Royalty | ~Scarletwidow~

Chapter 14

|❁ Another Ball! ❁|

Natasha was called to her father's study after dinner. She didn't know what he wanted and why now after the incident.

She slowly made her way to the colder and darker side of the castle. She was trying to stall as much time as she could.

This side of the castle was gloomy and would capture the sound of rain perfectly. There were small nooks and crannies that were perfect to crawl into with a blanket and a good book. No distractions or disturbance, just you, a book and the comforting sounds of rain pattering against the stone walls of the castle. Not too dark, but not unbearably bright as well.

Soon enough Natasha arrived at her father's study.

It was a boring room, with mundane decorations and a few dead plants in the corner, that looked as if they hadn't been watered in years. A dark bookshelf, that stretched to the roof, stood tall against the back wall, filled with terrible books, about history or intolerance. On his desk there was a small picture on his desk with him and Melina before they adopted Natasha and Yelena, he looked happy to an extent. Natasha had never really seen Alexei smile.

He welcomed her in and gestured for her to sit down in the chair opposite of him.

Natasha slowly and sceptically sat down in said seat. Her father pulled his lips into a line before clearing his throat and learning back in his chair.

"You requested me." Natasha stated with a deadpan expression on her face. She really didn't want to take any of her father's shit today, or any day for that matter.

Alexei nodded and let out a deep breath before starting. "So, I have made the executive decision to resign as king. That, therefore, means you will take over as Queen. Will you accept this position?"

Natasha remained quiet. Why would he resign after thirty years on the throne? Being the relentless king that would never back down from anything.

This was a big position for Natasha and she was twenty-three. What if they wanted to marry her off to a man. How would the kingdom react, she still wasn't well liked even though she had started interacting with them slightly more than she had done.

There were so many questions Natasha couldn't answer about this offer.

Wouldn't Yelena be better for this role, she's always been good at leadership and had always had the potential to be a brilliant queen.

But alas, Alexei wasn't offering the position as Queen to Yelena, he was offering it to her.

She sighed and snapped herself out of her thoughts and questions.

She stared at him for a second before looking down to her hands, fiddling with them as a distraction.

She sighed before answering. "Wouldn't Yelena be better for this role?" Natasha asked.

Alexei nodded at her and leant forward, placing his arms on the table and examined Natasha and her body language as if he could tell she was nervous and could tell she was about to snap.

"I suppose so but I'm not asking her, I'm asking you." He stated, voice firm and decided.

Natasha dared slightly to look up and meet his judging gaze.

She sucked in a harsh breath before nodding.

"Yes." Natasha stated. "I'll take over as Queen."

Alexei grinned wickedly at her. Evil and mischief written across his sharp features.

"I will announce my resignation tomorrow. We shall throw a ball in celebration of you taking over as Queen in a few weeks time. I ensure that you will do a great job, don't disappoint me. I am counting on you Natasha."

And with that she was dismissed. Which Natasha was more than thankful for.

She immediately left his study, making sure to say a quick thank you and goodbye on her way out.

Natasha wasn't ready to be Queen, hell she could barely give a speech to a room of her friends. Yet she was expected to do that and lead an entire kingdom.

Maybe this was her chance to prove herself, not to her people but to her as well. Maybe this was an opportunity to unite the two rivalled kingdoms and finally have peace after years of fighting.

This was all too convenient for her liking. With Wanda, becoming Queen soon and now her. Maybe her father has a plan, one that consists of manipulation and lies or maybe this is her mother's doing and he finally gave up on the throne for good.

Those questions, to Natasha, would remain unanswered.

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|❁ 767 words ❁|