Chapter Ten

A black silk sheet covers the sky of heaven, stars caught on it like water on a spider's web and the kingdom is bathed in an orange and yellow glow from the torches. Voices echo in the hallways, leather boots squeak against marble floors and the brothers enter their room for privacy.

Tall white candles are lit around Gabriel's chambers, fresh sheets rest on the bed, the thick curtains are folded back and the moon welcome's them as Michael closes the door behind him. The garden is dark down below and Gabriel places his hands behind his back, staring at the night sky.

Stars sail by on their dark waves, some sink before his very eyes and all are in reach to his touch. The moon, its silver glow highlights everything across the land and Gabriel reaches his hand out, watching the light shine down on his open palm. If he wished to touch the moon itself, he could. The mighty angel able to touch anything that humans would only dream of touching with their bare hands are in close reach. The one thing that he does desire to touch is right inside his room, he couldn't.

"Let us eat, Gabriel. We haven't dined alone together in millenniums." Gabriel moves his eyes over the garden and he sees two figures running through the hedge maze, Marcus and Gregory. A small smile lights his features and he takes a step back, closing the balcony doors.

He nods once, heading to his marble dresser and he removes his robe, dressing in his night attire. He places clothes down for Michael and they relax in cotton shirts and cotton pants, placing their robes inside of the woven basket near the door.

Gabriel comes to the table and Michael stands on the opposite side of him and then they sit together, in sync like they always are. Roasted chicken, the finest wine and a large bowl of cut vegetables and plates of cheese, bread and fruit cover the table and they begin to fill their plates, glancing at each other by candlelight.

"Uriel will not return for another year, do you think his banishment will help him improve? I have my doubts, but Uriel has not been this wicked before." Michael takes a sip of wine, adjusting his wings behind the chair and he places his wrist on the edge of the table, thinking. "I have faith in Uriel. I believe I will see some improvement upon his return and the kingdom will continue to have all their archangels at the ready. Everyone is doing well with their sky formations and training, I see great improvement from the last year."

The wind howls outside and Gabriel glances over his shoulder, catching the sound of something strange. His feathers ruffle and Michael places his silver fork down, resting his napkin on the table. "Odd, what was that?" Gabriel furrows his eyebrows, continuing to listen and he shakes his head. "It must be nothing."

The dinner continues on, soft touches happen in between, a gentle blush forms on their cheeks and suddenly; someone is frantically knocking on his door. Gabriel stands, pushing his heavy chair back and he grabs his mace, touching the door. "Who is it?"

"Mister Gabriel, it's me. It's about Gregory and Marcus, they told me to find you." Gabriel looks at Michael and he opens the door. Raphael's long brown hair is wind-combed and he shifts nervously foot to foot. He looks at Michael and bows. "Is there a problem?" Raphael comes inside, pacing back and forth and his wings pat against his broad back and then he stops. "It sure is a mess, sir. Just follow me, it's real bad."

Michael slowly stands, sensing the unsteady tone in his brother's voice and he touches Gabriel's shoulder. "I'll go with you, brother." The three of them exit the chambers and they follow Raphael, glancing at each other. The torches in 'The Room' are lit and there is commotion coming from inside. Gabriel immediately enters to assess the situation.

"What is the meaning of this?" In a deep tone that nearly rumbles the entire room, the commotion stops. Two lesser angels are restraining Marcus by his arms and Gregory is restrained the same. Raphael removes his hat, lowering his eyes and Michael stands beside him. An angel turns to Gabriel, holding Marcus. "I found these two in the garden, Master Gabriel. They were being intimate and Father's rule stands strong. We were just trying to keep them apart until you got here."

Gabriel's eyes go paler and Michael touches his chest, feeling his heart still for a moment. They know what that means and Gregory presses his cheek against the post, trying to turn his head to Marcus. "Be calm, my love. They know the truth now and I regret nothing. I love you, Marcus. I loved you from the moment I saw you. Remember the time we ran through the Butterfly Garden? That's when you told me you loved me, remember that and don't forget me. Don't forget us. I love you very much. I will die with a full heart."

Michael goes to Marcus, touching his shoulder and he moves him away from the two angels. "Leave, I will watch Marcus." They bow, heading out and Gabriel stares at Gregory, slowly lowering a whip from its hook. There is nothing he can say; the truth of his relationship with Michael would condemn them both.

"Gregory, you will be flogged until death." He swallows hard, thunder rages in his chest and he unravels the long, thick whip. Michael wraps his wing around Marcus, moving him back and Gabriel grips the whip, softly whispering. "I am sorry."

The first blow strikes his back and Marcus nearly faints, but Michael holds him up. The second strike hits Gregory's back, jolting his body against the post. His scream echo in 'The Room' as his lover watches on helpless and heartbroken. The strikes continue, blood staining the walls around them and the crack of the whip roars against Gregory's unprotected flesh.

Blow after blow is delivered, the loud screams from Gregory's lips fade and his knees buckle, the final blow soon. He kneels in a pool of his blood, Marcus stands in a pool of his own tears and Gabriel raises his arm, striking him with the power of a thousand armies. Gregory dies.

Aching silence fills the room and Michael closes his eyes, whispering a prayer and Gabriel drops the whip. Raphael, who remained silent, is as pale as a ghost. His brown owl wings are resting low, the look in his eyes are unreadable and he places his hat back on his head, tipping it down to cover his eyes.

"Return to your duties, angels. You are no longer needed here. Tell Father that it is done." The two angels bow and they leave, then Gabriel stares at Gregory's still form, watching the blood drip from his ravaged back. Marcus falls to his knees, sobbing uncontrollably and Michael crouches down, taking his hand and then he turns to Raphael. "Brother, take Marcus back to your room and look after him until he is well. Come, Marcus."

Raphael stares at the ground, the echo of Gregory's screams still echoing in his mind and he goes to Marcus, gathering him in his arms. "You just come with me now, Marcus. Come away from here and I'll take you back to my chambers and we can dry those tears. Come away now." Marcus weakly rises to his feet, looking at his broken lover one last time and he follows Raphael, stopping by the entrance and then he turns to Gabriel. "I thought you understood." Gabriel stares back at him, showing no change of expression and Raphael gently tugs Marcus away, leaving Michael and Gabriel alone.

"Gabriel." He raises his hand, silencing Michael and he walks to Gregory, untying his limp arms. Michael watches Gabriel cradle Gregory in his arms; a halo of blood surrounding his legs and Gabriel touches the side of his still face. "Forgive me, Gregory. Your soul will be sent back to earth and I will grant you a rich life with little to no trouble. You will happy and you will not remember Heaven until you die again, then you may be an angel. You will no longer be a slave and you will be free once more. I will watch over Marcus as he will watch over you. I am deeply sorry. Forgive me, Gregory. Forgive me."

A tear slips from Michael's eye and it pauses on his tan cheek, his eyes sad. Gabriel lowers Gregory on the ground, placing his pale hands together on his stomach and he kisses his forehead, rising to his feet. "Gabriel, please. Let us leave this place, the slaves will fetch Gregory and tend to him. He will be cleaned and buried with prayer." Michael touches his shoulder and Gabriel lowers his eyes, slowly nodding. "Very well."