70

Allegra's voice was sweet when she spoke, but layered with an undercurrent venom, "Enjoying your food, scar?" she sneered, "You've been missed a lot by his highness."

Regan's cheeks blushed a slight shade of pink, but she didn't dare look at any of them, her hands gripping the coat tightly on her lap.

Sirius's jaw twitched, but he didn't speak, his expression remaining cold.

"What is she doing here?" Vesper demanded, barely able to keep her indignation from her voice, "This isn't normal."

"What exactly?" he asked, not even looking at her.

"She's your enemy!" Vesper hissed, back, gripping her fork tightly, "She's done to much trouble and you....you bring her to eat like she's some sort of your lover!"

Regan's anger flared again. She couldn't believe they were calling her his lover, "Watch your tongue," she bit back at Vesper, "I'm not anyone's lover."

"Or maybe you're just in denial," Allegra retorted, "You think we don't know what's going on here?"

The air grew dense, with tension escalation within the seconds. The general exchanged a glance with his lord, silently asking for the need to interfere. But Sirius gave him a look to stay quiet.

"And what do you think it's going on here?" Regan snapped back, not bothering to hide her frustration anymore, "You think I enjoy being on a table with people like you?"

"We also love being on a table with slaves like you," Allegra shot back with a voice that was as cold as sarcastic, "And if you think he loves you," she looked at Sirius with the corner of her eye, "you're wrong. Our highness has just found a new toy for his amusement."

Regan's teeth clenched, but she didn't dare look at him. His eyes were on her, she knew, and she to disappear, to vanish into the dense air. Why he relished so much on making her ashamed, when all they were saying wasn't true?

"Why are you here then?" Vesper gritted out, digging her fork into her steak. She could feel the metal scratch the porcelain but she didn't care.

"Why don't you ask him?" Regan retorted.

Sirius leaned back in his chair, watching the scene play out with a mix of annoyance and amusement. Annoyance at their tirade, and amusement at his princess's reaction. She was so flustered.

Vesper's eyes shot at him, "Care to explain any of this?" she demanded, her face contorted in pure displeasure, "Or are you content with like this....this slave?"

"I am no slave," Regan once more tried to stand up for herself, gripping the tablecloth in anger. "I don't obey anyone, unlike you three do."

Allegra's eyes were now full of spite, "My lord," she addressed to him once more, "We can't just sit here and watch her eat with us. She's not one of us."

Sirius's face was a mask of cold detachment, placing the glass of wine with a sharp thud after he took a sip of it. "I don't owe any explanations to you," he said, his measured voice cutting through the air like a razor. "Now shut your mouths before they utter more insolence, and eat."

But the witches weren't going to back down, not after being stomped on for so long. It was a poor attempt nonetheless, but it was something. "We're not servants here, my lord," Circe, who had been watching with mild bemusement spoke, "We're allies, and we do not accept her here."

Sirius's smile was lethally cold, "You think your opinion matters here?" he threw a look at Regan, and she quickly averted her eyes, realizing she had been staring at him.

"It does," Vesper spat, "You can't just pretend like this is appropriate."

Sirius's eyes darkened. Even with countless punishments he had given her, she still didn't learn her place. He had to eliminate her, once and for all. To hell with what he had signed with her family. "I do whatever I want, Vesper," he said, his calm tone barely hiding the anger beneath. 

"So you casually give her your coat and bring her to eat? What are we supposed to think?" Allegra said. Her voice was no raised, but there was a look in her eyes, a look that knew the answer already.

"What I do with her is none of yours concern," Sirius growled, slamming his fist on the table. Regan flinched and the silverware jumped, "I do whatever I want, I bring whoever I want, I give her whatever I want and the least I'm going to do is ask you. I'm the ruler of this land and you're just some witches who think they have power. But let me remind you, your power only exists because I allow it to."

Allegra looked away, while Vesper's eyes never left Regan's face. She could feel the hate pouring from the witch's eyes and was afraid for a moment. What had she even done to be hated so much by Vesper anyway?

This is my last warning," Sirius continued, his tone like steel, "if you three dare utter another word...." He let the threat hang in air, pointing at the rigid guards across the room.

The witches didn't say anything. Vesper's grip was now on the glass and Regan could see it was shaking. 

