A House Divided

‘’Ça a été difficile de te retrouver parmi tes semblables Crouch.’’ Regulus said entering the stables where his friend was meticulously grooming one of the royal horses. 

It was a beautiful, crisp morning. A cool mist surrounded the nearby hills. Most of the people in the palace had already started their day, preparing for the celebrations planned for the evening. Since the castle was quite hectic, Regulus preferred to take a walk outside and visit one of his close friends. 

‘’Fais-moi plaisir Black, défenestre-toi du haut de la plus haute tour du palais.‘’ The black-haired man replied with a smile on his face. His broad shoulders relaxed. He put down the brush he was using to clean the animal's fur and leaned against one of the wooden boards of the structure.

"No, I can't. I'm afraid this would be far less than perfect, which would not pass muster with my parents. 

The taller man shrugged.

'' Who cares? You'd be dead already.''

The comment made Regulus' eyes roll. He was about to retort, but was stopped by a familiar voice. 

''Well, well, well! If it isn't Baby Black!'' 

He turned at the call to see none other than Lily Evans standing at the entrance of the stables, a few feet away from them, making her way to where they were standing. 

'' Shouldn't you be more properly dressed if you were going to pay me a visit?'' He said, seeing that she was wearing hunting trousers and a loosely buttoned shirt. It was quite a sight, but mostly a very inappropriate one. Definitely not something the daughter of an Earl should wear in the presence of two men, let alone without a chaperone.  

''Well, well, well! Looking hot Evans!'' Barty said, mimicking her intonation.

Regulus rolled his eyes again. He found astonishing how many times a day this man could make his eyes roll, and in more than just one way. 

'' Don't flatter yourself boys, I didn't come here for neither of you.’’

'' Too bad you didn't.'' Barty said mockingly, winking in her direction.

''A shame indeed,'' Regulus agreed in a less mocking way than his friend. 

It wasn't a complete lie. He was a little disappointed that she would no longer seek him out more than necessary. She would nowadays much rather hangout with, well anyone else than him. Mostly Remus and James. And when it came to James, it meant by definition his brother as well. His face turned sour just thinking about it. 

He didn't like to admit it, but he had a soft spot for Lily. In fact, he always had. 

As a child he had the biggest crush ever. She was a year older than him, strikingly beautiful with her long ginger hair and big green eyes. She did a lot of things that young aristocratic girls didn't do, which in Regulus' eyes made her the most amazing person on the planet. 

To this day, he still admired her for everything she stood for. He could never imagine standing up for himself with the same confidence and courage. 

Whether he still had a crush on her or not, he wasn't sure. He had built such a strong shield around himself that most of the things he felt were pretty dull now. Affection was still there, but love wasn't in his vocabulary for anyone. 

He probably looked like a younger brother to her anyway. What was the point of pursuing something when you knew the battle was already lost?

‘Where is Evan? I rarely see you two without him.''

''He was needed in the kitchen. Preparing for the big event. I suppose you came early for the festivities?'' Barty said.

''My father wanted to have a private word with yours, apparently.'' She looked at Regulus. "That's why we're here early. Something about a possible partnership, or I don't know. Go ask him, I'm just a woman, nobody tells me anything.’’ Lily shrugged.

''C’est stupide.'' Regulus replied. 

''I couldn't agree more with you.''

There was a moment of silence. Regulus could swear that Lily wanted to ask him something, but he wasn't quite sure why she was hesitating. She was someone who spoke her mind, so he couldn't imagine what could make her so tentative. That was until she opened her mouth again.

"I saw Sirius and James earlier.”

He sighed. He knew where this was going, why she was hesitating. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Barty tensing, knowing they were entering dangerous territory. People really couldn’t speak to him about anything other than his brother, could they!?

"Yes, and?” His answer was dry. Regulus didn't really want to venture into the subject.

''Sirius seemed to have had a hard time...''

''Look, if you know what happened, just ask, don't beat around the bush.''

She frowned. It was her turn to sigh loudly. She approached him in the same way one would approach a wild animal, but with a little more subtlety. Regulus looked away. Maybe if he didn't look at her and petted the horse instead, she would go away. That was what he hoped. 

'' Why would you do that? He's- He's your brother Reg!''

