Wait for the Signal: A Royalty Steve Rogers Story

Three

"Where are you going?" I heard. I knew that booming voice.

King Joseph Rogers.

I was already about to be in the maids corridors. I was in my nightgown, coming back from Steve's.

"Sorry my king. Insomnia gets the best of me. I try to pass time by walking around."

"Why we're you walking from the west wing? That is my sons."

"I came through the west entrance. I like to sit out in the gardens at night. Hear the crickets. Enjoy the bright moon."

I was lying through my teeth.

"Are you trying to fulfill any needs of my sons?"

I shook my head no. "I promise my king."

"What if I asked him?"

"I..."

"Joseph! Leave that poor girl alone." I heard. Queen Sarah walked out. God knows why they were up this early.

"Go back to bed. It's far too early for this nonsense." She said to him. She gave me a small smile.

I realized something as she smiled. Steve had told her. She would not have defended like that.

"Alright." I whispered as I walked into my corridors.

This was a side Steve did not see of me. My own corridors.

One small bed. A little window. A little lamp. That was it.

He had never been over here. I never wanted him to even try to come in here.

I sat on my bed, feeling my cheeks heat up.

I had to distance myself. I couldn't let him think about it.

~~~

I walked into Steve's room that morning, seeing him already dressed and working on something at his desk.

"Hello." He said, not even looking up. I set his food down.

"Anything else for you my lord?" I squeaked out. He took a sip of his tea that I brought.

"What is the matter?"

"Nothing." I said.

"Elenor. Do not lie to me."

I glanced over, shutting the door. I stepped forward.

"Did you tell your mother about us?"

"She's known since you were of age and I started."

"Steve... of age?" I hissed.

"Well I am two years older than you." He said. "And I wanted to make sure you were an adult."

"While other women get married at fourteen?"

"I am not that kind of man."

"So she's known since our first night?"

"Yes. And she will not tell my father."

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked.

"Because I knew that you would worry."

He moved to look at me. I looked away, feeling vulnerable.

"What does she think of it?" I asked.

"She's doing her best to keep me out of a marriage." He said. He grabbed my hand, pulling me in. "And she likes you."

"I cannot keep you from your duty." I said. He hummed.

"You can keep it away for as long as you'd like."