Royally Matched

Part 7

            You watched as the King, Bucky, and Dot entered the carriage. Bucky and Dot had been spending a lot of time together, and rightfully so, you matched them. But it still hurt seeing them get along so well. You kinda hoped Dot would fall out of the carriage. Sighing, you looked at the dress on your bed. The coronation was just two days away, and you were thinking about missing it, if you were completely honest. You would rather not go through the trouble of getting all dolled up just the watch the prince walt around with Dot.

"Stop sulking."

You turned toward Nat who was currently getting ready for a date.

"Easy for you say, you're about to go on a date with a cute guy. And I'm not sulking, I'm brooding, there's a difference." You pouted crossing your arms.

"Whatever you say. I could probably get you a date for the coronation if you wanted."

"About that...I was thinking about not going."

Nat dropped her lipstick. "What? But you must go! It's a once in a lifetime opportunity! Plus, we spent all day shopping for the perfect dress yesterday."

"That was all you. I was just dragged along. But it would be a shame to let that beautiful dress go to waste." You said eyeing the glittering dress.

"See? If not for you, do it for me. And think of how James would feel if you didn't attend."

You scoffed. "Doubt he'd notice."

Before Nat could retort, Damien knocked on the door. Damien slowly opened the door and smiled. "A Mr. Banner here to see you Ms. Nat."

"Okay, thank you, Damien." Nat said as he nodded and walked away. "Now as for you...this conversation is not over. We'll talk after my date."

"Knock 'em dead!" You said giving her a thumbs up as she walked out the door.

"I wonder what the prince is up to." You sighed.

~~~~~

"Oh James, my necklace has fallen in the lake! Do get it!" Dot said as they both looked over the side of the boat.

"Um, of course." Bucky said shrugging off his coat before diving into the water.

Bucky grabbed the diamond necklace that was slowly sinking. He swam back up for air and handed the necklace back to Dot before climbing back into the boat. Water droplets rolled down Bucky's body and he ran a hand through his soaked locks. The King eyed Bucky as Dot started talking.

"Thank you so much! I don't know what I would do without this. My father gave it to me before he died. You're not alone in your pain James." Dot said as Bucky fidgeted.

"Uh, I'm sorry for your loss. Anyone up for lunch?"

~~~~~

You were building a puzzle with Amy, trying to get your mind off Bucky. She was such a lively little girl, and you could tell she loved Bucky a lot.

"And that piece goes there." Amy said pointing to the empty spot.

You put the piece there and smiled. "Indeed it does. You are very smart."

Your conversation was cut short as Bucky burst through the doors, muttering to himself. Without a shirt mind you. You don't think he noticed you guys, because he was currently tugging on his hair in frustration.

"Jamie, what happened to your shirt?" Amy asked as Bucky quickly whipped around, his face red with embarrassment.

"Um. W-water and things...uh...I have to go." Bucky said quickly making eye contact with you before bolting out of the room.

"Wow, Jamie can run fast." Amy giggled. "I didn't know they went swimming. Maybe he just got sweaty."

You laughed. "Maybe."

~~~~~

"I hear your matchmaking company has been a huge success." Dot said as she slowly sipped her wine.

"Yes, it has." You said before picking up your fork.

Dinner was very awkward. You felt Bucky's eyes occasionally on you, but Dot just made everything uncomfortable.

"I'm so glad you matched Jamie and I up." She giggled squeezing Bucky's arm. "It's a dream come true."

You heard Amy quietly huff beside you. "I thought I was the only one that got to call him Jamie."

"I can't wait to be queen." Dot spoke dreamily. "I already have the wedding all planned out."

Bucky looked nervous and he wrung his hands together.

"Oh, so Bucky already proposed then?" Steve asked raising an eyebrow.

"Well, not yet, but we all know it's coming. I'll let him take his sweet time."

Steve nodded before stealing a glance at Bucky, who seemed to want his chair to swallow him.

"It must be awful being a matchmaker with no match, but then again, I can see why." She giggled as she looked at Bucky.

How dare she! You thought as she threw a wicked grin your way.

"I'm sure Y/n is very capable of finding a spouse." Bucky spoke, causing everyone's heads to turn toward him. "Perhaps she just hasn't had the time."

His blue eyes locked onto yours before looking at Dot.

Dot shrugged. "If you say so."

The King cleared his throat. "Anyone ready for dessert?"

~~~~~

"Dinner went well, don't you agree?" Nat said as you guys entered your room.

"Yeah, absolutely fantastic." You said, your voice dripping with sarcasm.

"She was practically firing shots at you the entire time."

"If the prince knows any better, he should leave her. I completely regret this matchmaking choice."

"Everyone makes mistakes, some bigger than others." Nat said combing through her hair. "If I know any better, I'd say the prince was defending you most of the time."

"Yeah, well—"

Someone knocked on your door, and you went to open it. It was Dot, and she had a nasty grin slapped on her face.

"Can I talk to you?" She said sweetly. "Alone."

You glanced at Nat before Nat left. Dot closed the door behind her and ran a hand through her hair.

"What's the deal with you and Jamie?" Dot asked.

"Uh, I'm his matchmaker. That's it."

"Sure doesn't seem like it. Look, I'm only gonna say this once, you're an ugly commoner. I have a status and great looks, so just leave little princey boy to me. Got it?"

"Get out." You growled.

"Remember your place." Dot said before leaving.

You began to cry, tears streaming down your face. Nat rushed back in and hugged you.

"What did she do?"

"I've lost him, Nat. I've loved and lost again. I don't know what to do anymore. This whole thing is just pointless!"