The Merger

Court

One day closer to the wedding, one more day of court.

Dame Natasha kept you company, filling your glass every time it seemed to be getting low. She was attempting to get any information she could. Usually with so much alcohol in your system you'd dribble everything everything she would ever want to hear but with the wedding so close and ears everywhere, there was no one you would open up to.

"Are you excited to marry?"

"Yes,  of course. Steve's a handsome man, is he not?" you eyes found her shying ones.

"One of the best."

You grimaced, disagreeing with where she was going with the conversation, "What do you love most about him?" you fumbled with your dress, noticing a loose string.

"His dedication to the people."

"What would that entail?"
Bucky watched from only a few steps away, giving you a warning look. You couldn't see it but you sure could feel it. Don't go too far.

"Well, he's fought for us on the front line, my Princess-"

"So have many peasant boys, as young as 14."

"Yes, that is true."

"So what do you really love about Prince Steven? The way he looks at you during meals? When he tells you to shut up while he's fucking you? Or is it his beard between your legs-"

"Princess," Bucky was at your side.

"I've heard lovely things about him, I know I won't be disappointed on our wedding night-"

Natasha shied away, not in fear but regret and shame. She liked you, everyone did. You were the people's Princess, but she loved Steve. She loved having him all to herself and now with you in the picture again it's as if she did not exist.

"Okay. Princess-"

"Bucky, I'm just being facetious. I could not care less if your Prince fucked his way through the city-"

"May we speak in private?" he'd had enough. The alcohol had taken effect on you and you found yourself smiling, leaning in. Every strand of hair visible to your naked eye.

"Everyone out! Go!" no one bid farewell, you were left with their scowling faces and rude whispers.

Bucky sat where Nat was. Looking to you for permission to speak, he did so once the door shut. "You need to be nice to her,"

"Natasha?"

"She's very powerful. Manipulator of men, has them at their mercy most of the time. Nice girl, salt of the earth but when she sleeps with people, she has control over them...influence."

"Have you been part of this?"

"Why? Are you jealous?"

"Curiosity"

"We both know that kills."

You scratched your cheek and wiped your eyes, "okay."

"Okay?"

"I'll be careful. I'll stop badmouthing him, but you need to go to and tell him the same," you pointed at the large man, "had Wanda ask me if I ever fucked a horse the other day, it was ridiculous." Bucky sucked in his cheek, a bad attempt at holding his composure. "Shut up." You rose.

"I didn't say anything, my Princess." He followed and went to open the door for you.

"You never need to,"  before you left you stopped at the door, "what Natasha said about Steve fighting on the front lines, is it true?"