Secret Santa - For Liza :)

Queen Walburga carefully pressed a damp compress to her husband's head, wiping away the sweat from his fever. "You're nearing the end, my love," she simpered, looking down at his pallid face, "your time is almost up. If you are going to make changes to the line of succession, you must do it soon."

"Walburga," King Orion groaned, his eyes flicking under the eyelids, "I will not alter the law." He coughed quietly, a pitiful croaking sound. "Sirius will be king. It's the way it's always been, and the way it will continue."

Walburga clenched her jaw, resisting the urge to smother her husband with the compress. "As you wish, dear one," she murmured angrily. "Sleep, now. Get some rest."

She left the compress draped over his forehead and stood up from her seat at the side of his bed, walking over to glare out of the window at the kingdom beyond.

The monarchy meant everything to Walburga, and she wasn't about to see it be reduced to cinders when her son was crowned. Sirius was too reckless, too impulsive, and his frolicking around with the stableboy was a constant source of embarrassment to Walburga.

Since her husband fell sick and it became apparent that he was going to die before long, Walburga had tried to convince him to relinquish the crown to her instead. Orion had scoffed—even in the state he was in—at the mere suggestion that a woman could rule the kingdom, so Walburga instead tried to direct his attention to Regulus.

Regulus, her youngest son, was much more malleable and compliant, and Walburga was certain that she would be able to rule the kingdom as a shadow, using her son as a puppet.

But Orion was never going to agree to change the laws—not now, and not ever. As such, Walburga had to start considering her options.

She could try and get rid of Sirius somehow, leaving Regulus as the only remaining heir to the crown. But to have him killed off would be too suspicious, especially so soon.

Sirius was the right age for marriage, and if Walburga could source him a suitable match, perhaps she could control the throne after all. King Orion had no idea, being the man that he was, but it was truly Walburga who had ruled the kingdom, behind the shadow of her husband. The decisions he made he thought were his own, were very rarely of his own mind.

In the decades Walburga had been married to Orion, it was only the discussion of his successor that he had remained firm on.

But Walburga was sure that if she found the right woman for Sirius, the right match—perhaps the future Queen could control her son in a way she could not.

…

Sirius rubbed his nose against Remus's as they lay together in Remus's bed, in the comfortable stable house where he lived. Sirius much preferred being here with Remus than trapped in the stone confines of the castle.

"Good morning," Remus murmured, before he'd even opened his eyes.

"My mornings are much better with you around," Sirius replied, leaning in to kiss him.

"Not for much longer, though." Remus sat up in bed, the blankets slipping away from his body. Sirius lay back, admiring his broad, tanned back, defined from a lifetime of working with horses and in the stables. He glanced back at Sirius, his amber eyes sparkling in the morning sunlight that streamed through the window. "Your father nears his death, and you'll be King, and all of this…our secret…"

Sirius grabbed Remus's arm and pulled him back down onto the bed, then rolled on top of him, trapping him on the mattress. "When I am king," he murmured. "We won't have to hide anymore. I can bring you into the kingdom, and we'll be together." He pressed a soft kiss to Remus's nose. "They will all worship you, like I worship you."

"I fear it won't work out the way you envision it," Remus whispered.

"Don't I always get my own way?" Sirius moved his lips across Remus's face to his jaw, then to his neck. Remus rolled his head back on the pillow, allowing Sirius to kiss his neck, his collarbone…

A sudden knock at the door startled both of them, and Remus jumped out of bed, wrapping one of the blankets around his middle. Sirius pulled a sheet over his own naked body as Remus went to the door.

He didn't open the door fully immediately, not wanting to reveal Sirius, but he let the door swing open after seeing who it was. Sirius looked up at his oldest friend, James Potter, standing in the doorway with a sheepish grin on his face. James was the only person who was privy to Sirius and Remus's relationship, and having someone know about them was a great relief to Sirius a lot of the time.

Sirius noticed he was dressed in his full Guardsman of the King uniform, despite it being barely seven in the morning. "The Queen wants to see you immediately," he announced in his most guardly voice, "I thought I would find you here."

"Ugh," Sirius groaned, sitting up in bed and letting the sheets fall off him. James visibly winced and turned the other way.

"Really? No one needs to see all that this early in the morning."

"I don't mind," interrupted Remus with a grin.

Sirius smirked as he reached for his clothes, discarded from the previous night. "Consider yourself lucky for the opportunity to have a look. It's not like anyone is currently gracing your bed with their presence."

James gave Sirius a dark grin. "You'd be surprised, friend. Now, come on, my prince."

