𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬

Shielding the Heir Black 2

**Shielding the Heir Black: Part 2**

Regula Black crossed her arms as she stood before Lord Marvolo Gaunt Slytherin, glaring up at the tall, imposing man. The gaunt yet sharp features of the Slytherin lord did little to intimidate her; she had faced much scarier things as a Black. What truly annoyed her was the smirk playing on his lips as though he already knew he had won.

“Regula,” Marvolo began smoothly, his voice like silk tinged with amusement, “you have no reason to be so hostile. I come with a generous offer.”

Regula’s grey eyes narrowed, her hands gripping her hips. “I’m listening. But if it involves my papa, the answer is no.”

Marvolo chuckled, his crimson gaze glittering. “Your loyalty is commendable. Truly, Orion is fortunate to have such a devoted daughter. But hear me out…” He waved a hand, and with a flick of magic, an ornate box appeared before her, filled to the brim with the finest chocolates Regula had ever seen.

Her eyes widened for a moment before narrowing again. “Is bribery supposed to work on me?”

“It’s not bribery,” Marvolo corrected, feigning innocence. “It’s merely a token of goodwill. An offering to show you I mean no harm. Besides, I hear you have a particular fondness for chocolate.”

Regula scowled but eyed the chocolates hungrily. She hesitated. “If I agree to this, you promise not to hurt my papa? He deserves better than… someone like you.”

Marvolo raised a hand solemnly. “I swear on my honor as a Slytherin and a Gaunt. I will treat him with the utmost care and respect. Orion is a treasure, and I will ensure he is cherished.”

Regula pursed her lips, considering his words carefully. Finally, she spoke, her tone low and threatening. “Fine. But if you hurt him, even once, I will make sure you can’t have any children. Ever.”

Marvolo’s smirk deepened, his crimson eyes glinting with mischief. “So you don’t want any siblings?”

Regula blinked, thrown off by the sudden change in topic. “What are you talking about?”

Marvolo’s smirk turned into a grin. “Well, you do realize that if I marry your dear papa, siblings are bound to follow. It’s only natural.”

Regula froze, her mind piecing together his implication. Her eyes widened in horror as she gasped, stepping back. “You wouldn’t dare…”

“Oh, but I would,” Marvolo replied smoothly, his tone teasing. “After all, I’ll need heirs of my own, and what better way than with someone as extraordinary as Orion? Think of it, Regula—a house full of siblings for you to look after.”

Regula’s face flushed with equal parts rage and mortification. “If you so much as *look* at my papa the wrong way, I’ll… I’ll hex you into next week!”

Marvolo’s laughter echoed through the room, his confidence unwavering. “You’re delightful, little Black. But rest assured, I intend to make Orion the happiest man alive. And perhaps, in time, even you will come to accept me.”

Regula glared at him, her hand gripping her wand tightly. “You have no idea what you’re getting yourself into.”

Marvolo only smiled, turning away with the grace of someone who had already won the battle. Regula’s stomach twisted as she glanced at the box of chocolates he’d left behind. She’d won the treat, but at what cost?

She would have to keep an even closer eye on Marvolo. For her papa’s sake—and her own sanity.