away before pausing and turning back. “You may leave.”
”Thank you for your time, Blessed One,” The girl squeaked out before turning to leave— tripping over her feet and stumbling slightly before leaving the way she had come.
The two men were silent, the sound of the breeze, birds, and the fountain being the only disturbance. Castiel looked down to his lap before rising. A slight dissatisfied noise— a rumbling hum not unlike thunder— escaped from Gabriel as he turned to look at the veil man, clearly unhappy at being interrupted before they could properly have their conversation. Castiel ignored the sounds as he went to step past him, his foot catching on the hem of his robes, from where they had pooled when he sat. His eyes had been focused down the paths the girl had disappeared and his head had been focused on Gabriel's previous words, so he had taken no notice of where his step landed.
”Gabriel. You are not simply a guard. You are—“
His foot slipped. The world tilted.
The fountain basin rushed towards him as he fell sideways towards it, cold water threatening to soak his robes.
It never touched him.
Strong and warm arms wrapped tightly around Castiel with startling speed, lifting him up and pulling him upright. He was pulled into a chaser, cold metal of a chest plate pressing against Castiel from through the veil’s thin material. A shaky sigh of relief was pulled from his lips as he slowly regained his composure only to lose that breath when Gabriel spoke, voice low and close to his ear.
”For a man called the Blessed One,” Gabriel’s voice was laced in warm amusement as he spoke, arms gently squeezing Castiel. “You possess the grace and balance of a sleepwalking fawn.”
Castiel shifted away from Gabriel’s arms, sending a shove against the man’s shoulder, making his stager back a step as a quiet laugh rumbled through him.
“If you wish to fall into my arms,” Gabriel continued, the laugh deepening in his tone as he leaned into a half mocked bow and led a hand forwards to Castiel. “You can simply ask rather than dive into a fountain. Though perhaps you’d rather dive into my bed—“
”Gabriel,” Castiel’s tone was scolding, yet he was grateful for the veil hiding his face as red bloomed across his cheeks, and he found himself gently biting his bottom lip as he briefly considered the request.
”Perhaps I will consider your offer after my lessons.”
”My, my. Such a scandalous Blessed One,” Gabriel murmured, his lips curling into a smirk of amusement before turning and making a dramatic bow and motion with his arm to lead. “After you, my divine charge.”
”Bite me,” Castiel retorted, the grin rising on his face matching the tone in his voice as he spoke with amusement, turning and walking towards the path the young errand girl from before had come from.
”I can do plenty of that.” Gabriel followed behind Castiel, One of his gloved hands reaching up to gently thought he silk robe material at the small of the other’s back as they headed along the path into Aelix Castle.
The castle was a marvel. It was an architecture masterpiece of high spires and arched windows which— if looked upon close enough— depicted celestial motifs with gold details.
The entrance leading from the gardens wasn’t nearly as grand as the front gates, but it was beautiful. The large doors were made from a combination of duskwood— a grey ash like wood with dark grain marks— and stain glass depicting images of flora. Some blooming petals across the design had never been seen before and had been rumored that it was a plant that once resided in the lost God Gardens. That the glass crafter had been a fae that once visited the gardens before the war and desired to create the image to preserve what was left. The artistry was detailed and careful. A true labor of love that most would overlook.
Beyond the threshold of that grand door was a hallway. Along the walls bore paintings of trees and flowers. Gardens from unknown locations were depicted in some while others were simply paintings done of the garden that rested past the door. Along the marble walls, paintings of flowers— now thought to be extinct— hung from special gold frames.
Castiel did not stop to admire any of these.
His strides were measured and confident as he knew the route he was going. He’d follow the same path for years at this point. It was not uncommon for him to be called away from the peace that was his time in the gardens. He turned down a hallway— followed closed by Gabriel— that led towards the western wing of the Castiel, large tapestries with the same symbol of the crescent moon and the bald that Gabriel wore on his chest. He turned down another hall and stopped in front of two large doors. These were made from Dusk wood as well, polished to be a shiny and darker color. Castiel stared at the doors and took a deep breath. The moon phase carved upon it was familiar. As were the carved books and runes that promised knowledge, wisdom, and peace would sit behind these doors.
The Royal Library of Aelix.
It was a place of serenity and safety.
