"I thought you would be pleased." Henri-André V leaned back, making his desk chair creak under his weight. His tone was mild and slightly amused as he regarded his youngest son. "I have tried to take your feelings and wishes into account in every step of this process. I am not necessitating that you marry a woman, as you prefer men. The Marquis de Montespan is a good friend of yours, someone you have known for a very long time, someone you like. I do not understand why you would object so stringently to the match." Gilbert stopped in front of his father's writing desk. I am not ready to marry, much less marry someone I don't love, seemed like such a childish thing to say. He wanted to nonetheless. "He already has a lover." Henri-André gave him a look that clearly meant do not act the fool when I know you are not. "This is a political match, dearest." Henri-André spoke as if Gilbert were still a very young child. "I am well aware the Marquis de Montespan and the Duke de Broglie are lovers.
