#prince!bucky x reader

[marvelettesassemblenow]

The Swan Princess

Pairing: Bucky x female reader    

Summary: Fairytale AU based on the movie The Swan Princess – Bucky and you hate each other! Your kingdoms hope for a marriage between the two of you, but each summer you have to spend with in each others presence makes it worse – until his friends start to befriend you and he realizes you have more in common than he thought. But when he was ready to finally accept his feelings a curse hit you. 

Warnings: Reader is called Sunshine, maybe some stuff that isn’t accurate because I couldn’t decide on a time this would take place and switching POV’s 

Word Count:  ~7k

A/N: This is for Nika! I started it so long ago as I rewatched the movie I liked so much as a kid and I still loved the part when they were kids! Sadly my favorite part didn’t fit in, as Bucky wouldn’t offend you in 5 syllables or less. @intrepidacious

Once upon a time there were two kingdoms divided by a sea.  It wasn’t so long ago to be honest, but that’s just how fairytales start and this is the one of the swan princess. We’ll get to the part with the swan soon, but first we must start when she was just a little girl. 

Her parents had both passed and the kingdom was without a ruler until the princess was of age. Until then a council was ruling the kingdom on the island. The council often argued but there was one part everybody agreed on: They needed to bond with the kingdom of Shield. An arranged marriage would solve all their problems as Shield had an heir only one year older than the princess. The only problem was that the late king and queen had made sure that their daughter should only marry if she wished so and should have never had the pressure of an arranged marriage. And so the council came up with a plan that they proposed to Queen Winnifred of Shield, who immediately agreed. Both kingdoms would benefit from a joining and the plan was made that the princess and prince would spend each of their summers together to hopefully fall in love. 

They didn’t get discouraged when the princess and prince hated each other at age seven and eight. They were young kids and both thought the other gender was gross. Prince James even wiped his mouth after he was forced to kiss the young princess hand. „James, behave!“ the queen called him out. 

„But mom, girls are just gross,“ James said in a whiny voice and looked up to his mom. 

„You don’t think so about Natasha, right?“ His mom tried to point out, but his mind was made up. He wanted his summer spent with his two best friends Steven and Natascha – not being forced to entertain a stuck-up princess who had been apologizing repeatedly that there had been mud on her dress when she stepped outside the carriage. Natasha was covered in mud and didn’t complain! 

His only logical response was to tell his mother that Natasha didn’t count. She sighed, but didn’t force him anymore. They still had time and they were still kids. 

It didn’t get better the following summers. James, Steven and Natasha had been friends for years and spent all year together. You on the other hand didn’t have any friends. The council, maids and teachers raised you, so your childhood wasn’t really one for fun. You learned how to stitch and to sit properly at a table, so you were always lost when the three kids started games that you didn’t know and soon you rather sat with the maids and helped them stitching some flowers onto a tablecloth. 

It all came to a turning point when Samuel came along. He was the son of a new teacher and only a year younger than you – and he was your first friend. He played hide and seek with you and taught you that it was okay when the seam of your dress was dusty and that you could clean it. And soon your laughter was heard in the castle and you were smiling as you were finally having fun. Which gave you the nickname Sunshine from the guards and maids in the castle as you were still always politely greeting them and asking how they were, while sneaking them little treats – but now you were mostly smiling and happy while doing so. 

“Sunshine,“ James, who went by Bucky now, scoffed. “What kind of stupid nickname is this?“ He kicked a stone that was lying in front of him on the path and then even his supposed to be best friend had gone behind his back. “Hi Sunshine,“ he waved in the air with a stupid grin towards a tree and made gagging noises afterwards. No one was here to see him, but he had to get it off his chest. It was supposed to be Steve and him against you. Not you bringing a friend along who glared at him the whole time and Steve greeting you with a horrible nickname that wasn’t even fitting. And now he was stomping alone to his tree house while his traitor friend was making new friends and forgot all about the pact they both had made years ago to never befriend you. He hoped at least Natasha was still on his side. 

It turned out that Natasha wasn’t on his side as both her and Steve reminded him, they weren’t ten anymore and that you could all spend your time together. But Bucky watched how you joked around with the guards and the smile you got back made him roll his eyes. Why were you charming everyone? He had heard about the whispers how they hoped that there would be a marriage. But he was only 14, he shouldn’t even be thinking about stuff like that. And with you? No way! 

You on the other hand didn’t think your summers sucked anymore. Sam trained to be a guard and was accompanying you to your visits still and Steve and Natasha were nice and started to include you – even if it sometimes meant to exclude Bucky. Stupid nickname, you thought. And he was always especially mean when you played cards and he lost. But it wasn’t your fault when luck was on your side and that he had a tell when his cards weren’t as good as he pretended them to be. 

“We could go to the market tomorrow on your last day here,” Steve suggested when he shuffled the cards. Bucky wasn’t amused but in the end he agreed to go to – at least he could get one of the best peach pastries, that would make up for the day. And at least you were gone soon and he would have his friends to himself again. 

A carriage was taking the five of you to the market the next morning with four guards trailing along. They weren’t too keen to accompany the teens on an outing, but then you came and handed each of them a flower and thanking them for trailing along. One of them even put the stupid wildflower through his chain armor – which caused you to smile so brightly that Bucky finally understood why you got that nickname. 

People swarmed the young prince when they saw him and you snuck away with a guard and Sam by your side. A lovely smell pulled you towards a bakery. “Good morning,” you greeted the baker when you stepped inside the small building. 

There was only grunting as a response until the tall man turned around and spotted you. “Oh, excuse me. Good morning, princess. What can I get you?” 

“What can you recommend?” you ask and looked around. In response the baker held a finger up in the air, turned around and came back with a steaming plate in his hands. 