It was also a place of boring lessons.
When Castiel finally pushed open the door and scents of parchment, leather, and lavender wax wafted towards him, the smell alone allowed his shoulders to droop just slightly. The library housed tomes and scrolls from almost everywhere from any age. Some were simply transcribed copies from old texts that scholars had discovered, translating and rewriting information down so that it would not be forgotten. Some tomes and scrolls were said to have been written before or during the Breaking. Very few others were old enough to have detail on the Gods.
Castiel entered with a quiet grace only briefly interrupted as he greeted a woman approaching.
”Priestess Naomi,” Castiel dipped his head slightly in respect as he gave a curt nod in response to his arrival as she emerged from between two tall shelves.
The priestess held her head up high, clearly unfazed by the man in front of her. Her robes were a soft cream color, not quite made of silk yet they flowed and moved as though they were. Each step she took had the material gently swishing. A small silver chain draped along her waist as a grey material hung from it in panels, the symbol of a book and crescent moon embroidered with silver thread. A matching silver chair was draped along her crown, a small sapphire-like stone that gently rested on the priestess’s forehead from where it was set into silver metal attached to the chain. The stone gently glinted from the library light when she moved her head. Her hair was shorn close to her head and her hands were clasped tightly in front of her, the sleeves bunching around her wrists as she looked between Castiel and Gabriel.
”Castiel,” Her voice was cool as she responded back to his greeting, her tone measured before her eyes shifted over Gabriel and her lips pinched together into a tight line of disapproval. “Guard.”
Priestess Naomi didn’t bother to mask her distance for Gabriel’s presence here. That was quite clear from the distaste she wore on her face and her hands tightening together. Gabriel, however, remained composed— expression unreadable. Though, a sharp emotion briefly gleamed in his eyes as though he just accepted a challenge.
”Gabriel Spieght,” He replied with a slight tone of snark slipping into his voice. “Since it seems you have forgotten my name, Priestess.”
”I have not forgotten anything, Crescent Guard Speight,” Naomi snapped back rather quickly before straightening and composing herself. “It would be wise of you to shut your mouth. You were not the one summoned here for instruction therefore there is no need for you to remain lingering here.”
Gabriel’s eyes once again flash with the threat of a challenge before he stepped forward just past Castiel, side stepping slightly so that he was slightly in front of the veiled man.
“I am here for the Blessed One’s protection,” Gabriel’s voice was calm yet it carried the weight of a steel sword being unsheathed. “I remain at his side for his protection. I will eliminate anything that I deem to be a threat.”
The meaning behind his words was heavy and it had the priestess taking a step back. Castiel lifted a hand and gently grasped Gabriel’s, giving it a sharp squeeze of warning before dropping it and side stepping his guard. The priestess looked as though she would speak— her lips parting slightly— before she closed her mouth, her lips in a firm line. Then she took a breath and straightened herself with ritual poise. The fabric of her robes made a soft whisper sound as she turned away from them and began to move towards a narrow shelf.
“Very well. I do not have the time to entertain your guard any longer,” Priestess Naomi’s tongue clicked a bit as she gestured for Castiel to follow and attempted to mask the faint tremor in her voice as she spoke. “We must begin our lessons before we lose more time. It is already much later in the day than your usual lessons.”
She navigated the tall shelves of the library to the far end. Tucked away in the back sat a small room designated for privacy with a small purple ribbon tied to the handle of the duskwood door. She opened the door, stepping to the side so that Castiel could enter with his guard before she followed, shutting the door closed behind her.
As they entered, soft golden light flicked to life above them. A small lantern had lit itself upon entry into the room and illuminated a good sized table, covered with a few scattered tomes and parchment scrolls carefully tied shut with string. The prepared lesson. Two chairs sat across from each other with the desk between them and Priestess Naomi motioned for Castiel to sit as she moved around to the one across from him, leaving Gabriel standing just inside the doorway. He leaned and propped himself against the wall— shifting so that his shoulders blocked the door— while his eyes tracked Castiel’s every move. From him taking a seat to the way his hands folded into his lap as he sat and patiently waited. Despite telling the priestess he was there just there to guard Castiel, something stirred behind his eyes as he stood there watching.
