bellaveux - Tumblr blog

bellaveux · 6 months

Text

Boundless Devotion - Part IX

Pairing: princess!Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

Summary: MedievalAU. Natasha is the eldest princess of the Romanov Kingdom. As the time of her coronation approaches, she is suddenly forced to make a decision – either find herself a partner or her parents will choose one for her.

Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9

Warnings: slight angst, hints of abuse

Words: 5738

Something feels different with you and Natasha.

It’s not a drastic shift, nothing extremely out of the ordinary.

It’s more like an observation of yours concerning your interactions with her.

Ever since the festival, Carol’s comments have been echoing in your mind, causing you to notice things you didn’t before.

For instance, during quiet moments reading in the library, you occasionally catch Natasha gazing at you from the corner of your eye. Whenever you turn to meet her gaze in question, her expression would soften into her usual grin, and that familiar warm feeling from many times before would re-emerge between the two of you.

Moments like that have left you wondering if this tension between you is new or if it has always existed.

You are unable to come to a definitive conclusion though because as the days pass, there is less time for you to observe Natasha much further.

With only three days left until the coronation, the preparations keep everyone in the kingdom and the castle busy, especially Natasha who appears more exhausted every time you see her.

So, in an attempt to offer her a break from her responsibilities, you invited her for a sword training session by the lake the next morning. It was a chance for you to both fulfill your promise to her and hopefully address this unspoken tension between you.

Natasha had eagerly accepted your invitation, her tired expression replaced by an excited, appreciative smile when you asked her.

Now, under the early morning sun, Natasha stands in front of you, confidently wielding a wooden practice sword in her hand while you grip a similar one in yours.

She has already gone through the basics with you and now believes that you are ready for a practice spar with her, despite the doubtful expression that you gave her.

"Remember to move with your whole body, not just your arms," Natasha reminds you as she takes her stance.

You nod with your gaze locked on hers, determined to at least show her that her efforts were not completely in vain.

The two of you begin to circle each other slowly, Natasha waiting patiently for you to make the first move.

With a deep breath, you finally lunge to strike her, and she effortlessly blocks your attack in turn, but still, you persist, following with a series of swings she taught you earlier.

Throughout each exchange, Natasha guides your movements, offering helpful pointers and gentle advice. Then once she gets the sense of your comfort, Natasha initiates some strikes of her own, forcing you to also focus on defense, dodging and parrying her attacks in turn.

Eventually, the both of you end up moving together in harmony, almost as though you are dancing to the melody of your swords connecting with each strike.

As the spar continues, the tension in the air also seems to increase with every gasp of breath, each movement drawing the two of you closer and closer together without even realizing it.

At one point, your swords lock, and you push determinedly against her block, bringing your faces inches apart.

Natasha’s eyes instantly shift from the swords trapped between your bodies to your eyes, her own shining with a proud glint as her smile widens.

You let out a shaky exhale and feel your breath quicken, not just from the training, but from the intensity of her gaze now focused on you.

There’s that look again, the one that makes you wonder if Carol was right — the familiar warm look that gives you a glimmer of hope that Natasha may feel something more for you.

The sword in your hand becomes an afterthought as you focus on Natasha's presence. With your faces so close, that previous irresistible force draws you nearer to her, and you bite your lip unconsciously at the reminder of the last time you were this close to her.

Natasha’s eyes seemingly darken as they drift down and fix on your lips at the movement, causing your heart to race and your cheeks to flush even further.

"I—I think we can take a break," Natasha whispers, her voice husky with emotion.

She steps back from you, breaking the intense connection.

The distance helps to clear your mind a bit as you clear your throat slightly and make a sound of agreement, unable to trust your voice. You can still feel your heart racing as you try to collect yourself.

Thankfully, Natasha doesn’t see your flustered expression as she turns around and heads to the edge of the lake.

“That was good. You almost hit me at one point,” Natasha compliments over her shoulder.

You huff in amusement and roll your eyes at her words, knowing she was just trying to be supportive.

“That’s only because you let me get that close,” you point out, aware of how she went easy on you.

You’ve watched Natasha train enough times to know that this was just a fraction of her usual speed and strength.

