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The next morning when Regan woke up, she found herself in the cosy bed, the sunlight resting on her face. The whole chamber was bathed in sunlight and for a moment it felt as if she was in bliss, ethereal and pure, but then the unsettling thoughts washed upon her again. She looked at her side to find no one. Her mother wasn't there.A wave of alarm and fear washed over her and she slipped hastily from the bed."Mom?" she called, her voice shaky and uncertain. She went to check inside the bathroom, but Octavia wasn't there. She ran a hand through her hair, feeling her heartbeats out of place, her mind not thinking straight.She turned back, to the doors and rushed to them. As soon as she opened them, she met with the cold breeze of the other side. And then, when she was going to turn on her right, she bumped to a strong, tall wall, a wall that was no other one than him.Regan's heart nearly skipped a beat as she realized who was really there. He looked down at her, his expression unreadable, his gaze piercing through her eyes."Good morning, Princess." He smirked, his blue eyes shining with amusement. Regan stepped back, feeling herself tremble under his hawk-like gaze. He looked handsome, his hair was half wet, messy, his midnight bangs falling over his forehead. He was wearing a regal attire, his presence emanating power and authority.And then the realization hit Regan like a punch on her stomach. She was wearing a damn nightgown that showed her chest. Immediately, her hand reached up to try and tug the fabric at her chest but it was the worst she did. His gaze followed her hand's movement, but then, thankfully rested back on her face. At least he wasn't being a creep. But she still felt terribly exposed. How did she forget she was wearing a nightgown?"Get the hell away from me!" she hissed, backing away. "Where's my mother?! What have you done to her?" she yelled, trying to sound braver than she felt. Because inside and outside she was still trembling with fear."Woah, chill out, Princess," he teased, taking a step closer. "I don't know where she is."Regan took steps back, hearing her own heartbeat and blood pounding in her ears. "Don't you dare come any closer!" she warned, her voice shaking with fear.Sirius chuckled, clearly amused. "Well, your mother's fine. And she knows I'm here. You trust your mother's judgement, don't you?" He continued to step closer, and Regan knew that she was ending inside the chamber, her panic and anxiety palpable."S-stay away from me!" she shouted, her voice breaking. She tried to cover her chest and cursed herself for wearing a damn nightgown. She felt so vulnerable, so exposed. His presence was unsettling and she didn't want it to end that way. She didn't want to end up as his slave or concubine.And the faster she backed away, the faster he closed in. As she hastily tried to move away, she stumbled to the vanity table, throwing a perfume on the carpet. She flinched, she was shaking uncontrollably and she hated herself for it."Why are you doing this?" she stammered, her voice barely audible.Sirius glanced once at the broken perfume on the floor, his expression careless. The perfume's scent dripped of damn red roses, filling the room with their intoxicating scent, making Regan sick and nauseous.He didn't answer her, instead, he stepped even closer, making her back hit the wall. And when she hit that wall, there she grew extremely panicked. She couldn't breathe, she couldn't think. But she could act. Before he could fully trap her, she unleashed a burst of spell at him, aiming for his chest.But Sirius wasn't that foolish. He knew she was scared, and he didn't want to hurt her. So, he simply moved to the side, letting her spell miss him."Nice try," he said, his voice amused. "But you should know better than this, Princess. Because, I didn't come here to fight." And with that, he placed both his hands on the wall on either side of her head, trapping her between them. She was terrified, she couldn't even move, she couldn't even breathe. Her heart was pounding against her ribcage, her lungs burning for air.She tried to avoid his eyes, lowering her head, letting her hair cover her face. But then, she looked down at her nightgown, at her exposed chest, and felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She didn't want to be angry at her mother, she was angry at herself for being such an idiot to walk out in this.But he didn't really seem to care about what she was wearing. He seemed out of breath himself, as if he was battling something else entirely. He removed his one hand from the wall and ran a hand through his messy hair. Then, he leaned on his elbow, lowering his head so low, since he was so tall and she barely passed higher than his shoulders. For a moment, she thought he was going to kiss her."Regan, look at me," he suddenly demanded, his voice stern but also filled with a strange sense of desperation.But she didn't look at him, she didn't want to look at him, she looked at her side, admiring the stained window. It was ridiculous, but it was the only thing she could do.He gripped her chin with his gloved hand, not hard enough to hurt but enough to make her look at him. His eyes were piercing, searching, and she felt like she was drowning into a deep icy water. She darted her eyes away, not wanting to look at him. His thumb caressed her lower lip and her anxiety only grew, making her heart hammer against her ribcage."Look at me, kitten," he whispered, using the nickname that made her mad before but now, somehow, it didn't. "I'm not here for what you think I am. Just calm down, okay?" His thumb brushed against her lower lip again, so gently it almost tickled. But somehow, it felt right, like he was reassuring her.She couldn't calm down nevertheless. She had the worst thoughts in her mind. Why was he doing that? She couldn't stop her mind from going crazy, from thinking the worst.But then, she felt something, something strange. His hand left her chin and then held her face, his thumb massaging her temple. Even though it felt nice and soothing, she was still