Castiel could feel his stare, warm on the back of his neck, glad for the veil’s ability to hide his face and allow the ability to let his thoughts wander easier.
Gabriel’s presence in the room warmed his skin and helped comfort any tenseness that may have lingered from previously.
“High Priest Michael was going over the events of the Breaking, was he not,” Priestess Naomi interrupted, her voice clipped and precise as she unwinded a scroll.
Her eyes then shifted over to a nearby spine-bound tome and scanned over the title of it. That seemed to be the correct book she was needing as she pulled it to her and flipped it open. She was quiet as she awaited Castiel’s answer.
“He was,” Castiel shifted in his chair as he looked over to the book she had opened curiously in an attempt to see what it was. “Our last lesson ended before the Breaking received its name as the Breaking.”
“Give me a recap of that. I would like to know what you remember,” the priestess had not bothered to even look up from the book and the scroll, her attention clearly not invested into having to teach this lesson.
“About ten years before the raids that caused the Breaking, tensions were already beginning to stir uncomfortably between the borders. The Fae King was beginning to encroach into sovereign lands that were human territory while showing complete disinterest in respecting the borders,” Castiel paused for the briefest moment before continuing. “Despite our best efforts, many fae goods without proper identification were beginning to be smuggled over the borders resulting in arcane influence being spread into various locations and many innocent people to be hurt. The true beginning, however, was the Great Treaty being officially broken. The Fae King approved a military band to cross into human territory and destroy multiple villages along our East. These raiding parties murdered and tortured hundreds, many of which happened to have been of fae descent due to how close to the border these villages were.”
He bowed his head slightly, his eyes unmoving from the now stilled priestess. She lowered the scroll, her eyes having widened slightly as she stared at him. It was only a moment before she corrected herself and masked the surprises behind a cool expression of calm approval.
“That’s correct. More detail than I had expected you to remember,” She commented on before picking up another scroll, this one faded to a more yellow color as she unwrapped the string from it and turned it around so that Castiel could see what was written. “‘Should one side or the other lay violent claims upon an innocent civilian, village, town, or city within the protected borders of the other’s homeland, then war shall be declared, and the treaty would be broken.’ It was not uncommon for some to take this treaty as a challenge. Some fae creatures became known for luring children or other innocents across the line and murder them within their own lands so that no technical law would be broken. Now, who led the first of the Dradona soldiers into battle to avenge the fallen victims?”
“After the Great Treaty broke, King Charles took to the front lines to personally lead his soldiers against them. It was claimed that he encountered one of few living gods, woken from sleep–”
“There was no claim. It is true. The King Charles that fought for everyone, is the very same that rules us today. Along with his wife, Queen Rebecca, King Charles was granted a gift from the last of the gods before they left to rest. It was known as, what,” The priestess once again peered over the parchment in her hands.
“The Blessing,” Castiel slowly drew out, before freeing a hand from his sleeve and gently fanning his face from under the veil— this room was getting stifling.
”The Blessing of the Last Divine,” she corrected sharply as her eyes narrowed slightly towards him. “Granted to him for his bravery and willingness to sacrifice his life for his people. Forever beautiful, immunity to sickness, and free from the touch of death. The gods granted them this gift so that they may rule our kingdom with the same bravery shown on the battlefield.”
Castiel shifted uncomfortably— part due to the heat beginning to bother him and part due to the thought of having lived for hundreds of years. For the fae, that was normal— the gods created them as such. Humans were so fleeting in life. To have lived hundreds of years— ruling over a kingdom on top of things— seemed maddening. The veil hid how his eyes darted towards Gabriel, the thought of living hundreds of years and watching those he knew waste away and die. It was terrifying.
Gabriel hadn’t moved from his place at the door, clearly unfazed by the history lesson taking place. In fact, the guard appeared quite bored and trying not to fall asleep at his post. The nodding motion really drew Castiel’s attention to the fact that bruise like bags were trying to take root under the guard’s eyes.
”The surviving soldiers from the Breaking were given the honor of becoming the first of our elite royal guard— the Crescent Guard. Though nowadays, the chosen guards seem to be often… lacking,” The jab was towards Gabriel— Castiel could easily see that from the pointed glare towards the guard which earned a faint chuckle. “Those that didn’t survive had a ceremony to grant their souls safe passage into the Soul Lands.”
