marry for power - au
pairing: king!bucky barnes x servant!reader
summary: the reader is a servant that grew up with prince bucky, they’re both in love with each other. what happens when those emotions boil over?
a/n: thank you again @awsome262338 for requesting this!! i had so much fun writing this, i hope it lives up to your standards!
p.s.: my requests and tag lists are open!!
full m.list
Growing up, he was always interesting. You were from two different sides of the same coin. Both servants to the same cause, just one of you had a higher status. Your mother raised both of you, taking Bucky in as her own because his parents' focus was elsewhere.
Eventually, Bucky grew up, you did too, but his eighteenth birthday was far more important than yours. The Great Hall was adorned with strips of red and black fabric, gold and silver filigree accented different parts of the room. Candles were hung above the dance floor, making them sparkle like the night sky against the dark blue ceiling.
The night before the party, long after the kingdom fell asleep, Bucky shook you awake. The candle beside your bed illuminating quickly as his finger was pressed to your lips, silencing your questions. He gripped your hand, pulling you from your bed in your night clothes, much to your dismay.
“Buck! Where are we going?” He rushed you through the vast hallways of the castle, leading you the back way to the Great Hall. Never saying a word, Bucky pulled you to the center of the dance floor.
“I wanted you to experience it like the royal you are.” You sucked in a breath at his words, even as the Crown Prince he was committing treason. You gaze cast to your feet, unable to withstand his stare any longer. Two fingers lifted your chin, bringing your eyes back to his.
“You turn eighteen tomorrow. Have you thought of betrothal?” Bucky let out a sigh at your question. Marriage is all he thought of.
“I do not wish to be betrothed immediately.” His fingers trailed down your arm, threading his fingers through yours. Pulling your body to his with his opposite arm wrapped around your waist, he basked in the feeling.
“I do not wish for things to change.” You peered up at him through your lashes, not wanting things to change either. After twisting your head around to search for any intruders, you leaned forward. Resting your head on his chest, ear pressed to the flesh above his heart, listening to the steady rhythm.
In moments like this, you could pretend. Pretend that you would be able to be with Bucky. Pretend that you were worthy of his love. Pretend that he could love you back without the backlash of the kingdom. Although that could never happen.
So you settled.
For these little moments.
Under the candlelight with the man of your dreams. Love was something your mother spoke sparingly about. Her own husband, your father, left her when she fell pregnant with you, leaving her to brave the world on her own. You never questioned the lack of a father figure in your life, Bucky’s father becoming quite influential on your life.
You remember being young, hiding behind your mother’s skirts as she introduced you to King George. He knelt before you, offering you his hand to shake. He was a kind man, who had created a kind kingdom. Unfortunately, kind men are not long for this world.
His death rocked Bucky. Many nights Bucky spent in your bed, nightmares plaguing his dreams. He was unprepared to take on the role of King, ultimately allowing his mother to be his proxy until he was of age. Now that day was upon you.
“How do you feel about tomorrow, Your Highness?” Bucky’s face scrunched, disliking the term in your voice.
“Confident. I finally feel like I’m ready to take on the responsibility.” You smiled into his chest, proud of the man he’s become. “How do you feel about tomorrow?” His brow raised, waiting for you to answer.
“Proud. I’m proud of you.” You know he didn’t need to hear it from you, but it was how you felt. You weren’t about to tell him that you were terrified, terrified that he was going to forget you once he took on his kingly duties.
He danced with you a bit longer, spinning your body around his, pulling laughter from your lips. Bucky always loved hearing you laugh, always loved being the reason that you were laughing. He wanted to be the only one to make you laugh.
“Are you nervous at all?” The question weighed heavily in the air, not receiving an answer for quite some time. Bucky’s chin tilted down, observing your head on his chest, resting above the heart that beats for you only.
“At times, but I know that I have people to turn to when I need help.” His hand squeezed your waist causing you to lock eyes with him. He watched as your lips parted, quick breaths escaping the gap created there.
Bucky wondered what it would be like to kiss those lips. Would you squeal in shock? Would you return the motions immediately, or would you be too taken aback to do anything? Would you reject his love completely? Would you accept him for all that he is and will become?
God, he hoped so.
Unconsciously, he began leaning forward, preparing to press his lips to yours. Ready to consume you and everything you would give to him. The world around the both of you fell away. The candles floating above you, dimming as you focused on the man in front of you. The sparkle of the silver and gold steadily scattered as Bucky decreased the distance between the two of you.
“Buck.”
The room stilled. Emotions fluttering about, your stomach doing somersaults. Your eyes widened at the compromising position you were in with the Crown Prince. Bucky didn’t waver though, his grip on your waist only tightening, pulling you closer to his body.
“Steve?” He held you to his front, the pajamas you wore being a bit too sheer for him to be comfortable Steve catching an eyeful of.
“There’s news from the border.” The comment seemed to snap Bucky out of his trance, bringing reality crashing down around him. His eyes searched yours, waiting for permission that it was okay to leave you. An almost imperceptible nod let Bucky know.
“What is it?” He turned, placing your body behind his, one arm still holding you to him.
“Rumlow.” You watched as Bucky’s jaw twitched, his fingers tightening on your waist, almost enough to leave bruises. “Apparently, he got an invite.”
