𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗞𝗬 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗢𝗡𝗘 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗦

Truly Free (Bucky's POV)

SONG REQUEST FOR THIS CHAPTER: DELICATE by DAMIEN RICE

1, 203 Words

Story idea from AlejandraMartnezFlor

It was in the quiet moments when no one was around that we truly saw each other.

When I would steal her away from the crowded hallways of the palace, leading her 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 I kissed her for the first time, a touch that defied the rules of the world I was bound to.

We weren't supposed to be together. But, I could never put into words the way I felt free when I was around her. Like all that is put on my shoulders is lifted by her delicate hands.

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 waited, hidden, trying to catch a glimpse of her.

And, when I did, my stomach went into knots. Not the bad kind. The kind that made you want to beam with happiness.

"You're late," I teased softly.

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

I turned then, a smirk tugging at my lips. "You're not a very good servant if you're sneaking off, are you?"

She laughed, the sound of it light and free, making my mouth hurt from how wide I was smiling. My gaze lingered on her, my lips parting slightly as if unsure whether I should speak or just act.

Before I knew it, my hand were cupping her face, my thumb brushing lightly across her cheek. And then, I kissed her—this time, deeper, longer. Almost identical to the first time I had kissed her, when I couldn't hold myself back from her any longer.

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.

"Someone's coming," She whispered urgently.

My eyes darkened. "Stay hidden. I'll handle it."

She quickly ducked behind a bush, her head peaking out as she watched me stand tall, my hands slipping into the folds of my cloak. I was the prince—no one would dare question me unless they had a reason.

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 me 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?"

My posture remained perfect, but my eyes flickered. "I am perfectly fine. I enjoy the solitude of the garden," I said smoothly, though I could feel the tension beneath my calm words.

The guard narrowed his eyes, glancing around as if searching for something—or someone. And that's when he spotted her over my shoulder, half-hidden behind the bushes.

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

My breath caught in my throat, panic surging. I didn't know what I could do, but I had to do something. I stepped in front of her, my arm outstretched, blocking the guard's path.

"Stop!" I commanded, my voice hard, almost unrecognizable. "This is a misunderstanding."

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

"No!" My 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 her. She was dragged roughly to her feet, struggling against their hold, as my heart pounded with terror. I moved towards her, but the guards stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

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

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

The anger I felt penetrating every cell of my body was something I never thought I would experience. As she was wretched from me, a few guards remained by my side, acting as if she would somehow escape their grip and harm me. When I knew she was out of my sight, I let the anger boil out. I didn't ever want her to see me like this.

"You idiots!" I seethed. "You couldn't listen to a word I said."

"Your Majesty-"

"No." I take a step forward. "You are to release her this second." I'm in his face now. "I am your Prince, soon to be King, you are to take my word as fact and to never question it. Learn your place in this world and stick to it!"

"I apoligize, your Majesty." One of them tries. "But-"

"I've told you once to not question me, do I need to reiterate myself?"

"No, your Majesty." They refuse to look my way.

"Good," I strighten my posture. "Then she is to be released. Now." But, none of them move a muscle. "Fine. I'll do it myself." I start to walk away, muttering to myself. "If you want something done right, never ask those bafoons to do it for you."

I make my way down the dungeon. It's a place I never wish anyone to reside in. It's cold, dingy, the smell is appauling and you never get an ounce of privacy. I pass the guards, who look as if they are about to question my presence, but one look from me is enough to shut them up before they part their lips.

There, I see her, huddled in the corner of a lone cell, her chin resting on her knees as she wraps her arms around herself. I need to get her out of here, she's already been in here a second longer than I like. Grabbing the key off the guard's belt, I unlock the metal gate.

Her eyes snap up towards me. "Bucky," She whispers, her voice breaking. "What are you doing here? You could have—"

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

"B-but, how did you—"

"I'm the prince," I 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." Before she could even speak, I wrapped her in my arms, my lips finding her's once more. "I'll never let anyone take you from me," I whispered as if making a vow.

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

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