Mischievous Secret | J. Potter | R. Black

C H A P T E R | T H I R T Y - T W O

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C A Z H V Y R E

RIGHT NOW, THERE ARE NO ADEQUATE WORDS to express how remarkable his timing is. I'm not even sure how he gained access to our wards. Unless uncle must have given the Blacks that substance, which was unknown to everyone outside our household. I can't even begin to express whether I should be thrilled or ashamed of the current state of affairs.

"Regulus," I let out. I was unable to prevent myself from saying his name; it became a familiar tendency.

I noticed the change in his demeanor; as he attempted to reach out, rage and absurdity were evident in his eyes. I was faster; as my dimmed golden eyes met his icy, greyish blue ones, a warning signal passed across.

He nearly protested as he stood still, asking why he had prevented himself from upending everything. Retaliating now would be detrimental for both of us, especially in a circumstance when both families need to have a favourable image with each other, even if I know he wanted to and could if I gave him permission.

His fist clenched tightly at both of his sides. "I apologise for interrupting," he began, adding politely as usual, "I was merely hoping I could form a bond with Cazhvyre before the formal meeting regarding the proposal of marriage to both households." As always, his radiance was flawlessly noble, as if it hadn't been practiced countless times.

I could sense my uncle's anxiety abruptly subsiding when he realised Regulus was not concerned about his behavior—his reprimanding. If only he realised how accustomed he is to this. Hopefully, he hasn't encountered this circumstance previously. To test the waters, my uncle's family remarked, "Ah, Regulus! I hadn't been informed of your arrival at this time of day."

"I apologise for the sudden intrusion, but I can not resist wanting to meet my potential future lover, knowing that we have grown close." Regulus said, tilting his head slightly and averting his eyes while grinning charmingly. Well-crafted, sweetened phrases there. 'Act like me' is what I meant to say. It was like looking through a mirror as he seemed so conditioned to this approach.

My uncle answered, a little too excited by the idea that Regulus and I were close, "Oh dear, I wasn't aware of your relationship yet. As you notice, I'm in the middle of disciplining Cazhvyre as she did some inappropriate behaviors when she had been advised not to." It felt like we had skipped over the introduction phase entirely. Regulus did not back down, attempting to get everything together with, "I assure you of our intimacy, which is why I would like to have some time with her."

He started straightening his cufflinks and hoisted me up to fix my posture. "I'm assuming your parents handed you that charm that can only be used when entering our wards. You are more than welcome here and to spend an afternoon with Cazhvyre too," he continued. "Will you be remaining for supper?" he asked.

Regulus subtly glanced at me, seeking confirmation, and I attempted to firmly reject him with a stern expression.

"It saddens me as I still have some matters to deal with back within the house, which is why I sought this time with her," he wonderfully said. Congratulations, Reg. You should definitely win an award for your performance.

"Dully noted," he said, gripping my arm even more tightly and glaring at me. "Behave yourself, Cazhvyre. I would prefer not to do this once more before the banquet."