𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗞𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗦

Truly Free

SONG REQUEST FOR THIS CHAPTER: MY PERSONAL SUNSET by MILES CARTER

1,123 Words

Story idea from AlejandraMartnezFlor

I've served Prince Bucky for nearly two years now, and not a day has gone by where I haven't felt both honoured and terrified by the proximity to him. His highness is known throughout the kingdom not only for his strength and royal lineage but for his kindness, a rarity among those with such power.

It was in the quiet moments when no one was around that we truly saw each other. When he would steal me away from the crowded hallways of the palace, leading me to the farthest corners of the royal gardens, where the flowers bloomed in wild, chaotic beauty, far from the prying eyes of the court. It was there, beneath the canopy of ivy and stone, that he kissed me for the first time, his lips warm and gentle against mine, a touch that defied the rules of the world he was bound to.

We weren't supposed to be together. I was just a servant, and he, a prince. But love—wild and reckless—doesn't listen to titles or logic. It simply exists, a force both glorious and dangerous.

It was on a crisp autumn evening when everything changed. The day had been long and filled with the usual ceremonies, but as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the castle in golden light, I found myself slipping away to the gardens, knowing Bucky would be waiting.

I crept through the maze of hedges, heart beating faster as I approached the place where he always waited. And there he was—Prince Bucky, standing with his back to me, his hand resting on the stone wall, staring out at the twilight sky.

"You're late," He teased softly, his voice always carrying that familiar warmth that made my heart flutter.

"I'm sorry, Your Highness," I whispered, stepping forward. "I had to make sure no one saw me leave the kitchens."

He turned then, his eyes gleaming in the dim light, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You're not a very good servant if you're sneaking off, are you?"

I couldn't help but laugh, the sound of it light and free, unburdened by the expectations of my station. But when his eyes softened, I knew he was serious. His gaze lingered on me, his lips parting slightly as if unsure whether he should speak or just act.

Before I knew it, his hand was cupping my face, his thumb brushing lightly across my cheek. And then, he kissed me again—this time, deeper, longer. My heart stuttered in my chest, my body feeling as though it had melted into the moment.

The world seemed to disappear, just the two of us in the silence of the gardens, lost in the secret we'd built.

But then, as if on cue, we heard the unmistakable rustle of footsteps approaching. I gasped, pulling away, my breath quickening.

"Someone's coming," I whispered urgently.

Bucky's expression darkened. "Stay hidden. I'll handle it."

I quickly ducked behind a bush, heart racing as I watched him stand tall, his hands slipping into the folds of his cloak. He was the prince—no one would dare question him unless they had a reason. But my stomach twisted with unease.

Seconds later, the guards arrived, a group of three soldiers, their heavy boots crunching against the gravel path. They stopped dead in their tracks as they saw Bucky alone in the garden. One of them, a tall man with a scar running down his cheek, squinted suspiciously.

"Your Highness," He began, his tone clipped, "we were sent to ensure your safety. What are you doing here alone?"

Bucky's posture remained perfect, but his eyes flickered. "I am perfectly fine. I enjoy the solitude of the garden," He said smoothly, though I could sense the tension beneath his calm words.

The guard narrowed his eyes, glancing around as if searching for something—or someone. And that's when he spotted me, half-hidden behind the bushes, my hands trembling as I tried to keep out of sight.

Before I could move further, the guard's eyes widened. "You—what is this?" He shouted, rushing forward, pointing his sword at me. "You're trying to harm the prince!"

My breath caught in my throat, panic surging. I didn't know what to do, but before I could make a sound, Bucky stepped in front of me, his arm outstretched, blocking the guard's path.

"Stop!" Bucky commanded, his voice hard, almost unrecognizable. "This is a misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?" The guard scoffed, his sword still aimed at me. "We found you, Highness, in the company of a servant. And you... You're trespassing! She's a threat."

"No!" Bucky's voice was fierce now, eyes blazing with anger. "She's not a threat, she's—"

But the guard wasn't listening. With a shout, he signalled for the others to seize me. I was dragged roughly to my feet, struggling against their hold, my heart pounding with terror. Bucky moved toward me, but the guards stepped in front of him, blocking his path.

"She is a danger to you, Your Highness!" one of them barked. "We're taking her to the dungeons."

"No!" Bucky roared, his voice raw with fury. He pushed past the guards, but they were too strong, too numerous. I was dragged away, helpless.

The cold stone walls of the dungeon pressed in on me as I was thrown into a cell, the door slamming shut behind me with a deafening clang. My heart ached with fear for Bucky, knowing that the guards would surely punish him for defying them. But what could I do? I was just a servant, a girl who had fallen in love with a prince who could never truly be hers.

But then, I heard it—the sound of footsteps in the corridor.

The dungeon door creaked open, and there he was, Prince Bucky, standing in front of me, eyes fierce with determination. His cloak was torn, his face bruised, but he was alive.

"Bucky," I whispered, my voice breaking. "What are you doing here? You could have—"

"I'll always come for you," He said, his voice soft but firm. He reached through the bars of the cell, taking my hand in his, pulling me closer. "I won't let them take you."

"B-but, how did you—"

"I'm the prince," He said with a smirk, though it was more a promise than a joke. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect you. To protect us."

With a swift motion, he pulled a small key from his pocket and unlocked the cell door. Before I could even speak, he stepped inside, wrapping me in his arms, his lips finding mine once more.

"I'll never let anyone take you from me," He whispered, as if making a vow.

And for the first time in my life, I felt truly free.

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