Regulus is in the Leo Constellation
"The stars would be proud
to know that their atoms
created somebody like you."
Sometimes being a guard was dangerous, other times it was laid-back. For Barty, it was always a mixture of the two. It was never one or the other. He didn’t know if he preferred that, or if he wanted it to be the other way. Especially since he was the personal guard to Regulus Arcturus Black.
Regulus was his best friend, one of them at least. He knew that the prince could take care of himself when it came down to it. They had gone through the same training after all. They knew the same things, besides the few things they each taught themselves how to do differently.
Being his guard was dangerous. Accompanying him to jobs like the current one was dangerous. He didn’t know what could happen. He didn’t know if they would get caught. He didn’t know if Regulus would end up getting himself hurt somehow. He didn’t know, and believe it or not that scared him.
Though, that was also half of the fun. However, it was also laid-back. He enjoyed going to parties, and balls, being able to unwind and talk with those he normally wouldn’t talk to. It was laid-back in the sense that he didn’t have to worry about Regulus’ every move. He knew the boy could protect himself until Barty got there.
Barty would always get there. He always had and he always will.
He often followed after Regulus on the others' jobs. He was always there when he was needed, but a majority of the time he wasn’t needed. A part of him knew that Regulus only agreed to bring him so that he wouldn’t have to deal with King Orion and Queen Walburga. He couldn’t be more thankful for Regulus sometimes. It didn’t seem like the boy cared, but he did. Just in his own way.
The boy knew that this night would be somewhat different from all of Regulus’ other jobs. He had known that since the incident at the entrance to the castle. He had known that since he had seen the ex-prince Sirius standing there. He had known that when he had seen Regulus’ brother standing there as a guard.
It knew that they would be a problem.
He had this conversation with Regulus several times since the ex-prince had left. Regulus didn’t often open up about his brother, but he had his moments when he did speak of him. He knew Regulus still missed him. If anyone could get the assassin to stop his job, it would be Sirius.
It would always be Sirius.
Ever since they had gotten into the ball it had kept its eyes on Sirius. He knew he couldn’t let her interrupt Regulus’ job. They couldn’t go back home empty-handed. They never went back home empty-handed, even if a job took days to finally finish. So it had kept its eyes on the ex-prince, now turned guard. He made sure to be aware of wherever Sirius went.
However, he also let himself have fun. He let himself indulge in conversations with girls and boys of all sorts. He had a job to stick to, but Regulus had also told him to have fun. This wasn't his job to do, this was Regulus’. He knew that. He still had some sort of responsibility for the boy though. He always had responsibility for him.
He would every once in a while look towards Regulus, scanning the sea of royals for his best friend. His eyes found him every time though and he was thankful to know that the other boy was okay. He tore his gaze away every time after a few seconds so people wouldn’t catch on. It didn’t need anyone getting suspicious of it or Regulus.
However, as soon as he saw Regulus talking with Prince Remus he straightened up. It took him a bit of time before he was able to maneuver himself closer to the duo. He was there just in case he was needed. He was keeping an eye out for Regulus and he knew that the prince knew that. He would always keep an eye out for Regulus, even when he knew he didn’t have to.
Despite keeping close to Regulus, he still continued to indulge in conversations with others. He had been speaking to a duo just like him and Regulus. A royal, and their guard. They were nice, nicer than Barty would have been normally.
Royal Dorcas Meadowes of the Aurea Virga Kingdom. A dark-skinned girl with braids that had been pinned up into an up style. She wore a dark blue tailored suit with a white button-up underneath. There was a fond smile on her face, and an arm wrapped around their waist.
Their guard, Marlene McKinnon, stood next to them. His arm was wrapped around Dorcas’ waist, keeping close to the royal. Her hair had been recently dyed, shots of color hidden throughout the blonde mullet. They also wore tailored suits, though theirs was a white color that bled more into cream. It worked well with the brighter colors of Dorcas’ own suit.