She didn't want to be part of this. She didn't want to be there. She hated them all. Her plate was full, but she hadn't eaten anything. 

What did he call her earlier ? Love. That made her feel even more confused and ashamed. It seemed like a joke. A cruel joke meant to taunt her.

She was picking at her nails with her hands under the table when suddenly she felt her hand being touched and fingers intertwining with hers. She looked up to see him looking at her. "Eat," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle.

Regan snatched her hand away, and looked at the witches. They looked like they were about to burst. Especially Vesper.

But they're not wrong, she thought to herself. He was objectifying her, toying and they were seeing it like they'd see themselves with that man. She was being reduced to things she wasn't, like all other times. "I'm not hungry!" Regan said through gritted teeth.

Vesper's jaw was clenched and she was about to say something but his expression had turned cold again, "Damnit," Sirius cursed and stood up, scraping the chair against the floor. He grabbed Regan's arm and pulled her with him. Regan tried to shove him away but his grip on her arm was tight and unyielding. 

As soon as they were out of sigh, Vesper had enough of it. She tore away the steak with her fork and stood up, shoving the chair away. She strode to Vlad, her fists clenched tightly.

"What the fuck is going on?! Why is he doing that, why you didn't stop him?!"

Vlad regarded her with a stern look, "I can't stop his lordship for these matters," he replied curtly, "he decides what he does with his prisoners."

"He went berserk when he learnt about that prince named...." Allegra said, chewing slowly, "I don't remember his name but anyway, you saw what he did. He almost killed him. And for what? For a-"

"Just leave it," Circe interrupted, glancing warily at Vlad. "He's listening," she whispered.

"So you're okay with it?" Vesper spat, turning to Allegra, "You're okay with that ugly piece of crap having his whole attention?"

Allegra chuckled, shaking her head, "Attention would be a small word, Ves," she said, her voice like a serpent's hiss. "But let's ask our general about it." She stood up from the table and walked over to where Vlad and Vesper were. Circe watched in interest.

"So Vlad, what do you think about the relationship between our romantic tyrant and his little good girl?" Allegra said, her words aiming directly at Vesper's nerves. Vlad's expression remained stoic. He knew more they did, but wasn't going to reveal anything, not even if he wasn't ordered to.

"I assure you, his lordship doesn't have a relationship with her. He's just interested in her powers."

But Vesper didn't believe any of it. She had been told that many times and it was enough already, "Powers? You've been saying that since the first fucking day she came here and where's that power got us? You can't lie me!"

"I don't own you explanations," Vlad retorted, "If you keep crossing lines, your stay here won't be so secure."

Vesper clenched her jaw, "What does that mean?" she demanded.

"You know what it means," Vlad replied blankly. He turned away and left the dinning room, the expression of his displaying no trace.

Vesper ran a hand through her hair, "No, I can't let this go on anymore," she murmured to herself and Allegra was about to speak but her sister already walked out of the dinning room.

Allegra sighed. She walked and sat back on the table, where Circe had been watching them.

"Anyway," Circe said, leaning in, her voice barely above a whisper of the crackling of the fireplace, "Did you hear what he called her?"

Allegra took a sip of her drink, "Who? Sirius?" she asked.

Her sister nodded, "Yes, he called her 'love'. Can you believe it?" she said, her voice filled with a hint of awe.

"Wait, when did he said that?" Allegra quipped, setting the glass on the table with a click, her voice filled with honest curiosity.

"Are you for real?" Circe scoffed, "You were closer than me and you didn't hear that?" she said, looking at Allegra's confused expression, "He said it when he brought her here."

Allegra's face turned thoughtful, her eyes narrowing, "Did Ves hear it?"

"I don't know," Circe shrugged, "But you know, she-Regan, didn't even react to it. Like what would've you done if he'd say that to you?"

Allegra's eyes glinted with a mischievous intent, "I'd take advantage of it of course. I'd take it to the next level. But she's stupid to not use the opportunity," she said, "I mean, he has never ever used the word 'love' in his whole life, I'm sure of that. And now he used it to her."

Meanwhile, he had led her to the kitchen. Regan hadn't seen it before but it was a place that dripped of luxury just like the rest of the castle. The lighting was warm and the area was spacious with so many counters and cupboards. The wood was made of the finest oak, polished to the core. 