"Are you coming as well?" Sirius asked.

"No, it's a family affair, according to the Queen. I do have business in court later today, however."

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "What business?"

James only smiled and walked out of the front door, spreading his fingers in a wave at Sirius and Remus.

…

"Sirius," Walburga said through gritted teeth as her son waltzed into the dining hall with his usual bravado, "how nice of you to finally join us. I did ask for you to join the family gathering this morning, but at least you managed to meet my request on the same day."

"Mother," Sirius greeted, taking a seat across from Walburga at the long table, "brother," he nodded at Regulus, who sat demurely beside Walburga, pushing food around his plate with his fork.

"We have important business to discuss," Walburga announced.

"Can I eat first?" Sirius grumbled. He gestured to one of the castle servants, who dashed off to the kitchen to fetch his meal.

"If you had arrived earlier you would have had the chance to eat," Walburga snapped. "So you will wait."

The servant who had just returned from the kitchen stood awkwardly a little way away from the table, clutching Sirius's plate. Sirius sighed and waved her away. "Fine," he muttered. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your company, dear Mother?"

"As you know," Walburga started, sitting up straighter in her seat, "your father draws nearer to his death. It is presumed he may not see out the remainder of the week." She lifted her napkin to wipe a non-existent tear from her eye. "As such, you will succeed him as king."

"Information I already know," replied Sirius. "But continue."

"Your current…lifestyle…will not be tolerated when you take the crown. We need to work together—as a family—to prepare you for the throne."

"Father spent all my life teaching me about what to expect when I take the throne," snapped Sirius. "I've learned war tactics, court etiquette, and what to wear depending on which pretentious emperor or king visits. I do not need more preparations. I've had a lifetime of preparation."

"Not enough," Walburga hissed, and she stood up from her seat, slamming her palms down on the table, "not for this. Not for marriage."

"I am not betrothed to be married!" Sirius exclaimed. "Father told me I would not have to enter into an arranged marriage! He promised!" It was the one thing that Sirius had always respected and appreciated his father for, despite how strict he often was with his teachings. King Orion had been forced into an arranged marriage with Walburga, who was his cousin, and even though he swore to love Walburga, he detested that he'd had his choice taken away from him. He'd promised both Sirius and Regulus when they were young that they would not be subjected to the same fate.

"Father is not going to be here for much longer," Walburga continued smoothly. "So you will follow my rules. I am the acting King until you are crowned, boy."

"Mother," Regulus interrupted quietly, and both Sirius and Walburga snapped their necks to look at him, "Father has not decreed that Sirius should marry, has he? There is no law that he has written to force him into an arrangement?"

Sirius grinned at Regulus and nodded. "Regulus is right, Mother. There's no decree. You can't force me to marry."

Walburga glared at Regulus, and then at Sirius. "There is also no decree to say that you shouldn't be entered into an arrangement," she said. "It is expected that both of you will enter marriage arrangements. It's only because of your father's soft nature that he promised that you could marry for love," she scoffed cruelly. "A pathetic sentiment."

Sirius opened his mouth to retort, but Walburga slapped her hand on the table again to silence him. "Enough!" she spat. "Bring him his dinner!" she called, and the servant rushed forward again, dropping Sirius's plate in front of him. "We will argue no more about this. You will meet with four potential spouses tomorrow, and you will not leave the castle tonight. There is court business in an hour." She pushed her chair back and started to walk towards the door, her dark skirts swishing around her. She turned to glare at Sirius before leaving the room. "No more fraternising with the stable boy, either. I mean it."

Sirius scowled after her, then shoved his plate across the table, no longer hungry. "I hate her," he hissed.

"I know," Regulus murmured, throwing his fork down too, "I wish Father would get better."

…

Prince Regulus found the court business every bit as tedious as it always was. Mother sat on the throne, looking regal and like she was very much enjoying herself, while Regulus and Sirius sat either side of her. Citizens from the kingdom came forward with their requests, and Walburga either accepted or denied them.

She denied them more than most. She was much less a benevolent ruler than Orion was. Regulus hoped that Sirius would be a good king. He had no doubt that he would be a kind king and a compassionate leader, but he worried about Sirius's emotions and his volatile temper and his impulsiveness.

Sirius didn't really like, or appreciate, being royal. He spent far too much time mucking around in the stables with Lupin, or practicing his fighting skills in the barracks with the guardsmen. Regulus appreciated the art of fighting, and he too had learned basic sword skills, but he didn't understand why Sirius acted as though he would be on the front lines should they ever go to war.