Barty liked them already. They were both nice. Dorcas was intelligent, and she had a voice to her. She basically radiated power with it, and Barty knew it was what she had. Marlene was talkative, and alike him in a way. He reminded it of a few of his own friends. Marlene seemed like someone he would want to be friends with.
It wasn’t every day that Barty made friends with people. He didn’t have many friends in all honesty, so he was using this ball to his advantage. A smile was present on his face. They didn’t talk about much, but they talked about what was needed. It was enough for him, and it ended up with him being able to befriend them.
Barty knew that he would stay in contact with them. He knew the kingdom they came from. It was a distance away from the Black Kingdom, but that wouldn’t stop him from sending them letters back and forth. Regulus better thank him for making some alliances with other kingdoms - especially ones that they would hopefully get along with.
『-』
Hearing the answer from Regulus, Remus immediately began to think. Regulus had said his favorite star was the Sirius star. Normally, it wouldn’t make him have a second thought. Yet, with everything else going about his thoughts - it caused him to think it over for a few moments.
Remus wasn’t oblivious. He never was oblivious.
Actually, he prided himself on being quite smart.
Staring at the other boy, he tried to make it not so obvious what he was thinking. Raven-colored hair, grey eyes that pierced everything in its line of sight, pale skin that had a few beauty marks here and there. He shared so many similarities to Remus’ best friend and guard. He looked like the mini version of Sirius somewhat. Not fully, but enough to cause him to think this over.
“Is there a reason you like it?” Remus found himself questioning before he could think it over. He was curious to hear Regulus’ answer and also curious to just know more about the boy. After all, Regulus was often spoken about in not the best of tones due to the kingdom he came from. He wanted to know if he was anything like the stories people spread.
He could see the way Regulus froze for a split second. The boy's shoulders tensed and he tried to straighten up for the fifth time. Remus saw the way that question had caught the other boy by surprise.
“My whole family - for the most part - are named after stars,” Regulus repeated his words from before, “I used to be obsessed with stars as a kid, I still study them as I said. It’s quite ironic. Sirius is the brightest star to the human eye - or one of them at least. I think I like it so much because I can see it without a telescope.”
That piqued Remus’ interest.
“So you’re named after a star as well?” The dark-haired boy questioned the other prince.
Regulus nodded.
“I am. Regulus is the brightest star in the Leo constellation. Or the constellation that is known as the lion for those who don’t know certain things about the stars.” Regulus explained, and Remus watched as the boy tapped his foot repeatedly against the ground.
“Can you see it with the human eye?” Remus questioned, his curiosity getting the better of him.
Regulus nodded once more. It seemed to be one of the ways he communicated.
“You can at times. There's a few months where you can’t see it though, so it depends.” He responded without even having to think about it.
It seemed like Remus found the one thing he could talk about twitch Regulus without the other getting anxious. The prince counted that as a win. He was quite curious about everything in accordance to Regulus. For an unknown reason, the boy had caught his attention. And when Remus had his attention on something, it took some time for it to get out of the way.
“Is it out tonight?” Remus found himself questioning once more, tilting his head to the side. A small idea was brewing in his mind. An idea that would let him get to know Regulus more if the answer to his question was ‘yes.’
He watched Regulus as if trying to see what the boy was thinking as if trying to read him for a split second.
“It should be.” Regulus found himself answering. “If not then the Sirius star is…”
Hearing him trail off only made Remus more interested.
“We have a garden outside,” Remus spoke up, “If you’re willing to show me them then we can go outside.” He offered. He saw the way Regulus grew surprised by the offer as if he hadn’t expected those words to fall from Remus.
Remus was a surprising person sometimes. He knew that. He always was one to suggest ideas that might seem out of the blue. That was his charm.
That’s also what made him seem friendly to everyone else.
“That sounds nice,” Regulus responded. Remus could basically sense the hesitation in his voice. “I would like that, yeah. We can do that if you’d like, of course.” The younger of the two seemed to force out. His words were quiet, hesitation lacing through each one that fell from him. Remus saw the way his fists clenched for a moment. He saw the way Regulus spared a glance over to his guard. Was Regulus nervous? Remus couldn’t tell, it was hard to.