''Really? I didn't know that.'' He replied sarcastically. There was silence, but he could still feel her presence. Curiosity got the better of him and he looked at her. There was an expression in her eyes that he couldn't quite read, but it was clear that she wasn't going to leave without a proper answer. He hated the way he felt he had to justify himself to her.

‘’Maybe I just wanted to.’’ He went on.

"It's not like you to be so cruel! When did you become a copy of your parents?"

Lily realized her mistake immediately, but it was a little too late to take back her words. Regulus hesitated to answer, obviously hurt by what she had just said. His expression changed to something suddenly more cruel than usual.

"Am I? Then maybe I should have been meaner. Maybe I should have beaten Sirius's friend right in front of him. Torn off his delicate fingers one by one and fed them to the pigs.'' The words left his mouth like poison. He couldn't help the twisted smile that accompanied his words.

''You don't mean that.'' She said with raised eyebrows. She was apparently shocked by his reaction, but still tried to defuse the tension between them. "That's not what I meant, Reggie, please.’’

"Don't call me that, we're not that close and forget what you meant or didn't mean, I don't want to hear it either way. You came here and it wasn't for me in the first place, so go on, why don't you do what you came here to do, Miss Evans.''

“Can we please talk about this? Look, I'm sorry I said that. You’re nothing like them, but Reg, it was hours of work. And stealing his materials? Threatening Remus' life? Even if Sirius did something to deserve that, did Remus deserve it too?''

''Does it really matter? I didn't act on the threats,'' he said, as if that was an excuse. 

''And that makes it better because?'' 

Lily was obviously very frustrated with Regulus' attitude. Barty had seemed to want to disappear into the walls moments ago, but now had a thousand questions written all over his face. 

''You - what happened?'' He asked his friend with furrowed eyebrows and a confused expression.

‘’I had my reasons. I'll explain them to you later, Barty.'' His expression immediately softened as he looked at his friend. 

Lily let out a frustrated sound. 

''Seriously? Why not explain now? You tell him, but not me! You can talk to him properly and calmly while you just keep trying to push me away without answers!''

''It's complicated, Lily.'' Barty said in defense of his best friend.

''You won't be able to understand, it's nothing against you.'' Regulus said.

She made a ''tsk'' sound before continuing. 

'' I thought you two were better than all the others I always complain about, but...'' 

''Maybe I am not better, all right, Lily!'' he snapped, losing his usually cold exterior for a second time. 

There were not many people who could make him act out of character, but Lily could. Lily had that kind of power over him, and it was dangerous, something he had to keep away. 

'' Maybe you're right.  Maybe I'm just like my parents and maybe I'm just like any other man. Maybe I think you're too stupid to understand, okay? Perhaps you’re right. I am an asshole, Now why don’t you go do whatever the fuck you came here for to begin with like I already told you to do.’’

She knows nothing. She wouldn't understand, he thought. It's better that way, he tried to convince himself. It's better if they don't talk anymore. It would be better for Lily to stay away from him.

 Nothing good can come from being close to him. 

He still had to find a way to keep Evan, Barty and Pandora away from him as well. They were stubborn friends, but he would find a way, somehow, sometime. 

Incredulous, Lily stood there for a few seconds. A thick, awkward silence settled in. She couldn't believe what had just happened. 

Maybe Sirius was right. 

Maybe James was wrong to think it was the same Regulus they all knew.

Maybe their Reggie was dead after all. 

To an outsider it might seem like a normal interaction, but he had never spoken to her like that before. Sure, they'd argue, he'd build walls around himself sometimes, he'd say things he'd regret sometimes too, but never would he call her stupid, not in that tone, never would her Regulus admit to being like his parents. No, her Regulus would deny it at all cost, he would have looked regretful for what he did to Sirius even when his words would tell otherwise. At least to Remus. 

The man standing before her was no one she had ever known, and that shattered a place in her heart she didn't know could be shattered. 

'' Fine. I'll be on my way then. I'll see you at the ball, Your Highness.'' She said with a shaky voice, trying to hold back the tears she hated herself for having in the corners of her eyes. She walked past both men, accidentally bumping into Barty's shoulder on her way out, her figure disappearing somewhere behind some trees.

‘’Mate, you MUST tell me cause what was that?''

''Not now Crouch. I'll explain later.'' 

Barty offered his friend a half-smile.

''Ok, later.'' He agreed.