“Okay, I’ll deal with it tomorrow. You’re dismissed.” Steve left the room, leaving you and Bucky with a tense air. You grabbed his hand, offering the little bit of comfort you could. “Stay away from Brock Rumlow tomorrow.” You were startled, Bucky had never explicitly told you to avoid people before.
“Is there a reason?” A shiver ran down your spine at the possibilities, not liking any of the ones that ran through your mind immediately.
“Not particularly, I just don’t trust him.” Bucky cast a glance over your head, squeezing your hand once. He led you back to your room, pushing open the door and ushering you inside.
You were one of the luckier servants, a favorite of the royal family, meaning you got your own quarters. A small room, one table with a single candle on the top. Your bed was big enough for one person, though Bucky often made it fit two. When you were younger, it was common for the pair of you to fall asleep in the same bed. Now though, the action was frowned upon, so when Bucky wanted to be near you he had to sneak around his own kingdom.
The fireplace was unlit, making the room quite chilly. You crossed your arms over your chest, but not before Bucky caught a glimpse of your hardened peaks underneath the thin fabric. Shaking the image from his head, he made a note to provide the servants with warmer clothes. He stepped toward you, leaning his forehead against yours.
“Sei il mio capolavoro.” You pulled back from him, eyes wide in wonder. He knew you liked it when he spoke in foriegn languages. Your limited knowledge of other lands expanded every time he did so.
“What’s that mean?” Bucky shook his head, pulling a face again. He pressed a kiss to your forehead, an action your mother had passed on to the both of you.
“Nothing important.” Another peck landed before he pulled away, squeezing your hand as he did. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” my masterpiece, he finished the sentiment in his head.
“See you tomorrow, Your Highness.”
“Ugh, no. I don’t like it.” He teased, making you giggle loudly. He pressed a finger to his lips as he slipped out of the room. Sleep came easily, bearing images of your ideal future, the fictional one, the one where you could end up with Bucky.
The next day though started out with a bang. You rose to the Queen’s room, being her personal servant for the past couple of years. You greeted the guards on shift outside her room, a precaution that Bucky put into place after his Father died. Knocking twice, you waited to be summoned inside.
“Y/N!” Her words were soft and warm, much like your mother’s were. “How are we to get through the day, girl?” You smiled at her, the daily affirmation she implemented years ago.
“With dignity and grace, Your Highness.” You bowed slightly as you spoke, pulling the fabric of your skirt out the sides in a curtsey.
“Oh pish posh, quit with the formalities, dear one.” You smiled at her, walking over to brush out her hair. “Well,” she peered at you curiously through the mirror before her. “Did he show you?” You smile at the thought of last night. Bucky looked so regal in that lighting, although perhaps it wasn’t as hard for the Crown Prince.
“If you’re talking about the Great Hall, then yes. He showed me last night.”
Winnifred turned in her chair, yanking the brush from your hands. “Tell me everything.”
You always thought it curious that his mother was supportive of your crush on Bucky. Shouldn’t she want him to be with another royal? Form an alliance with another country? She tugged your skirt toward the chair beside her, waiting for you to accept that, in this right, you were her equal.
“Okay, okay.” You giggled as you sat, leaning forward on your thighs, your weight on your forearms. “He brought me late at night, showed me and we danced. Not much happened.”
“Poppycock!” Your jaw dropped at her vulgarity. “Tell me the dirty details!”
“He’s your son!”
“I’m an old woman. Let me live vicariously through you.” You huffed, taking the brush from her grasp to start pulling her hair back.
“Old woman! As if you don’t have more fun in these halls than all of us combined.” She laughed at that, still staring intently at you through the mirror.
“Are you going to spill the beans or not? Should I ask James about last night? I’m sure he’s more than willing to tell his dear mother everything.”
You groaned, “My Lord, fine woman!” Your hands dropped, settling back into the seat beside her. “There was almost a kiss.”
She squealed next to you, her hands coming up to her mouth right afterward. “Excuse me, continue.”
“At least, I think it was a kiss. I don’t know, I've never been kissed before!”
“Why was it an ’almost kiss?’ Your mouth drew into a tight line.
“Well, Steve came in talking about trouble at the border. Some man named Rumlow?” Her face morphed, seriousness overtaking her features.
She gripped your hands that rested in your lap. “You stay away from that man. I don’t know how he got invited, but I don’t trust him.”
Your head tilted to the left, “Buck said the same thing last night. Did he do something to make the both of you not trust him?”
“He just doesn’t sit well with the rest of the Court. Avoid him at all costs.” You nodded rapidly, trying to let the worry wash over your back.
A few hours later, you follow Winnifred to the Great Hall. The room seemed more open in the daylight, the large windows lining the walls allowing daylight to stream in. Several of your companions bustled about, warm pleasantries were exchanged.
“My Queen.” Steve stood in front of Bucky’s mother, bowing slightly in her presence. “Y/N.” It wasn’t unusual for Steve to address you in public, but it was a rare occurrence. “Bucky requests that you join him in the front courtyard to greet guests.”
“Oh!” The Queen raised her hands in joy, “Absolutely, we’ll be right out there!” She began the trek to the front of the castle, Steve walking beside her with you trailing behind.
“Your Highness? Should I go help finish the preparations in the Great Hall?” Bucky’s mother started to answer when Steve gripped her wrist.
“Actually, Buck asked for the both of you to be present.”
