Royally Matched

Part 6

"So, what are you going to do about it?" Steve asked as their horses trotted slowly.

Bucky sighed. "That's the thing! I'm scared Steve! I've never had these butterflies before, and she said the person I have butterflies with is the one, but that's ridiculous!"

"Why is that ridiculous?" Steve chuckled. "I see the way you look at her."

"With Pure irritation?"

"If we're using antonyms, then yes, definitely."

"And worse, she set up a casual date for me with some girl named Dot! She has assured me that this girl is the one!"

"As your friend, I would tell you to follow your heart. Maybe see how this date goes with Dot and think a little."

"But Dot is of status," Bucky argued. "And Y/n is not. I must do what's best for the kingdom."

Steve tipped his head back in laughter. "My my, do you hear yourself? I've never known you to care about what's best for the kingdom, so don't start now. Also, do you think I would have still married Peggy even if she wasn't of status?"

"N—"

"YES! One hundred times yes, because I love her. One day you'll know what that feels like."

Bucky looked at his lifelong friend. "Just one more question. Did you feel these so called butterflies?"

"Every day I'm with her. She brings out the great in me I didn't know I had, and it's an amazing feeling."

"But my father would never understand. So even if my heart says something, my mind tugs toward my father's rule."

~~~~~

You gnawed on your pencil nervously. Dot had arrived at the castle, and Bucky was giving her a quick tour before they left on their date. You really hoped things would work out with Dot, and you could finally go home and forget about the prince. Heck, who were you kidding. You could never forget Bucky. His snarky attitude and secret soft side was quite adorable.

"I know that look."

You turned toward Nat with a nervous smile. "What look?"

"The one that looks like you're constipated, and the bathroom is locked. Just calm down. Dot has a 96% compatibility with the prince. She can't fail...that is...unless you want her too." Nat said with a sly grin.

"What are you talking about?"

"Don't think I haven't noticed the looks you send his way or the lack of anger in your arguments with him. Has the matchmaker finally found her match?"

"Of course not! He's my client, it would be wrong for me to have romantic feelings of any kind toward him."

"Doesn't seem to be stopping you though." Nat smirked.

"Seriously! Stop! We are nothing!"

"Nothing but a couple of love bugs!" Nat teased. "By the way, you have a 98% compatibility with him, just saying."

"Nat! Why would you tell me that?! You're making me feel worse!" You groaned into your pillow.

~~~~~

12:30, in the morning, mind you, and he was still not back. Glancing toward the window, you hadn't seen him pull up yet. Was he hurt? Did his car break down? Was Dot a secret assassin waiting for the perfect moment to kill the prince?

"He's fine, Y/n." Nat said rolling her eyes as if reading your thoughts. "And Dot is not an assassin."

You were saying all that out loud? Oops.

"I'm just worried."

"Yeah, I can tell." Nat scoffed. "But seriously, he's probably just having a nice time."

"I guess you're right. I'm gonna grab some chocolate, want some?" You said tying your fluffy white robe.

"I'm good, thanks. And, uh, please don't make a fool of yourself."

"Of course." You said playfully rolling your eyes.

Wandering down the cool halls of the castle made you mind at ease. There wasn't much light, which you were thankful for because you didn't want anyone seeing you in your chocolate craving state. As you turned the corner to the stairs, you walked right into solid chest. You felt someone steady you, and you looked toward your human wall.

"Whoa, Y/n, are you okay?" Bucky asked, his voice low and soft.

"Yeah, I, uh, was just, uh, looking for some chocolate."

"At 12:30? In your pajamas?" Bucky questioned.

"Yes." You said crossing your arms. "You say that as if that's not normal."

"It's not. At least I don't think, anyway."

"Enough about me. How was your date?"

You could practically see his eyes light up. "It was amazing! Dot was unlike any woman I've met! Charming and sweet, yet carefree. I must say, I had my doubts, but you work wonders."

Your heart sank. The date actually went well? You put on a fake smile, and nudged him.

"That's great! You going on a second date then?"

"Absolutely!"

"Well then," You said quietly. "I'll just head back to my room."

"But you haven't gotten your chocolate. Come to the kitchen and celebrate with me?"

You let out a shaky sigh. "Thanks, but I'm not really feeling in the chocolate mood anymore, and you should probably get some rest. Big day tomorrow."

Bucky stepped back slowly and figeted with the hem of his shirt. "O-okay then. See you tomorrow?"

"See you tomorrow, Your Highness." You said walking away.

"Bucky." He said as you turned. "My n-name's Bucky. Th-that's if you want to call me that."

"See you tomorrow, Bucky."

Bucky watched as you walked away. "It's what's best for the kingdom." Bucky said, even though his heart tugged toward you.

King George watched as Bucky walked down the hall, scolding himself. The king wasn't as blind to his son as everyone thought he was. Sighing, the king shook his head.

"Come on James."