There were some servants around and he sharply ordered for them to leave, which they did, almost stumbling on their way.

"Sit," he ordered, pointing at a chair next to an island counter.

Regan's face was filled with anger and embarrassment at the same time. "No."

He stepped closer, his expression menacing, "Sit."

"No."

He grabbed her arm again and sat her down on a chair. Her chest was heaving with anger and shame. Shame because she was embarrassed of him and anger because she was listening at his word. He towered over her, his icy eyes looking down at her with an unreadable expression.

"What do you want me to do?" he asked coldly. "Do you want me to send you back to that fucking fortress?"

"Which fortress?" Regan asked, her voice slightly trembling.

He put his hands on the counter, leaning forward, his face awfully near hers. "That vampire's fortress."

Regan felt a shiver run down her spine. He was talking about Viggo, about that depraved monster. She would rather die than turn back there.

"You wouldn't do that," she said, her voice small.

"Why not?" he smirked, "you're not fond of me and I'm not fond of you either. And you need some sort of punishment, don't you? You think I'm going to take care of you when you work against me? When you defy my reign? When you're my enemy? When you're the daughter of Cortez?"

The thought of being sent back to that fortress was terrifying. She knew he could do it. He had the power. "I don't need you to care about me," she spat.

"But you want me to, love?" he asked with a mocking voice, his smirk widening into a smile.

"No," she sharply retorted, swallowing up to think of what he called her. "I want you to leave me alone!"

Sirius leaned even closer, "What if you'd have to chose?" he challenged, but he wasn't curious, just wanting to provoke her a little, "Between staying here and staying there?"

Regan's stomach turned. If she had a choice, she'd stay anywhere but here or there. But if she thought logically, sure, here was what she was going to choose. 

But she couldn't let him know that.

"You're just like him," she spat, standing up from the chair, "You all have no honor, no respect. You're all the same, caring only about—"

"Don't you dare compare me to that scum," Sirius cut her off, his voice low but dangerous, "I'm nothing like him."

"Yeah, you're much worse," Regan shot back, stepping away from him. 

"You don't know anything about me or my life," he retorted through gritted teeth, "All you know is to listen to rumours and assume things for me, isn't it?"

The words hit a nerve and he took a step closer, already making the space claustrophobic for her. 

"The rumours aren't baseless," she snapped defiantly, holding her chin high, "But I don't care. Just leave me alone."

Sirius ran a hand through his hair, his impatience obvious. But he was having enough of it. "Listen here, you little girl," he said, his voice a low growl, "You won't talk to me like that again," he took another step closer, "not when your father is the person you're describing."

"What?" Regan blurted out, the color leaving her already pale face. Her father? She didn't even know her father. She had no idea, no memory of him.

A cold smirk appeared on his lips, his eyes as cold as ice, "Yes, your father. He was a bastard."

"How dare you?" Regan hissed, feeling a surge of anger at his choice of words, "What do you know about him!"

"A lot more than you do," he answered, his voice filled with conviction, "He was a coward. A coward hiding the title of a monarch."

Regan didn't know what to think anymore. How dare he insult her family like that? How dare he insult her? "You don't make any sense," she said, taking a step back.

"Let me tell you a story, my girl," Sirius moved closer, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement. Regan's heart was racing. "Cortez was a weak, foolish prince who liked to indulge in his desires. One beautiful day, he supposedly fell in love with a peasant woman. His family was disgraced. But they say love conquers it all, don't they?" His tone turned sarcastic, "Well, it wasn't love."

Regan was waiting for him to continue, "What happened to her?" she asked, trying to sound cool, despite not knowing whether this woman was her mother or not.

Sirius's expression was nonchalant as leaned against the counter, crossing his arms over his broad chest, "What happened to her? The most common thing happened. They had an illegitimate affair and she ended up pregnant with a daughter. Cortez's family were more than mad, not only of his affair, but also about the fact that his child wasn't a boy. They banished the woman but kept the child hidden."

"Who was that child?" Regan mumbled, her heart racing with anticipation.

"Not you, my dear. Not you," he assured. "So, to cover up Cortez's mistakes, they arranged a marriage with one of the strongest kingdoms of the neighbor planet. He would marry princess Octavia, the most beautiful woman of her time, who'd give him a son. But she instead gave him a daughter. You."