“Of course he did! Also, what would I do without you by my side? I’d be lost without you!” She grabbed your hand, pulling you along with her as she followed Steve. “Who are you kidding? You know you want to see James, as well.” Her words were hushed as she leaned over to you. Much like her son, the Queen wasn’t scared to show her affection for you, she had no reason to be.
The sunlight beamed down on your face, warming your cheeks. Bucky’s birthday fell just before the beginning of spring, so there was still a slight breeze that kept you from unladylike sweating, as your mother said.
Your head tilted backwards, exposing your neck to the warmth that the sunbeams were providing. During this action, you missed the way that Bucky’s eyes ran over your figure. His thoughts becoming less than virtuous by the second. His gaze ran over the bare skin, following the path of a bead of sweat down to your collarbone, calling his eyes to the rise of your breasts in your minimal corset. A sharp thud against his shoulder pulled him from his trance, Steve making a face at him as a carriage approached.
“May I present Sharon Carter-Rumlow, Daughter of Baron Rumlow, accompanied by Baron Rumlow himself.” A stocky brunet steps out of the carriage, turning to hold his hand out for his daughter. Sharon emerged, her heeled foot glistening in the sunlight.
Her dress was relatively simple, you would’ve imagined her to arrive in something flashier. She was always trying to catch Bucky’s eye, her not-so-subtle interest in the Crown Prince always on display. Although, the more of her dress was revealed, the more that you understood why she wore it.
The dress itself was an immediate ivory, a sheer overlay brandishing gold embroidery. The design framed her waist, accentuating her curves. She held her hand out for Bucky to take, curtseying slightly afterwards.
“Oh, James, darling! Happy birthday, Your Highness!” Sharon leaned forward, gripping his hand as she kissed both of his cheeks. Bucky visibly stiffened at her contact, her voice was too sickly sweet, making him want to drag you away before it reached your perfect ears.
“Thank you, Sharon.” He dipped his head slightly, recognizing royalty. “Lovely dress.”
“Oh, isn’t it? I had it specially made by the finest seamstresses in all of Paris, all for you.” Her finger bounced off the tip of his nose, Steve had to stifle a snort beside Bucky, which only drew Sharon’s attention to the man. “Steven! How wonderful to see you again!” She leaned forward again, kissing both of his cheeks. “Oh! Such dolls! The both of you!”
Brock’s hand came up to her lower back, guiding her forward. “Come on, sweetheart, let’s not hold up the soon-to-be King, I’m sure he’s very busy.” His words were insincere, but his action of taking Sharon away from the group was heaven sent.
“Oh! James! You even hand selected a handmaiden for me, how genuine of you!” She turned to you. “Just grab the bags from the carriage and bring them to my room. If I find a single scratch on any of them, you’ll be hearing from my Father.”
“Oh, uh,” You hesitated before moving, standing behind your Queen’s skirts.
“Well? Chop chop!”
Winnie stopped your reluctant movement with a wave of her arm. “Y/N is not here to assist you, Sharon.” Bucky’s voice carried from across the courtyard, causing Sharon to frown.
“Well, what is she here for then?” The words came out in a sneer, making you cower back into your skin.
“Y/N is one of my closest companions, I requested her attendance at this affair. Do you have a problem with a decision I made in my own court?” Sharon was taken aback by Bucky’s abruptness, not used to not getting her way.
“No, Your Highness.” Her voice was vindictive, facial expression to match when she faced you. Baron Rumlow led her away, staring you down as he passed you. His eyes ran over your body, making an uncomfortable chill fall over your figure. Bucky approached you, his large hands running up and down your biceps comfortingly.
“I’m sorry about her.” His lips pressed to your ear, words coming in hushed whispers. “It’s only two days and then she’s gone.” One of his hands wrapped around the back of your neck, pulling your forehead to his mouth, planting a small kiss there before retreating quickly.
“Come on, Y/N. We have better things to do than sit in the hot sun all day cooking like chickens!” Winnifred called out to you from the shade of the brick awning. She led you through the halls, back to her room where she closed the door and began ranting.
“Oh! Did you see her? That little tart!” She started undoing the pins in her hair, pulling pieces out and shaking her hair loose. “Showing up here in practically a wedding dress! Who does she think she is?”
“Probably thinks that she’s Bucky’s soon-to-be betrothed.” You picked at your nails as Winnie paced the floor in front of her fireplace. She unceremoniously flopped her weight onto the chaise lounge near her desk.
“Boy, won’t she be surprised?” The words were muffled, spoken through closed fingers as Winnie cupped her chin. You walked forward, the meager skirt of your dress billowing around your movements. Winnie watched as you flitted about her room, tidying different parts of the expansive space.
She understood what her son saw in you. Winnie saw it in you as well. She watched the both of you grow up. Playing together, picking each other up when the other was down. Years ago, she would’ve never guessed the two ragamuffins that ran in through the downstairs kitchen, covered in mud, would grow into two of the most capable persons she would ever come to know.
“Winnie, what is all this?” You stood behind her desk, organizing the papers scattered across the surface. The woman glanced up, unimpressed with your discovery.
“Financial papers, different investments of the Crown. Just a few things that I had to finalize before James accepted the kingship.” She watched as your eyes widened, shuffling the papers back into a pile without focusing on any one in particular.
