The Merger

Tavern

The tavern was old and grotty, wooden beams lined the low ceilings and there was a distinct foul smell in the air from the working men and women.

You yearned for it.

Steve entered slowly with Barnes at his side. It seemed that the entire bar stopped to stare at him, the foreign Prince. His boots clicked against the concrete floor, he kept his stride long and slow right until he reached the bar.

"What on earth are you wearing?" You approached the fancy dressed man. His golden laced waistcoat didn't exactly fit in with the rags and rope belts these people were used to seeing. Even you stood out with your dirt stained trousers and men's undershirt. But at least you were merely mistaken for a whore or pirate.

"I said 'blend in'" you grabbed his arm and dragged him to a booth, Barnes followed quickly, "and come alone. Tell me sire, do you use those organs on the side of your face or are they just for show?"

"That's enough!" Steve hit the table. The room returned to its usual loud rustling and singing so he didn't draw any attention, "you will stop talking to me as if I am an imbecile. I'm to be your new husband, not to mention: King." A cautious look to James made Steve roll his eyes again, "Bucky, anything you hear here is sacred and is not to be repeated. Do you swear?"

"I swear," James nodded.

"You poor soul. I don't believe the title of King is in your future, your majesty. I am the only daughter of one of your most powerful allies," you took a pause to drink your ale, "did your father not disclose with you that you'd be Prince for the rest of your life?"

Steve and Barnes shared a worrying look as you finished your drink and received a top up from a flirty waitress.

"What are you saying? That I have to rule this god forsaken kingdom instead of my own."

"Smart move, no? We have a stronger army, more land and even less enemies than you. The announcement will be made on our wedding day."

"That I'll stay a Prince forever?" Steve chugged his ale as much as he could and took James' cup.

"That our kingdoms have...merged."

"That's absolutely ridiculous!"

"Marriage or war. Your father chose wisely. But I ultimately believe that it falls upon us...even if it is until the very last second,"

Steve's world was crashing down on him. He's losing his kingdom. Where was his father's honour? His loyalty? His balls?

"You said you had a plan," Steve's stoic demeanour confused James. Steve was one to walk out or put up a fight without thinking. He must trust your judgment.

"Like I said. Marriage or war,"

"We cannot put our people to war. You said so yourself, you've a better army."

"If this is truly what you want. Then so be it. You will not be king," you spoke with warning.

"You said that." He spat, "how so?"

"My father is...abdicating before the wedding. I will be Queen and you...you stay a Prince."

Before he could blow his top and scream, Steve stormed out.

"He'll be okay,"

"I know. I've known him for as long as you have, my lord," you smiled at the brunet and made your way out.

"Let me walk you back, please. It isn't right for a Princess to walk around these streets at night," Barnes caught up with you just outside the tavern.

"That is unfortunately the case with plenty women, my lord," You peeked up the textured stone wall of the tavern, "but I don't take the roads," you climbed up onto the roof of the hut, "goodnight, Lord Barnes."

"Wait-" James called out but you had already disappeared. It was a tiring night having unloaded that information unto them and a bath called your name.