Regulus looked terribly drained. It always tore at his heart to see his friend like that. Although his life at home when he still lived with his father wasn’t the greatest, he knew it was nothing compared to every kind of abuse the boy had endured over the years. 

‘’Je peux?’’ He asked, opening his arms to signal that he meant a hug. Regulus nodded. 

He wrapped his arms around the other man's body. Regulus' hands reached hesitantly for Barty's shirt. 

“I'm not going anywhere, you know.'' Barty said teasingly. He tightened his grip on the prince, his left hand reaching for the tuft of curly black hair.

''I know. You're persistent.''  

"You probably don't want to hear this, but you don't have to push people away, Reg. Lily is your friend, and so am I, and so are Evan and Pandora, and I'm sure many more consider you to be. Whether you like it or not, we want to help you.''

''I don't need help.''

''Stop it. You're being dramatic and unreasonable, that's my job!'' He paused. ''Everyone needs help... I learned the hard way when I tried to do the same thing as you. ''

Barty felt Regulus shift in his arm so he left him a bit of space in case he’d want to escape their embrace, but he instead went for a proper hug. Barty smiled and kissed the top of his friend's head to celebrate his small victory. He would do anything to ensure that the people he loved, and himself, could live happy, comfortable lives. No matter at what cost, he only hoped Regulus would someday let him.

The afternoon leading up to the event was good considering. Regulus had retreated to the study room on the second floor. He sat there at a desk near a window, ruminating about what life could be. He had brought a couple of books, but really didn’t feel like opening any. The soft light coming in was warming up the place nicely. Days like these would disappear quickly, soon it would be too hot to bask in the sun, too warm to enjoy days outside. Although he loved sunny days, his body couldn’t tolerate heat so well.

He observed from above as people outside were coming and going.It was nice to observe and not partake. He had partaken enough for the day with the earlier argument and he knew that he would have to interact some more at the ball potentially even with Lily.

He hated these soirée. He hated most of the things that were part of his duty. 

Once in a while he liked to allow himself to believe he could be much more, something different. Many would think him crazy for thinking of himself as unlucky. Being the youngest son of a royal family meant less responsibilities in theory. In theory, he could be whoever he wants to be, but in practice…

With Sirius always being a bit of a rebel, Regulus had always the fear of having to take his role eventually. He was raised and prepared for this eventuality all his life, his parents made sure of it. They separated him and his brother early, as soon as Regulus had shown interest in following in his brother’s steps. 

It’s the natural way of life to envy. Rich people either dream of even more riches or they dream of a more modest life. Poor people wish they would be rich. Nobody is ever really content. 

He stretched himself over the workspace, looking much like a cat sleeping on a lazy day. In the back of his mind, his brain kept on reminding him he would not be able to escape his duties for much longer lounging there. It was a matter of time until one of the servants came looking for him to get ready for the party.

He let out a long exhale and closed his eyes. From there on, he lost track of time. 3 minutes or 3 hours all looked the same. 

‘’Master Regulus.’’ A voice seeming far away said. He wasn’t sure if he had imagined it. 

‘’Master Regulus.’’ It repeated. 

He opened his eyes, gasping for air as if he had momentarily forgotten to breathe. He straightened up in his seat while trying to find a way for his brain to come back and focus. It was still clear outside, it was hard to say if he had slept too much or not with summer days being longer. 

‘’I’m sorry Kreacher, I must be late on my schedule if you came to find me here.’’

‘’Your mother has asked me to get you ready.’’ 

Regulus nodded to that. 

‘’Give me a minute, I’ll be in my room soon. I just need to wake up a little bit.’’ He said a little embarrassed of himself. He knew Kreacher wouldn’t tell his parents where he was found and what he was doing, but he somehow still felt guilty and anxious. Less than a minute later, as he had told his butler, he was on his way to his room. 

He had been drilled on how to present himself at these events all his life yet it never made the music less loud or the chatter less overwhelming. In days like these, it felt like even the fabric was trying to grip and rip his skin. 

He had to act joyful despite the way he was feeling, as if he was O’ so delighted to be present. He couldn’t care less about any of the nobles present at the ball. He didn’t have time to find love like other men. He didn’t want to get married ever if that was possible. He’d much rather focus on education, on learning new skills rather than settling down and having a family.He’d like to travel, see other lands far away. 