Natasha chuckles lightly, not denying your claim.

Kneeling at the lake’s edge, she splashes some water on her face to help her cool down and relieve the flush that she still feels on her cheeks.

For some reason, when your face suddenly appeared so close to hers, Natasha swears that she had completely lost focus for a moment there, all thoughts of the training leaving her mind.

That was why she had suggested the break so that she could take some time to compose herself.

Behind her, you fidget with the wooden sword in your hand, digging its point against the ground in a nervous pattern. That moment just now reminded you of the other topic you wanted to discuss with Natasha today.

With a deep breath, you call out to her.

“Natasha, can I ask you something?”

She hums in acknowledgment, her back still turned to you.

"Do you—have you ever—,“ you groan internally, struggling to find the words to express your question. It’s not like you can just bluntly ask if Natasha has any feelings for you.

With a resigned sigh, you decide to ask instead, “What would you do if you like someone, but you don’t exactly know how they feel about you?”

Natasha freezes, surprised by the question.

That uncomfortable feeling in her chest from the night of the festival returns, and the memory of you and Carol close together flashes through her mind.

She swallows nervously as she focuses on her reflection in the water, her expression showing one of discomfort at the memory.

Natasha sighs internally, knowing she can’t avoid these kinds of discussions with you forever.

"I guess, for me, I would just ask them directly about how they feel,” she replies honestly.

A small smile forms on your face as you shake your head knowingly. Of course Natasha has the confidence to do something like that.

You don’t think you would be able to do the same.

After making sure the color on her face and her expression have returned to normal, Natasha stands and makes her way back to you. She tilts her head at you curiously.

"Is there someone you have in mind?" she asks you in turn.

There is a short pause as you contemplate your answer. Wanda’s words from the festival echo in your mind, giving you a little courage to at least try for what you want for once.

"There is," you admit softly.

“Oh,” Natasha sighs lightly with a tight smile before asking, “Do I know her?”

You smile gently as you think about Natasha and what she means to you.

“Yeah, she’s…she’s really amazing, and she’s one of my closest friends. That’s why I don’t want to ruin anything between us,” you explain your hesitance.

Natasha watches your face soften as you talk, and she closes her eyes briefly in resignation, already suspecting that you are referring to Carol. She should be happy that you found someone you liked, and she knows Carol would treat you well if you got together.

So, despite the uncomfortable ache in her chest, Natasha decides that she will support you in your decision no matter what.

“Well, I wouldn’t be too worried, Y/n. Anybody would be honored to have you as a partner,” Natasha reassures you.

Your heart swells with hope at her praise, and you open your mouth to tell her the truth about your feelings, but then Natasha’s next words catch you off guard.

“I’m sure Carol feels the same way,” Natasha tells you with a small smile.

A small crack forms in your heart as your smile turns downward slightly, and you tilt your head in confusion.

"Carol?"

Natasha nods, looking down and fidgeting with the sword in her hand.

"You know, with my coronation almost here, you won't have to pretend to be in a relationship with me much longer. You'll be free to be with the person that you want."

The crack in your heart widens, and you raise your hand to your chest in an attempt to ease the growing pain there.

"And you think that the person I should be with is Carol?" you ask with a furrowed brow.

"I've seen the way she looks at you, Y/n.” Natasha’s lips press into a thin line as she reluctantly admits her next words, “I’m sure the two of you together would be...great."

Your heart shatters at her words.

You were right. Natasha doesn’t like you in that way. The two of you are just friends, and you were foolish to think otherwise.

You feel your eyes well up slightly with tears, but you blink them back, hiding your disappointment.

Natasha finally looks up at your silence and notices the change in your expression. She reaches out in concern toward your hand that was still clutched at your chest.

"Y/n, are you okay?"

At Natasha’s movement, you pull your hand down, hiding it behind your back and offering her a weak smile.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just thought…,” You shake your head, your voice cracking slightly as you try to keep your emotions under control. “Never mind, it was stupid."

Natasha furrows her brows in confusion.

The conversation fades into an awkward and heavy silence, like a sudden weight pressing down on the both of you.

