regulus had never anticipated a more nefarious twist in the capricious currents of his casual romantic entanglements, yet when adversity struck, he found himself unsurprised.

as a pirate captain alongside his brother sirius, their targets were the affluent, those who amassed their wealth through blood and excessive inheritance–much like their own parents.

during a scouting mission to assess a seaside mansion's architecture for a potential raid, he had met you. you were the offspring of a wealthy lord who had been sent to reside with your uncle–the same auspicious man who was the object of interest for the pirates of the black dagger.

he had been taken by you, that was all that really could be said, partaking in the ardent longing that he had never understood prior.

but alas, he was a pirate, and you were destined to become a victim of the system's reversal.

"regulus can keep that one if he wishes." james suggested wryly, leaning against the mast as the crew had gathered to survey the hostages they had taken. your uncle, a trembling mass, was to walk the plank for his due crimes; you were relatively innocuous, however. a boorish pirate, little jim, scoffed roughly under his breath.

"yes, i do have to say that i agree." sirius smirked, clapping regulus on the back and causing him to scowl. "your little pet, brother."

swaying you back into his favor was futile, however. you were offended by your abduction, and rightfully so. regulus knelt beside you, an apathetic concern in his grey eyes as he surveyed you, lithe fingers cupping your jaw so you would look at him, windswept gossamer curls pouring over his brow.

he smelled subtly of sea salt and expensive cologne, a hint of a vice on his breath. "i am aware this is not ideal." regulus murmured to you, "but my affections for you remain steadfast. i implore for you to look at me, at the very least."