He didn't understand a lot of what Sirius did, but he was envious all the same. Sirius had a carefree attitude that Regulus longed to be able to replicate. He doubted anyone would ever realise or believe him, but Regulus didn't particularly like being royal, either. He hated being stuck in the confines of the castle too, the only difference being that he was much more afraid of breaking the regime than Sirius was.

So he stuck by his mother's side, obedient and willing, waiting for whatever task he was required to undertake.

"Presenting James Fleamont Potter," the court speaker's voice shocked Regulus out of his daydreaming, and he looked forward as James Potter, one of the Kingsmen, strode to the front of the court, holding a small, brown packaged box in his hand.

Regulus admired James Potter as he knelt in front of the Queen, bowing his head politely. He'd always respected James, for as long as Regulus had known him. He was good friends with Sirius, and he really seemed to appreciate his work as a King's Guard. Regulus saw him around the castle often, and he would often accompany the family on trips to other parts of the kingdom or further afield.

He felt his face flush slightly as he thought of the other times that James had been in his company. There had been times, times in the dark, times when no one else was around. Times where he'd allowed James to kiss him in alcoves of the castle or accost him in shadowy corridors.

But he was always kind to Regulus, and Regulus found a lot of comfort in his presence.

"What does a member of the King's Guard need to request from the monarchy?" Walburga asked, looking down at James from her perch on the throne.

"I would like to request to court your son," James spoke immediately, keeping his head bowed, "and I have brought this gift."

Sirius snorted and started to say something, but Walburga held up her hand to silence him.

Regulus was surprised. While it was not entirely uncommon within the kingdom for members of the same sex to copulate and marry, if was somewhat unheard of for royalty to engage in such relations. King Orion had always promised that Sirius and Regulus would be allowed to marry whomever they chose, however, so there was always the chance that it would not apply to them. Regulus had often wondered if that was why Sirius was so brazen about his fancies towards other men.

Walburga stared at James for a long time, and Regulus tried to read her expression, without success. Eventually she spoke. "While your devotion to my family and our welfare has been valued by us, I must decline your request," she said quietly. "There are arrangements for Sirius to be marri—"

"Your majesty," James interrupted, bowing even deeper. "Forgive my intrusion, but I don't speak of Prince Sirius."

Walburga raised her eyebrows. "Then who do you speak of?"

James lifted his head slightly, his eyes falling on Regulus. "Prince Regulus, your majesty."

…

"How long?" Sirius demanded to know, some hours after court was adjourned. He'd followed James back to the barracks, ignoring his mother's demands for him to remain in the castle. "How long have you been wanting…to court my little brother?"

James grinned as he started to remove his ceremonial armour now that his duties for the day were over. He started to redress in comfortable slacks and a tunic, unbothered about Sirius seeing him in a state of undress. "A few…years, maybe?"

"Years?" scoffed Sirius. "And you never said anything?"

Another guardsman came into the barracks, shouting and jeering. When Sirius spun around to look at him, his face paled and he bowed. "Apologies, your highness."

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Whatever. It's Pettigrew, isn't it?"

The guardsman looked up at Sirius with watery eyes and bowed his head. "Yes."

"Do you mind giving me and Potter some privacy?"

"Not at all, your highness." Pettigrew turned to leave.

"And less of the bloody 'highness', please!" Sirius shouted after Pettigrew's retreating form. "God, I'll have to listen to enough of that when my father dies…"

James laughed and threw himself down on a nearby chair. "Peter is going to dream about that encounter for weeks to come," he said.

"Back to the matter at hand," Sirius continued. "My brother? For years?"

James shrugged. "He's lovely. I get on wonderfully with him, and I enjoy his company. I believe he enjoys mine, too. What's the matter with wanting to court him?"

Sirius reached over to prod James in the chest. "Because I know what you get up to with all those tavern wenches and fools, and none of it is honourable."

"It doesn't mean my intentions aren't honourable with your brother."

"Are they?"

"He's the prince," James said, grinning. "Of course they are."

…

Regulus lay on his bed the following morning, looking at the gift on the nightstand. It was a glass ornament, a rose, mostly clear but tinged delicately with pink on the petals. It was the most beautiful thing Regulus had ever been given.

He was filled with a series of emotions at the knowledge that he had been given such a gift. While he was royal and a prince, he wasn't usually gifted with anything—Sirius was the one who received the honours and the presents and whatever other offerings. Regulus didn't normally mind—he was happy to stay in the shadows of Sirius's princely benefits.

But it was nice to be noticed. It was nice to be wanted. First, not second to Sirius. James Potter wanted him.

