Cecily (Prince!SteveRogers AU)

12

Steve seems a little shocked that I have no ladies in waiting or anyone to help or keep me company. The truth was that I trusted no one here and refused the offer once I was married. I still miss Hilde and wonder where she went after father died. The estate is empty, with only the gamekeeper to look after the place, that is what I was told anyway.

I don't like the thought of my home gathering dust.

Emerging from behind the screen, I hadn't heard Steve come into my room and almost jump at seeing him there. "The colour suits you". He tells me as he sets eyes on my silver blue coloured gown. It's patterned but not overbearing and the colours blend nicely.

"Thank you". I smile and smooth out my skirts. "It's not too bland?"

"All eyes are going to be on you".

His included? That would be nice. He is showing his affections more freely than when we first met, but still, it's very early days. He is trying, and so am I.

We both want this to work.

"You're not dressed yet?" I frown, seeing the clothes he was wearing from this morning are still on him.

He shakes his head. "I'm just about to, but there's something on the vanity table for you. It was one of the gifts meant to be given to you after our wedding, but it's belated".

I glance to see a box there and look at him. "Do I open it now?"

"Wait until I'm gone, I just hope that you like it" He tells me and then leaves.

I watch him go before walking to the box and opening it up. Inside on a bed of velvet sits a tiara with six stones of a different colour set in it. It is beautiful, eye catching, but not in the sense that it will draw too much attention to me.

I take it from the box and put it on, then catching a glimpse of myself in the mirror.

I really do look like royalty.

Never have I owned such an elaborate piece of jewellery. The only pieces that I had were black, and the Queen has ordered all mourning clothes and jewellery to be stored away.

**

"The Crown Princess!"

I am announced into the great hall where everyone now curtsies to me - apart from the King and Queen who are sat at the head of the hall, the two empty thrones that are for Steve and I.

Mine is set beside Sarah, which means I probably won't be speaking to my husband as much this evening, but that doesn't matter.

We have time.

It's not long before Steve is announced into the hall, closely followed by Bucky and Sam. I have heard that the King has bestowed Dukedoms on both men for their service to Steve in both battle and captivity. They deserve them.

Steve comes and takes a seat next to his father whilst the two new Dukes go and join their friends at the table where the Knights are sat. With their newfound titles comes land and wealth, although it will be the King and most likely Steve who decide what they are given.

The celebrations begin, and it is the most life I have seen in the castle since our wedding. There's music, dancing, the Knights are drinking, the gossips are in discussion with one another in their little groups. I simply sit there calmly and take it all in.

"He gave you the tiara finally" Sarah smiles.

"You knew?"

She nods. "It was mine back when I became Crown Princess, I have always said that I wanted it to be passed to my daughter in law, and now it has passed to you".

"I like the stones" I smile. "It's unique".

"Infinity stones, jewels that signify the love shared between one another that will last for a lifetime".

"I hope so" I say quietly and now can sense Steve's gaze on me, even if I am not looking at him.

Sarah pats my hand. "I believe that it shall".

Hours later, Steve comes over to me and gestures for me to follow him.

"Where are we going?" I ask as he leads me from the hall, leaving everyone else to enjoy the evening.

He says nothing as he continues on, up the staircase to the royal apartments, and then to his room.

I have never been in here before, not even while he was gone. The room was locked up and left the way it was. His view is across the gardens, and I can only imagine it's peaceful in the mornings.

"I wanted to give you something...another belated wedding present".

"Steve, you've already gifted me with this" I point to the tiara on my head.

He shakes his head. "No...no this is more special than that. At least to me it is". He says, opening the drawer of his desk and taking a rolled-up parchment from it, tied with red ribbon.

I now walk over to join his side. "What's this?"

"Read it and see..." He says, watching as I untie the ribbon holding the papers together and unrolling them. In its middle are keys, and my heart stops. I look to him wondering whether it's what I think it is and he just gestures for me to read.

I study the papers.

The deeds to my home and the land that comes with it.

"I...I don't understand..." I stammer and now take the keys. "You are giving me my home?"

"Falsworth Hall has been collecting dust since it passed into possession of the crown after your father died. I went to my father and asked him to release it to us. It can be used for a summer residence, perhaps somewhere to escape when everything gets too much...you did say the lands were good for hunting on".

I choke back a small sob. "You're giving me back my home...as a wedding present..."

He nods. "I know it won't feel the same without your father there, but I'll leave it to you to decide whether you want to make changes to the furnishings or anything..."

I throw my arms around him and kiss him deeply. This gift truly is the best I could ever have received from him. "Thank you" I say as I pull away, "You will love it, honestly".

Steve smiles. "I'm sure I will".

"When can we go?" I ask excitedly, eager to return as soon as possible.

"I have some affairs I need to get in order here, but how about the end of this week?"

I nod excitedly, "That sounds perfect".