Unable to bear the pressure, you excuse yourself, offering the practice sword back to her.

“I’m sorry, Natasha, I’m not feeling so well. Can we continue the training another day?”

“Sure,” Natasha replies slowly, taking the sword. She steps closer to you.

“I can bring you home,” she offers.

You shake your head, taking a step back in response.

"It's fine. I can go by myself.”

You need to spend some time alone to gather your thoughts and push away your feelings so that you can return to the way it was before with Natasha, as just friends.

Natasha searches your face and finds that she can’t understand the subtle signs of distress in your expression.

“Are you sure?” she asks hesitantly.

You nod reassuringly, your smile strained.

"I'll see you later, Natasha," you promise weakly, turning around to leave.

With a growing ache in her chest, Natasha watches you walk away, your sad expression lingering in her mind.

For some reason, Natasha can’t help but feel that she just did something wrong.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

Natasha slumps into her window seat, letting out a heavy sigh. She leans her head back against the window sill as her arm rests atop her bended knee.

Her eyes glance out the window. Even though she can’t see your manor from here, her gaze still finds its general direction.

She thinks back to the conversation with you at the lake, attempting to understand the reason behind your sad expression when you left her.

The only guess that Natasha has as to the possible cause of your sudden sullen mood is the discussion about your feelings for the person you liked.

That reminder causes her eyes to drift down to the small box in her hand, cradling the ring that you had singled out as your favorite.

The item stirs a sudden sense of nostalgia for Natasha, of a time when life was simpler for you and her, back when she didn’t have to imagine the idea of you being with someone else.

Someone who wasn’t her.

Natasha’s eyes widen at the thought, and she sits up abruptly as a realization washes over her.

Determined to confirm her suspicion, Natasha envisions you and Carol together, and sure enough, that tight, uncomfortable ache returns in her chest.

But then, Natasha shifts her thoughts to the moments when you are with her.

Her heart suddenly warms at the memories of you.

Your smiles and laughter. Your playful and teasing banters with her and the way you treat her as a person, not just the princess.

The times when you were not by her side and how she would always seek you out.

How she never tires of listening to your voice talk about your interests.

The desire to keep you safe and protect you from harm.

All the times you blush around her.

That one moment when you both accidentally kissed and how much she wanted to lean in for another.

Overwhelmed by all the memories, Natasha covers her face and groans aloud in realization at her obliviousness.

“Uh oh, did something happen with Y/n?”

Yelena’s voice breaks her thoughts.

Natasha looks up from her hands to find her sister standing in the doorway, her brows furrowing at the question.

“What makes you say that?”

Yelena shrugs and enters the room, plopping down on the bed casually.

“Every time Y/n avoided you before, you would sit there and brood in your room for days.”

Natasha exhales in disbelief, running her fingers through her hair exasperatedly at Yelena’s words. Has it always been that obvious?

Natasha glances down at the ring in her lap, thinking about you again. That warm feeling envelops her heart instantly, and now she knows what it means.

“I think I’m in love with Y/n,” Natasha breathes out.

At her admission, Yelena stares at her blankly for a moment before suddenly slumping against the bed and letting out a deep breath of relief.

“Oh, thank god, I thought I was going to lose for a moment there.”

Her comment snaps Natasha out of her reverie.

Confused and suspicious, Natasha stands up from her window seat and approaches Yelena, who is now lying upside down across her bed. She places her hands on her hips and demands an explanation.

“What are you talking about?”

Yelena waves her hand nonchalantly in the air as she explains.

“Well, Kate and I had a bet on how long it would take for you to realize your feelings for Y/N after your whole fake relationship plan was created.”

“You knew?” Natasha exclaims, grabbing a pillow nearby and hitting Yelena with it. “And you didn’t say anything?!”

“Hey!” Yelena grabs another pillow to block her sister’s attacks before standing up on the other side of the bed, out of Natasha’s reach.

“At least I had some faith in you and said that you would figure it out before your coronation.”

Natasha throws her hands in the air in frustration.

“How was I supposed to suddenly figure out by myself that I am in love with Y/n? We’ve been friends for years."