The look made it clear Castiel was going to have to constantly recall things to her rather than simply take notes on a paper as he often did with High Priest Michael. The priest had a tendency to monologue during lessons.
”They were honored through the Rite. A priest would bless each of the bodies as they were being placed onto a pyre. Sometimes chants and hymns would be sung depending on the circumstance. The Rite symbolizes memorializing those who died while protecting the innocent. It began with the Breaking due to the amount of dead that had come from it and has since been used on smaller scales for families to simply mourn lost ones, no matter the title,” Castiel let out a sigh as he shifted again, half tempted to grab one of the scrolls and fan himself with it.
How the priestess could tolerate the heat within this room was baffling.
”The only exception at the time was that children that were murdered during sieges were respected with the Rite.”
”Honored for the life they were not allowed to live,” Castiel muttered softly only for Priestess Naomi to nod approvingly.
Castiel began to zone off after that. The priestess was talking about the council and some other things, but the veiled man’s head was already in another place. His head dipped a bit as he folded his hands again in his lap as his fingers worked along the hem of his sleeve.
Lives lived too long and lives not lived long enough swirled around in his brain. It seemed almost cruel. Casualties of a war that no one had wished for. Then again, things would not be the way they were now. No one would be free. Castiel would not be here. Perhaps there would be another Blessed One. Would that one have more freedom? Would that one be able to have conversations with normal people? Perhaps they could allow themselves to truly love-
“Castiel,” the priestess’s voice was sharp with frustration and annoyance biting at her tone as she stared at him. “Are you going to answer my question, or have you fallen asleep under that veil?”
Her tone was dry with sarcasm as she stared at him. Castiel jolted to attention, a hand lifting to lightly fan his face as he based a half glance to Gabriel— he still had not moved.
“My apologies," Castiel swallowed thickly as he used his other hand to slightly lift the veil so that it was easier to fan his face. “Would you repeat it?”
Casitel could feel Gabriel shift against the door and covered what sounded like a gravelly laugh with a rough cough. He turned his head a bit, a grin cracking at the corner of his mouth as he watched the two. Castiel turned a bit so he could see him and, for a brief moment, it appeared as though concern flashed in Gabriel’s eyes before he corrected himself and returned to his formerly bored state. Priestess Noami’s stare was a hard dagger as she watched Gabriel lift a hand to his mouth and shift into a comfortable position, no doubt hiding another smile attempting to rise to his lips.
”I much prefer your other guard. He’s less of a… distraction to our lessons,” She frowned and shifted so she faced Castiel more directly. “Who was the spy that infiltrated the Fae King’s court and set the fire that ended Queen Mary’s life? It was the catalyst for the war’s end.”
Castiel was quiet for a moment as he sat there before slowly making an answer. ”The Fae Queen Mary…?”
”Yes, Castiel,” Priestess Naomi frowned as she stared at him, Gabriel biting back another chuckle from nearby. “Her death fractured the enemy's unity and forced the king back into their territories. The spy was a mage. One that was later granted a seat on the Royal Council before being assassinated by a Fae.”
”I… do not recall his name,” Castiel cleared his throat as he watched her, her brows furrowing tightly in frustration.
”Azazel Lehne,” the priestess sat the scroll down as she lifted a hand to her face, fingers pinching at the bridge of her nose while her other hand tapped impatiently on the desk. “You recently studied the post-Breaking council members— including him— Not more than three weeks ago with High Priest Michael. Unless you have been neglecting your studies all together, in which case, he will be gravely disappointed to find out.”
”I have not,” Castiel started quickly before once again shifting the veil with a heavy sigh, the reaction making Priestess Naomi tilt her head with slight curiosity. “I’m merely beginning to feel unwell. It’s becoming quite warm in here and this veil is no help. Might we end today’s lessons here so that I may rest?”
The priestess considered it for a moment before a simple nod dismissed them. She began winding the few scrolls that she had opened with string, setting them in a careful stack.
“I suppose I’ll have a servant gather what we did not finish today to be delivered to High Priest Michael,” She closed one of the tomes with a thud before rising to her feet as though she was finally freed from something foul. “If he has not returned from business by mid-morning tomorrow, you lessons will continue with me. Good evening Blessed One.”
