Little Moments, #1 by Megan Derr

Author:Megan Derr [Derr, Megan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: LGBTQIA, Romance
Publisher: Megan Derr
Published: 2020-04-01T16:00:00+00:00

Family Schemes

HOLD STILL

"May I have this dance?"

Esen started, nearly dropping his wine glass, as the familiar voice struck him. He turned, barely noticing as the glass was taken deftly from his fingers, and stared up—and up—at Armia, his former betrothed. "Um."

"Please," Armia said, smiling pleasantly, the kind of smile he'd never given Esen back when they'd been engaged, and extended a hand, which was covered in a beautiful white glove that held the barest rainbow shimmer. He wore a waistcoat that matched them, with breeches and evening jacket of a delicate matte gray trimmed in gleaming silver buttons. His white hair was pulled up into a braid wrapped around his head, with little opals and diamonds scattered throughout it.

Armia was beautiful, like a prince from a wondertale, but they'd always clashed, and Esen had not in good conscious been able to go through with their marriage—even if defying his family had cost him everything.

It had all worked out, as he was currently the lover of the queen's secret bastard son and happier than he had ever been, but it was hard to forget all the pain that had resulted from simply wanting both him and Armia to be happy.

So why in the world was the man who'd always fallen just short of despising him now smiling pleasantly and inviting him to dance?

Curious despite himself, Esen took the offered hand and let Armia lead him to the dance floor. As the strains of a familiar Flower Turn started up, he felt easily into the steps and tipped his head back to stare in open question.

Armia chuckled softly. "I know I'm the last person you want to see—"

"Only because you hate me," Esen said, unable as ever to be anything but honest or silent. It had been one of their biggest reasons for clashing.

"I never hated you," Armia said. "I am deeply sorry I handled our engagement so poorly, treated you so horribly."

"Um—oh." Esen stared. "It's—it's all right. I think the problem was our families, really."

Armia's face soured. "Yes, our families. Which is the reason I sought you out tonight." They parted for a particularly complicated spin, then came back together. "Your family is coming here, because they have caught word that you are paramour to His Grace."

Esen wrinkled his nose. "Why do they care? They disowned me."

"Something they've realized was a mistake, now you are bedding a man vastly more powerful than I could ever be," Armia said dryly.

"Oh." Esen sighed. "They want to use me for their games again."

"Just so, only this time they're going to be far more ruthless about it. His Grace is not a prize they're willing to let go."

Esen didn't laugh, but only because Gaston was slowly teaching him a bit more about containing his thoughts. "I think if they attempt any games with Gaston, they will realize they're not fit to play them."

Armia's brows rose, then he laughed softly. "I see your lover is coaxing out more of your teeth. I'm glad. You'll need them

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