Yelena raises her eyebrows and scoffs in disbelief before pointing a finger accusingly at her.

“Friends don’t look at each other the way you look at Y/n,” she remarks bluntly.

Exasperated, Natasha groans in disbelief, running her hand through her hair in frustration.

Yelena raises her hand reassuringly.

“No, this is good. Now the two of you can just stop this whole fake relationship plan and actually get together,” she points out.

Natasha pauses, suddenly remembering her earlier conversation with you at the lake, and she winces as she recalls her words to you.

Yelena notices her expression and narrows her eyes suspiciously.

“What did you do?” she asks.

Natasha drags her hand down her face, shaking her head.

“Y/n and I talked earlier today, and I may have suggested…that she and Carol be together.”

She lets the pillow that Yelena throws hit her, upset by her own actions now too.

“You are hopeless,” Yelena states plainly before climbing over the bed to her side and grabbing her wrist.

“Come on, we need to go to Y/n’s and fix this.”

Natasha shakes her head and pulls her hand back from Yelena’s grip.

“I can’t leave now. I have a security meeting with our father and all of the knights in the courtyard later,” she explains.

The only free time she had was this morning with you. After that, she is busy for the rest of the day with finalizing the details for the coronation.

Yelena crosses her arms and frowns at Natasha.

“Well, we can’t have Y/n think you don’t love her and then decide to be with Carol instead,” she argues.

“Yelena’s right,” a voice interrupts them.

The two sisters snap their attention to the person leaning against the open doorway.

Carol has an amused expression on her face as she stares pointedly at them.

“The two of you should really close the door when you’re discussing sensitive information such as fake relationships,” she quips casually.

Natasha turns to shoot a disapproving look to Yelena, who avoids her gaze and rubs her neck sheepishly.

Carol steps into the room and continues, “Yelena is right though. I like beating you, Natasha, but not like this.”

Natasha furrows her brow in confusion.

“What do you mean?” she asks.

Carol nods her head toward the door and explains.

“You should go and clear things up with Y/n. I’m sure your father won’t mind if I help him with organizing the knights in your place.”

At the offer, Yelena grabs Natasha’s arm and begins to pull her along again.

“Great, that’s settled. Let’s go.”

As Natasha goes past Carol, the other princess places her hand on Natasha’s shoulder to stop her for a moment and gives her a teasing smirk.

“You have one chance, Natasha. If Y/n rejects you, I’m not going to hold back,” Carol warns playfully.

Natasha huffs in amusement and rolls her eyes.

They may be rivals at times, but she’s glad that at the end of it all the two of them can still treat each other as friends.

She gives Carol a firm nod in acknowledgment and a pat in appreciation before quickly leaving.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

After your swift exit away from the lake and Natasha, you make your way slowly down the path toward your manor.

A deep sigh escapes your lips as you remember Natasha’s words. You can’t help but blame yourself for assuming that Natasha might have deeper feelings for you; it’s clear that she only sees you as a friend.

Disappointment washes over you again at the reminder, but you quickly brush off the feeling. It’s not like you didn’t already know this before.

Instead of being sad about something you already knew was not possible, you should find comfort in the fact that you still have Natasha in your life, even if the both of you remain just as close friends.

Losing that connection with her is not something you ever want to experience again.

As you approach the manor gates, your thoughts distract you, making you oblivious to the figure emerging from the shadows behind you.

Suddenly, a hand grabs your arm, startling you from your thoughts.

You pull back in shock and turn to face the stranger, quickly recognizing him as the man who bumped into you at the festival.

Seeing your startled expression, he quickly releases your arm and steps back, allowing some space between you.

Cautiously, you take another step back to increase the distance between the two of you before addressing the stranger.

“You’re the one from before. Who are you?”

He remains silent as his eyes carefully study your face.

“Can I help you?” You try again.

Still, he doesn’t respond.

A small feeling of frustration wells up in you as you recall his previous disinterest in responding to you. About to repeat your question, you overhear him muttering something under his breath.

“It can’t be possible.”

He continues to examine you, lost in thought.

“But there is a resemblance,” he says absentmindedly.

