Long May They Reign

A day

"Why are we here again?" Natalia sighed.

"We must listen to our people as king and queen and that includes listening to their nonsense about chickens and dry goats." Steve replied with a smile as he watched hee fidget on her throne.

"Well it's awfully annoying." She huffed but kept the smile on her face as she looked at their subjects arguing about who owed who money. They were so involved with each other they didn't realize they were spoken to.

"My Lord and Lady. These men are speaking to you. They require your judgement."

"Ah. We're very sorry. Um... I believe. No. I think..." Steve wasn't good at this. He looked to Natalia for help. She caught it and finished first him.

"What my fiancee is saying is that our judgment is that we have no idea what was promised to one man by the other but had you tested the goat out you may had found out about it being dry before you exchanged payment." He gave her a grateful smile and she returned it.

"I didn't think to test it out. Why would the goat be dry anyway?" The man replied.

Afterwards they got up to exit the throne room and an arrow suddenly flew above their heads. Just barely missing Steven as a second flew towards Natalia. Steve dove and pulled her down just in time. They were quickly led away and Steve went to his room while Natalia decided to visit one of the prisoners held in the tower after the takeover. She had to step over so many rolls of fabric, footsoldiers, dressers and maids just to get to the door.

"I was told the prisoners would get no visits from anyone but the King, Queen, Prince Steven and I. But it appears the list has grown substantially."

"Yes but as a Duccess-"

"Yes. Yes she's royalty but she's a royal embroiled in a possible hostage of me and my ladies as well as an assasinaton attempt of the Prince."

"Hello Natalia."

"Selene."

"Oh calm down, I'm still locked in this disgusting tower. Am I not?" Selene took a bite of her grapes and smirked at the agitated young queen.

"Someone just tried to kill Steven. And me. I've heard of your rants against my marriage to him and I regard you as nothing but am enemy."

"Well is he alright!"

"Tried. Tried to kill him."

"Well is he injured? How did this happen?!" She actually seemed shocked.

"Ah. You thought I'd let something slip?" She smiled. " oh. Child. I'm much too good for that."

"Well who ejse wants us dead?" Wait. No.

"I'm sorry who else wants me dead more than you?" She knew Selene wanted Steve for herself.

"Anyone with any stake in this. Nobleman, other royals. You're Russian sweetie. These two countries have never gotten along but he seems rather smitten with you. It could be anyone who loves this country enough to want a proper queen." She knew this would hit Natalia hard. Knowing the country she promised herself to won't ever love her back.

This stopped Natalia before she could respond.

"So you're going to continue with your attempts?"

"Sweet Natalia. I don't attempt anything. It gets done."

Natalia didn't bother with a response. She turned on hee heels and left. But not before ordering everyone out the room along with all comforts Selene had made for herself. Since she didn't look back she didn't see the glare from the woman sitting on the now uncushioned bench.

When they met again Natalia and Steve took a break from all their royal duties and went on a walk. They walked around the palace gardens and whils Natalia gawked at the flamingos prancing around them Steve merely hawked at the beauty next to him. The setting sun has cast a warm golden glow on hwe making her hair a burning auburn and when she looked back at him her eyes were alight.

"Are those swans?! We don't get many in Russia! Papa always said it was too cold." Her eyes lost a bit of that light when she spoke of her father.

"Yeah. Lets get closer." He wanted to take her mind off her deceased family.

Natalia was always now for adventures and so that walk was magical for her. She thought Steve needed a break after everything. She glanced at him and notices his intense icy stare. His eyes stared back at her. Icy yet there was a warmth radiating from them. She blushed and grabbed his hand.

"Maybe we should get back inside." So I can have you first myself.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes Steve, I'm sure. But I do want that elephant ride you promised me!" She poked him in the stomach   and he doubled over laughing bringing her to the ground with him.

I love him. She thought as he pulled her back up towards the wing of the palace with their suites.

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Watching the show that fuels my ideas for this story. Reign is still my favorite show. I've changed so of it (for this chapter the entire last part is completely different). Don't forget to stay inside and stay safe!