Huntress (Steve Rogers AU) 18+

21

I stare at the dress that is laid out on my bed when I return to prepare for Sarah's feast one afternoon a few days later. I truth I had hoped that Steve would have told me that my duties wouldn't be needed for that evening, but he has said nothing to me.

The dress is beautiful, and it's style is almost in comparison to one that a Grecian goddess would wear - it's colour of pastel blue with gold detailing around the waist.

I've never told him I like blue - seems he must have sensed it though but I'm not complaining. You can't wear it - questions will be raised as to why you're trying to fit in with the higher-borns. My mind tells me as I hold it up against me.

I can't. Even I know that. Plus it would only speculate the 'special treatment' I receive and I could well do without that or any gossip on my part.

There's no harm in trying it on though...

I change into the dress and then take a look at myself in the mirror. My whole aura screams 'Siren', but I can't even move to take it off.

It's like it was made for me.

There's a knock and the door opens, Steve now coming in but stopping dead in his tracks as he takes me in and stares. "Wow..."

I shake my head slowly. "It's beautiful, really it is - but I can't wear it".

There disappointment in his face. "Why?"

"I'm a guard. Part of your household. Servants and such are not required to dress up for something like this". I tell him.

"Hale - I don't care about what they or anyone thinks, and neither should you. You have a special position here..."

I know for a fact I have more than a few when we're together as well.

"So what? You're being rewarded for what you do. Others have been before in different ways by myself and my parents - so why shouldn't you?" He continues.

"Currently you are making me do nothing. So much so that I'm am wondering why I'm still here". I tell him.

"Because I want you to be. What has been happening lately? It will pass, your duties will resume as normal soon enough. I have associates who tell me Johann isn't looking to attack anytime soon".

I sigh. "I am tired of being told I'm not needed - that I need to be kept safe. I want things to resume how they were, because if they do not then I am going to go out of my mind with boredom".

He opens his mouth to say something, but then closes it again. "I will think about it. I promise you that your duties will resume soon though". There's a pause. "If you don't want to wear the dress then you don't have to - but keep it all the same. I had it made for you, so it's now yours".

I look at him and then break eye contact. "I will think about it - but thank you".

"I'll see you tonight". He says before he leaves, the door clicking shut behind him.

I turn back to the mirror and study myself a little more.

Would it be so bad as to relish in a reward for once?  It's just one night - and all eyes will be on Sarah. Not me.

I think I know what I'll do...

**

People are already merry, dancing to the music that is playing in the hall as I draw nearer to the hall, the chatter loud and laughter ringing clear as jokes and conversation are shared between one another.