terrified. She finally found the strength to glare up at him and snap his hand away from her face. He didn't do anything, he simply stared at her."Get your hands off me!" she yelled, feeling her blood boil.He rolled his eyes, clearly not planning to move away from her. "You're going to listen to me. I've had enough of your ignorance and stupidity." His words were harsh, but his eyes weren't. She could see the pain and frustration in them."I don't want to listen to you!" she retorted, "I want my mother!" she yelled, feeling the familiar tears threatening to spill over. But he didn't seem to care about that, and he leaned in even closer, his face only inches away from hers."Your mother is fine. Unless you decide to play some useless, stupid games, she's safe," he said. His thumb went back to trace her bottom lip, gently. It wasn't a sexual gesture, it was... comforting. But she was too paranoid and terrified to see it as such. "I.... you're going to listen to me, once," he added, his tone strange, almost pleading."What will I listen? That if I don't obey you, you'll hurt my mother?" Regan spat venomously, her blue eyes glaring up at him. She was trapped against the cold wall and her back ached from the wound and the cold, but she couldn't move. He was so close and his scent was filling her nose."No, kitten," he said gently, shaking his head. "I didn't say that. I have to say that I...." He trailed off, feeling his voice waver, feeling his throat tighten. He darted his eyes away and Regan's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Was he embarrassed?She wasn't going to ask that. She was humiliated, herself. She was still glaring at him, waiting for him to continue. He took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, as if trying to calm himself down. He looked kind of tired. She couldn't help but wonder what was going on."I...," he started, his voice raspy, "You're....""What?" she snapped, not trusting him a bit.He looked down at her, his eyes meeting hers. There was a strange mix of sadness, determination and tenderness in his gaze."I....I.... you're mine."Her eyes widened at his words. Was he doing all that to say such words? The thought made her even angrier."You bastard," she hissed through gritted teeth, and slapped him across the face with all her strength. He didn't even flinch. She glared at him, her hand clenched into a fist, ready to hit him again if he didn't do anything.But he did move, he leaned in again, his face inches away from hers, his breath tickling her skin."I am a bastard," he agreed, his voice barely a whisper, "but I'm your bastard, kitten."Her anger intensified even more at his words, at his audacity to say them. She knew he had been thinking about this for a long time. And she couldn't help but try to slap him again. This time, his hand caught hers, gently, and he held it against his chest. "Don't," he whispered. "Please, don't."She looked at her hand, feeling his rapid heartbeats. He was so strong, so imposing. How could he stay so calm when his heart was beating like this? How could he be so gentle when he was a criminal, a cruel ruler? It didn't make sense."You....you make my heart blossom with roses that you hate," he admitted softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "You think I've been the one haunting you, yes it's true. But you've also haunted me, poisoned my mind, my soul and my heart. You're like a rose, sweetheart. Beautiful, but with thorns. And I can't help but want to hold you, even if I bleed."Regan's mind raced at his words with a mix of fear and cynicism. And as every other time, her self-preservation instincts kicked in. She couldn't believe he called her a rose, something she hated, and that he said he wanted to hold her. She was scared and thrilled at the same time, but she wasn't going to admit that. She snatched her hand away, feeling a sting of pain as his grip was released."You have no right!" she snapped, trying to sound steady. "You're a liar. You're a criminal, and don't you dare call me sweetheart or kitten ever again!"And with that, she shoved him away with all her might, sending him stumbling backward a few steps. She quickly took advantage of the distance between them and darted past him, trying to race out of the room and find her mother.He quickly gained composure and caught her arm, drawing her so she faced him. His expression was intense, his eyes boring into hers. "You better change your clothes. You're in a nightgown," he growled. The words stung her, and she felt herself drowning even deeper in shame. He was right, she was wearing a nightgown and she loathed herself for it."Get the hell out of here then!" she said, trying to pull her arm free from his grip. He held on, his grip firm but not painful."Alright," he retorted. He left her arm and walked past her, heading to the door. Before leaving, he spoke again, "You don't have much time. If you're not downstairs, I'll come get you myself." His voice was cold and commanding, but there was a hint of regret in his eyes.Regan turned away from him, her face burning in shame. She loathed the way her nightgown clung and showed her chest. She hated that he had seen her like this. He slammed the door shut and she felt tears prick her eyes. She didn't want to think at all about what he had said because she was terrified. She wanted to talk to her mother as soon as possible.Inside the wardrobe, there were only dresses, long dresses at least. But they had low necklines and would show her chest, like she was some sort of concubine.She couldn't find anything else. Panic rose inside her as she thought about what he would do if she didn't come downstairs. She searched more into the wardrobe, desperate for some sort of solution.But there was nothing she liked. With a heavy sight, she grabbed a light blue dress that reached down her legs. It was off shoulder, so she could manage for the chest part.After Regan wore it, she saw that it wasn't as bad as she thought. It flowed around her and it was more prettier than she had expected. As for shoes, she decided to wear some black high heels because her boots were nowhere to be