The Merger

Celebrations

"Bloody-stupid-"

"Quiet. It's not like it's your name day, my Princess, " your handmaiden, Caroline, helped you adjust your red and golden gown, pulling it down ever so slightly to expose more of your bosom.

"Is that really necessary?"

"First impressions are everything, your highness." the old maid winked.

Today you are to welcome his royal highness Prince Steven Rogers. You've known Steve since he was a child and the arrogant tyrant seemed to always tease or ignore you. You haven't seen him much recently despite visiting his land numerous times over the years.
And you weren't interested in seeing him again.

"He's met me before."

"Not in many years, little dove."

The old yet bold woman ran her hands down the back of your gown, making sure every wrinkle was set. Your eyes rolled at the delicate nickname.

It didn't take long for you to grow tired of 'little dove' and 'petal' and 'flower'. After all, you're a Stark. A member of the royal family renowned for being ironclad and there you were the little miracle baby that had to be protected by all.

You never had permission to go outside the castle walls unattended which meant much of your day was spent sewing, dancing and attending meetings with the royal council.

But at night you got away with it. Got away with being normal, drinking mead at the local pub, walking the streets alone and just enjoying being a regular person. You appreciated your riches and privileges but to bare an heir within 9 months of marrying someone you despise - you dreaded it.

"Come now Princess, they'll be awaiting your arrival."

*

"She's marrying me. Surely we don't have to wait on this gremlin-" Steve began.

"Watch your tongue, boy, " the king hissed to his son, "do your duty and do it with grace."

Steve fought back on rolling his eyes and continued to stare straight ahead, although he couldn't help but notice his close friend's smirk in the corner of his eye.

"Ladies, gentlemen and royal highnesses. It is my pleasure to announce the new bride-to-be, Princess-"

"Fuck!"

The announcer was cut short by a large curse word erupting from behind him. You had Caroline right beside you fixing every stray hair and fault she could find when suddenly your eye was caught by a handsome knight in blue and mauve armor. You had tripped over your own sandals, bringing Caroline's heavy body with you. She landed on you in a humpf but swiftly got up to assist.

"My Princess, are you alright?" Caroline and several guards came to your aid.

"Fine, fine. Please continue David, " you instructed the herald. He continued to announce you and your family as you curtsied to the other royal family.

"I apologize for my daughters conduct. I hope the journey wasn't too troubling, " your father King Anthony bowed his head.

"The climate is much kinder here, " King Joseph returned a polite smile, "please, let us sit and toast to the new couple."

You sat by Steve at the galley table. He looked you up and down, it's amazing, even though you were still the clumsy annoying girl from childhood, you had certainly grown into your body. He couldn't keep his eyes off you.

"My son seems to be quite taken by your beautiful daughter, " King Joseph leant over to whisper in Tony's ear.

"And my daughter with-with..." King Anthony cut himself short when he noticed you staring at the king's guard. Lord James of House Barnes. He of course knew you weren't distracted by silly things like boys and gossip but more swords and politics. Although you could be mistaken for staring at Lord Barnes' groin, there was an actual sword present that you preferred to admire.
King Anthony just took a sip of his wine to wash away the next sentence.

Chatting only began once both Kings had given a toast. Although Steve couldn't help but comment on your body.

"You look different."

"That's what happens when people age, " you muttered back with a grimace, waiting on your future father in law to finish his speech.

Your sharp tongue wasn't something Steve remembered but he had to admit it excited him a little. Although he didn't know if he could put up with it for a lifetime.

"-and I wish you a lifetime of peace!" Everyone cheered and got on with eating.

"Your guard, what's his name?" you asked Steve.

Prince Steven has never met a woman address him so candidly and without manners so it took him a moment to respond, "James...Barnes-you know you were a lot nicer as a child."

"Oh really? You weren't, " you made quick eye contact with Lord Barnes and received a polite nod and smile in response. He was nervous, it was quite cute.

He certainly was a tall glass of water on a hot summers day. His five o'clock shadow was rare for a man of his nobility and his dark locks were  braided as if he came down from Valhalla just yesterday.

"You should stop staring, you're beginning to drool, " Steven glanced over to you and then to his father who seemed to be playing close attention to you.

"I apologise for my behaviour, future husband, " Steve's eyebrows raised surprised at the change in tone, "but believe me, I will find a way to get us both out of this arrangement, " his expression returned to unimpressed.

"This union has been set in stone since before we existed. But do go on, " Steve leaned in closer.

"All it shall take is a little time and patience. We'll speak later," you felt numerous eyes on you but the ones that burned were from a certain long sworded guard.

The feast continued on with many people coming up to the table and wishing their congratulations. People you knew, people you didn't know. Everyone who was anyone attended, even Lord Barnes attended to you.

"Congratulations, your highness," he kissed the back of your hand with a lingering smile, "I pray you have a long and fulfilling marriage."

"Thank you Lord Barnes," Steve returned with a bore tone.

"Your sheath," you began, "fine leather," the compliment made Barnes' smile even brighter.

"Thank you, my lady-uh Princess!" you caught yourself giggling at his wide eyes and red cheeks.

"That'll be all, Barnes. We'll meet further in the night," Steve eyed his friend suspiciously.

"Your majesty," Barnes bowed.

"What's this?" Steve noticed a small scrap of paper placed on his knee by you.

"Oh my apologies, you have learnt to read haven't you?"

Steve rolled his eyes and noticed an address, "The Red Skull. What's that, some sort of witchery cult you find yourself a part of?"

"It's a tavern. Just on the outskirts of the castle walls, meet me there and we'll talk. Dress to blend in, there are too many spies here," you responded through gritted teeth and a sip of wine.