You frown in confusion at his words, so you try to see if he would clarify his meaning.

“What are you talking about?”

The man focuses his attention on you, furrowing his brows when he realizes you had heard him.

With a final study of your face, he finally explains.

“You really do look so much like your mother.”

Your eyes widen in surprise.

Besides the information concerning her death, there is little to nothing that you know about your mother, not even what she looks like. It was as if after her death, your father had erased all traces of her existence.

During the year, when he had finally remained in the kingdom long enough for you to ask, he got scarily upset.

You touch your neck lightly, still remembering the pressure there, before shaking your head to brush away the memory. You never asked him about her again.

“You knew my mother?” you ask curiously.

Pain and regret cloud his eyes as he begins to respond, but then he seems to realize something, his eyes narrowing.

“What are you doing here? This place belongs to Dreykov.”

You glance at the manor, then back at him before cautiously responding in confusion.

“This is my home. Lord Dreykov is my father.”

Your words cause his eyes to widen in shock and anger to appear on his face.

“No, he isn’t!” he growls, grabbing your arm once more and attempting to pull you away. “You shouldn’t be here!”

Confusion and alarm course through you as you struggle to free yourself, but to your realization, he is much stronger than you.

“Hey!” Pietro’s voice calls out from behind. “Let her go!”

Soon, the man is pushed away from you, and you are pulled back swiftly.

Pietro stands protectively in front of you, with his arm outstretched, creating a barrier between you and the man.

“Wait, Pietro,” you say, placing your hand on his arm reassuringly as he attempts to back the two of you away.

Pietro glances doubtfully at you before reluctantly lowering his arm to his side, though he still stays close to you, remaining vigilant.

Turning your attention back to the man on the ground, you remember his cryptic words.

"What did you mean just now?" you ask him to explain.

Before he can respond, a voice from behind makes you tense in surprise at his unexpected presence.

“Well, look who we have here.”

Your father strides past you, his condescending gaze fixed on the man.

With a wave of his hands, his guards restrain the man and force him to his knees.

The man’s anger flares at the sight of Dreykov, and he struggles violently against the guards’ hold on him but he cannot escape their grip.

Dreykov smirks menacingly at him.

“Oh, Barnes, you have fallen so low after all these years,” Dreykov mocks, chuckling. “Though I assume being constantly on the run doesn’t help, does it?”

“Because of you!” the man snarls and tries to lunge at Dreykov, but he is quickly overpowered and pinned to the ground for his action.

Your eyes widen at the revelation, connecting the information on who this stranger was. You examine the man closely again.

Barnes, or Sir James Barnes, was the name of the previous captain of the Stark Kingdom, also known as the traitor who murdered most of the Stark royal family right after the war.

You look between your father and him critically, still trying to piece together their relationship with each other. It was obviously antagonistic for both sides, judging by their interaction.

Dreykov clicks his tongue mockingly as he shakes his head at Barnes, who still glares up at him from his pinned position.

Your father then turns his attention to you, seemingly remembering your presence.

Instinctively, you pull Pietro back behind you as you tensely watch his eyes flicker between you and Barnes in thought.

He finally settles on you as he demands.

“What did he say to you?”

You glance at Barnes on the ground, who subtly shakes his head at you.

At your hesitance, your father takes a menacing step toward you, and you snap your attention back to him.

“He said nothing,” you reply quickly. “He just came out of nowhere and surprised me. That’s all.”

Your father scrutinizes you closely for a moment before chuckling darkly and turning his attention back to Barnes.

"Did you really come out of hiding to try and ambush me after all these years, only to fail so pathetically?"

You wince as your father presses his boot against Barnes's pinned head, speaking condescendingly.

“Though, I wouldn’t blame yourself too much for your failure,” he turns to look at you in disdain, causing you to instinctively take a step back at the harsh glare. “After all, this girl does tend to ruin plans.”

Pietro growls at his insult toward you and tries to take a step forward, but your hand quickly reaches out in front of him to stop his advance, giving him a subtle shake of your head.

Dreykov’s eyes narrow at Pietro’s movement, but you step forward, drawing his attention back to you before he can get upset at Pietro’s almost act of disrespect.

