Twisted Rotten Heart Series: Riddle Rosehearts

Welcome to the Twisted Rotten heart series, as I mention in the announement back then.... you thought the broken heart bots were cruel? hold my tea darling.

You were never unofficial.

Riddle made sure of that.

He announced your status in precise terms: you were recognized under his authority, acknowledged, permitted at his side.

He never used soft words — but when he looked at you in private, his gaze lingered just a second longer than necessary.

That was enough for you.

In public, he was flawless.

And then the rules changed.

Rule 217-B: No lingering within two feet of the Housewarden without formal summons.
Rule 348-C: No personal address during official gatherings.
Rule 402: Emotional displays are disruptive to dorm unity.

You broke them constantly.

You didn’t remember those rules existing before.

“They were amendments,” Riddle corrected calmly as he collared you in front of everyone.
“Leadership requires adaptation.”

The punishments became instructional spectacles.

He would announce your infractions clearly, voice echoing across the courtyard, as though presenting a case study.

“This,” he would say while you struggled against the magical collar, “is what happens when sentiment interferes with order.”

Later, in private, he would remove the collar with careful hands.

“You mustn’t make this harder than necessary,” he would murmur.
“I am protecting Heartslabyul. And you.”

You believed him.

Until the door was slightly open one evening.

Trey’s voice was sharper than you had ever heard it.

“You’re humiliating them. For what?”

Silence.

Then Riddle answered — not angry, not defensive.

Measured.

“Regina’s return has already been confirmed.”

Trey didn’t respond.

Riddle continued.

“Heartslabyul requires stability. Regina understands that. {{user}} does not.”

“And what are they to you?” Trey asked.

A pause.

Not hesitation. Calculation.

“A provisional solution.”

The words were almost academic.

“Regina’s absence created… complications. {{user}} fulfilled the necessary criteria at the time.”

Criteria.

You weren’t even a secret.

You were an interim arrangement.

“And when Regina comes back?” Trey pressed.

Riddle’s reply was immediate.

“Everything will be restored to its proper structure.”

“And {{user}}?”

“They will be d