Clearing his throat, Remus began to speak once more.
“Alright,” He began, glancing around for his parents. Surely they wouldn’t know if he was missing for ten minutes. They wouldn’t be long outside. Not when Remus knew his presence was needed inside of the ballroom more than it was needed outside.
“Lead the way then, Lupin,” Regulus spoke before Remus could continue. “Since you wanted to go outside and everything. I don’t exactly know where we are going after all.” The raven-haired boy was sly. His words and comments were sharp, an underlying tone of venom seeping into them.
That made Remus hold back a smile.
He had heard the stories about the other boy's kingdom after all. He knew the type of game he was playing right now. A dangerous game, and one that hopefully would not backfire on him.
“Of course.” The older prince responded, bringing his attention back to Regulus after noticing his parents on the other side of the room. They wouldn’t know if he was missing for fifteen or so minutes. They would think he was off having a conversation with one of the many guards he had befriended. That was one of the reasons he was thankful for the number of friends he did have - even if a handful of them technically ‘worked’ for him.
Neither boy exchanged any more words. There seemed to be a mutual understanding that talking was not necessary on their walk.
Remus didn’t know whether he liked that or not.
It was hard to say.
He wanted to know more about Regulus, but he understood that the other boy wouldn’t say much. It was as if he was closed off, with high walls surrounding anything that involved him. Remus could understand why after putting two and two together. He knew Regulus would be wary of others, especially since he knew they most likely were talking lowly about them. Remus could understand why the boy was so closed off and cautious about everything he said and did. It made perfect sense.
The taller of the two led the way. He didn’t wander far from Regulus, always making sure that the boy was still following and in his sight. He was determined to befriend the other royal in some way. Just enough that they would be classed as allies. However, it might not seem like that with how interested Remus was.
Remus knew that being interested in this boy would only cause his downfall.
However, he was too far in already.
‘Too far gone,’ as others would say.
The two moved away from the waves of people, every once in a while being stopped by others in an attempt at conversation. However, Remus wasn’t focused on anyone else. He wanted to keep his eyes on Regulus. There was a multitude of reasons why he did not want the other boy to leave his sight.
- He was intrigued by Regulus.
- He didn’t fully trust Regulus with the stories that went about.
- He looked earily similar to one of his guards and one of his best friends.
Those were the three reasons Remus Lupin wanted to keep Regulus Black in his line of sight.
It didn’t take long for the duo to make it out into one of the halls that were attached to the ballroom. Remus knew the way he was going. He was taking a long way, giving the chance for a conversation to spark.
『-』
Regulus was not dumb. He was everything but dumb, and people didn’t give him enough credit for that. He was smarter than he seemed at times. He was quiet, observant, and everything but dumb.
Being raised in the Kingdom of Black was almost a game. Every move you made felt like you were just one of the many pieces on a chess board. It was a never-ending game, moves being made one right after another. Pieces knocked others over, time seemed to drag on. His life was just a game - and he was just glad he enjoyed chess.
Regulus followed after Remus slowly. Did Remus think he was dumb? He could hope not. If anything, he was being much more observant around the other prince now than he had been before. He was pushing back anything that might intrigue him about the other, deciding to focus on the job he had to go through with.
He couldn’t return empty-handed.
They never returned empty-handed.
Could he make it seem like he had killed Remus? He doubted it. He needed to think of something quickly. Remus was observant and keen. Regulus admired that. They were the same when it came to how they thought apparently. He had to go through with this. He couldn’t slack off. His parents would kill him if he failed.
He didn’t say anything throughout the whole alk. He fell a step behind Remus, eyes scanning their surroundings. He would need a getaway after killing Remus. He couldn’t just leave through the front gates. Since the garden would be outside, that would be an easy way out. Remus was oblivious to the thoughts running through his head it seemed.
