Modern Royalty

Purple and Plans

Chapter 46
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The next day Steve and Rebecca sit together, collecting ideas and planning a little. They read through the different magazines and search the internet for decoraction ideas. "What do you think about flowers?", Rebecca asks and looks at the blond prince. "A few won't hurt. As long as they fit, of course", Steve says and smiles. "They will", she says and notes it down. "What about a marriage in May?" "Sounds good, but I don't know if Bucky wants it that soon", Steve answers. James is in his room, his notebooks scattered on his bed and Farren sleeping in between them. He wants to go through some memories again.

Steve and Rebecca start looking through old pictures of Alexander's and Winifred's wedding to see how the hall was decorated back then. Bucky stops flicking through his notebooks and lies his head down on his arms, looking at the black engagement ring for a while before closing his eyes. He's almost asleep, when he hears his door open. "James?", Alexander asks carefully and Bucky looks past his right arm, towards his father. "Hm?" "Could you come downstairs?", the king asks. Bucky considers for a moment and then nods with a sigh, sitting up. "Sure", he says and follows his father. When Alexander walks towards his office, the prince hesitates.

"Come on, I just want to talk. Promised", his father says. James sits down in the armchair on the opposite side of his father's desk. "So?", he asks, uncomfortable in his situation. Alexander sighs and avoids his son's gaze. "Your mother is making me do this and even though I don't like your decision... And I think that a lot of people will not accept it either...", the king starts and looks up again. "Take your time", Bucky mumbles. "Although I dislike it greatly, I understand that this is a big step in your life and for you and...Steven. So, I have to congratulate you on your engagement, James. Even when I'd prefer seeing you marry a girl", Alexander says, visibly troubled.

"Thanks, father", Bucky answers simply, rather unmoved. "Can I go now?" "No. I want- I want to show you something", the king says quickly and makes Bucky flinch. "I'm sorry. Come here." He pats onto the desk, in front of the desktop. "It is important, James. Move over", Alexander sighs, calmer than Bucky has seen him in years. Hydra's prince walks around the table and looks at the programs his father has opened. "These are the most important programs you will ever need. Surveillance, management. Everything regarding our family is channeled and the most urgent things reach this screen", the king explains and Bucky listens carefully.

"I still have...nine months", the brunet stammers, unsure of what to say in order to not anger his father. "It never hurt to start early, James. I just needed you to know about these programs while I'm still around and in charge", Alexander answers and pats his son's back softly. Bucky freezes, expecting the gentle gesture to turn into a hit, but nothing happens. "Okay, then... If you decide to open up, you know when the coffee is served", James says calmly. He feels good after getting these moments. Moments which seem like a glimpse at the man his father used to be, a glimpse on how they got along. Not well, but way better than at any point in the last seven years.

"I might actually join you all for coffee", Alexander says, considering the invitation. "Mayhaps", Bucky smiles jokingly and the next second he expects to regret letting his barriers down, but is relieved by his father's reaction. "Eventually", Alexander muses, a faint smile on his lips. James leaves the room and goes downstairs to search for Steve and his sister, who decided that now is the perfect time to choose the flowers for the wedding, even without having any kind of theme. "Hey, you two", Bucky smiles and sits down on the sofa in the library, watching them.

"Dyed blue roses or purple tulips?", Steve asks, glancing up at his fiancé. "Purple?", Bucky answers hesitantly and Steve notes it down. "Why are you already planning all this? Shouldn't we take care of an appointment first? Having a fixed date for everything?" Steve smiles at him and tries to find a good answer. "Rebecca suggested a day in May. It's soon, but I think it'd be nice", he says finally. Bucky sits down with them, taking a look into a magazine. "If we can get someone to officiate it this quickly", he answers and skims an article about a wedding on a cruise ship. "You're the crown princes of two kingdoms. I think we'll find someone to do it", Rebecca grins.