Cecily (Prince!SteveRogers AU)

3

My wedding dress is made of the most brilliant sinks and threads, the embroidered bodice and hems making me feel like royalty, but only for a brief moment of relapse.

Then I remember that I am getting married in under an hour, and my stomach begins to turn - the nerves rising like the tides of the sea, but they have yet to come crashing down to provide some relief.

The ladies that dress me are all chattering away, admiring the needlework and telling me just how pretty the prince shall find me.

They are all older and they too talk to me like I am a child.

It's quite annoying.

I do not talk to them, not that I want to be rude, but I don't feel in the mood for bright chatter, or to be patronized more than I already feel that I am. I make a mental note to tell Queen Sarah that I do not want a lady in waiting. I'd much rather the lady's maid just comes in, helps me to dress and bathe and that's it. I am so used to having Hilde that I begin to wish that she were able to come with me. 

At least I would not feel so alone. 

"Please leave". I find myself now saying in a quiet voice. 

The ladies hear and look at one another, before silently heeding my order. I want to spend the last hour of freedom that I have in solace. 

In the courtyard where my room overlooks, there is a bustle of people, from the Knights to servants and guests that are preparing or arriving for the wedding ceremony. I hear my chamber door open and then close again, heavier footsteps across the stone floor that are my father's. I can always tell. 

"There are so many people, and I know none of them". 

"You will, as your duty as a princess you'll be attending court just like the rest". He says as I turn, and he can finally see how I look. "You look just like your mother Cecily". 

"Must I do this?" I ask. "Can't I just marry him and then come back to live with you? 

Father laughs lightly at this. "That's not how it works, but I wish that it did. I'll miss you around the house". 

"Please...please tell the King that this is not a good match". I am all but begging now. "We have nothing in common, the prince barely spoke to me when we walked the gardens yesterday..." 

Father looks torn but knows that he can't let his friend down. "I'm sorry Cecily. But an offer like this? You will never have another".

"I don't care. I would rather be alone than with a man who I barely know". 

"Your mother never knew me" He now pats one side of him as he perches on the edge of my bed. I settle as best I can next to him, although with so many layers it's hard to even do so. "The first time we properly met was at the altar. I never knew what she looked like, what she was like - but when I saw her? I knew that maybe we could learn to love one another, and we did. She was the love of my life". 

I remember my parents being rather in love when I was a little girl, and I have dreamed of having the same when the time comes, but could I ever have it with Steve? My parents are a rare case that it can happen. I don't know whether the King and Queen love one another, I know there is a tolerance for one another.

"Was it awkward at first?"

"Very, but we grew to know one another. I believe that you and Steve will do so too". 

I don't even want to ask about what I'm expected to do during our wedding night. It is a discussion for mothers to have with their daughters, but I have no mother, and therefore have no advice on what to do or how to be. Do I lie there? I'd be too nervous to touch him, let alone look at him. 

Maybe the ladies are right to treat me like a child still, because I know nothing of women's duties in that area, just that I am expected to produce an heir. 

A single tear slides down my cheek, and my father quickly wipes it away. "Come on, don't cry. A future Queen doesn't cry". 

That part hadn't even occurred to me until he says it. "Will you stay with me?" Suddenly I don't want to be alone. 

**

The time passes quickly that we soon find ourselves stood outside of the doors to the chapel where we are to be married. The doors open and everyone is stood waiting. 

All eyes are on me. 

Thankfully my face is concealed by the veil, but soon everyone will be able to see me. 

"Hold your head high Cecily". Father whispers before we start the walk down the aisle, eventually stopping at the end where Steve stands, the priest now beginning the ceremony. 

I say my vows like the good girl that I am. 

I slip a ring onto Steve's finger, just as he does so with mine. His touch is gentle, as though he's afraid I may break under it. 

At this rate I might just. 

Eventually the priest pronounces us as man and wife, and pulling the veil back, my eyes meet those of my new husband. The ocean blues that I will soon be familiar to me. At least he is nice to look at, even if I am not to him. 

Then he leans in, lips meeting mine in a brief connection, before he pulls away and takes my hand, leading me back down the aisle and back to the inside of the castle. "The people will expect to see us out on the balcony". He tells me as he leads me up the staircase.

"What do I do?" I ask nervously. 

"Wave. Simply wave and then we will head down to the hall". 

I don't even think he hears my small voice reply with "Okay", but it does anyway. The courtyard below is heaving with people cheering, stemming back out of the portcullis and far back through the town. It grows louder as we now appear and wave to the crowds

Smile Cecily. You're a married woman now, look happy about it. 

"Let's go" Steve leans in and tells me, then taking my hand again and leading me inside. 

This seems like it shall be the done thing. Following his lead, wherever it may take him. But that is what Queens do. Steve is the one who will call the shots, and I have to become used to not having as much freedom as I had when I was at home.