Huntress (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

4

"Tell me that you said no!" Mother all but screams at me, but when I do not answer she storms up and violently shakes me by the shoulders. "What on earth are you thinking!" Now half laughing, "you're not, you're not thinking! You. Never. Think!" Her eyes now turn white as the anger overcomes her.

"Calm yourself". I hiss. "You're acting like a-" I now stop.

She looks at me. "Like a what? Go on! Tell me just what I'm acting like!"

"A fucking monster!" I yell back, my own eyes now turning like hers.

She is seething, it's in her eyes, her face, her body stiffens with the defences that she is putting up. "Because that is who we are! We may be pretty on the outside but on the inside we're this!" She points to us both.

I blink my eyes back to their normal colour and look calmly at her. "I have made my decision..."

"It could be a trap".

"It's not".

"How do you know?"

"I just do!" I become angry again, but my eyes do not change this time. A sign that I am in control and not letting my emotions get the better of me.
Some sirens can be cold and callous, forgetting who they once were because their new way of being has all but consumed them - but not me. Even if I can't remember the transition, I can still remember that I was once very much like the people I am about to live closely amongst. I'd at least like to think I still have some humanity within me.

"You have to trust me". I continue.

"That is a very big word for this situation". Mother's words are slightly shaken, even though I'm sure she does not want me to notice it. Her eyes revert back to normal and then her body relaxes. "I just hope that you know what you are doing".

"I'm doing this for you".

Her hands rest on her hips and she laughs. "To send me to an early grave? Or to show me that people like us get another chance?"

"To prove that I can do this, that I can provide for you until whenever the end may be". I take her hands. "This could be our chance to show that we are not to be feared anymore. To redeem ourselves".

"Not at the mercy of men!" She yanks her hands away. "This is why I hate this world so much! They used to fear us, but now we are trophies for their hunting cabins!"
Turning away from me, there's a difference in her voice no. "Go..." She orders, "Leave...but I will not be the one who comes running when you realise just how big of a mistake you have made."

I say nothing and simply take my bag and leave, slamming the door so hard that it cracks at the force.

**

I am shown to my quarters once I have returned to the palace, and seeing as my duties will start tomorrow, I am allowed to roam and explore for the rest of the day.
I am not stationed in the guards quarters as being a woman it seems to be frowned upon, so I have a small room that adjourns Steve's and can be accessed just off from the servants stairs. Not that I am complaining, I didn't really want to share with a bunch of men who seem to already be questioning my ability. Their looks are as judgemental as their words, wondering why a woman has been drafted in to help protect Steve.

"Perhaps it's because we get things done more efficiently in all areas". I threw back my comment when the question had been asked.

I am more capable and equal to any man here.

I would be more than I am if I could simply use my powers. But those will remain at bay unless it is necessary.

Still, I have to be careful regardless of my new rank.

I now stare up the tapestry that hangs on one of the walls in the great hall. I had noticed it when we stood here hours earlier, but it has intrigued me somewhat.

"It depicts the six houses of infinity". Steve's voice comes from behind me, and I turn to see him also looking at it. "Each one representing a different power to wield in the form of a stone. But when they're together? It can do some damage".

"In a good way, or a bad one?" I question.

I have heard of the six houses, but not enough to know full well of what each one is capable of.

"It depends". He smiles and now points to the green stone. "This is ours, Time..."

"Have you ever had to use it?" I now ask, "The stone?"

He shakes his head. "No, and hopefully we never will have to, but you can't afford to underestimate when it comes to battles". Now he tells me of each house. "Stark has the power stone, Romanoff, the soul stone, Banner is Mind, Barton has Reality, and Odinson? Space".

"It all sounds rather dangerous and complicated". I state truthfully.

"In the wrong hands they can be". Steve's look darkens a little at this, "as I said, they can do some damage. The six houses are allied together, so we have each other's backs if anything should happen".

I look more at each depiction that has been woven onto the tapestry. "Do you all meet with one another often? Or are the stones the only form of affiliation?"

Steve shakes his head. "They are frequent and welcomed guests at feasts and any celebration we hold".

We stand in silence for a moment or two before I realise I should really make sure my uniform is ready for tomorrow as well as my weapons that need to be sharpened. Well, my sword at least. I have no use for a bow and arrow indoors - only if Steve wishes to go out hunting or just for a ride.

"I should really get back to my quarters". I now make my excuses

He nods. "Hale..." I look at him, violets burning onto his blues. "I hope you'll feel at home here - don't listen to the other guards or anyone else. Just because you are a women, it doesn't mean to say that you are inferior to anyone, because you're not - especially to me".

I smirk lightly. It doesn't bother me about what people say in the slightest, as I've heard worse before. "You may need to remind a lot of people about that then".

"If that's what it takes then I will". 

We simply stare at one another for a few passing moments before I break the silence with parting words and a bow of the head. "My lord..."

Then I retreat to the sanctuary of my room.