There was no doubt in his mind now that Steve knew Thanos had been biding his time when it came to an attack on Brooklyn.
Now he looked around the smouldering ruins of one of the outside villages with his knights to hand, the anger bubbling within.
"No survivors". Sam came over with Bucky and looked gravely at Steve, before showing him the claw he'd found. "Either he's falling apart, or he's leaving his mark to threaten us".
"Well let's hope it's the first, because we can't have anymore of the people becoming at risk. I need to send word to Tony and then call a meeting with the council". He said, gesturing for them all to return to their horses and ride back to the city.
Amberley was pacing her parlour when he returned, walking in and saying nothing. Already she could tell that this was not good.
"What do we need to do?" She asked, becoming concerned for them, especially their children.
"You focus on our sons, let me deal with Thanos".
She now eyed him with the familiar defiance he'd become used to when she didn't not agree with him on certain matters. "No".
"Amberley". He said tiredly and not wishing to seek an argument so early in the day. "Your duty is to our sons".
"My duty is to you also!"
Steve ran a hand through his hair and shook his head to himself. "He won't stop until he has what he wants - this is a personal attack, and if it's on my lands then it's on me. I'll do as I need to, to ensure this kingdom is safe". Then eyeing her. "Just as you will with our sons".
Amberley's voice shook. "He is a man who can take the form of a dragon. You stand no chance".
"No, but it's a chance that I am willing to take - I have no other choice. I need to rally the army and march out far from the city. I can't risk it being too near, whatever army he has? It's going to be big and I'm not having them attack our city".
"There is always risk of attack, you said so yourself...tell me what I must do if they choose to turn their attentions to us".
Steve looked at her, remembering her strong character on when they had first met. She'd defended her father's city with her life, but the last thing he wanted was for her to do the same for Brooklyn. She would be a target, just as his sons would be. "You need to keep Phillip and Jasper safe, or at least get away from the city while this is happening. It's too dangerous for you to stay here".
"How can I leave knowing our people are not safe? That you're out there fighting..." She trailed off, her expression darkening. "I did not leave my father's people, I fought for them, protected them and I shall do the same for Brooklyn - that is my final decision and you cannot change my mind otherwise. I. Will. Not. Leave".
"And what of our sons? You'd run the risk of them being targeted".
"Not when they would be safe away from here. I will send them with Nat and Yelena to take refuge with T'Challa. They will be safer in Wakanda until this is ended".
Steve thought hard, but his wife had a valid point. There was no swaying her, but their children came first. It was paining him to know that this could probably be the last time that he would see them again. But what would be, would be.
"Summon them both, we need to get them away from here as soon as possible".
Amberley called for a servant who went to find Yelena and Natasha, then heading to the nursery with Steve. "Leave". He ordered the nursemaid who was in there, and immediately she was gone. Walking over to his eldest, Steve picked up Phillip and kept a close hold of him. "If I do not come back to you, then just know that you will make me proud, be the King that you have to be, not what you want to be". He muttered quietly to the child who, at still a young age, did not entirely understand. Next he moved onto Jasper, the child only weeks old and already having to be separated from the care of his parents.
Amberley readied her sons, the tears already falling while Steve explained what would be happening to a newly arrived Nat and Yelena.
"We will protect them with our lives, we promise". Nat nodded, taking Jasper in her arms as Amberley sobbed, Yelena taking Phillip.
"Take the underground tunnels, tell no one where you are going should they see you. Just say it's an order from the King". Steve said, holding his wife as she cried, now realising just how real the situation had become. "Go now".
"Yes sire...majesty..." Both women bowed their heads and swept from the room quickly and quietly, Steve continuing to hold Amberley close while her sobs rattled through his bones.
"They'll be safe, we've done the right thing that we ever could for them". He said, still staring at the now vacant doorway.
Hours later, both Steve and Amberley sat upon their thrones, the knights and court stood before them to hear of what was happening.
Steve rose slowly and looked around, addressing them all.
"Brooklyn is at war..."
Immediately there was gasps and talk around the hall, Steve now calling for silence. "The army and myself shall ride for the Vormir fields - I had word this afternoon that there is an army gathering close by. An army that Thanos has summoned. We plan to attack them there before they can come within reach of the city walls - The Queen will remain behind to continue to rule in my absence. You listen to her every word, follow her every instruction. She has seen war, and has technically fought in it too - her word is the best word you could possibly have".
Bucky stepped forward with a shout that sent a chorus ringing throughout the hall.
"Long live the King! Long live the Queen!"
YOU ARE READING
Wildflower (King!SteveRogers AU)
Fanfiction"It's a game...a dangerous one at that" When her father Phillip, Jarl of Wisconsin, dies in battle, his daughter Amberley is imprisoned, awaiting to suffer the same fate. Execution. However her captor, The High King of Brooklyn, Steven Rogers has ot...
