Siren (Steve Rogers AU) 18+ - (2)

35

The last month or so had been a blur since the battle. Many siren families who had lost someone in battle had spent their time arranging their funerals, sending them off to rest for eternity with the ocean. The water had welcomed them one last final time, taking each of them under as they were pushed out on funeral boats to her.
Arion's had hurt the most. I missed him dearly, but thanked him for always protecting me like he said that he was. Steve had stood beside me, one arm wrapped protectively around my waist while everyone had watched and said their goodbyes. After the funerals it was a case of rebuilding and supporting the families who needed it. Steve and I had ensured that they would be taken care of. Everyone was family here - we took care of our own.

My husband had become overprotective since the battle, always ensuring I was resting (even though my power had returned fully and I was well), taking time to myself from my duties of running the city. With the Hydra lands now for the taking, there was no doubt that another war would be started by others seeking more lands to rule over. Perhaps even between the six houses who all remained allied. We'd heard nothing else to tell us otherwise. Steve hadn't even returned to Auburndale to check up on his father. It was not worth it, and even with Sarah dead - he still blamed Joseph for my exile amongst other wrongs his father made.

We simply wanted to live happily, and we would - it was only just beginning for us after all. Us and our people. Our city. It was all ours and no one could take that from us.

Allied with Wakanda, trade had begun once things began to settle. Wakanda sent us weapons, we sent them the richest of foods and wines, all grown from our ever flourishing vineyards and fields. Shop owners were thriving - so was our home. It is all that I could have ever asked for. We had discussed whether to reach out to the five houses that were allied with Auburndale, but decided not to so soon after battle. Perhaps in time and maybe with Steve's influence, we could build our own ties to them. They would prove to be strong links in our opinion.

Steve and I sat in the hall one warm summers afternoon as Sam and Bucky ventured in towards us - having been summoned by myself earlier. Both had been overseeing the army along with Steve. Despite our losses, we still needed to keep strong, and with new recruits joining, I was confident the three of them would build the strongest army in the province.

Steve glanced to me and squeezed my hand as I smiled at the pair. "Before you say anything, it was all Sam's fault". Bucky began as his friend then spread his wings and smacked him around the back of the head with them. "Ow!"

"That's what you get!" He said then turning to me and looking a little guilty. No doubt I'd soon find out what about. "We're not in trouble are we?"

I chuckled. "You are usually the pair that cause it, but no - Steve and I wanted to speak to you both about a serious matter though".

Bucky, still rubbing the back of his head where Sam had hit it, then gave us his full attention. "Is everything alright?" The concern showed on his face.

"Steve shall be commanding the army from now on, I am stepping down however I know that Arion would have wanted me to bestow his rank to you. He liked you a lot, and considering you had a rank and title in Auburndale, I wouldn't want to see either you or Sam without one here". I told him, "You will take second in command, and Sam as the third". It was only right and fair that I gave these to them - they had proven themselves in battle, even though I knew they would before it had begun.

Bucky frowned. "But you command the army, Arion was your second?"

I looked to my husband who nodded his encouragement. "Steve is more familiar when it comes to warfare and its strategies. As for me? I am to take a new title, one which will not see me fighting for some time" I smiled knowingly as Bucky stared but then suddenly realised what I was telling them both. He then looked to Steve who nodded his confirmation with a content smile.

"No way...then again I wouldn't say that I'm surprised". Bucky now laughed as Sam shook his head in amazement.

"Congratulations". The winged siren hugged my husband before he moved on to do so to me, Bucky doing the same. "So we're gonna be uncles right? How far along?"

"Only a few weeks, but with Erskine's skills and gifts, he is able to see and tell this early on". I beamed, my heart swelling with pride at the thought of our unborn child growing inside of me. "But only you shall have the privileged of knowing this early, so we would appreciate it if you were able to keep it secret".

"Or I'll kill you both". Steve threatened with a straight face.

Sam grinned, "That it's Bucky can keep his fat mouth shut". Immediately both became involved in a scuffle to which I rolled my eyes.

"Outside! Both of you, otherwise I'll revoke the titles and give them to Thalia and Rinus". I shooed them away and outside before they decided to destroy the palace, Steve steering me out onto the balcony and wrapping his arms around me from behind - his hands protectively covered my stomach, shielding our child from any potential harm.

Both of us looked out contently over all that was ours. 

An ever growing city by the sea. Happy people and a safe home for our children to grow. The people had all but declared us as High Lord and High Lady - and wouldn't call us anything else. We had simply accepted it, our duty to them as well as to one another.

Everything was as it should be, just as fate had intended - and we couldn't wait to see what lay ahead for us.