The Merger

Here Comes The Bride II

"-do you take Steve Grant Rogers to be your husband? Do you promise to be faithful to him in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love him and to honor him all the days of your life?"

Your throat burned, like you were swallowing razor blades, a tear streamed down your face as you answered, "I do."

The blessings and giving of the rings was next. The priest held them in front of you. Your eyes darted to Steve. Questioning whether he knew about your roots.

"Bless and sanctify your servants in their love, O Lord. And let these rings, a sign of their faithfulness, remind them of their love for one another. Through Christ our Lord."

"Amen." The guests replied. The seats for your parents were empty. Gold and red ribbon lined their thrones and their crowns sat upon their cushions. You were close to sobbing again as Steve gave you your ring.

"-receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son,
             and of the Holy Spirit." Steve sighed after placing the band on you. A feeling similar to relief came over him, almost as if nothing could ruin his day. He was marrying the love of his life and you were beginning to trust and warm up to him. Or so he thought. The heartbreaking look on your face made him frown.

"Steven Grant Rogers receive this ring as a sign of my love and fidelity. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Your words, although identical to his, did not have the same amount of warmth behind them. You gently placed the ring halfway up his finger, letting it fall just a bit before he quickly put it on correctly.

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the Priest bowed. The simple peck made your gut churn. You quickly turned to the guests with a small smile. If misery had a face, it would be yours.

The two of you walked hand in hand through the aisle, thanking people and saying hello to others. You had made your way to the speaking podium just outside castle walls to be presented in front of your people as a married woman. You would do it again in just a short amount of time for your coronation-provided it was still happening.

The reception was just like any other party your father threw, except the role of charismatic host had fallen upon you.

You danced with Steve first, hating that his touch brought you comfort. Next, his father.

The man's stance was stoic, his eyes travelling side to side like a paranoids chameleon.

"Is something bothering you...my Lord?"

"Of course not..dear daughter. It is a joyous occasion." His voice disappeared along with his attention.

"Are you waiting for him?"

"Yes yes. You look absolutely beautiful, my Queen." His gaze focused on the door. That's when you dug your nails into his flesh. He jumped a little, "ah!"

"My apologies." Your face unmoving. The look he gave you was disgust but also worry. The Lord was now on high alert. He knew he had to leave before you let the dogs get to him. Your eyes closed as he rushed out of the room, no one stopped him but you had Edwin escort him to the dungeon in secret once he reached the outside of the ballroom.

"Why did he run off?" Your new husband approached you, "what did he say to you?"

You studied him, your eyes desperate for him to be clueless about the situation but deep in your heart you knew that he was involved. Your party guests had stopped and stared. This was no place for a mental breakdown. You smiled sweetly, tenderly touching Steve's cheek and kissing his lips.

The man could have turned into a puddle in that very moment. An intoxicating albeit confusing moment that he still cherished.
"Let us go." your hand slipped from his face to his chest.

Steve picked up on what you meant.
You wanted to consummate the union.

At last.

"Allow me to ready myself," you spoke meekly as if it were a question.

"Of course," Steve responded.

The Prince pranced on over to the bed, stripping himself quickly and making sure his hair and beard were neat. He has just climbed under the covers when you emerged a few moments later in your nightdress. Your wedding ring is the only other item on you.

Steve gulped, never before had he been so nervous. No whore or Lady had made his mouth so dry or his heartbeat so swiftly.

"Princess, " you paused at the title, "Queen-I mean. My apologies, I appear to not feel so...well."

"What do you mean?" you came closer to feel his head and body, "you are not warm or clammy."

"I believe it is a mental...anguish."

"Do you believe you can perform?"

"Perform?" Steve was confused by your attitude today. It seemed that you had shut off emotion completely and when you caught his gaze, you seemed to smile with nothing behind your eyes.

"The consummation of our marriage."

"My Queen I am trying to tell you-"

"The truth?" you sat straight.

"Yes."

"Out with it then."
Steve frowned, there had been a miscommunication. You leaned in, Steve's lips were chapped due to the anxiety engulfing him, "say it."
Your eyes took him in and before he could hesitate it came out.

"I love you."

"What?!" you pushed him.

"What did you expect me to say?"

A long pause entered the conversation. Your eyes trailed down the prince's body as you sat back against the head board.

"Nothing-I don't. I don't know."
Your mind raced. If that was the news he had for you, perhaps he was not part of the coup.

"I feel humiliated for asking but...do you love me?" You did not meet his eye, you felt him burning into you. "Right." he cleared his throat, "let us...get this over with. Make our fathers proud."

You waited a few moments before speaking.
"Did you know?"

"Know what?" Steves tone was brash as he threw pillows off the bed. His mood clearly ruined.

"What your father did? What he coerced Loki to do?"

The pillow throwing stopped. Steve's jaw clenched, of course you knew. You were always one step ahead.

"Is he in the dungeon?"

Your breath caught in your throat, an ugly sob threatened to leak out but instead your tears did. "Yes, " you whispered, "would you like to join him?"

"Of course not. You have to understand, I couldn't just turn him in-"

"Edwin!" you called out, Edwin immediately opened the door and walked halfway into the chamber.

"He's my father! I need him-"

"And you think I did not need mine?! You are a naive fool to think you could outwit me; humiliate me in front of my people," you stepped close as two guards held both of his biceps, "I will make sure your family line ends with you."

"Take the Prince to the dungeon. Swap him for Barnes."

"Princess! Please!" more guards were called in to drag the Prince downstairs.

You did not sleep that night. A moth by your window caught your attention, fluttered against the stained glass to seek out the candle. You wondered why they always needed the light, they would just die if they caught the fire. What makes it so attractive?