“Why didn’t you tell me? I would’ve left your desk alone!” Your voice was rushed, worry lacing the words.
“Oh who cares? I’m the one who declares what qualifies as treasonous. You haven’t committed any acts against the Crown.” She waved off your worries, making you shake your head. “Oh! That’s another thing!”
“What is?” You settled on the hard floor beside the edge of her chair.
“Sharon! The little seductress!” A small smile spread over your features at Winnie’s frustrations. You felt the same way about Sharon, she overstepped too many boundaries already set in place, simply because she was a royal. “Calling Bucky James as if she has the right! Ha!”
“I don’t even call him that.” Your comment flew out before you could consider if it was valid or not. The room fell quiet, the fire popping in behind you offering a soothing background noise. “Winnie?”
“Hm?”
“Was the man you and Bucky told me to stay away from with Sharon?”
“Yes.” Winnie’s hands became very interesting to her, “I am very serious about you staying away from him.”
“Are you ever going to tell me why?” Winnie sighed, pushing her hair behind her shoulder.
“There really isn’t much to tell, dear girl. We just have never been presented with a reason to trust him.”
“But he has given you cause for distrust?”
“Well of course he has.” Her voice spiked, “And then add on top of that the marriage to Sharon’s mother to achieve the status of Baron. He just, is an odd man.”
“Hm, I did get a strange energy from him when he stared at me.”
“When did he stare at you?” Winnie was put off by this new information.
“Win, you were right next to me!”
“Oh, that doesn’t mean I was paying attention.” She waved her hand again, dismissing the sentiment. “Just stay away from him, and stick by my side tonight.”
You were about to question the warning again when the door to her room burst open, the guards on shift rushing in after the intruder. You threw yourself in front of Winnie, standing in the line of fire. The tension in the room dissipated as quickly as it grew as the nuisance was identified as one Sharon Carter-Rumlow.
“Winnifred!” She held her hands out as if waiting for Winnie to hug her. She dropped them unceremoniously when Winnie made no move toward her. “Your guards said you were busy, but I don’t see anyone important here.”
Sharon’s eyes locked with your figure standing in front of the Queen. Your arm was still in front of Winnie, weary of a threat. Your knuckles popped as you formed a fist, about to snap back when Winnie’s fingers wrapped around your wrist.
“Oh Sharon, although you’re clearly mistaken, I am busy. However I will make time for a wonderful guest such as you. Y/N, darling, will you go fetch James? We need to discuss some last minute details for the party.” You could tell Win was giving you an out, one you were gladly going to accept.
“Of course, my Queen.”
You curtseyed for her, excusing yourself from the room immediately afterward. The two guards trailed you out of the Queen’s private bedroom, grumbling under their breath about Sharon’s behavior.
“She argued with us for at least five minutes before she just pushed past.”
“Why didn’t you stop her?”
“She showed with Baron Rumlow, right?” You nodded curious to the response. “Yeah, I’m not laying a hand on her. I refuse to end up like the last guy.”
“What happened to the last guy?”
“Nothin’ you need to worry about, Y/N.”
“Yeah, aren’t you supposed to be off findin’ Prince Bucky?”
“Last I heard he was in King George’s office.”
“God rest his soul.” “God rest his soul.”
You left the pair, mind racing about the Baron. Your feet carried you the familiar trek up to the King’s office. A pair of closed doors stood before you, causing a falter in your step as you admired the ornate markings chiseled into the wood. It was the story of Bucky’s family. George, sitting atop the throne, Winnie beside him in her own throne.
Interlocking hands linked the two, drawing your eyes up the carving to see Bucky’s somber face. This commission was done just a few weeks before George’s death on the battlefield. Bucky and Winnie never talk about it anymore, choosing to ignore the baroque design choice George made.
Your eyes tracked down the door, four initials carved at the bottom of the door. The vivid memory of Bucky taking one of his Father’s letter openers, almost as if you could still hear the scolding you received from King George. “I don’t understand why you thought that to be a good idea, James! And you, Y/N, you’re supposed to be the good influence.”
You and Bucky made eye contact, small smiles on your faces as you could tell he wasn’t truly angry with either of you. Your arm outstretched toward the brass handle on the door, only to have the damn thing swung open toward you. Stumbling backward, you prepared yourself for the impact of the stone floor. Instead, a pair of arms wrapped around your waist, a smile growing on your face as you stared at...not Bucky?
“Could have been quite a serious tumble there, Miss--?”
“Y/N!” Bucky came bumbling around the corner, to witness you in the arms of Baron Brock Rumlow. He pushed past Rumlow, to help set you on your feet. “Are you alright?” His hands ran over your face and down your body, checking for bumps and bruises. Subconsciously erasing the image of Rumlow’s hands on your figure.
“Oh! So this is the famous Y/N! I’ve heard so much about you, Miss Y/N.” Brock held his hand out for you to take, your eyes flicking to Bucky’s in question. You barely dipped your hand into the Baron’s when he yanked it to his lips, laying a sloppy kiss on the back of it. You grimaced, only to quickly fix your face before he could notice.
“I can’t say the sentiment is shared, Baron Rumlow.” You pulled your hand out of his grasp, wiping it on the back of your skirts.
“We’ll get to know each other well enough in due time, Y/N.” He turned back to Bucky, nodding at the man. “Always good to catch up, James. I’ll be seeing the both of you later on tonight, I hope?”