He could hear the obnoxiously loud laugh of his brother coming from all the way down the never ending ballroom. He was thriving really in these kinds of events. It was almost a beautiful sight to see. 

Almost. 

Regulus made his way towards him. He knew that would be awkward, but he also knew better than letting other people know that the inside of their family was as broken as their kingdom. Luckily, Sirius seemed to be on the same page, trying his best to feign a close bond between himself and his younger sibling. 

The differences between the two brothers were even more striking when they were seen together during these festivities. Even the way they were dressed was drastically different. 

On the one hand, Sirius was gleaming in gold, the bright, warm colours complementing his radiant personality. The sleeves of his outfit were roomy, the ruffled shirt so loose that it would be a miracle if it did not make the papers for its indecency. 

Sirius liked patterns and embroidery.  He liked his hair long and flowing. The future king was fortunate in his looks. Most of his actions and ways of presenting himself would not go down well in society if he wasn't so handsome. 

He was taller, broader and more athletic looking than his brother. Sirius was anything but shy or embarrassed. 

Regulus, on the other hand, looked almost malnourished, average height for a 21-year-old man, lean but not muscular. The way he dressed was much more like his parents. He looked proper in all aspects; he would keep his curls to a shorter length, just long enough to frame his face lightly. He wore only the colours of their kingdom and preferred silver to gold. 

It was almost impossible to point a finger at him. Occasionally he would make a snide remark, but otherwise he was a gentleman. Many ladies dreamed of catching a glance from the young man. Even among men of more pliable sexuality, he was a diamond. 

Between two polite exchanges, Regulus retreated towards a wall and left his brother. There, he felt more at ease. He was close to an exit, very few people were around, the music was still loud, but it was more bearable when he could just observe rather than participate. 

The evening was still young, not many had joined the dancefloor. At one extremity of the room, a group of men was discussing. Regulus’ guess was that they were talking about hunting by the way one of them seemed to be showing off his non-existent muscles and mimicking someone shooting with a rifle. At the other extremity, a rather old man was sleeping on a chair. The corner of Regulus’ lips curled up at the sight.   

The decorations his mother had chosen were rather boring. A few flowers here and there in dull colors. She had done better in the past, he noticed. This ball seemed a bit rushed. He had only recently found out about it, and from the looks of it, it had not been planned long ago either. 

Everything in this castle always seemed so bland. He wished that he could stay with his grandparents even for the summer. They had the same very strict teachings as his parents, if not worse, but their taste in decoration was much less dull. Sometimes they would even actually acknowledge one of his accomplishments! A real rarity for a son of the blacks.

He continued to scan the room. Two girls were trying very hard to get James' attention. He was wanted by many women, but the man was so unaware of it. The ladies swooned at every compliment he gave them. They'd melt at his every word and get hooked on every story he told. 

What a sad, desperate sight.

Not as sad as Lily, not too far away from the scene, who was clearly attracted to the man as well, though she had never admitted it. 

Instinctively, he searched the crowd for his brother again. Sirius’ face was now sour. One of their parents had probably done the same thing to him as they had done to Regulus earlier; introduced him to people he'd rather not talk with. The group of older ladies Sirius was with seemed to be asking so, so many questions. He could bet they were all questions about his future wife. His brother was usually much better at hiding his displeasure when they concerned other subjects. It was a true miracle he’d been able to hide his preferences to men until now. 

Scanning again, his eyes inevitably came back to Lily; she was now near the buffet on the far left. With James out of sight, she was now happily talking with another girl. Mary, if he remembered well. It was not someone he had hung out with a lot, honestly. They both looked stunning as always.They were shortly joined by Remus who couldn’t stop himself from glancing in Sirius’ direction. Their gaze would occasionally meet and send them both blushing and looking away. 

Love was such a weird thing, Regulus thought.

Briefly, the earlier argument came back to his mind, but he quickly disregarded any thought on the subject. He would rather not sulk in the middle of a party. 

Maybe 2 hours had passed already, but it had felt like days. The night was still way too young for his liking. He was waiting impatiently for a time where it would be acceptable for him to retreat to his quarter. 

Leaving too early would be seen as rude. 

He couldn’t be rude. 

