The Merger

Refuge

"Any word?" you asked Sam once he returned from town.

"Not yet, your highness. Did you get much sleep?"

It was day three in the manor and the crying had been non-stop but only when you were alone. If anyone were to walk in you'd perk right up. It concerned Steve why you decided to cry by yourself but he decided to stay out of it and let you heal.

He was being quite sweet actually. He held you at night; let you sleep in; laid your clothes out for the day and made sure you ate throughout.
He took you outside for some sunshine and left you alone for some time, that's when he'd see you cry. His poor petal sobbing by the roses.

"I got enough."

"Here, a present, " Sam offered a box full herbs of some kind, "tea. It's supposed to relax you."

"Like some kind of potion?" You picked at the loose leaves, feeling the rough texture.

"...sure. The witch I got it from said-" Samuel was trying to convince you that it would work through magic.

"I don't believe in witchcraft," you teased and received a relieving smile from Sam, "thank you, again." You squeezed Samuel's hand as Steve came in. His eyes went wide and his jaw clenched.

"Good afternoon, your highness."

"Afternoon. Any word?"

"No, my Prince." Sam responded with a bow. He left silently after that.

"Tea?" You offered.

"Tea? As in the letter?" Rogers looked confused as he ventured near you, he stood behind you as you read the instructions.

Boil water in pot
Add cup
Brew for 5 minutes

Best served hot.

"Samuel said it will help me relax. It doesn't smell too bad," you inhaled the lavender and chamomile concoction. Steve did the same.

It was then that you noticed how close he was. How close he had been since your kiss the other night. "Yes, that should help."
Steve's eyes focused on your neck.

"You know...our marriage is likely to be postponed."

Steve sighed and took a step back, "I don't believe that to be true. It will be a massive affair and multiple families have already come to celebrate. I'm sure the funeral will be just as big as the wedding."

"Attending my parents funeral as a newlywed. How fun."

"Stop! Stop! I said stop!" Horses whinnied at the front gate.

"Stay inside. Head to the back gate if needed," Samuel investigated the front gate. Someone had made their way through to the main courtyard.

"My love! Where are you?! Princess!" A loud voice erupted through the hall. Steve frowned.

"Loki?" You began to walk to the front but Steve took you by the waist and carried you over his shoulder. "Steve! Put me down!" You didn't fight back because there was no imminent danger.

"We have to go. Bucky! Gate!"

All you did was bounce on Steve's shoulder as he ran to the back of the property, eventually you heard the clinking of armour. Steve placed you in the carriage.

"What is going on? I know I'm not in danger. It's just Loki."

"Loki of Asgard." Bucky grunted.

"So?"

"She doesn't know?"

"What don't I know?" the look on Steve's face was one of annoyance.

"Its nothing. Stay back here." Steve shut the door and quickly took the reigns, "she can't know."