The thought caused Regulus's stomach to erupt with butterflies, and he smiled softly.

There was only one problem—Mother. She hadn't known what to say to James's offer. Apparently, Regulus being chosen for anything came as much as a shock to her as it did to him. She had adjourned court shortly after, not giving James a response.

There was a knock on Regulus's door, and he sat up. "Enter," he called, and the door opened.

"My prince," the servant on the other side of the door bowed deeply, "good morning. The Queen expects you and your brother to meet with the four potential spouses after breakfast."

"Of course."

…

Sirius was thoroughly bored as he sat on the seat beside the throne, resting his chin on his hand. He tapped his foot agitatedly on the floor. "You're wasting your time, and theirs," he muttered, quietly enough that only his mother could hear, "I'm not going to pick any of these women."

"You will do as you're told," Walburga replied sharply.

The doors at the other end of the throne room were suddenly swung open, and four women were shuffled in by a series of court members and their parents. Walburga leaned forward, almost hungrily in the throne, eyeballing the girls with greed.

Sirius recognised three of the girls as his cousins, and the fourth one was probably related to them somewhere along the line as well. He rolled his eyes angrily, clenching his fists at his side. It was almost like Walburga wanted any of his offspring to sprout a third eye.

"First to approach the throne, in order of age," the Steward read out from a long piece of parchment, "Bellatrix of House Black."

Sirius wanted to walk away immediately. Bellatrix was a formidable woman, about three years older than him, who had the same hunger and lust for power that Walburga did. She was the eldest of her two sisters, and her father was Walburga's brother. She didn't bow to the throne, as was expected of her, but dipped in an extremely shallow curtsey instead, holding Sirius's gaze with her dark, cruel eyes. Her dark, shimmering dress pooled around her.

"Your highness," she simpered, then turned her gaze on Walburga, "your majesty."

"Bellatrix," Walburga murmured, and Sirius could see that she already looked very impressed with her.

"Second to approach the throne," the Steward continued. "Andromeda of House Black."

Andromeda came forward, wearing a simple green dress without the same amount of extravagance that had gone into Bellatrix's. Sirius leaned forward in his seat, grinning. Andromeda was probably the favourite of his cousins—she was kind and friendly, and he'd always enjoyed spending time with her. Andromeda didn't care about his preference for men and didn't make a point to tell other people, and in return Sirius had no desire to tell others about Andromeda's secret relationship with the son of the castle cook, Ted Tonks.

A sudden thought flashed before his eyes—he could marry Andromeda in a sham marriage to keep his mother happy. She could continue her relationship with Ted, and he could continue what he had with Remus. Then as soon as he was properly King and Walburga couldn't control him anymore, he and Andromeda could arrange a divorce, and everything could move on the way it was meant to.

"I pick Andy—Andromeda," Sirius said quickly.

Walburga turned to glare at Sirius. "You will wait until all the ladies have approached the throne, Sirius."

"There's no need. I've made my choice."

Walburga's voice lowered to a menacing mutter. "You will wait. This isn't just your choice, remember."

Sirius slumped back in his seat, groaning.

"Third to approach the throne, Alice of House Prewett."

Sirius didn't recognise this girl. She was around his age, with dark hair much shorter than what was expected for a lady, but Sirius didn't care about those kinds of things. He could see in his mother's shrewd gaze that she did, however. She flapped her hand at the steward, and Alice hung her head, scurrying to the back of the room quickly.

"Mother," hissed Sirius. "Was there any need—"

"Her hips were far too narrow."

"What are you talk—"

"Fourth and final to approach the throne," the steward went on. "Narcissa of House Black."

Narcissa stepped meekly in front of Sirius, bowing deeply in her icy-blue gown. When she stood up straight again, the sleeves of the dress slipped down her slender shoulders. It was far too big for her. She kept her eyes on Walburga the entire time.

"No," Sirius hissed. "She is barely thirteen years old!"

"You would not be expected to consummate the marriage until she is old enough," murmured Sirius.

"No!" snapped Sirius again. He followed in his mother's example and flapped his hand at the steward. Narcissa looked affronted, but she hurried away from the throne.

"Court adjourned!" Walburga shouted briskly, and stood up. "Sirius. Dining room. Now."

Sirius marched after his mother, throwing the door to the dining room shut once they were inside. Walburga sat in Orion's seat, and gestured for Sirius to sit across from her. He didn't, choosing to stand and place his hands on the table.

"I will marry Andromeda," he insisted. "Or I will not marry at all."