Someone tugged him by the arm. It was gentle, but firm. Despite the seemingly innocent gesture, Regulus' body went into immediate fight or flight mode, that was until he saw that the culprit was none other than Evan. 

‘’Follow me, I’ll get you a moment of peace.’’

Regulus nodded. He followed Evan, but left enough distance between them that the people around wouldn't be able to tell that he was following the blond man. Why would someone of his status be interested in a kitchen worker who had once been suspected of being a sodomite? He couldn't be seen being friendly with him at such a big event. 

There were a lot more influential people than usual, Regulus noted as they left the big ballroom. He had tried to discover the reason behind this ball, but none of his informants were useful at all this time. The true motives of his parents had been long lost in thousands of gossips. And those gossip, they were ridiculous. Who would think that the Black family was organizing a ball just for fun? Out of boredom? As a distraction, maybe, but out of leisure, that did not seem like something his mother, Walburga would do. 

Knowing his parents and how the past events had turned out, he was certain they’d announce either a new partnership or another war. What else is there to celebrate other than riches and wars anyway? 

Rosier led him into a narrow corridor of the castle. He recognised the servants' chambers. It was a genius idea from Evan he had to admit. The area was close enough from the ballroom that he could slip back in quickly if he needed, but it was far enough to allow him a bit of peace. Here, the sound of music was pleasant. It was muffled, quieter.

‘’You remember which one is mine, don’t you?’’ He asked teasingly. 

Regulus nodded and walked past a couple of doors. The 5th one on the right was Evan's; he had been there enough to know by heart. 

Evan closed the door behind them, and Regulus’ body responded immediately by relaxing as he entered. The familiar smell of the room had a way to make him feel at home. Inside, Barty was already there, lying on the small bed.

Regulus sat on the edge, at his friend’s feet. The bed made the loudest cracking noise ever. He kicked his shoes off with the intention to lay down next to his friend. They would do that sometimes, all three of them just cuddling on Evan’s tiny one person bed. It wasn’t very comfortable. Nothing in this room was.

Servants didn’t have big comfortable beds, they didn’t have a lot of belongings either. The walls were a flat off white, there wasn’t any decoration. Just four walls, a small window and one tiny bed in front of it. Some rooms didn’t even have the luxury to have a bedside table nor a window. 

‘’Nah-ah! Can’t lie down yet, sugar! I have a surprise and it’s not the bed. That, you can have anytime. I’ll have to go back to the kitchen before they realise I am gone, but I stole you a small something that I know you like.’’

He bent over and reached for something under the bed.

‘’Hm, for how many days did whatever you stole stayed with your dirty socks?’’

‘’Oh wow Evan, you thought of me? What a kind soul you are! I am so lucky to be your friend!’’ Evan said, mocking his friend’s pessimistic nature. 

‘’Here, your gift, grumpy man.’’ 

Evan gave Regulus a small ornate plate with a bowl on top to keep whatever was inside from touching the dirt under his bed. Regulus removed the bowl to reveal the sweet treat inside. A small slice of lemon tart. His favorite.

"It was actually Pandora's idea to keep one for you. She knows how much you like her tarts.''

He fought hard to not let a smile appear on his face.

''Thank you.'' Regulus said sincerely. He had always had a sweet tooth, but his father's opinion was very set in stone. Only children and unworthy men liked sweets. It would not go unpunished if he was seen enjoying one in front of Orion.

From time to time, his friend would sneak him some sweets. He had often tried to persuade them not to, but they never listened. 

“You're welcome, Your Highness. '' Evan winked. The three of them sat together for a while, just long enough for Regulus to finish the cake. 

He didn't do much talking. Barty and Evan could entertain each other for days if they needed to. They spent most of their time talking nonsense or telling Regulus all the gossip from their workplace. The lower class had a way to tell gossip that he always thought entertaining. It was much more carefree than what he was used to. Their gossip did not seem like that much of a deal even when it was a very big deal. 

‘’ Someone in the kitchen told me the other day that, you know, the girl who lives down the street in the village, she has an affair with one of the nuns! A nun, can you believe it? She looks way too uptight for this, seriously. People are really spouting nonsense sometimes.’’

‘’You never know, maybe she’s hiding stuff. She’s most definitely a piece of woman,I thought she was a molly, I wouldn’t be surprised if she swung that way. A bit of frolicking can’t hurt her. Well deserved honestly with her line of work.’’

