The Lion Hits its Mark
There was something about the look in Emma Vanity's eyes that lured you in. You could try and fight it, trying to avoid her and her devious ideas. But, try as you might, you will fail.
That is what led to Regulus Black, for the first time, openly rebelled against his parents.
He was at another gala hosted by his family, neck tight against his collar, arms stiff against his sides, and bored out of his mind.
Then a woman stalked him, and in a way that made him serious deja vu, she looked him up and down, smirked, and spook slyly, “Forgive me if I’m coming off creepy, but you look divine.”
Regulus’ lips quirked up and immediately shot back, “Just a little creepy. But that’s okay. I daresay you look quite exquisite yourself.”
“You flatter me,” Emma stated.
“Well, you flatter me as well.” He shot back teasingly, his smile rapidly growing in the wake of their banter.
“Well,” she smirked, “that is because you deserve it.”
Regulus’s gaze turned humorous while maintaining his polite tone of voice. “And you do not?”
Emma grinned, pearly whites showing, “You know what? I believe I actually do.” She sang mischievously.
The silver-eyed man quirked an eyebrow, “Really? And why’s that? What may I ask graces you with confidence today? Or should I say who?” He inquired in a teasing manner.
Emma just giggled, “Yes, in fact, it’s you who is gracing me with confidence today.” She stated confidently.
Regulus chuckled quietly, “And why is that?” he murmured.
“Because you are a gentleman, and when you see a pretty lady all alone, you ask her to dance.” The red-lipped lady snipped back, holding out a perfectly manicured hand.
This comment elicited a snort from the usually composed heir, “I hardly think you count as a lady.” Regulus retorted but nonetheless took Emma’s outstretched hand.
While being led to the dance floor, she lightly shoved him, “Dick.”
“Bitch.” He shot back, settling one hand on her waist and another on her raised palm.
Emma gasped, “My my!” She exclaimed, “Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?” She tutted, beginning to waltz around the hall.
“I don’t remember the time I have, no,” Regulus said truthfully, unable to recall once he had been able to do the simple gesture of kissing his mother on the cheek.
Emma frowned with no sadness and tilted her head mockingly mid-twirl, “That isn’t a family you wish to carry on?”
Regulus sputtered a shocked laugh, “How did you know that!”
“What? That your parents are cousins?”
He shushed her, “Keep it down, will you!”
Emma smiled with all her teeth while he dipped her low onto the ground, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone you are an incest baby.”
“It wasn’t a choice.” He grumbled.
“Well, obviously, I’d be concerned if it were.” Emma's eyes twinkled as the dancing came to an end, and she outstretched her hand for a parting kiss. Grumbling, Regulus raised her hand to his lips and placed a light kiss on her knuckles.
As Regulus stood tall again, he surveyed the room and glanced for a sign of his mother or even one of his other family members prying eyes. When it dawned on him, he spun back to Emma.
“Wait- how did you get in here? I watched my mother cross you off the guest list permanently.”
“I walked in the door?”
“Yes,” he rolled his eyes, “Obviously, but we have security tighter than the queen.” Regulus exaggerated.
“Well then, your security might have to think of some new ideas to keep unwanted people out,” she suggested, “Or maybe I’m just that good.”
“Doubtful,” she shrugged and strolled away.
“Wait!”
“Yes,” she lifted an eyebrow as she turned around.
“Why did you come back? Here, I mean, it’s not like it’s very interesting, and besides having to deal with my mother, the one time went bad enough. I don’t know why you would want to have another encounter.”
Emma, for the first time, faltered and took a moment to take a deep breath before her eyes bore into him, “You want to know why I came back to this hell hole?”
“Yes.” He uttered. Regulus never quite remembered being as desperate for an answer in his life on why she kept coming back, on why she didn’t leave.
“Well then, the truth is I think you and I were supposed to meet Regulus Black,” She whispered, “Yes, and I believe we will both help each other in more ways than one.”
“So you’ll continue coming back? You won’t leave.” He inquired as more a beg.
“No, remember Regulus, I told you it’s about time we both get some more clothes, something more…freeing.”
And with that, she sauntered off and away from him and away from the house, with the promise of coming back and the abandonment of all his dirty laundry.
——
“Why were you with that Vanity girl?!” His mother snarled, lips curled into an ugly expression.
“She was without a date. Is it not polite to offer her a dance?” Regulus replied in a faux, confused tone.
“You know very well that I did not want to be near her, and you disobeyed-“
Regulus cut her off, “Yes, forgive me; for the first time in my whole entire life, I disobeyed you. I’m sorry.” He uttered angrily in a condescending tone.
“Yo-You- I can-“ she sputtered.
“Now now, mother,” Once again interrupting Walburga, “Isn’t it you who taught me not to stutter?”
Walburgas eyes narrowed to slits as her face reddened, “I am your mother. You are not to speak to me like that.”
And Regulus, for the first time in his life, could not fight against the roaring lion in his stomach, the creature lunging for the glass, begging for freedom. So, he let the lion free for the first time and watched as it lunged.
“And what will you do, mother?” Regulus tilted his head and purred, “Hm? Disown me?” He laughed, “No, you won’t because you don’t have any more options left, any more spares. So, I will do what I want from now on, and there is nothing you can do to stop me. Unless, you want to lose another son.”
He walked away, leaving a seething mother behind and a weight on his shoulders. It wasn’t a lot, but it was a start.
The lion hit the glass.