She simply bowed her head before giving a hard, pointed glare to Gabriel who stepped out of the door for her to leave. It was a few beats of silence between the two as the door shut behind the priestess, leaving them still in the room. It was another beat before Gabriel stepped closer.
”By the Gods, She’s a bitch,” He muttered once he was away from the door more and offered his arm for Castiel.
”You are not wrong,” He commented with an exasperated sigh turned into a laugh as he reached for his arm, using him to balance as he stood.
”You do feel quite warm,” Gabriel commented as he removed his glove and gently touched Castiel’s cheek under his veil. “Perhaps the hot air spewing from that sanctimonious priestess was a factor.”
Castiel chuckled before hesitating as he found himself leaning into the guard’s hand. It felt cool against his warm skin. He soon found the hand gone and the glove returned as Gabriel shifted away slightly. The playful expression that had been mingled with concern was now solely concern.
“You need air, perhaps another walk out through the garden,” He offered as he moved to the door, opening it so that Castiel could step out of the cramped room into the larger room of the library.
”As much as I would enjoy that, I think going to my chambers seems like a better option. I’d like to remove this veil,” Castiel turned so he could see Gabriel— who gave him a curt and understanding nod. “I’m still considering your offer from earlier too.”
He simply noted the slight fault in Gabriel’s step that almost led to him tripping behind him to follow the veiled man back to his chambers.
🌙
Castiel’s chambers were located on the third floor of the west wing. It was one of the few locations within Aelix Castle that had not been completely renovated. Age had not dulled its beauty in the least, and when Castiel had been asked about renovating his chamber or even moving to another wing with larger rooms, he had outright refused. Though the walk to his chambers was sometimes tedious, it was quiet and had a sense of solemn grace.
Castiel’s hand turned the handle, pushing the door open before Gabriel stepped forwards quickly, grabbing the door so that it would not move further.
”What are you doing,” Castiel’s eyebrows furrowed as he turned to face the guard, his face set in stone seriousness.
“Listen.” Gabriel was silent but the only sound was the whispering of curtain material. “Something has been left open. Likely the balcony.”
”Likely a maid. They cleaned earlier,” Castiel folded his arms across his chest as he impatiently side stepped from around Gabriel, letting the guard stand entirely in front of the door.
”I’m taking no chances. Could be an intruder,” The guard‘s voice dropped lower, clipped tone that replaced any warmth he had before. “Stay. Put.”
Gabriel’s hand eased to the hilt of his blade, unsheathing it with the stealth of a large cat before pushing the door open and disappearing inside of the chambers. Castiel linger for maybe a breath of time more before following after his guard.
The chambers were large— high ceiling with stone ribbing. Along the far wall were multiple windows, allowing warm sunlight to filter through the room. In the middle of those windows were a set of glass doors that were wide open, letting the faint scent of flowers float through. Lavender was the strongest scent coming through, however that seemed to have been coming from another direction than the open windows.
To the right of the main entry was another door, one that was open and the figure of Gabriel was crouched down next to a soaking tub, his gloved hand touching something on the ground. Castiel’s gaze lingered on him for a moment before looking at his bed— a four-poster bed made of a pale silver-bark wood with polished orbs sitting atop carved pillars. It was all too enticing to just go to it immediately. Across from the bed, closer to the door of the bathing chamber, was a grand wardrobe of matching wood with a desk further down in front of one of the windows. It was certainly cozy.
Castiel turned towards the bathing chamber where Gabriel was slowly rising from where he crouched. A small bottle lay broken on the floor and the smell of lavender was building from the room. In the shards of glass was a cream-like liquid with small purple flower buds scattered through it.
”That was my favorite soap,” Castiel whined as he looked down at the broken remains that looked as though it had fallen from the tub’s edge.
Gabriel turned quickly with his blade still drawn in his hand and his body was tense. His eyes landed on Castiel and his jaw tightened, the lines in his face deepening with friends as he slowly sheathed his sword. It was like a father staring disappointedly at a child.
“I told you to stay outside.”
“I didn’t listen,” Castiel snapped back, lifting his head up. “You were supposed to be checking for intruders, not breaking my belongings.”