You gesture to Barnes.

“What are you going to do with him?” you ask in concern.

Dreykov rolls his eyes at your worried tone, removing his foot from Barnes’ head and stepping away.

“Lock him up. I’ll deal with him later,” he commands.

You watch as the guards lead Barnes away until he disappears from view, leaving you with a sense of unease at the fact that the meaning of his previous words remains a mystery to you.

“Where are they taking him?” you inquire, hoping to find a chance to get some more answers from him.

“That is none of your concern,” your father responds sternly, his eyes fixed on you with a disapproving glare.

“You should be more worried about the consequences of your actions and behavior today.”

Confusion washes over you as you furrow your brows, trying to comprehend what you might have done to have displeased him.

At your perplexed expression, he gestures to you with a reprimanding tone.

“Why is it that whenever I return, you are never where you are supposed to be?” he criticizes.

Realizing that he was referring to your absence this morning, you begin to explain.

“I was—”

“I don’t want your excuses,” he interrupts sharply, causing you to shut your mouth in a flinch at his tone.

With a wave of his hands, his guards approach you, their firm grips fastening onto your arms.

“Take her to her room and make sure she stays there,” he orders them.

“Hey!” Pietro exclaims as he moves toward you to help you, but then he is also apprehended by some guards, twisting his arms behind his back.

Seeing the way the guards roughly grab Pietro, you manage to free yourself from their grasp and take a deliberate step toward your father.

“Stop, I’ll go,” you quickly reassure, your voice shaking slightly as you confront him directly.

You gesture to Pietro, still struggling in the guards’ grip.

“Just tell them to let him go.”

Your father’s scrutinizing gaze seems to weigh your words and actions for a moment as if determining if it was an act of defiance or not before coming to a decision.

With a dismissive wave of his hand, the guards release their hold on Pietro and shove him in your direction.

You catch Pietro and let out a breath of relief that he is safe at your side again.

Your father scoffs at your reaction, rolling his eyes at your concern. He raises a warning finger at you.

“See that you stay in that room,” your father remarks sternly. “I have more important matters to attend to today than to wonder where you will wander off to.”

With those words, he turns and heads back toward the manor without another glance at you.

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

Natasha raises a skeptical brow as she confronts the guards blocking the entrance to your manor.

“What do you mean I can’t see Lady Y/n?” she asks, her voice laced with a subtle warning.

The guard stands firm in his position, responding with a monotone formality.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness. No visitors are allowed inside the manor today.”

Unfazed by the refusal, Yelena shrugs nonchalantly, stepping forward to address the guard.

“Fine, then let us invite Y/n back to the castle.”

She attempts to move around the guard, but he quickly steps in her way, blocking her path.

“Lady Y/n is not allowed to leave either for the remainder of the day,” he declares, his expression emotionless and unyielding.

Natasha narrows her eyes, an uneasiness forming in her as she questions, “Not allowed? By who?”

“That would be me.”

Lord Dreykov emerges from the manor, answering Natasha’s question.

“Your Highnesses,” he greets them with a curt nod.

“Lord Dreykov, you’ve returned,” Natasha states plainly, her expression growing serious at his presence.

She was not informed that he had returned to the kingdom, and since you didn’t mention anything about it either, this must have occurred recently after you met with her.

The thought of you reminds Natasha of the pressing issue of your situation.

“What is this about Y/n not being allowed to leave?” she questions.

Dreykov disregards her intimidating tone, casually examining his hand in disinterest as he replies.

“Yes, well, I’m afraid Y/n won’t be able to see you today.”

Natasha squints at him in suspicion, before pointing out.

“I was just with her this morning.”

Dreykov scoffs at the revelation, rolling his eyes.

“So that’s where she wandered off to,” he waves his hand dismissively. “Nonetheless, this is for her own good.”

“How?” Yelena interjects, stepping forward. “It just sounds like you’re treating her as a prisoner.”

Dreykov chuckles and shakes his head.

“No, just a concerned father for his daughter’s well-being. I’m sure King Alexei understands the feeling.”

He gestures to the two of them.