“Mm, of course. Goodbye now, Brock.” Bucky’s hand fell to the small of your back, leading you into the safety of the King’s office. The door shut loudly, allowing Bucky the privacy to groan obnoxiously. “Ugh, Y/N. What cruel person would name their child Brock?”
“I don’t know, Bucky.” You giggled as he glared at you.
“To what do I owe the pleasure, Y/N?” Her finger dragged along the surface of King George’s desk. A layer of dust sticking to the pad of it, making her frown.
“Your mother sent me. Mostly to get me out of having to spend time with Sharon, but also because she wants to go over some details about tonight with you.”
“Mhm, of course.” Bucky sat back in the chair behind the desk, hand coming up to his jaw, stroking the stubble that had started appearing. He held his hand out, gesturing for you to come closer.
“What? What do you want now?” Once you were within arms reach of him, he pulled you into his lap. Your legs curled to the side, skirt falling over the both of you at the abrupt motion. His eyes ran over your face, searching for something.
“You know,” your elbow came up to rest on his shoulder as his hands drifted to hold you, one on your waist, the other on the excessive fabric covering your thighs. “Sharon’s probably the reason why the Baron received an invitation, if you didn’t send one out to him.”
“You’re probably right, though the damage is done now.” His fingers came up to brush a stray piece of hair from your face. His eyes searched your face again, lingering slightly too long on your lips.
“You should probably go rescue your mother from Sharon.” Your voice was soft, no need to shout when you were so close to him. You thought you saw him begin to lean closer. Your head reacting accordingly, hitting slightly too hard against your chest. He felt your breathing quicken, listening to the nerves rush through your system. The door swung open, Rumlow waltzing in, unannounced.
“So sorry, James, it seems I left my, oh?” His eyes landed on your position, Bucky’s hands tightening his hold on your body. “I’m sorry, was I interrupting something?” Rumlow’s tone was accusatory.
Bucky’s fingers tapped twice against your waist, helping you to your feet. He placed himself in front of you as you situated your skirts. The fabric wrinkled in some places from the way they were squished.
“No, you’re not interrupting anything, Rumlow.”
“Oh good, I would have hated to have been interrupting something with you and your Mistress.” Your jaw fell at his words, is that what it looked like you were to Bucky? His Mistress? Something to pass the time until he’s married? Oh, no.
“You can meet your mother in the Great Hall whenever you’re ready, Your Highness.” The formality slipped past your lips, sounding like the world’s harshest insult to Bucky’s ears. He watched, helplessly, as you forced your way past the two men, head bowed in shame. Bucky’s fury settled on the man before him. His closed fists rest on his Father’s desk, jaw twitching with emotion.
“Is there something I can help you with, Rumlow?” He rounded the table as the Baron began explaining something wildly unimportant to Bucky. All Bucky could think of was the way you said your highness with your head down. He stood in front of Rumlow, towering over the man by a few, good inches.
A quick jab to Rumlow’s lapel brought Bucky great satisfaction. He yanked the shorter man back to his body by the fabric of his shirt. “If you ever, and I mean ever, insinuate something like that about my Y/N again, I will personally be the only to remove your head from your body.” He released the man, his feet landing on the ground harshly. Rumlow’s expression was unimpressed, both hands coming up to swipe away the imaginary dirt Bucky left behind on his shirt.
“I didn’t realize whores were able to command such power here.” Bucky started to advance, when Rumlow held up a finger. “Bup, bup, bup, wouldn’t want to harm one of your more esteemed guests, now would you, King James?”
Brock backed away with raised hands, a mock surrender. He left the King’s office, Bucky following his movement down the hall. What a dick.
All the way across the castle, you stood behind the Queen, mind racing as she chatted politely with incoming guests.
“Y/N, where is James? I thought you were going to come back with him?”
“His Highness was in a meeting, my Queen. He will be arriving as soon as it is convenient for him.” Her face twisted at your use of Bucky’s royal title, something you both knew he despised.
“Y/N, dear girl, is something wrong?” You waved off her question, remaining silent behind her, head held high. You were determined to not let the Baron’s comment from earlier affect you, though it seems you were failing. A few tears slipped out the corner of your eye, quickly swiped away with the back of your hand.
“My Queen, may I be excused for a few moments to collect myself?” Winnie nodded, noticing the sorrow lacing your tone, your voice quivering slightly.
“Of course, dear girl. Go to my chambers, I will be there shortly to prepare for tonight.” You walked away, pace just under running so as to not draw attention to yourself.
As you approached, you noticed the guards were not at their posts. Which, while not entirely suspicious, was something to be questioned. You slowed, pushing on the handle of the door, hinges squealing slightly as they ground against each other. Inside, you found Sharon sifting through the papers on the Queen’s desk.
“Can I help you find something, Lady Sharon?” You stood beside the door, hands folded in front of you. Sharon’s head snapped to the new voice.
“Oh, it’s just you.”
“Can I ask what you’re looking for? While Queen Winnifred is not here?” Sharon straightened her back, quirking a brow at you. Her eyes ran over your figure, unimpressed with what she saw.
“I’ll never understand what he sees in you.” She walked forward, preparing to leave the room. She stopped beside you, leaning over to your ear, whispering her next words.“It must be the spread legs he admires so much.” You steeled yourself as she left, not giving her the satisfaction of seeing you cry at the suggestion.