”And you were to wait while I ensured your safety, not prance in behind me as soon as I entered,” Gabriel spared half a glance down to the bottle on the floor before looking back to Castiel. “It was broken when I came in here. That’s why the smell is so strong.”
”Perhaps I was correct in the first place then. It was the maid.”
Gabriel did not dignify Castiel’s comment with a response. Instead, he passed the man to head into the other room, shutting the main door to the hallway. He turned back around, strolling to the balcony where he swiftly shut the two doors, latching them together. That was when he folded his arms across his chest— almost mimicking Castiel— before jerking his head toward the shut doors.
”Leaving those open without someone in here invites unwanted guests.”
”A few bugs won’t kill-“
”I am not talking about bugs, Castiel,” Gabriel’s use of his name sent a jolt through him as he faltered a moment, hands raised in mid motion to remove his veil.
”No one could get up this high,” Castiel’s voice dropped a bit as he took hold of the chain around his head, unclipping it from one side and letting it fall from his face. “We are three stories up.”
Castiel did not look towards Gabriel as he turned to sit onto his bed, carefully laying the veil down next to him. He was silent and part of him knew Gabriel was waiting to speak until he watched. Castiel sighed and finally looked up to him, the bright, brilliant azure blue eyes staring into Gabriel’s. Every time they looked at him, Gabriel still found his breath caught in awe.
”Do not underestimate the lengths in which people will go just to get to you,” Gabriel’s voice had softened, the tenseness easing from his features. “There are spells and enchantments or told that they will use. Not to mention if it wasn’t human. Castiel, you are too important of a figure to not become a target.”
”Don’t remind me,” Castiel’s voice dropped a bit with a slight graveled rasp to it as he turned to look away from him.
Gabriel sighed and moved from the balcony windows, his arms uncrossed. He moved to where Castiel sat on the bed, planting his hands so that the man was trapped in place. He waited until Castiel looked at him, those blue eyes rich and endless.
“You are important to me. You are not just a figure.” Gabriel breathed out as Castiel stared.
Silence hung there for a long time— even when Gabriel leaned forward so that his forehead pressed gently against Castiel’s warm one. The words danced and hung in the air as strong as the smell of lavender soaked the air. Gabriel lifted a hand and pulled his glove off so that he could gently cup Castiel’s cheek. The moment shifted, and soon their lips had met in a gentle kiss.
Gabriel’s lips tilted up a bit in the kiss before he slipped down, leaving several soft kisses in his wake as he trailed his lips along Castiel’s jaw. He trailed it further down his neck, his teeth ever so softly catching the skin, forcing a sharp gasp free from Castiel’s softly parted lips. The feeling was nice. He could get lost in the moment, right here.
There was a sharp rap at the door.
Gabriel’s breathy chuckle was lined with a mixed emotions of need, hunger, and frustration. He sat up right after some slight hesitation and pulled his glove over his hand. Castiel looked defeated as he reached for the veil laying next to him on the bed. His skin was flushed and slight pink marks ran the length of his neck from where Gabriel had nipped. They would be gone soon.
Another sharp few raps and Castiel was briefly tempted to break another of his oils and soaps by throwing it at the person who dark interrupted his personal time. He lifted the veil, his hands trembling just slightly enough that clasping it was difficult. A slow chuckle left Gabriel as he straightened up and gently pushed Castiel’s away from the clasp so that he could do it for him.
“You seem to be quite popular today,” Gabriel grinned down at him before schooling his features.
Once the veil was securely in place, Gabriel helped him to his feet carefully. There was a third set of raps and Castiel straightened up and nodded to Gabriel, The guard walked over, free hand hovering near his blade’s hilt while the other opened the door.
A young maid stood at the door, a bundle of towels clutched against her chest and a small basket of what smelled to be fresh bread dangling from her arm. Her hair was tightly pulled back into a braid all a part of a neat and tightly uniform. Upon Gabriel's intensive stare, she took a hesitant step back before looking at Castiel. That seemed to calm any worry about the guard as she walked past him, a smile brightening onto her face.
“I thought you may need some towels. I also brought you some pastries and bread for a snack,” The girl side stepped Gabriel as he came up from the side and walked towards Castiel, who was already taking off the veil that had just been carefully clasped. “Thought you could use some cheering up.”