“I’m surprised he’s letting his two daughters outside of the safety of the castle walls after what I heard happened at the tournament.”

His eyes turn to focus on the younger princess.

“By the way, Princess Yelena, it was unfortunate how things ended up, wasn’t it?”

“Sure,” Yelena replies bluntly, crossing her arms and instantly recognizing the insincerity of his concerned tone.

Natasha steps forward, drawing his attention back to her. Her mother warned her about taking any actions against Lord Dreykov, but that doesn’t mean she can’t try to get some more information on what he knows about the situation.

While she tries to maintain a neutral tone, her voice carries a hint of accusation as she probes.

“Then I’m sure you also heard about Oksana and her condition. Doesn’t it sound like something you would be familiar with, Lord Dreykov?”

Dreykov grins politely, though his eyes narrow in response to Natasha's words.

“I assume you are asking for my opinion on her situation and that you are not insinuating anything else, Your Highness.”

Natasha's response is equally measured as she responds.

“I’m just trying to figure out what’s happening, for the safety of everyone in the kingdom.”

He snorts derisively at her, waving his hand dismissively, “Then you shouldn’t concern yourself about my intentions. That is something we can agree on—a better future for the kingdom.”

His eyes narrow at her, observing her up and down seemingly in contempt before continuing.

“However, as for the one who can accomplish such a thing, my opinion remains the same as before.”

The reminder of their previous conversation concerning her ability to rule makes Natasha clench her fists in frustration, only this time she doesn’t have you next to her as a calming presence.

Dreykov smirks as if satisfied at causing her reaction, and he gestures to the gates of the manor in dismissal.

“Now, I believe it’s time for the two of you to leave. I’m sure the esteemed heir to the kingdom has more important responsibilities to attend to than to waste time seeking out my daughter,” he challenges, raising his eyebrow at her with a knowing expression.

Natasha’s mouth presses into a thin line as she refrains from responding in a way she knows her mother would disapprove of. It’s obvious that Lord Dreykov was trying to provoke her again.

She glances at the guards’ unwavering stance at the doors, knowing that going through the front is not an option at the moment. She would need to find another way to see you.

“I’ll come back another time then,” Natasha grits out.

With a curt nod goodbye, Natasha turns around to leave with Yelena following in tow.

Lord Dreykov’s voice calls out to her, making her pause with a frown at his words.

“I do hope you heed my previous advice from before,” his tone filled with a mocking warning. “After all, you don’t want to be caught unprepared when that peace of yours eventually crumbles, especially before such a crucial event.”

With those last ominous words, the manor door and gates close shut behind them.

Yelena kicks a stone against the gates angrily, exclaiming in frustration, “What a jerk! How does Y/n stand him?”

Natasha's calm gaze remains fixated on your manor, her thoughts consumed by the situation.

"I don't know," she responds distractedly, her mind working on a solution.

Yelena releases another angry huff before noticing Natasha is still facing your manor, lost in thought.

Knowing Natasha’s determination, she places a reassuring hand on her shoulder as she offers an alternative idea.

“Do you want to head over to Kate’s to regroup and see if we can come up with another way to see Y/n?”

Shaking her head, Natasha’s lips curl into a small smirk as her eyes focus on the open window of your room, where your curtains sway gently in the breeze.

“No, you go ahead. I already have a plan.”

~~~~~~~ ⧗ ~~~~~~~

Part 10

a/n: Thank you for reading! And fair warning, I think there is two or three more chapters left to this series.

Taglist: @lightwhoranoutoflight, @taliiiaasteria, @romanoffprentiss, @canvascoloredin, @silentwolfsstuff, @blacklightsposts, @arcturusseer, @presser24, @dvrkhcld, @jujuu23, @screechcat, @vivs46, @cd-4848, @youneversawmehereooooooo, @pancakefan7529, @confusedspaceotter, @natbelovasblog, @izzy-b09, @iamheartless, @mrsrushman, @fxckmiup, @natty-taffy, @2silverchain, @traveler-at-heart, @autorasexy, @natsxwife

#ahhhhh i can’t wait to read more 😭#fic rec!

334 notes · View notes