‘’It’s hard to imagine her fucking anybody though. Like who would even want to fuck her?’’

‘’I would!’’ Barty said.

‘’That’s nothing special, you’d fuck anyone.’’

Regulus watched carefully as his friends argued. They always argued, but it was better that way. When they agreed on something, it was usually against him. 

‘’Excuse you, I have standards! ’’ He feigned being offended.

‘’Yeah, gotta be a human that breathes. ’’ Evan rolled his eyes.

‘’Ok fine, I do have very low standards! But I don’t act on them! Proof is I only fuck you and Reggie. By choice by the way! I’m sure I could have my way with anybody if I tried enough.’’

Regulus choked on his last bite of tart at the mention of his name in this context. How could they be so shameless?! And can’t they keep their fucking voice down a bit too?! 

‘’Can you not say that out loud unless you’re trying to have me killed!?’’

‘’Come on Reggie, don’t be such a prude; I know you’re not in bed.’’ Barty winked while bearing his biggest smile ever. Regulus’ only response was to hit his side really hard.

Rationally, they should be the only ones in the area, but you can never be too careful when you're part of the monarchy. The higher your rank, the higher your fall when scandal strikes. 

Evan reached into Regulus' pocket and looked at the time on the watch he had just taken out. He seemed to realize that even though it was a short moment with his friends, it was already too long. 

"Well, I have to get back, they'll start wondering where I am soon. You two can stay as long as you want. Oh, and Reggie, if he dies, I won't tell anyone that it was you, so do what you want! See you later losers!” Evan said, getting up and walking to the door. ''Oh! But before I go!'' He turned back.’’Pandora wanted to know how you liked the tart?’’

''Could be better.'' 

Evan rolled his eyes. ‘’Alright, I’ll tell her that and break her poor heart then.’’

‘’Sounds good.’’ 

Evan left the two others. Regulus then turned to Barty to continue the previous conversation. He was not fond of not having the last word on anything.  

‘’I’ll have your head on a stick if you say that outloud again.’’ Regulus warned his friend. It was only half a joke. He knew he should never have agreed with whatever his friends and him had. There was no string attached they had all said, but they all knew it wasn’t totally true. He was almost 99 percent positive that his friends had feelings for each other. He might not have fallen in love with any of them, but he still cared for them. In his own way at least. 

‘’I’d be a very pretty decoration on a stick I’d say. Plus, you’d be my father’s favorite person!’’ Barty replied.

He rolled his eyes then asked;

‘’Speaking of fathers, are you coming back with me?’’

‘’Wow Reg, how imperfect of you! You’d let people see you with a stableboy at the ball?’’ 

‘’You might work at our stables and live at the palace because your dad despises you, but you still technically had an invitation. I saw it myself, it was addressed to your entire family. Whether he likes it or not, he can’t go against my family’s will, can he? Mother would never admit, but I am sure she likes the entertainment your family affair brings to our soirées.’’

‘’You’re not wrong…’’ He got up on both his feet in an instant offering an arm to Regulus who was still sitting on the bed. ‘’Your Highness, M’accompagneriez-vous au bal?’’ 

‘’Certainement.’’ He said taking the offered arm. They walked back to the gathering, only letting go of each other when they were close enough that people could walk on them. 

‘’I’m guessing we’re saying our goodbyes here?’’

Regulus grimaced.

‘’Invite or not you’re far too scandalous to be seen with me, sorry.’’ 

‘’What can I say, I’m just that amazing! I’ll see you later, yeah?’’

Regulus nodded. From there on, they were once again on their own. 

"Regulus, dear, there you are!” He heard his mother say almost immediately as he reentered the ballroom. "Where have you been? I wanted to introduce you to one of our special guests.” To outward eyes, there was nothing special in what the woman had just said, but Regulus knew that his mother's tone was accusatory. He had taken so little time off and yet too much time to return.

"Sorry, Mother, I needed to get some fresh air. I guess I didn't realize how long I was gone.”

''Come, there are still a few minutes before the announcement.'' She led him through the crowd. It was an awfully long way. They stopped in front of three men who were talking at the complete opposite end of where they had been standing before. One of them was tall, with short dark hair and piercing gray eyes. He excused himself from the conversation with the other two as soon as he noticed Walburga's presence. 

