Word Count: 346
Abraxas hates himself for feeling that twinge of jealousy. Malfoys do not give in to envy.
Except maybe some things are worth it. Some things are so good that it is okay to sacrifice a little bit of dignity if it means obtaining what he wants.
And Merlin! He wants Druella Rosier more than he can ever say. Watching her walk around the castle with Cygnus and keeping up appearances is too much. He doesn't think his heart can take it.
But he has to. Like it or not, they have their roles to play. He must be content with having her only at night.
If only it didn't hurt so much.
…
"You were staring far too openly," Druella says in way of a greeting.
"Lovely to see you too," Abraxas mutters, handing her a flower he picked earlier in the day, enchanted to stay fresh for two days.
Druella huffs, eyes rolling. Her slender fingers brush over the waxy green leaf, slowly making their way to the silky white petals. "If we get caught… If anyone even suspects," she whispers, a hint of defeat in her soft tone. "My father will hear about this. You know what that means."
Abraxas does. As far as the rest of the world is concerned, Monsieur Rosier is a great man. Abraxas is inclined to disagree. Great men do not put their daughters through hell.
"I know, my love," he tells her, pulling her close and pressing a chaste kiss to her lips. "I will do what I must if it means keeping you safe."
Druella's lips pull into a soft, sad smile. "I wish it could be different."
Maybe it will one day. For now, all Abraxas can do is continue to love her.
…
Cygnus does not deserve her. He is too much of a brute, and Druella's father is cruel making such a match.
Abraxas sits in the library, watching as Cygnus escorts Druella from shelf to shelf. The envy returns, but he swallows it down.
Some things are worth losing his peace of mind.
