Cecily (Prince!SteveRogers AU)

11

We walk the gardens, arm in arm. Neither of us say much, but we are simply enjoying the sunshine at the moment.

The last time we walked these paths together was the day before our wedding, and it was awkward. But this silence isn't. This is more contented, more appreciated on Steve's part. He is thinking. I can tell by his expression that there are things on his mind, perhaps torturing him - he has not shared them with me as of yet, but I hope that he will soon trust me enough to.

I occasionally steal glances at him, mostly when he's looking around and taking in the privilege of being able to be out in the sunlight once more.

"You're staring Cessy". He says as we continue walking, his eyes keeping their focus on the graveled flower lined paths ahead

"Sorry..." I say quietly.

"It's not a chide, just an observation". There's a small smile on his lips

The corners of my own turn up as I realise that he is not annoyed. "I think your beard suits you, that's all". I now admit. "It makes you look more...I don't know, serious, grown up?"

"Because I wasn't that before?" He enquires, still smirking.

I blush, "that is not what I am implying. I just like how it looks; I don't know why". There's a slight naughtiness that I feel for thinking about it between my legs last night, but he doesn't have to know that I liked how it felt.

He ponders and nods to himself. "Maybe I'll keep it then if you like it so much".

"You don't have to..."

"Gotta admit, it's grown on me - mother seems to think it suits as well".

I smile more. "It seems we have the same kind of thinking"

"More than you think" He tells me, nodding to a few courtiers who pass us, and bow or curtsey. "She's told me you've grown wiser".

"In what sense?"

"Every".

"I see..." I say, now stopping to admire some flowers. Tulips, my favourite.

The gardens are always rife with colour, especially at this time of year. Lavender is always present as the physician likes to use it for healing purposes as well as crush it to use in tonics he creates. There are lilies, roses, carnations. But tulips? They are my favourites.

Steve plucks one and gives it to me. "That's probably the nicest one".

"And it shall be placed in a vase for me to admire until it wilts and dies" I tell him, tracing my fingers over soft petals.

"They're a favourite of yours?"

I nod. "Very much. Father always made sure there were ones growing in the gardens back home..." I tell him so casually that it suddenly shocks me. I rarely speak about him. It's still raw and I miss him a lot.

"Cecily? You ok?"

"I'm fine...I just miss home now that I've mentioned it". I admit and we continue walking.

Steve walks beside me, hands now clasped behind his back. "I never had the chance to visit, I know my father has done so a few times".

"There were plenty of acres to hunt, it's what he liked about the place the most. Of course my father loved it, just as much as I did". I now look up at the sky and close my eyes, breathing in deeply to try and imagine it once more. Every corner, every brick or stone in every wall that made my home what it was.

I open them again and walk on, Steve now following. We continue on in silence for a while, sitting by the fountain for some respite. My hand cuts through the water, back and forth. "Did you ever play out here as a child?" I now wonder out loud. There's a lot of places for children to run and hide. But Steve is an only child though.

"Not as much as I'd have liked. Once I got to five my schooling started and I spent most of my time with my tutor, nose in books, or with my father..."

"What was that like?"

"For a five-year-old? Boring" He chuckles. "But I had to, if I didn't then I wouldn't have a clue what to do when I eventually become King".

"Do you feel ready?"

"No one ever really feels ready. Least of all me - but what will be, will be".

I look at myself in the water. "I don't think I know how to be a Queen".

He glances over to me. "You possess the stance and making of one more than you already think".

I frown. "Really?"

"A lot has changed in both of us during the time that I've been away. I'd like to think that it's for the better". He gets up and extends his arm so I can take his hand.

Rising from where I'd settled, I slip my arm through his again, being sure not to forget my tulip, and allowing him to lead on. "Ready to go back inside?"

"Only if you are. I don't mind walking for a while longer".

"I think I need some rest before tonight's celebrations. I didn't get much sleep last night".

I look up at him again. "You should really ask Banner for that sleeping draft".

"I will" He assures me. "I need my sanity after all".

"Steve". I now stop, "I don't know what you went through, but if you ever do want to tell me, then you know I wouldn't breathe a word to anyone else. You shouldn't have to feel alone".

He nods at this but says nothing, then taking my arm through his again. "Let's get inside".