𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐕𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐒

Parum libertatis

Sirius's eyes lingered on the broken mirror. He remembered finding it broken after he returned with the witches. It was unlikely their doing. He had summoned all the workers and servants, had scanned fingerprints of the mirror and threatened everyone. However, none of them dared to blame or to accept anything, and they ended up getting on his wrath. He fired almost half of the stuff.

He thought about Vesper's suggestion for a moment. He was curious to see what Regan would do if she'd been granted with a little bit of freedom. It was risky, but it was challenging. It could indeed serve his mysterious goals.

"Maybe it's time to let the bird out of it's cage," he murmured, his gaze on the distant horizon, "but on my terms, not theirs. What do you think, general?" he turned to Vlad, who was wearing the same stoicism as his master.

Vlad's expression turned thoughtful, "You know it better, but I think that's acceptable for a princess. She can't escape nonetheless."

Setting up his mind, Sirius summoned Althea to carry out his orders. Althea came and bowed, awaiting his command.

"Althea, bring the girl to me. Tell her it's time for a change in her routine," he instructed, his voice cold and authoritative.

"As you wish, my lord," she stammered, her voice slightly shaky.

She bowed quickly and left on her way to Regan's chamber. When she knocked, Regan unlocked the door. She looked at Althea with confusion, knowing that she had something to say, since she hadn't brought food.

"My lady, the lord has called you to his throne chamber."

Regan's eyebrows furrowed, "Why?"

"He said it's a change in your routine. It must be important."

"Thanks Althea, but no. I'm not going to participate in his important matters," Regan dryly said. She was trying to avoid hearing about him, let alone go and see him. She wanted to be left alone.

"My lady, come with me, please. If you don't, he'll order someone else to get you," Althea said, her voice turning pleading. "You can't be stubborn about that too."

Regan pondered her words for a moment, being slightly curious about what he was going to say. And she also wanted to get out of her fancy hellhole.

"Fine. I'm coming," Regan said with an eye roll.

As she followed Althea, the castle around was silent in chillness. Not that it was cold or something, it was just scary.

Regan's anxiety raised from wondering what was running in his mind. What if he was going to force her for something and threaten her. If that so, Regan thought she'd threaten him as well, but did he even had any weak points to hit?

Althea led her down dark hall and soon they founded themselves inside a pentagon hall. The maid knocked on one of them, her hands trembling. The door opened and they both stepped in.

Althea bowed while Regan's eyes scanned the room with curiosity. It was dark, devoid of any sunlight or moonlight, and the architecture wasn't any different than that one of her chamber. Still, there was something intriguing about it.

The sorcerer was sitting on his luxurious gothic throne, legs crossed. His mesmerizing cold gaze was fixed on Regan and she frowned, feeling both impatient and awkward. She took the details of his throne. It was placed up four stairs, tall and imposing, just like him, adorned with intricate carvings and dark velvet cushions.

"What do you want?" Regan spat, making Althea flinch.

"What a pleasure to see you again," he smirked, "I've decided to grant you a bit more freedom. You'll be free to wander around the castle grounds, but there are limits," he announced, enjoying the anger flickering in Regan's azure eyes.