found.She glanced at the door, feeling a sense of dread in her stomach. She couldn't believe how her mother left her in the chamber alone with him. But maybe he had threatened her. She took a deep breath and then walked out of the room. The hallway was empty, with a chilling silence. She spotted some stairs and followed them, eventually being greeted by the grandeur of the dining room.She felt shivers as she saw him sitting at the head of the table, his posture regal and commanding. His eyes shone bright when he saw her, that mischievous smirk curling on his lips.But the weirdest thing, her mother was also there, sitting some seats away from him with a cool expression. And his general was also present, standing at the side of the room, his expression stoic. What was even stranger, the witches weren't there. Why? Weren't they his allies?She walked over to her mother, sitting down next to her. But as soon as she sat, she felt like an idiot under his penetrating gaze. His eyes were so intense, it was like he could see straight to her soul. Heat rushed to her cheeks and she looked away, feeling her heart race.The foods were just there but she couldn't eat anything. She leaned closer to her mother, "Mom, what's all this damn thing? Do you know he came to the chamber?"Octavia sighed, "Yes. But we have to play along.""Play along?!" Regan growled in a low voice, glancing at him. She couldn't believe her mother would even say that. "He touched my face! And I was in a damn nightgown. You should have heard what he said to me, mom!"Her mother sighed again, "I know, sweetie. But it's not like he had bad intentions. He asked me, and I said it was fine. I mean, it's not like he forced you or anything. You should ignore him and buy us some time." Octavia's words stung like a slap, but Regan knew her mother was just trying to protect her. She wished she could say something back, but she couldn't find the words.Her mother's face was tight with determination. But it felt like her mother was just accepting the situation. Regan couldn't help but feel angry and betrayed. She didn't want to stay in that castle. She wanted to go back to earth at least, and live a normal life with her mother.He seemed lost in thought, casually toying with his food as he eyed them both. It was obvious he was enjoying this game, whatever it was. She could feel his presence, his aura, like a heavy weight on her chest. She hated it. Loathed him. And even with that, she wondered if he even ate, if he even slept. She had never seen him eat, or show any real signs of exhaustion. How so?But then, curiosity started to get the better of her. Where were the witches? Where was Vesper? Wasn't she his mistress, his closest ally? She couldn't help but wonder if something had happened between them. He hadn't said a word since she had been sitting."So, where are your lovers?"The question was sharp, rude, and unexpected. He seemed off guard for a moment, but then his smirk returned, making him look amused. "My lovers?" he repeated, as if he had forgotten the meaning of the word. "I have only one and she's already on this table."Regan's blood ran cold at his response. Because she and her mother were the only women on the table and he meant one of them. But which one? Her blood boiled at both thoughts. Of course he didn't mean her mother."Watch your tongue," Regan growled through gritted teeth, her fists clenching tightly, "You think you've got some dark humor and now you're fooling around with me?" her voice was sharp with rage.But Sirius only chuckled, "You take things too personally, Princess. Why are you so pressed?" His smirk widened into a mocking grin, "It's not like I said that Regan is my lover."His words made her even angrier and she wanted to stand up from her chair, lunge at him and beat him up. But she knew it wouldn't solve anything. He'd still turn it to his advantage."And what did you say? You said that your lover is on this damn table!" Regan retorted, slamming her fist on the table."Ah, I see I struck a nerve. My apologies. I shouldn't have denied it, darling." Sirius casually replied, his voice calm and collected, although there was still amusement in his eyes."Sirius, shut up," Octavia intervened, "That's enough. Leave my daughter alone." Her voice was hard and firm.Sirius chuckled, "Fine, fine. But Regan started it.""You've made your point. Now, shut up and mind your own business." Octavia's tone brooked no argument.Regan was grateful that her mother intervened but still, her blood boiled at his remarks. And the worst was that she even fancied his words about her being his lover. The thought disgusted her but another part of her felt a strange longing. What if they wouldn't be enemies? What if he really meant it?"Damnit," she cursed under her breath, wishing she could punch something."What happened, Princess? Did you bite your tongue?" Sirius drawled sarcastically. "You seem to be struggling with something." He leaned forward, his elbows on the table, studying her intently.She didn't answer, standing up abruptly instead. Then, she shoved the chair away and left on her heel, without saying anything. The general was still standing there and Sirius exchanged knowing looks with him.Octavia's eyes followed her daughter, her expression filled with worry and anger.Then, she looked at Sirius, narrowing her eyes."Now, what was that? Leave my daughter alone. She's not that interested in you," she said, her voice angry and frustrated. She didn't wait for his response because she stood up and followed Regan as well.Sirius smiled as she left, "Yes, she's not interested in me. She's head over heels for me," he muttered to himself. "And so am I for her."Then, he noticed that Vlad was still there, his expression stoic and unreadable, although there was a hint of confusion as well."Keep a close eye on them. If she escapes again, I'll hold you responsible," Sirius ordered, his voice cold and hard."Of course, my lord. I'll make sure they stay where you want," Vlad said with a nod and left on his heel. He knew that his lord was completely smitten with the princess and knew better than to question his orders.