Wait for the Signal: A Royalty Steve Rogers Story

Thirty-three

Long tireless days had passed. I hadn't spoken to Steve once. I ended up back in my old room every night.

Until I heard the door creak open one night.

I hadn't gotten any sleep lately. Laura was being watched by the nurses in hope that I would sleep. Nothing worked.

I sat up as the door continued to open. But in came Steve. He sighed as he saw me awake.

I rested against the headboard as I saw him. He looked exhausted. I do not think he slept either. He also looked tear stained.

"Can I sleep here?" He whispered. I couldn't get a word out of my mouth. I was shaking.

"Ella." He said. I got up, going to the washroom. All of this nonsense and all he asks is if he can sleep in the room.

I focused on my breathing. Steve came in.

"Im sorry." He whispered.

"No you aren't. You have not talked to me in a week. I have not seen you in a week. Our daughter has not seen you-"

"-I see her every time you put her in her room. I spend an hour with her, helping her get to sleep."

I couldn't look at him. But I also could not stop the tears from falling.

"I need sleep."

"Like you've slept."

"I haven't Steve. You're right. I have sat up regretting every move I have made. I was nothing before I was in this situation. I am nothing now. I should not have let you take my virginity that night. I should not have gotten attached. I should not have let you fall in love with me. I-"

Steve pulled me into a hug. He let out a small sob as he hugged me.

"I'm so sorry." He whispered. And for a moment time stopped.

I put my arms around him. He was shaking just as bad as I was.

I could feel his silent sobs escape to no end. We were to get crowned king and queen in three days time.

"I love you." He whispered. I rubbed his back. Eventually I pulled away, wiping his tears. He pulled me into a kiss. I set my hands on his chest.

Our first kiss in so long.

I grabbed his waist, holding him. He pulled me closer. I could feel his tears still falling. I pulled away.

"Okay. It's alright."

"No it isn't. I'm a horrid husband. You...I'm so sorry."

I felt tears prick my eyes again. "I think I'm just tired."

"Come on. You need rest."

We got into bed. Steve timidly pulled me in. I rested my head on his shoulder.

I just needed his touch. All my anger was gone. I did not care in this moment. I just wanted his warmth.

And within minutes, I was fast asleep.

~~~

I woke up to Steve holding me close. He was moving my hair down my back.

I missed this. Waking up with him.

"What time of day..?" I asked.

"-Early. You're alright." He said.

I rested into him more. He moved his hand down my spine.

Everything was well, until a loud knock was at the door. Steve hummed.

"Oh. Honey. There you are. Glad you two are made up. We have a lot to do today. Everyone is starting to come in for the ceremony. Up. Up." Sarah said. She opened the curtains. I groaned.

I was exhausted now after finally sleeping. Steve sat up, laying me down.

"Elenor. Up." Sarah said.

"No Mother. Leave her. She hasn't slept." He said. I did not even open my eyes. I just stayed where I was.

Steve kissed my temple before getting out of bed. And a few moments later, the room was silent.

I was so exhausted, so I just went right back to sleep.

~~~

I heard footsteps approach as Laura and I sat in the gardens. Steve came over.

I honestly did not know what to say. Last night felt as if I was only dreaming.

He came and sat down next to me. I could not even look at him.

"I have to make it up to you before the ceremony." He said.

I just sat my head on his shoulder. I rubbed his arm that sat there.

"It's alright."

"No it isn't. We did not even talk."

"I said my piece last night."

"But you are still angry with me."

"Yes I am Steven. You have treated me like this for months. I will not tolerate it. My whole life I have felt as if I was nothing...except for when you were around. And now I do not have that. So I am at the bottom."

"Do not say that about yourself."

I sat up.

"Oh come on. You bought me. I went into this life working and then being bought. I am property. No matter how much makeup I put on or names I use, I am nothing."

I could not look at him. He set his hand on mine.

"Stop. You are not what you think."

"All of it is the truth. You said so yourself, I should be in the forest."

"I was angry."

"I'm not fit to be your queen. And I'm aware of it. She is not of royal blood. Hell, I didn't even birth a boy."

"She can hear you."

"She does not remember." I said. He sighed.

"What can I do to make it up?" He asked.

"Nothing. It's over..."

"You're going to be queen. For gods sakes you are the only thing that has kept me stable and I need you by my side for this."

"Then you should not have said what you did Steve."

"I have admitted I am in the wrong."

I knew he was right. I just could not get it back that easily.

"Yes. Alright."

I just played with my hands in my lap. Laura waddled over, handing me a flower.

"Mama."

"Thanks darling." I said. Steve got up.

"Steve.. don't."

I looked up at him. He had tears in his eyes. I had never seen him so emotional so many times.

"I can't."

"Sit down."

"No." He whispered. Laura came up to her fathers legs.

"Up." She said. He picked her up, hugging her as he sat back down.

"I just need time to get back to normal. It is not something that I want to brush away. It'll only lead to worse outcomes."

"We are king and queen in very short days."

"And I will be by your side. Just give me time to forgive and move on."

He nodded. Laura smiled at me as she sat on Steve's lap. That little girl was who I was truly doing this for. I wanted her to live a life like she deserved. I was already hidden for most of mine, I would not want her to live the same.