"You will marry Bellatrix," Walburga mused. "I have already decided."

"I will not marry that evil—"

"Silence!" snapped Walburga. "Bellatrix is a fine woman, and she will be a fine Queen. One this monarchy truly deserves. One to be proud of. She is the only option."

Sirius shook his head at her, and backed away from the dining room. "You'll have to find some way to make the words come out of my mouth, then," he muttered. "Because I will never, ever marry her." He turned on his heel, ignoring Walburga's protests, and ran out of the dining room.

…

Remus had his nose in a book when Sirius burst through the door without knocking, still wearing his court finery, his face flushed with anger. "We're leaving," he said. "We're running. We're going. Right now."

"Sirius, what—"

"My mother is not going to budge," Sirius continued, walking around the bedroom and pulling open Remus's wardrobe and drawers. "Pack your bags. Pack any bag. Don't pack anything if you don't want—I have enough money, I can buy you anything you like, I can get us anywhere you want to go. But we have to go."

"Sirius, can you just take a breath?" Remus put his book down and tried to catch Sirius's arm. "Just sit down for a minute. Talk to me." He dragged Sirius onto the bed, and Sirius put his face in his hands. Remus rubbed his back soothingly, trying to calm his rampant emotions.

"She wants me to marry my cousin."

"Which one?"

"Bellatrix," groaned Sirius.

They were both silent for a moment. Remus knew Bellatrix—everyone knew Bellatrix, and the awful reputation she was growing in the Kingdom. She was ruthless and worse than Walburga.

"I choose Andy," Sirius explained. "I told her I wanted to marry Andy. We could marry to keep Mother happy."

"I understand," Remus murmured. He knew all about Andromeda and Ted, and he figured what Sirius would make the best of a bad situation.

"But she's made up her mind," Sirius said scathingly. "Bellatrix."

"So that's why you want to run?"

"Yes," Sirius said. "We have to go. I'm not going to give her what she wants. I'm not going to put Bellatrix in a position of power so she can ruin the Kingdom. No. Mother will not get her king if this is how she is going to play the game."

"You need to think about this," Remus said softly. "What do you think will happen when we leave? Your mother will need to move on to the next in line."

"She'll allow Regulus to be King," Sirius said. "What of it? He would be better at the job than me anyway. He's much more suited to it."

Remus reached out and put his hand on Sirius's, and Sirius turned to meet his gaze. "And do you think she will allow Regulus to go unmarried? Or do you think she will insist on the same fate for him?" He said quietly.

Sirius didn't say anything for a while, and Remus watched the cogs turning in his head. Finally, his face crumpled and he threw himself back on the bed. "This isn't fair," he whispered, his voice cracking, "this isn't fair at all."

"Your brother won't survive with Bellatrix," Remus continued. "You know that. He won't survive being King under your mother's control."

"I can't leave then, can I?" Sirius muttered. "I'm stuck here—I'm stuck in this situation. I can't let her do all of this to him—"

"Let's just take some time," Remus murmured. "Maybe we can get around it. There's still time yet, right? Your mother isn't going to make you get married tomorrow. And the king is still alive."

"Mother is hosting a dance tomorrow at the castle for the four ladies to attend, along with many other guests. It's supposed to be the opportunity for her to announce who I will propose to." Sirius rolled his eyes. "Will you come?"

"Am I invited?" Remus asked doubtfully. "I didn't think royal parties extended to stableboys."

"I am inviting you," Sirius said, rolling onto his side to throw his arm across Remus's waist.

"Then yes, I'll come."

Sirius leaned over to kiss Remus warmly. "Good."

"And listen," Remus continued, speaking between kisses, "if we can't fix this, if we can't stop her," he threaded his hand through Sirius's curls, "then I promise that I'll run away with you. We'll even take Regulus with us too."

Sirius pushed his hand up Remus's shirt, kissing him deeper. "I love you."

"I love you."

…

The following day, in the hours that led up to the party, Regulus stalked up to his mother's quarters and prepared to knock on the door. He'd spent all morning going over what he was going to say, trying to convince himself that he could change Mother's mind.

He planned to tell her that he thought she was being unfair to Sirius. That Andromeda would be a good match, if she truly meant to force him to marry. Walburga had always had a better relationship with Regulus than she'd had with Sirius, so Regulus was hopeful that she would listen to him.

Also, there was something away that was plaguing his mind. He wanted to accept James's offer to court him. He wanted to spend more time with him, even more time than he already did.

