Falling in love ~ Steve Rogers

Chapter 1

"It's good to have you back, son." Joseph hugged his son as he came to the palace after coming back from a long political trip. 

"Thank you, dad." Steve smiled at his father. 

"Why don't you get some rest for the night? We have a lunch reservation at The Valkyrie at 11 in the morning." Joseph said. 

"Yes, dad." Steve nodded. "Where's Ma?" Steve used the name he used for his mother since he was a kid. Otherwise he would call his parents 'mother' and 'father' in a more formal environment.  But right now it was just him and his childhood best friend, and also his royal guard, James Barnes walking down the hallways of their huge castle.

"She went to bed early." He said. 

"Is she okay?" Steve asked. Concerned for his mother's health. 

"She is healthy. She had a long and tiring day today, that's all." Joseph said. 

"Okay. I will go to my room now. I'll see you in the morning?" Steve now asked. 

"Sure, my boy." Joseph smiled and once again hugged Steve. 

"Thank you, dad." Steve said. 

"Good night, son." He said, "James." 

"Your highness." James nodded in response.

"How many times have I told you not to call me that when we're alone?"

Bucky chuckled. "Good night, Uncle Joe."

"Good night, James." Joseph said before leaving the two men alon.

"I'll leave too, pal." 

"Yeah. Sure." Steve said and bro hugged his friend. "See you tomorrow." 

"Yeah. Have a good night." 

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"Good morning, my son." Sarah said as she met Steve in the morning for breakfast. "How was the trip?"

"It was good." Steve said as the servants served them their breakfast. "How are you doing? Dad said you went to bed early." 

"Oh, it's fine. Just had a party with the ladies. You know how they are." Sarah said. 

"Good morning, honey." Joseph said and sat down at the head of the table. "Good morning, Steve. Slept well?"

"Like a baby." Steve said and chuckled, "Jetlag." 

"It sure is tiring. You take a good look at the papers and conditions right?" Joseph asked, taking a bite of his food. 

"I did. It's all good. Just needs to be signed." Steve said. 

"When is the lunch reservation by the way?" Sarah asked. 

"At 11." Joseph said. "I was thinking of having our annual ball at The Valkyrie. And the owner is meeting us there." 

"Annual ball. Have you went there before?" Steve asked his father. 

"Indeed. It's a very nice hotel." Joseph nodded in conformation.

"Then I'd love to come." Steve said. 

Joseph sighed as he finished his breakfast, "Son, after you're done. Come to my office. We'll discuss the papers." 

"Just a minute." Steve ate the last bite, wiped his mouth on the cloth and stood up, "Let's go." 

"See you later, honey." Joseph kissed his wife and the father- son duo made their way to the former's office. 

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"How come I didn't know about this place? It's beautiful." Steve said, his eyes scanning every decor item. The place was decorated perfectly. 

"Sure is." Joseph said. 

"Which way?" Steve asked as he now walked alongside his parents. 

"Take a right." Sarah said and they turned and reached the place where they'd have there lunch. 

"Good evening, sir. Please, follow me. I'll show you to your seats." The attendant said. She showed them there table and said, "Mr. Y/L/N will be here soon. You can order something if you want." She said and walked back to her table. 

A few minutes later, Steve saw a man walking towards the table. He looked slightly younger than his father. "Sorry. I was late, Your Majesty. Had a meeting which ran longer than expected." The man said, bowing his head in respect.

"It's fine, Leonard." Joseph said, "You know my wife. This is my son, Steven." He gestured to Steve. 

"Hi." Steve politely stood up and shook his hands with the hotel owner, "It's nice to meet you." 

"Likewise, please have a seat." He said and all three of them sat down. "So, can we discuss about the ball?" 

"Yes, please. How many people can you accommodate in the ball room?" Joseph asked. 

"100 or 2." Leonard said. "How many guests are you inviting?" 

"Not more than 100. A little plus minus." Joseph said. 

"Sure. It won't be a problem." Leonard nodded and removed his phone, "Do you want to see the ball room once?" 

"Sure. No problem." Joseph said and turned to Steve, "Can you arrange the ball this year, Steven?" 

"Sure, father. I will if you want me to." Steve said. 

"My son will overlook the arrangements." Joseph said, "Please be patient with him he's still learning his way around." 

"It's fine. And I won't be dealing with this. My niece handles all the events and charity functions that happen here." Leonard said. 

"Your niece? I thought you had only two sons?" Sarah asked. 

"Yes. She's my brother's only daughter. Her parents and my wife passed away in an unfortunate car accident. So, she got her father's ownership of the hotel when she turned 18 and we run the hotel together." Leonard said. 

"I'm sorry to hear that." Steve said. 

"It's fine. It was years ago." He said. "My niece should be here in a few minutes. You want to order?" 

"Sure." Steve said and Leonard waved over a waiter and all of them ordered. 

"Ah, there she is." Leonard stood up and hugged you. "This is Y/N. My niece." 

Steve sat there. Frozen on his spot. God this woman was so beautiful.  "Hi. I'm Y/N Y/L/N." You held out your hand for the King to shake. 

"Ms. Y/L/N. This is my wife, Sarah and my son, Steve." Joseph said. 

"Hi." Steve nodded at her. 

"She'll be handling the ball arrangements." Leonard said. "I will take my leave. Y/N, co-operate with them and show them the ball room." 

"Sure." Joseph said. 

"See you soon." Leonard said, making his way out. 

"Um, shall we go to the ballroom, Your highness?" You asked. 

"Sure thing." Steve said. 

"Okay. This way."