“Thank you, Rachel,” Castiel smiled softly as he looked at her, nodding his head as he took the basket from her and folded over the thin towel covering it. “It smells so good.”
”It’s fresh,” She nodded before sniffing a bit. “Lavender?”
”One of my soaps appeared to have been dropped by whoever cleaned my bathing chambers while I was having my lessons,” Castiel smiled weakly as he nodded his head towards it. “Any idea who may have done it? I was planning to clean it up myself once I relaxed for a bit.”
”I have no clue who may have cleaned in here. It may have been one of the new girls. There’s been quite a few new hires to the staff,” Rachel shrugged with an apologetic smile before looking towards the chambers. “I couldn’t ask you to clean up! I’ll take care of it. Just you wait here. After everything, you deserve rest. I’m surprised they even had you doing lessons.”
Rachel disappeared into the bathing chambers with the towels before Castiel shared a brief and confused look with Gabriel. How she had known he’d felt unwell earlier was beyond him.
It was no longer that five minutes when she returned to the main room, Castiel had already pulled out one of the pastries from the basket, biting into an apple filling spot. He quickly finished chewing and swallowed the piece down, brushing a bit of crumb from his lips with his thumb. Rachel had one of the old towels in her hand, the smell of lavender soaking through it.
”It was big pieces of glass so I believe I got all of it and mopped up the rest of the soap. You’ll have to be careful though with the floor right there, it may get slick,” She smiled before her eyes grew softer and worry flickered through her face. “If you need to talk, you always can. I have to get going before someone says something, but I am sorry for your loss.”
”My loss.,.,” Castiel, brows furrowed together as he watched her turn almost to the door before glancing back at him.
She gave a soft nod of her head before heading out the door with the soiled blanket. That was when Castiel slowly turned to face Gabriel— whose face looked like it had faded color by two shades.
”What does she mean, Gabriel,” Castiel’s eyes sharpened into a. Glare as he took a few steps towards him, leaving the bitten pastry in the basket.
Gabriel was silent, taking a single step back from his approach, which only made Castiel’s anger more pronounced.
”Gabriel.”
”Zachariah is dead,” Gabriel’s voice was tight, his body rigid as he spoke, staring down at Castiel.
”What,” Castiel felt like a rug was ripped from under him and the fight in him faded to a simmer.
”They found his body this morning. He was murdered in the city last night. Found out when he never came to his post. That’s why I’ve been with you today,” Gabriel suddenly sounded exhausted and it could be seen in his eyes as he stood there.
”He’s dead… and you didn’t tell me.”
The fury’s simmer began to start again as he turned to the bed, sitting down on the edge, staring off for a moment.
”I was afraid of this. I didn’t want to stress you out with how much is going on.” Gabriel flinched and followed after him, stopping as thunder rumbled from outside. “I was going to tell you, but every opportunity didn’t feel right.”
”There’s never a right opportunity to tell anyone someone is dead! Gabriel, he has been my guard since I was ten. Yes, he took things as business. Nothing like how we… ,” He took a breath and pushed the thoughts aside. “He was still someone in my life. You should have told me.”
”I see that. I didn’t want you finding out this way,” Gabriel moved over, lifted a hand to touch Castiel’s cheek. “It was a lapse in judgement.”
”A lapse in judgement?“
Castiel’s voice was cold as he pushed his hand off, more thumbed rumbling from outside. He half pushed Gabriel towards the door, swinging it open. They stood there looking at each other, Castiel’s jaw clenched tight.
”That was more than a lapse in judgement, Gabriel. I think it is best you stay in the hall tonight,” Castiel moved to shove him out.
“Castiel—“
”No, Gabriel. I don’t want to hear anything else. Get out of my chambers, now,” His voice was cold as thunder rumbled again, the sunlight from the windows dimming as clouds darkened outside.
Gabriel finally gave a curt nod and allowed himself to be pushed out into the hall, the door slamming loudly in his face. Castiel took a few deep breaths, resting his head on the door. He counted a few times before straightening up and heading back to the bed where the basket of goods were sitting. The smell of lavender was beginning to become overwhelming and that warm stifling feeling was threatening to come back with an extra side of a throbbing headache.
It felt like the thunder was now beginning to taunt the growing ache in his head.