Just as he was about to knock on the door, Regulus became aware of voices inside the room. More than one voice—not just his mother, but another familiar voice. "Walburga, you swore you would accept at least one of my children as Sirius's bride, but if Sirius absconds…"

"I will not allow it," snapped Walburga in response. "Druella, I will live up to my promise. Bellatrix will be Queen."

"And why were you so resistant to the idea of him marrying Andromeda? I saw the way you spoke to Sirius after he made his choice."

"It is my belief that Bellatrix will be a much better queen."

"Any of my daughters will make a good queen!" snapped Aunt Druella.

"Of course they will," Walburga replied. "But I see a lot of myself in Bella."

There was a period of silence, and their voices lowered. Regulus pressed his ear to the door.

"There are rumours of Sirius fleeing the monarchy. He was seen, emotional and angry, rushing off to the stables yesterday after court. Everyone knows how impulsive and reckless the prince is. It's highly likely that he is going to abscond, Walburga." Druella paused, and Walburga said nothing to fill the silence. "It would be extremely embarrassing for the family if he did."

"I know," Walburga hissed. "Believe me, I know. Do you think I haven't worried about this scenario ever since my husband fell ill? Do you think it doesn't plague my sleep? I know!" Her footsteps stomped around the bedroom. "I have thought about this, and I will not allow it. If Sirius refuses to marry Bellatrix, then there's only one way this will end."

"What do you mean?" Aunt Druella asked.

"He will have to be…taken care of."

Regulus flinched away from the door, alarmed.

"I will not have him embarrass me. He may be my son, but I will not have him embarrass our bloodline. He will be disposed of…quietly. Regulus will take the throne, and he will marry Bellatrix without complaint."

Regulus's heart sank in his chest.

"Of course," Druella continued. "He's always been much more pliable than Sirius."

"Yes. Truly his father's son; easily manipulated."

Walburga and Druella tittered between them, and Regulus stepped away from the door, horrified.

She was truly evil.

He had to tell Sirius.

…

Regulus was early to the dance, as was expected of him. It was no surprise that Sirius wasn't there yet, and Regulus only hoped that he would show up. He hadn't been able to find him after he'd overheard his mother and Aunt Druella talking, despite his best efforts.

While everyone else stood in the middle of the emptied court, preparing to dance, Walburga sat on the throne, dressed in dark, glittering swathes of burgundy. The gown looked almost like blood, and it made Regulus nervous. As though she was wearing a live prelude of what was to come.

As the crowds filtered into the court, Regulus peered desperately through the throngs of people for a sign of Sirius. Music started to play, couples started to dance in the middle of the room, and a servant walked around the room to extinguish some of the candles, making the room dimmer.

Regulus sighed frustratedly and leaned up against a marble pillar.

"May I have this dance?" a voice suddenly asked, and Regulus flinched. He turned to see James Potter, who was dressed in his best, scarlet-embroidered finery, and was holding out his hand to Regulus.

Regulus felt his heart flutter at the request, and he smiled. "You may," he agreed, and put his hand in James's. He allowed James to lead him in a dance, one hand holding his aloft, the other firmly wrapped around Regulus's waist.

Regulus had been given plenty of dancing lessons in his life, as was customary, but he'd only ever danced with women, and therefore led the dance. It felt nice to be swept around the courtroom, at James's liberty completely. As he looked into James's lovely hazel eyes behind his spectacles, Regulus had to force himself to remember what he needed to do.

He trusted James.

As the music slowed, James shifted their position so that Regulus was pressed flush against him, much closer than what was normally considered acceptable. Regulus noticed Walburga watching him with mild interest, an eyebrow raised and her lips pursed in a thin line. It was a look that would normally make Regulus stop whatever he was doing that was displeasing her, but he clenched his jaw firmly.

He wasn't going to continue to beckon to her every whim. Especially not after what he'd learnt.

"I need to find Sirius," Regulus said quietly. "It's vitally important."

"More important than our dance?" James said softly, smiling down at Regulus. His smile faded when he saw how serious Regulus was, however. "What is it?"

Regulus put his mouth close to James's ear, and explained everything in quick, hushed whispers. When he was finished, James's face was almost grey. "Keep dancing with me," Regulus murmured. "Mother is watching. She doesn't miss anything."

They danced in silence for several more moments.

After a little while, the doors to the court were thrown open, and Regulus almost passed out with relief when he saw Sirius walk in—then he almost passed out in shock.

Sirius had done everything he could to anger Walburga, it seemed. He wasn't wearing the approved garments that had been set out for him, but instead was dressed in roguish black leathers that made him look almost criminal. Even more daringly, he had a companion—the stableboy Remus Lupin, who's hand he was brazenly holding.