"Your Majesty.” He kissed her hand. "And I assume you're the youngest prince? It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Your father talked a lot about you, said you were quite a prodigy.''

''The pleasure is mine.'' He extended his hand. "Forgive my faulty memory, but I did not catch your name.”

''I may have forgotten to give you a name.'' He smiled and shook Regulus' hand. ''Call me Riddle.'' 

Regulus nodded and repeated the name. He was a little uncomfortable with the fact that the near stranger was still holding his hand quite tightly.

'' What a well-behaved son you have! The younger generation often forget their manners these days. '' He laughed. A very fake laugh. His mother followed, and so did Regulus. Finally, the man released Regulus from his grip.

Well behaved. Did he look like a dog? Regulus thought. He hoped his face hid his reflection. 

There was something unsettling about the man, Regulus noticed. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, though. There was nothing out of the ordinary about him. Nothing other than his exaggerated and misplaced praise, or his ridiculous need to assert dominance with a handshake. 

He was handsome, his wealth evident in the way he dressed. He was polite, well-mannered, and charismatic. Yet there was something strange about him.

Maybe it was the way his eyes did not seem to translate his words at all. They just scrutinized him so closely... It was a very unsettling feeling,

His mother left him with the man, suggesting that the two of them should keep each other company. Of course, who was he to deny his mother what she wanted? So he obviously spent most of his time faking laughter and asking questions about the man's profession. He liked to hear his own voice, Regulus noted. He must be a narcissist. 

Suddenly there were 4 loud claps. The musicians stopped playing. All heads turned to the sound. 

It was time.

"As you may know, we promised a big announcement tonight! Before we continue the celebration, Sirius, my dear, would you please come over here?”

His brother was tense, an indication that whatever was about to be said, Regulus was clearly not alone in his ignorance. Eyes followed his brother in half-silence as he walked to their mother. 

'' Our son, he's a wonderful, clever, talented boy. The most beloved of our kingdom! We are so proud of him, of the man he has become.'' Said their mother. 

It almost looked real. 

Almost. 

Their father's smile was almost sweet, too. 

Almost. 

'' Although we'd like to keep him safe in the family nest forever, he's grown up now. 23 years passed so quickly...'' She took his hand. Only people who knew Sirius well would have seen the way he flinched slightly before giving in.

"Tonight we celebrate the end of an era and the beginning of a new one! Our close partner, the Evans, and our family will be joined in the beautiful act of love and union.''

So that's what the earlier meeting was about. He should have known. It made political sense. The Evans were a very powerful family. A wedding would distract the rich and the poor for a while. That's what her parents needed right now. They had been losing battles for months. The kingdom next door was slowly taking over, and the villages they had captured were showing signs of extreme prosperity. It was only a matter of time before their troops became too tired to fight and their villagers became too angry at their conditions. 

“We'd like to officially invite you to the wedding of our son Sirius Orion Black and the earl’s daughter Petunia Evans Dursley!”

The room bought the story. Not a single soul objected.

It was selfish of him, but he was relieved to hear the news. 

In a way, it wasn't such bad news after all. Petunia might not have been the most lovable of women, but she was well educated and came from a nice family. Sure, his brother wouldn't marry his Moony, but would he have been able to anyway? 

En parlant du loup… he must not have known either by the way he promptly left the venue after the announcement. 

Once his brother was married, he would take the throne. That would mean more security for himself and Regulus, and most importantly for their friends and their kingdom. 

Regulus wouldn't have to marry. Not unless he wanted to, and once there was an heir, he'd finally be able to live on his own. Even his brother could take a man as a lover if their family had an heir. No one would turn against the king if he was kind and did his duty. 

Before he could think any further, Barty appeared beside him. Normally, Regulus would have scolded him, but everyone was far too preoccupied with the news to care who he was talking to.

"Good news, how are we feeling?” Barty said, bumping Regulus' shoulder. 

''Rien, comme toujours.''

Barty rolled his eyes, but he couldn't help but smile broadly, showing all his teeth, and Regulus smiled back at him. The smallest smile ever, but a smile nonetheless.  

''Come on, follow me, let's celebrate, just you and me, yeah?'' He winked. 

''I can't. Not now.''

''But you want to.'' He smiled some more. 

‘’If I say yes, what’s your plan?’’ Regulus asked half reluctantly.