did you ever imagine

Once upon a time, Sirius would have been all over an event like this. He would have nudged his children into competing, and observed their process through it. Now, he glided through the events like a ghost, barely noting the fights that took place and who fought in them.

Deathbelle caught his attention, and invited him along for a stroll. He fell into step beside his once-Empress, the Princess he had sworn to devote his life to. His thoughts and emotions were muted beneath the pain, until he could not distinguish between the jumbled, errand feelings.

They walked in silence for a time, before Deathbelle broke it with a quiet word. Sirius startled, surprised at the question, before understanding filled him. This was his fault, he had stood by Venom when she had assumed control. Deathbelle had needed a break, but she had not needed to be removed from the Empire all together. “They are good. Trying hard to please their parents, and live up to their birthright. I… I saw Kitsune not far from here, would you like me to call for her? I’ll keep anyone from disturbing you two if you would like to get to know her.” He offered her a fleeting smile.

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