Sirius smirked around the court, then aimed a low, dramatic bow in the direction of his mother.

Walburga stood from the throne, and the music silenced instantly. "Now that my son has arrived," she said to the party, "it is time to make our announcement."

Regulus kept his eyes on Sirius. There was a tilt to the corner of his lips that Regulus was worried about. It was a sure sign that Sirius had something up his sleeve.

"The prince will marry Bellatrix of House Black," Walburga announced.

There was a small smattering of applause, and Bellatrix walked to the front of the room to stand by Walburga, smiling widely around at everyone. Regulus didn't like the look in her eye—it was too sharp, too dangerous.

"Sirius, come and present yourself to Bellatrix," simpered Walburga.

Sirius stared at his mother for a short moment, and then he turned back to Remus. "I do think I'm ready to dance, love."

"Sirius," warned Walburga.

"No, Mother," Sirius replied breezily, apparently unbothered by the amount of people in the room that were staring between him and Walburga, "I will not be making a proposal to my cousin, unfortunately. Not today, not tomorrow, not anytime soon, in fact. I'm going to dance with my boyfriend, the stable boy, and you can do with that information as you will." He bowed deeply to Remus, holding his hand out. Remus smiled and took the hand gratefully, allowing Remus to lead him to dance.

Regulus stared as his mother glared across the room at Sirius, who was now moving gracefully around the room with Remus, completely unbothered by her presence.

"You disgust me!" she snarled, and hitched her dark red skirts up around her ankles before storming out of the court. Druella detached herself from the crowd and hurried after her.

"Resume your dancing, please!" Sirius called into the crowd. At his command, the party sprang into action again, and the music tinkled back into play. Regulus hurried through the crowd towards Sirius, with James on his heels.

"Sirius," he said. Sirius continued dancing with Remus, and Regulus had to grab his arm to get him to stop.

"Brother, don't be so rude," Sirius murmured. "I'm dancing with my boyfriend."

"He's being serious," James interrupted.

"He's being Sirius?" laughed Sirius. "James, I'm being Sirius. He's Regulus." He looked between Regulus and James as he swayed on the spot with Remus, his eyes narrowing. "Are you two courting now? Did Mother accept your request?"

"Sirius, you must listen," hissed Regulus. "Mother is planning something. I need to talk to you, and quickly."

Remus's smile fell as he looked at Regulus. "Perhaps we should listen, Sirius."

Regulus led Sirius and Remus across the court, to the alcoves in the corner. Luckily, the crowd was occupied by the wine and the dancing and the music, and barely paid them any notice.

"Mother is going to have you killed if you don't marry Bellatrix," whispered Regulus.

"I beg your pardon?" Remus replied, before Sirius could say anything.

"Surely not," James said.

"It's true," continued Regulus. "I heard her. I heard her talking to Aunt Druella. She said…she said if you don't agree to the marriage, you will be taken care of. I will have to marry Bellatrix in your place, because I'm easily manipulated." His fists clenched at his sides as he spoke, and he looked down at the floor.

"I can't believe she would have her own son killed," whispered Remus.

"No, he's right," Sirius murmured, and leaned against the wall of the alcove, looking out at the partygoers, "I'm surprised I didn't expect this already, if I'm honest with you." He paused, and reached out to take one of Regulus's hands. "After I went to see Remus after court yesterday, I planned to run away. But I thought that I could postpone this…nightmare. Or at least, if I refused Mother's plans, she would give up. But I see now she plans to stoop to other methods."

"How do you think she would do it?" James asked. He had his hand on the sword at his hip, Regulus noted. The King's Guard never relinquished their weapons, even at formal parties.

"Poison, most likely," Sirius muttered. "A witch's weapon."

"Sirius," Regulus murmured, swallowing as he spoke, "I fear it's very likely that Father's illness…is not truly an illness."

"Are you saying what I think you are?"

Regulus hung his head, feeling the backs of his eyeballs prickling with unshed tears. "I wouldn't say it if I didn't think it were true."

"Then we really aren't safe."

…

They waited until the dead of the night.

Walburga didn't return from her bedroom after the party, and neither did Druella. Sirius refused to part from Remus or Regulus, and James refused to leave Regulus, not after it became apparent that their mother was a prospective murderer.

They all went to Sirius's room, as it was much bigger than Regulus's. They didn't sleep—only plotted.

"What about the Greengrasses," Regulus suggested. "They have always been a kind and generous family. Perhaps they will help us escape?"

