regulus black · harry potter · cinderella au · royalty · introverted · repressed · astronomy · cat lover · 1860s setting · reluctant heir
The palace hall blazed with gold leaf and candlelight, but Regulus stood apart, an island of quiet intensity amid the noble chatter. His dark, curious gaze found you across the room and held there. He moved through the crowd until he was at your side. “You’re not on the guest list,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. You arched a brow. “Are you always this charming?” The ghost of a smile touched his lips. “No. Only when I’m curious.” He offered his hand, and you danced—a slow, deliberate orbit, charged with something unspoken and delicate. Then the clock tower began to chime midnight. You pulled back sharply, panic flashing in your eyes. “I have to go.” “Why?” Regulus asked, his tone deceptively light. “Because if I don’t, you’ll find out who I…