Cecily (Prince!SteveRogers AU)

9

I check on Sarah after I leave Steve's room. Already the colour is back in her face, the light shining in her eyes from being dimmed for so long. She is overjoyed that her son is alive and home safely. Her black dress is nowhere in sight, and she is ordering some servants to lay out something that she can wear tomorrow. 

We are out of mourning. We can finally breathe again. 

"Cecily" She hurries over to me, "Come, help me decide what to wear tomorrow to welcome Steve back home". 

"What's happening tomorrow?" I ask

"My husband has organised a feast and celebration for his return, as well as that of his friends. Now do you think the green or the silver?" She asks, pondering over what colour choice she should make. 

I study them both, they are beautiful dresses of fine silks and threads. Fit for a Queen. My gowns are nice, but of course hers are exquisite. There is no competition or comparison to the Queen. "The green" I smile and then go over to her cases of jewellery. "And perhaps this necklace and earrings to match?"

She smiles brightly. "You have such an eye for detail dear one. We must decide what you shall wear too". 

"Oh, I can decide tomorrow. I'll look in my wardrobe to see what I have that will be right for the occasion". 

I hear her sigh happily. "I thought I had lost my boy, but now he is home. I am so grateful - have you seen him?" She now enquires. 

"I did. He has wounds from captivity. I bathed them". I tell her. "But he will now confide in me as to what happened. I do not expect him to, but I worry about his treatment". 

"No man in captivity is ever treated well. We shall have to keep our eyes on him. I worry for him too". 

I am silent for minute before deciding to speak with her. "He wants me to go with him tonight..." 

There's a small smile on her face. "And for that I do not blame him. But you are wiser as to what you need to do, what will happen. Do not feel nervous. I can tell that you do. Relax, enjoy it because it is meant for that too". 

"I hope I can give him an heir. I think he was disappointed to find he has no son or daughter here". 

"Do not worry about that. It will happen when it does. But now you must build that trust with one another. Learn about each other. It is three years late I know, but you have that chance back. Who knows? You may just be lucky and fall in love at the same time". 

"He said he wants to know me. But I do not think he will love me". 

I see her smile knowingly, but she says nothing to this. "Go, take supper and then enjoy your evening. I will see you in the morning". 

I curtsey as usual and make my way to my chambers. 

**

I brush my hair out that evening, before pulling my robe around me and making my way to Steve's chambers. Knocking and then hearing "Enter". He is sat by the fire looking as though he is contemplating but stops and looks up as he sees me. "I didn't think you'd come" 

"Why?" I ask, closing the door and coming over to him. I note his cup is empty and take it from him, filling it up with the wine he's been drinking. "Here". 

"Thank you". He takes my cup and then my hand, placing a kiss on the top of it before then caressing my wedding ring with his thumb. "I want you to be honest with me". 

I frown. "You think I would not?" 

"I don't know, it's part of getting to know my wife, isn't it?" He asks and I wait for him to come out with what he wants to say. "While I was gone. Were you with another man?"