Regan felt her mind spinning. Was he saying that she had a half sister? And if so, who was she?

"But he wasn't content," Sirius continued, "he needed a heir. And his family was so displeased. So he got mistresses. He cheated on your mother, treated her like she was nothing. He didn't care about you. Actually he cared more about the illegitimate daughter. You and her were both raised under Octavia's care. She raised her as her own. The absurdity of it all, his mistresses didn't give him a heir either, so do you know what he did then?" he leaned closer, his eyes boring on hers, "He turned back to the peasant woman."

His words were like sharp daggers to whatever Regan had thought she knew about her family. She knew so little. And what he said made her feel so ashamed. "You're lying," she hissed, blinking back the tears."

"Why would I lie about this?" Sirius asked, his hand reaching out to her hair, stroking it gently. He didn't want to tell it like that, but she had to know, one way or another. "The peasant woman actually gave him a son that time. But he was afraid of what would happen if found out, so he hid his newborn. Your half-brother, I mean."

"Where's he now?" Regan choked out, her mind racing. A half sister? A half brother? Was she really the daughter of such man? Of a man, qualities of which she hated with all of her heart? The irony was like a slap on the face. Maybe Sirius was lying. But if he wasn't, she wasn't going to let her father's doings define her character. 

Sirius sighed, his hand not leaving her hair, "He was banished," he said with a shrug, "He didn't even know he was a prince. But I assure you," he paused stroking her hair, "that's not what matters to me. It's you. You were the only heiress with the power of the eternal ember. You were the one in the middle, the problem I had to eliminate. But your father didn't even know you were powerful, did he? He let you go to waste. He abused you and your mother while your dear people of Avalon lived in the illusions of a kingdom ruling with prosperity and honor. So you see now, your father wasn't quite the image you had painted in your mind. Your mother was a good woman, trapped in a marriage she didn't ask for. And you, you were the unwanted daughter of Cortez's lineage. Your brother, he doesn't even count. Their kingdom is dead now, all thanks to me."

Regan felt like she was going to suffocate. His words were making it difficult to breathe. So difficult that she wanted to slap him and tell him to go to hell. "You killed them," she said through gritted teeth.

Sirius's chuckle was cold, "Killed them? No my dear, I didn't kill them. Not personally, at least."

"What about the other sister?" Regan asked again, still grappling with the revelations.

"That's Artemis," Sirius answered, straighting up, "That's why she doesn't hold the eternal ember."

Regan stayed quiet for a moment. Or maybe for two or more. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. A peasant woman? Half sister? Half brother? At least her parents had been the same people which Seraphina, her mentor had told her about.

But as she thought deeper of it, why was he telling her all that? Why did he care about it? He was trying to insult her. The thought set her anger arise and it filled her eyes. She took a step forward, fire coursing through her veins, "You know what?" she spat, glaring at him, "I don't fucking care. I don't care if he was a bastard, a coward or whatever he was. I'm nothing like him and my mom would never be. You'll think twice next time before insulting me like that. I'm going to find my mother and I'm going to end you as well. You're nothing better. You're a criminal and you have mistresses. You had an affair with my sister, for God's sake!"

Sirius expression was clouded with darkness, but there was a hint of pain and hurt there. His hand slowly circled her wrist, bringing her closer to him, "I never had an affair with Artemis," he growled, his voice cold and angry, "And since when have you been so interested in my life? Since when have you been counting how many mistresses I have?"

She opened her mouth to reply but nothing came out. She couldn't think of anything to say under his piercing gaze. She felt like a fool. "I didn't mean it like that," she mumbled, her voice small.

"What did you mean then?" Sirius demanded sternly, his thumb rubbing at the soft skin of her inner wrist, "Why are you so interested in me? In my life? Are you.... jealous? But you don't have to be. I don't have any mistresses anyway." He smirked, his voice taking a huskier edge.

Regan's cheeks were scarlet. She jerked her wrist away, but he only pulled her back in. "I'm not jealous, she said, still not looking at him. She didn't even believe what he said, "And I'm not interested in you. I've said these things to others as well. It's not only you."

