Cecily (Prince!SteveRogers AU)

1

This is the last sunrise that I shall ever see in this house. The last morning that I shall spend with my father before he will give me away to a man I have not yet met.

I hug my knees as I sit on the window seat and look out onto the estate where I have lived for the whole eighteen years that I have walked the earth. My mother died when I was only six and since then it has just been my father and me. But it was always meant to happen somehow.

I just did not think that I would be betrothed to the Prince of Auburndale.

My father is Lord Montgomery Falsworth, a loyal and longtime friend of King Joseph. They fought alongside one another, my father a former knight before being granted his title for valor in battle. The King himself gifted our home and land to him, a very fine gift - and now in return for his loyalty to us, my father is proving his loyalty to him. To marry me to the prince.

King Joseph could have any princess in the land betrothed to his son, however he much prefers that the circle of loyalty remains true for years to come, with only close friends and accomplices being granted such things as this.

And I am such a thing.

A recent visit to our estate was the cause of this decision. The King has said he likes hunting on our lands the best as we have the best game, sometimes a stag or two if they're lucky. And even though they did not leave with the prize stag that he had wanted, instead he left with my father's agreement to the betrothal of myself to the prince.

I wonder what could have happened if I had not made myself known to the party later into the evening, once they'd dined and were making merry together. I'd snuck down so as I could find myself another book from our library, and the King had seen me cross the doorway, now stopping his laughter, the silence falling around the table whilst he summoned me into the hall where they sat.

"This cannot be young Lady Cecily?" He said, eyes looking me up and down. I wondered at the time as to whether it was under scrutiny, but it wasn't. I know that now. He was studying how I carried myself, my 'heirs' and 'graces' so to speak.

And he was impressed.

"Monty, you never told me that Cecily had grown into this beautiful young woman" The King exclaimed as I heard a chuckle escape from Lord Dugan. I like him, he's always laughing and tells me jokes he really shouldn't when my father isn't listening.

"Probably because he knows that any young man will come along and take her away!"

I smile lightly as my father also does so. "That would be partly correct", he states.

The King summons me further to him. "Come closer, let me look at you". I do as I'm asked, stopping short of him now that he's on his feet. He circles me, then gently lifts my chin so as he can study my face. "She would be prefect for Steven..." The King mutters more to himself than to anyone else who is sat watching from around the table.

My father now interjects. "Wouldn't Steven deserve a woman of higher standing?"

"That is it. Forging alliances with other Kingdoms can take months, and if I am honest, I trust very few people. But a marriage to the daughter of someone who I know had my loyalty? It shall forge an even bigger trust within the court, keeping friends and allies closer for years". He says and then turns to my father. "Come Monty, I should like to speak with you in private".

"Your majesty" I bob a curtsey as my father gives me a gentle nod and then takes me to one side.

"Return to your room".

"Yes father". I nod

And that was how the betrothal came about. Now I sit here waiting for sunrise, and for Hilde the maid to come in to rouse me for the long day of travelling that I'm about to endure.

I have never been to Auburndale, never have been presented to court - my father liked to keep me away from such things as that, probably to keep me as innocent for as long as he possibly could. I do not blame him. Perhaps if my mother were here then he would have been more lenient in that decision.

I have spent the last few weeks having dressmakers come to visit, measuring me and making adjustments to the dress that I shall wear to my wedding...and my wedding is tomorrow.

So here I sit, trying to make every last moment in my home count before I leave it and my father behind.

Hilde bustles in just after sunrise, wishing me a good morning before helping me into the clothes that I shall be travelling in. My trunks have been packed; however, I know that there is a full wardrobe of clothes waiting for me at the castle. Made from the finest of silks and threads, jewellery worth more than all of my possessions put together.

I am to be a princess after all.

I do not know how to be. My governess only schooled me into being a Lady. The only man that I am truly worthy of securing is the son of another Lord, perhaps an Earl at the highest.

But no. I am to rise higher than I should - something that may cause whispers amongst the court, especially those of ladies who have more wealth and an education than me.

Envy. Jealously. It shall all be awaiting my arrival.

**

"Will he like me?" I ask, toying with the sleeves of my dress. It's been made especially for meeting my future husband.

My father nods. "I believe he will, he is not as scary as you may picture him to be". He says and looks out of the window to see where we are. "Not long now..."

"Will you visit me?"

"Of course I will. Just because you're getting married it doesn't mean that I'm leaving you for good". He gives my hand a small squeeze. "You are a very lucky girl, Cecily. Do not let anyone else let you think or tell you otherwise".

I nod silently and turn to look back out of the window, hoping that he is right.

It is late afternoon when the carriage rolls through the city and up to the castle, the heads of townspeople turning. They know who I am, the news of the prince's wedding becoming public knowledge just weeks ago, and it seems that they too are preparing their own celebration for the occasion.

The carriage stops and my father opens the door, getting out and then offering me his hand to help. As I step out I look up and around at the castle that towers over us, and the people all stood waiting for our arrival.

The King and Queen are at the top of the stairs, the Knights lined up either side as my father leads me up to them. I sink into a low curtsey once I am in front of them.

"Lady Cecily" Queen Sarah smiles kindly. "You are just as beautiful as my husband described!"

I look up and then rise again. "You are too kind your majesty".

My hands are shaking, just as my words are that spill from my mouth.

"Lady Cecily, may I introduce our son, Prince Steven..." The King now says, looking back at the man who I did not notice standing silently behind them.

He walks forward and kisses my hand. His blonde hair is neatly parted to the side and his eyes are a blue that remind me of the ocean.

And then he speaks...

"Lady Cecily...welcome..."