“Brock told me what he saw earlier.” She gasped, “In the King’s office, have you no shame, whore?”
“Why are you so interested in my life? I’m just a servant.” You turned to her, unable to take the abuse without fighting back. “Unless, you’re jealous. But surely that can’t be it, can it?”
“You watch your tone, girl.” Her body whipped around to yours, a finger pointed in your face. “I have more pull here than you do, so you’d do well to speak to me with some respect.”
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, Bucky is not interested in you.” She laughed.
“Oh, you naive girl. He doesn’t have to be interested, I have connections, land, influence in other places. I am his opportunity to expand his kingdom, his Father’s kingdom.” She circled you as she spoke, her voice directed downwards. “What can you give him? Food in the morning? A message from dear old Mum?”
She halted her movement directly before you, leaning down to level her face with yours. Sharon straightened her back again, rising to her full height in her heels. She pushed past you, knocking her shoulders with yours as she left. Pausing briefly, she left you with.
“I will be your new Queen, so you will have to submit to me, you’d best learn some manners by then or… Well, why ruin the surprise?”
“Hey, Y/N!” Steve’s voice rang out from the opposite end of the hallway, his quick pace bouncing off the stone walls. He paused, noticing the proximity of Sharon and you. “Everything okay here, ladies?” His eyes flicked to yours, unshed tears gathered at your waterline.
“Of course! Just girls being girls, you know? Throwing around some castle gossip, isn’t that right, Y/N?” Her elbow jabbed your side, making you wince as you nodded.
“Alright, well, Y/N. Bucky wants you in the Great Hall.”
“Did he say why?” Your voice was rough, grating against all the unspoken words you wish you could shout at Sharon.
“I don’t know, he didn’t say.”
“Oh, well then I’ll go. He’s probably just going to send her looking for me.” Sharon weaved her arm into Steve’s. “Lead the way, Sir Rogers.” Steve’s brows furrowed, disappointment lacing his features. “Well, are you taking me to him, or not?”
“Uh, I mean, he only asked for Y/N.”
“It’s fine Steve.” You interjected, “I need to get the Queen’s dress ready for tonight, anyway. He probably was going to ask me to look for Sharon anyway. Just go.” You walked away from the pair, those unshed tears tracking down your cheeks.
Bucky was confused when Steve returned with Sharon on his arm and not you. The gold of her dress glittering in the growing candlelight of the room. Steve leads Sharon to Bucky, before dismissing himself without a word.
“James, doll!” Sharon’s voice dripped with false kindness, making a sour taste emerge in the back of his throat as he digested the words. “Steve said you needed me?”
“No.” Bucky turned away from her, not willing to give her more attention than she deserved.
“Excuse me, James?” Oh now she was offended? Bucky rolled his eyes, searching the crowd for his mother, only to remember she just left to get ready for the party.
“I didn’t ask for Steve to fetch you. I wanted him to bring Y/N to me.”
“That servant from this morning?” Bucky’s jaw twitched, how many times could these people get on his nerves in one day? He’d rather not learn the answer.
“You should walk away from me now.” It was rare that Bucky’s voice ever sounded menacing, which is why Sharon visibly shrunk. He stepped toward her, invading her personal space, causing her to lean away from him. “Get out of my sight.”
The woman hesitated, her heels clicking against the stone flooring. Her hands, which remained at her sides, began switching between fists and open palms. When she didn’t make a move to leave, Bucky continued.
“Y/N is more important to me than you ever will be. Then you could ever dream to be. Just know, the next time you disrespect my Y/N, you and all your people will be removed from my kingdom. Do you understand, Lady Sharon?”
“Yes, James. I understand.” She gathered her skirt, rushing away from Bucky’s fuming figure. By the time that Steve got back to him, Bucky was seething.
“Is there a reason you didn’t bring Y/N to me like I asked you to?”
“It wasn’t my choice, Buck.” Steve remained calm, not riling up his long-time best friend and Crown Prince. “Y/N didn’t want to come. I think Sharon must’ve said something to her.”
Bucky’s head fell into his hands, a long sigh leaving his lips. He started mumbling under his breath. There was no way that he was going to see Sharon until tonight, and if you didn’t come when he requested your company, then you definitely didn’t want to see him.
The Queen’s door pushed open, Winnie’s laughter filling the room. She stood in front of a tri-folded mirror, admiring the dress that she had tailored for the night. It was a deep red, with a sheer, red fabric covering the shoulders and arms. A low V cut the front of the dress, bringing the eyes down to the silky skirt.
“You look absolutely stunning, Winnie.” You stood behind her, your hands covering your gaping mouth.
“Oh, thank you, dear girl.” She began clipping on her necklace, a delicate gold chain to follow the colors of the Great Hall. Three knocks hit against her door, alerting the people inside.
“Come in!” Winnie nodded to you, waiting for you to accept the package that Steve was holding. “It came just in time! Hang it up over there, dear girl!” You followed her finger, undoing the buttons on the package.
“If everyone would please leave the room.” You glanced at the Queen, waiting for her word. “Steve, go keep James occupied.” She squeezed his arm with a wicked smile.
“My pleasure, Win.” His eyes flicked to your figure, examining the hanging package. “He thought it best to not come himself.” Winnie understood, shooing Steve out of the room quickly afterward.