He chucked, shaking his head, "You're a terrible liar, Ylor. Keep telling that to yourself. Why did you start this in the first place?"

She didn't answer. But she could say she loathed him so much that she could hit in all the ways around. Or just find something to loathe him more.

He didn't say anything either. He released her wrist so suddenly and then stormed out of the kitchen. She thought she was finally going to be alone. But he turned back again, a servant girl behind him. She looked scared.

She hastily brought the tray of food on her island counter, her hands shaking. Then, she quickly left. He stayed.

"Eat," he ordered, his expression stern and cold.

Regan felt exposed, the shivers creeping up on her, although the kitchen was warm. She didn't want to eat when Iris was suffering.

"If you don't eat, I'm going to kill your friend. You'll never see her again. I'll make sure you see her die. I have no mercy for anyone." He threatened on his cold voice, leaning on the doorway, his hands on his pockets.

Regan felt her blood run cold and fear wash over her. She didn't know what she'd do if Iris would die because of her. She hated herself already for bringing Iris in this.

So, she started to eat. She didn't know what the food was made of, but it tasted nice. Like some sort of spiced steak and french fries. She could feel his gaze on her and it made her even more embarrassed.

"What are you looking at?" she snapped.

He smirked in response and didn't speak. He stayed like that for a long time. Time seemed to stretch endlessly and when she finished eating, she felt like a fool. The silence was awkward.

"You know...." He trailed off, still leaning on the doorway, "I have a proposal for you."

"Proposal?" she repeated, her expression alarmed, "What proposal?"

He tilted his head, as if studying how she'd react. "Marriage proposal."

"What?!" Regan snapped, her eyebrows furrowing. She felt her blood drain her face, however, she felt it boiling as well. What did he mean by that? 

Sirius's smirk widened, "Your face is priceless," he mocked, "You think I was willing to marry you?"

Regan's jaw clenched and her eyes filled with anger, "No, I didn't!"

"Imagine if it happened. What would they say? The demon lord married his sworn enemy. It'd be epic," he sneered.

But it was no epic for Regan her forehead's veins bulged, her anger uncontrollable, "Why don't you go and die?" she snapped, "Why don't you go and fuck off?"

"But where would the fun be then?" he chuckled, "Seeing you furious is the only thing that's worth my amusement."

Regan knew he was doing it only to provoke her and he was having it. She really was uncontrollably furious. That was what he wanted. So, she tried to control her anger and appear cool. Maybe that way he'd stop.

"And? You think I was willing to marry you?" she retorted, not believing how she could even say those words.

"But you wouldn't want to marry anyone else," he said, his smile only making him more beautiful.

It was true, she didn't want to marry anyone. She hated marriage and she hated being used around. She hated being a tool to serve a male's needs.

"And? That doesn't mean I'd-"

"You'd be willing to marry me if it meant saving the life of the ones you love," he interrupted, his tone turning serious, "you'd do it."

"You're out of your mind? You're threatening me with that now? Well, it's not like I have ones that I love." Regan said, her voice furious.

Yes, she knew she cared about Iris and her aunt, but nevertheless, she didn't know who her mother was and right now she was alone. She could shake the melancholy that stirred inside her. "You've taken them all from me."

"Oh, my princess," he drawled, his expression gentler, "I haven't. You can have them all back. If only you be on my side. If you are on my side, I'll help you find your parents. Your mom. Your everything." His voice was melodic and smooth as silk and she found her own resolve weakening for a moment. But it was just a moment.

"I'm not your princess and I'll never side with you. I have my own resources and I don't need anyone's help," Regan spat, her frustration reaching its peak. She strode towards the door and tried to step past him but he caught her arm and led her away.

He led her through the hallways and stairs and they reached a set of doors which opened themselves. Then, he pushed her inside and said, "I could have put you inside the dungeons, I could have tortured you down there or I could have just gotten rid of you. I could have made you beg me to kill you. But I'm not doing it because I don't want to. And I never will. If I ever get rid of you in the end, I'd do it lovely in some other way."

Regan crossed her arms, her eyes filled with defiance, "You think you could but you couldn't. I'm not some toy you can play with. I have my own powers and strength."

He shook his head, "You are not not my toy." And with that, he stepped outside and slammed the door shut.