"We can't trust any of the families so close to the monarchy," Sirius explained. "No, I know what we need to do. Uncle Alphard."

"Uncle Alphard?" Regulus repeated.

"Isn't he the one who was disowned from your family?" James asked.

Sirius nodded. "His father's doing, when he refused to marry. It seems to be a common issue. Uncle Alphard hates our mother. He has land in another Kingdom in the south. If we go to him, he'll surely take us in, and Mother won't be able to get to us, not without starting a war, anyway."

"Are you sure Alphard will take us in?" Regulus asked.

Sirius understood Regulus's concern. He'd only been an infant when Alphard was disowned. Sirius was only a year older, but Alphard had stayed in contact with him over the years, as secretly as he could. "I'm sure," he said determinedly.

"Then it's decided," Remus said. "When shall we go?"

"Immediately," Sirius replied. "We can't waste any time. Mother is surely planning my demise as we speak."

"Tonight? Really?" James asked.

"Why not tonight? I'm even wearing something pretty." Sirius gestured to his leather outfit, and James rolled his eyes. Sirius looked across the room at Regulus. "You know, I never expected this of you, brother. Absconding from your family duties."

"Don't make fun," Regulus murmured. "It seems I've seen Mother's…true colours."

Sirius said nothing further, and stood up to start looking through his things.

"You don't have to come with us," Regulus said to James softly, "you have a good position in the court. You shouldn't waste that to run away with me."

"There would be no point in being in the court if I wasn't by your side," James murmured, and Regulus felt his stomach twist in delight, and he looked away, embarrassed. "I like seeing you like this."

"Like what?" Regulus asked.

James grinned. "Rebellious. Breaking the rules. It's…endearing."

…

The moon was still high in the sky when the four of them left the castle grounds on horseback. Sirius paid the guardsmen at the gate a handsome amount of gold to forget that he saw them leave.

Sirius kept his horse ahead of James and Regulus, with Remus at his side. James and Regulus were talking between themselves quietly, and while he wasn't entirely sure what he thought of their courting just yet, he had other things to concentrate on at the moment in time. Such as the delicious freedom that loomed ahead of him.

"I'm looking forward to being free," he said to Remus, "I'm looking forward to being able to undress you without persecution." He shot a grin at Remus, who flushed and smirked.

"Not in front of your brother, Sirius."

"He's far too wrapped up in James to be listening to our conversation."

Remus laughed, and he reached out from his horse to touch Sirius's hand.

Sirius smiled as he threaded his fingers through Remus's.

"I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you," he murmured. "Free."

Written For:

- 365 Prompts: 48. Ruthless

- Insane House Challenge: 62. (AU) Royalty

- The Yearly Musical: 21. Just Like Heaven - The Cure: I promise you that I'll run away with you

- Character Collection: Walburga Black

- Writing Club/Book Club: 8. (AU) Royalty

- Writing Club/Character Appreciation: 11. (action) kissing

- Writing Club/Film Festival: 22. (plot point) Arguing with someone

- Writing Club/Lyric Alley: 12. I just wanna be by your side

- Writing Club/Showtime: 9. (AU) Royalty

- Writing Club/Trope of the Month: 22. (action) Smirking

- Writing Club/Amber's Anime: 12. (object) sword

- Writing Club/Ari's AU Armoury: 1. (AU) Royalty

- Writing Club/Snail Mail: 1. (character) Sirius Black

- Writing Club/Snake Nest: Dinosaurs 10. (word) Flutter

- Winter Seasonal/Days of the Year: March 20th - Proposal Day: Write about a proposal.

- Winter Seasonal/National Bird Day: 2. (relationship) parent & child

- Winter Seasonal/Hot Tea Month: 30. Sirius Black

- Winter Seasonal/International Flirting Week: 6. (dialogue) "I like seeing you like this."

- Winter Seasonal/Celebrate Your Name Week: 15. Black

- Winter Seasonal/Colours: 3. Burgundy

- Winter Seasonal/Flowers: 9. "I never expected this from you."

- Winter Seasonal/Alphabetti: R - 6. Royalty AU

- Quarterly/Neonfae's Nibbles - Victoria Sandwich: 1. (word) Undress / 2. (dialogue) "Why not tonight? I'm even wearing something pretty." / 3. (pairing) Sirius/Remus

- January Monthly/Treat Yourself - Step 1: 1. (character) Remus Lupin

- January Monthly/After the Midnight Kiss: 11. (dialogue) "May I have this dance?" / "You may."

- Puzzle Club/Puzzle 4: 3. (dialogue) "You disgust me."

Word Count: 6,908