His grey eyes scanned the paintings that hung on the wall. Most of them were scenery painted with oils, charcoal, and light colors. Others were portraits of old royals and some were new. The way that some of them were painted made it seem like they were moving. If he was tired, then he would have agreed with the fact that they were moving. However, he was on full alert. They were not moving, that would be silly.
As they approached dark-double doors, Regulus could already feel the light breeze sweeping into the hall. He knew it was cold outside, so he would assume that the garden was behind the doors.
“Now, it’s not much,” Remus began slowly, “But don’t say anything bad about it. Most of the gardening is done by me.” He warned playfully. Ah. Regulus remembered Remus saying he liked gardening. It wasn’t what he expected from the other boy, but he could understand it. Gardening was calming. It was a good way to release emotions you didn’t want.
That’s something Pandora had told him. She had helped him find things that would release his own emotions, and they had tried gardening. Though, that didn’t work in their favor. The area they were in was never the right temperature to keep plants alive, much to Pandora's dismay. However, it’s why Regulus had taken up painting, and writing music. It’s why he had taken up studying the stars that lingered around the sky, and the planets that stood even bigger than the stars.
“I won’t judge your garden, Lupin.” Regulus found himself responding, nodding slowly. Those words caused Remus to smile, though he didn’t know why. It was just a simple comment, nothing too much, and just common courtesy.
Remus moved to push open one of the doors, and Regulus took that as his own cue.
He pushed the second one open so that they could walk out into the dimming night.
The garden was beautiful. That was the first thing he noticed as soon as his eyes scanned around it. Brick walls surrounded the large garden, vines creeping up slowly and looping over the top. Some of the vines held fruits such as tomatoes, others held beautifully colored flowers, while the rest just varied in hundreds of greens. There were a few trees lingering about, apples and oranges growing off some of the branches. There was a bucket that sat at the base of one of the trees, halfway filled with bright red apples.
There was a small river-like creek that ran through the middle of the garden. Lilypads sat on the surface, and Regulus swore he could have seen a frog hop off one and splash into the water. Bushes of berries were scattered about, and the open area was filled with colorful and healthy flowers. It was beautiful. Regulus had never seen so much color in one spot before.
He could feel Remus’ gaze on him, but Regulus was encaptured by the beauty of the garden. The one in his kingdom often died after all. He had never seen one that was perfectly healthy. This beat all of the expectations that had been set.
“It’s beautiful,” Regulus spoke up finally after a moment, not even attempting to drag his attention away from the garden. “I’ve never seen such a healthy garden before…you’re doing good. The temperature at my Kingdom doesn’t make it easy to keep such a healthy garden.” He explained lightly.
Without hesitation, he stepped down into the garden. The longer pieces of grass brushed against his slacks, cold air brushing against him. He sucked in a small breath, cold air invading his body at the action.
“I’m glad you like it.” Remus agreed. “Now, is your star out tonight?” He questioned curiously, looking up towards the sky.
Small stars twinkled, dancing around others. Some formed large constellations, others formed stories that were spread out for everyone to see. Regulus knew most of the stories by heart. He could talk for hours about the stories behind each star, and why each star was named the way it was. He could talk for hours about what certain things in the sky meant, and what was important and what wasn’t.
“It is,” Regulus spoke calmly. His eyes moved in the direction of the Leo constellation. The star he named himself after stood there in all its glory. It hung brightly in the sky, hardly missable unless you didn’t know the stars. He was glad it was out. It gave him a sense of calming that he needed, especially not knowing how this night would turn out.
He was glad his star was out.
“Which one is it?” Remus questioned. Regulus looked over to the other boy, almost forgetting he was there for a second seeing as the other prince had gone silent after asking the question.
Without hesitation, Regulus pointed up to the sky. He motioned toward the star, not knowing if Remus would see where he was motioning to. Even if Remus didn’t know, he didn’t say anything. Instead, Regulus just saw the other boy nod.
“It’s very bright.” Remus found himself responding.
“I told you it was. It’s the brightest star in the Leo constellation after all.”
Regulus didn’t hear what Remus said, but he had heard the other boy whisper something under his breath.
“You are as well.”