Gather Close

By Megan Derr

Rosa is the eccentric daughter of the royal family of Seavow, the greatest of the Kraken clans. More interested in combat that conversation, and named for a plant that doesn't even exist in her world, she has always stood apart.

Her chance to change that comes with the unexpected offer to marry Lord Gaston, the notorious favorite of Queen Marga, often called the Queen's Man. Even though everyone knows he has a lover, a beautiful Sylph with plenty of scandals of his own to his name. Even if she succeeds and the marriage goes through, she will still always be the second best cast to the side...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Megan Derr
• Release date: Apr 25, 2023
• ISBN: 9798215062449

Megan Derr

Megan is a long-time resident of queer romance and keeps herself busy reading and writing it. She is often accused of fluff and nonsense. When she’s not involved in writing, she likes to cook, harass her wife and cats, or watch movies. She loves to hear from readers and can be found all over the internet.meganderr.compatreon.com/meganderrmeganderr.blogspot.comfacebook.com/[e-mail]@meganaderr

Book preview

Prologue

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, though, 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 fell 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 to survive all the court will start sending after you, once they accept how deeply Gaston cares for you—and you for him.

Esen flushed. I should be used to the fact I'm so obvious by now.

In a room full of artifice, I am appreciating more and more your honesty is rare and precious, Armia replied. We would have made terrible spouses, but perhaps we could work on being friends?

I would like that, Esen said. Thank you for the warning regarding my family.

Armia gave a bare nod. Is there anything I can do to help?

No, I'll attend it. The benefits, I guess, of having a powerful lover. Esen frowned, shoulders drooping slightly. He hadn't gotten involved with Gaston for the money and power, but there was no point in pretending he did not benefit from both those things. As little as possible, but it was impossible to be lover to the much adored secret child of the queen and two powerful chieftains without finding life significantly improved.

Not that he couldn't stand on his own feet these days. He'd traveled enough with Gaston, and increasingly alone delivering messages for Her Majesty, that he had plenty of income of his own. He was also gaining a reputation as a reliable messenger and guide, which was incredible, given he was a Sylph. But it was true that he would never have Gaston's power, and there were more than a few who coveted it.

Including, it would seem, his conniving family. Esen stifled a sigh and smiled at Armia. I appreciate you coming to warn me, given you had all the reason in the world to leave me to my own devices.

Armia shook his head slightly. I admire you were willing to say no, while I was just resigned to going along with it for the 'greater good' of our families. I'm sorry your family does not appreciate who and what you are, and instead only rejects you for all that you refuse to be.

The dance came to an end, and they bowed to each other. If you need help after all, just send word to me. I'm an old hand at scheming family. Armia smiled crookedly, squeezed his hand gently, and vanished into the crowd.

Esen abandoned the ball entirely and headed for the suite he shared with Gaston. The front room was a delightful clutter of stuff: books, fabric swatches, pattern books, mail, lap blankets, cards, games… It was so far removed from the barren life he'd known before Gaston. It was cozy, comforting, vibrant with lives being lived.

He went over to the writing desk and penned a letter to Queen Marga. Normally he would not presume upon her time so, but he refused to let his family hurt Gaston in any way, and Her Majesty would fix the problem before it even became one.

Once he'd sent it off, he sat and fussed with the stack of pattern books his tailors had dropped off that morning, making further notes on the new outfits he'd be ordering, adjustments and tweaks, questions to ask the tailors. The best thing about all his new income was that he could buy all the clothes and