“Alright, dear girl. Open it up!” You were confused.
“Winnie, you’re already dressed for the party tonight. What is this extra dress for?” She looked at you expectantly.
“Oh, dear girl, I thought you were clever. It’s for you!” Your jaw dropped, eyes going wide. You began stammering a refusal only to be stopped by Winnie’s hand. “No ma’am. This is coming straight from the big man himself.” You turned, the dress remaining on the rack behind you.
“Bucky did all this?” Winnie approached you, a somber smile covering her face.
“No, my dear child.” Her hand stroked your hair, “George did.” You swallowed, tears gathering in the corners of your eyes. Your fingers danced over the fabric, the embroidery, the elegant swirls and flowers of the bodice.
“Why would he do that?” Your gaze never leaves the dress before you.
“He knew you were special. He knew you would always be special.” Her hands ran over your shoulders, squeezing tightly twice. “I think,” a pause as she prevented her own tears, “I think he knew what an important part of James’ life you were, even when you were little.”
“But,”
“No buts, dear girl.” She turned you to face her, hands holding your face in her palms. “Just accept that, for tonight, you are a royal.” You both took a deep breath. “Okay, let’s get you in this dress!”
Bucky stood near the thrones of the Great Hall. A glass full of wine in his hand, slow sips passed his lips occasionally, though he wasn’t terribly interested in drinking at the moment. He really just wanted to talk to you, but he respected your want of space.
“Now why isn’t the Crown Prince mingling with his guests, I wonder?” Rumlow appeared beside Bucky, taking long sips of his wine, which was clearly inebriating him to the point of bravery. “He couldn’t possibly still be hung up about that servant whore, now could he?”
Bucky twisted to him, only to have his Mother catch his eye. A knowing look on her face as she shook her head. Bucky rolled his eyes, not giving Rumlow the reaction he hoped for. In return, Rumlow went away, apparently the alcohol not dumbing him down that far. He turned back to the thrones, wishing his Father was here to see him.
“He’d be proud of you.” Your voice sounded from his left side, a smile dragging across his face at your existence.
Bucky turned to face you, almost dropping his wine glass at the sight of you. You always looked beautiful, but for some reason, you looked like a proper royal. You wore a black dress with a subtle design on the fabric. His eyes ran over your bare shoulders, landing on the bodice, decorated with gold and silver flowers and leaves. The sleeves of the dress lined with the neckline that lay over your breasts.
“Y/N.” He finally made eye contact with your smirking face, a deep blush running up his neck. He set his glass down, wrapping both arms around your waist in a hug. “I’m so glad you’re here. I was worried that you wouldn’t come because of earlier.” You looked at the floor, shame hanging over your shoulders.
It was then that Bucky saw you wearing a crown. A simple gold band that peaked three times, with another band of gold through the middle. The image of you in a crown, as a royal, as his royal, seared itself into his brain. And now he wanted nothing more than to make it a reality.
“I would like to apologize about earlier.” Your fingers wrapped around the signet ring Winnie had given you to wear.
“You don’t have to, Y/N. And you don’t have to explain. You aren’t obligated to obey my every command.” You gave him a blank stare, making him laugh for the first time that night.
“Yeah, right, just listen to me, you jerk.” The people around you gasped when you insulted Bucky. You turned to face them, growing annoyed with the royals, and the poshness of it all. “You wouldn’t have that problem if you stopped listening in on the Prince’s conversations. Keep your gasps and ears to yourselves.”
Bucky’s face was priceless, he’s been wanting to do that all night, and here you come, to his rescue. “As I was saying, there was just some stuff that was presented to me and I needed to sort through it and decide how I felt about it.” He watched your mouth move, the words coming out of it not quite processing.
“So, the solution I came up with is this. I found out that I have an Aunt in Scotland. I’m going to go live with her.” Bucky froze. All of his ability to process anything was completely shot at your decision.
“Wait, what? Y/N, you can’t be serious.” You shook your head, as he reached for your hands.
“No, Bucky. You can’t change my mind.” Your voice started shaking, the decision to leave weighing heavy on your heart. “I can’t be that. I won’t let myself end up your Mistress when you’re married to Sharon. I wouldn’t survive it, so I’m leaving.”
“Wait, wait, wait. Y/N!” His hand wrapped around your wrist as you walked away. He finally managed to stop you in the middle of the dance floor, noticing the silent tears running down your face. Your expression pleading with him to not argue with you. “One last dance, and let me make my case. Please.” You relented, allowing Bucky to pull your body to his.
The room stilled, watching as the Crown Prince took his partner for the night. The music floating through the throngs of spectators. You felt the hairs rise on the back of your neck, not completely enjoying the way that everyone was staring at you.
Instead, you focused on Bucky.
Your sweet Bucky.
The Bucky you’re leaving. Another tear drips onto your chest from your chin.
Bucky’s finger wipes away the stain against your cheek. His hands trailing your arms to place them where they needed to be for the dance. To any outsider, this would look to be an overly sensual version of the dance. But, to you and Bucky, it was one of sorrow. Bucky’s stomach was dropping with every second, mind reeling on how he could convince you to stay. Heart racing at the possibility of being King without you by his side.
“I’m not quite sure what you meant earlier.” His hand fell to your waist, pulling your body to his for what could be the last time. His thumb rubbed small circles on the fabric of your dress, even knowing you most likely couldn’t feel it.
“I’m leaving, Bucky.”
“Not that part.” He leaned forward, his forehead to yours. “Why would you be my Mistress? Who am I marrying?” Your head dipped, a tear-soaked deep inhale accompanying the motion.
“Sharon.” Your watery eyes met Bucky’s confused ones.
“When did I propose?” You groaned, forehead hitting against his chest.
“Oh, Bucky! You haven’t yet, but you will.” You pushed off, breaking from his hold and rushing out of the Hall. He stood for a second processing your logic, before taking off after you.
“There the Crown Prince goes again! Chasing after the servant whore.” Bucky stalled, strutting toward Rumlow. A quick punch to the left side of his face caused him to stumble backward into a group of people.
“James!” He distantly heard his mother call out for him, but what he felt was a fist connecting with the right side of his stomach.
An all out brawl began between Bucky and Rumlow. Steve went to assist Bucky when two more joined Rumlow’s side, but he was quickly stopped by Bucky’s raised hand.
“No, Steve. I’ve got some frustrations that I need to work out.” His voice was back to the menacing low tone of before. He landed a hit on the two newcomers, making them fall backward.
“All this for a whore? Not very Kingly of you, James!” Rumlow sneered as his foot connected with the back of Bucky’s legs, bringin the Crown Prince to his knees. Bucky leaned forward, his thighs spread against the floor as Rumlow circled him.
“This is your King?” He addressed the room at large, gesturing to the out of breath Bucky. “Willing to go down in a fight because of a servant whore?” He stood before Bucky, throwing another punch at his face, splitting his bottom lip.
When Brock drew back to land another punch, Bucky caught it. Twisting his arm behind his back, at a rather unflattering angle. Bucky forced his weight onto Rumlow’s body, slamming him into the floor. When Bucky drew to his full height, he faced his Court.
“I am your King!” He walked away from Rumlow, exiting the Hall. “And if anyone talks of their Queen as he did, you will end up like him.” Bucky pointed his finger at the unconscious body of Baron Brock Rumlow against the tile.
By the time he reached your quarters, Bucky was limping in pain. One hand clutching his side where he could feel the bruises beginning to form from Rumlow’s heeled boots. Bucky lifted his fist, pounding thrice on your door.
“Oh my God, Bucky!” He fell forward into your open arms, retaining just enough strength to not take the both of you to the ground. You led him to your vanity, leaning him up against the table, forcing his back upright.
You quickly filled a basin with water, taking a rag from your kitchen with you back to the man in your room. You stood between his spread legs, running the wet rag over his face. You ignored his eyes on your face as you cleaned him.
Knowing that you were occupied with caring for him, Bucky took the time to glaze over your figure again. You still wore the dress from before, the opaque black a nice contrast with your skin. He brought the material between his fingers, memorizing the feel of it.
You noticed Bucky’s hand running up the bodice of your dress. His nimble fingers traced the embroidery, stopping and starting with each different color. You glanced at his hands, noticing his knuckles were bloodied and swollen.
“I was gone for not even ten minutes and you’ve already gotten yourself into trouble.” Your head shook back and forth. “I don’t know what you’re going to do without me.”
“I hope I won’t have to find out.” Your eyes met his, the deep cerulean drawing you in. At this angle, your faces were even.
“I have to go, Bucky. I can’t live like you want me to.”
“You don’t know how I want you to live.”
“Yes, I do.”
“No, you don’t.”
“James. You’re going to marry for resources. Sharon has those to offer. She’s got land, and influence, and that damn dream that you have of expanding your kingdom in the name of your Father!” You back away from him, wringing the rag in your hands, ruining the front of your dress. “I can’t give you that! I know I can’t! And eventually, you’ll learn to love her. But I can’t let myself stay and watch it. I don’t know if I’ll survive it.”
Bucky’s hand wrapped around hand, pulling you back to him.
Back to where you belong.
Back to where you’ve always wanted to be.
“I’m not marrying her.” He let his hands drop to just under the curve of your ass. His hands slid upwards, the fabric coming with his movement, their final resting place on your waist.
“Royals marry for power.” His head shook, one of his hands cupping your cheek. Bucky’s thumb began tracing back and forth above your jaw, his other hand coming up to match.
His eyes flicked around your face, never lingering too long, until your lips. His attention split between your lips, the lips he so longed to taste, and your eyes, the ones he wished to dive deep into.
Finally, a decision was made. His left hand drifts to the back of your neck, dragging your face towards his. Your lips met, the metallic taste of blood leaking into your mouth.
Bucky’s tongue swiped at the seam of your lips, the intrusion was slowly accepted. His tongue weaving its way into your mouth, as you gasped for air. Bucky’s left hand threaded its fingers through your hair, pulling at the root of it.
You let out a small moan at the action, feeling Bucky’s lips curl into a smile because of the noise. As the kiss went on, you became bolder. Your hands landed on his thighs, though they quickly migrated to his cheeks. Mimicking his hands on your own body, you interlaced your fingers through his thick hair.
At some point, the both of you break apart. Relishing in the affection that has been building up for years. All the almost kisses, the near misses, leading to this moment. Bucky’s forehead met yours, lips pressing a quick kiss to yours.
“You are my power.”
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