“These are the favorites of the prince. He loves them and gets them every time he comes by. I hope you’ll like them just as much. Maybe I can even provide them for your wedding, it would be such an honor.” 

That made your eyes grew wide. “What wedding?” you asked stunned, but Sam had already placed some coins on the counter and grabbed the plate. 

“Thank you for that, I’m sure we’ll enjoy them,” he said and pushed you towards the door while the guard just shook his head towards the baker. 

“What wedding, Sam?” you asked him in a quiet voice when you stepped outside and he was already tasting a small pie. 

“Oh yeah, well... they all hope that you and Bucky will marry,” he picked a crumb from the corner of his mouth with his tongue. “As if you couldn’t get someone better and not as brooding. What about Steve? I could see that, I think?” He was quiet after that and you pushed the half-eaten pie in his face. You could hear a chuckle behind you. 

“Stop talking nonsense,” you said and grabbed the plate from him. You shared them equally with the others and Bucky was surprised that you even handed him one and that you got his favorite.  

-x- 

“What are you reading?” Bucky let himself fall into the seat next to Natasha. He just came from lessons and a meeting and he was tired. 

“A letter from Sunshine,” his friend replied casually, but Bucky peaked up. 

“You exchange letters?” he asked confused and was more awake. 

“We have for three years now,” Natasha confirmed. “Mostly we write about what a dumbass you are.” 

“Haha,” Bucky replied, but he wasn’t so sure she was really joking. He hadn’t been the friendliest towards you, even though you had tried. 

“Other than that, she’s really nice. And lonely, Bucky. She’s living on an island without her parents. Her only friend there is Sam and her whole childhood was constantly pushing her into being a queen. She’s 17 now and the only times she was outside of her kingdom was here and let’s be honest, we weren’t friendly with her at the beginning. It’s only two months until she’ll come again, just try to not be as annoyed, will you?” 

“I’m not really that annoyed with her anymore to be honest. It’s just that people expect that we’ll marry each other. They watch like a hawk how we’re acting and it’s,” his voice turned quieter at the end until he stopped himself. 

“I get it,” she said and pushed her elbow into his side. “Maybe you should write to her about it. If there is one person who’ll understand how you feel it's her. Just clear the air and maybe you’ll be friends. You don’t have to marry her, you know? And before you say that it's expected from you and that both kingdoms could benefit from it... Be Bucky first and future king later. Just try to talk to her normally, you’ll see she’s nice.” 

“I’ll think about it. After dinner,” he added when his stomach let out a loud growl. 

In the end Bucky did send you a letter. And you replied, which motivated him to write a response and you both agreed to just try to be civil towards each other. You also both started to talk about the pressure both of you felt and with the hushes of whispers of a marriage that was following you when you were walking through the halls. 

Bucky was looking forward to see you this time, because it seemed like you just got him. And so he was smiling when he stood in front of the castle, next to his mother and best friends and saw the carriage on the horizon. 

“Are you smiling?” Steve teased his friend quietly, but the queen still heard and was beaming. 

Sam was the one helping you out of the carriage and maybe that was a good thing because you knocked the breath out of the prince. It had been nine months since he last saw you and maybe it was because he had never really looked at you before or maybe it was because he now knew a little bit more of you, but you were beautiful. And when you smiled at Natasha who beat him to greet you, he decided that from that moment on he would call you Sunshine too. Steve came next and then his mother nudged him so he would finally come forwards and greet you. 

He wanted to greet you with your title, he really did, but when he kissed your hand for the first time and wasn’t grossed out by it or the idea of standing near you, your nickname slipped his lips as a greeting. 

“It’s good to see you, Bucky,” you replied and he held your hand when he guided you towards his mother where you could greet the queen. 

“Do you want to lie down after your travel?” he asked you, but you denied and so it was decided that you would all gather for tea in the green house. He knew it was one of your favorite places as Steve had told him so. It was something you didn’t have at home. Bucky offered his arm and you accepted with your friends and guards following behind you. 

“What is happening?” Sam asked Natasha and Steve, not believing his eyes. But that was only the beginning and when the second month of your visit was coming around no one was batting an eye seeing you and Bucky arm in arm anymore. Instead, the whispers weren’t whispers anymore and they were openly asking you when the wedding would be. But no one of you even bothered to reply to that. 

“Since when do you like that brat?” Sam asked, referring to Bucky the name you had given him when you were younger. 

“Since I noticed he isn’t really a brat,” you replied and tugged Sam along on your way through the garden. “We were kids, we aren’t anymore and I kind of like him now. He kind of gets me in a different way.” You then realized what you said to your best friend and started to apologize, but he stopped you. 

“I get it, kind of. It’s something different for someone who is in the same position. And I mean he is friends with Steve, so how bad can he be?” he chuckled and you continued your way. As if on cue your name was yelled by the blonde, who ran up to the two of you and asked if you wanted to accompany him into town as Bucky was sitting in a meeting. 

When you came back you had some peach pies in your hand and were on the search for Bucky, who was searching for you as well. When you found each other and you held out his favorite pies for him and him a flower (because he just had to give it to you as he knew it would make you smile), your friends all had a smile or smirk on their faces when you agreed to dine with Bucky while Steve decided he would eat with Sam and Nat in the kitchen tonight. 

This was the first year that both parts weren’t glad that the summer was over. 

“You can write to me, if you want to,” you said when Bucky was leading you through the castle towards the carriage that would bring you to your ship. 

“I will,” Bucky promised and cleared his throat. “And you don’t have to wait for next summer to come visit. You can come visit in winter too. We have places here that are nice in the cold too. And the greenhouse is heated we could sit there even when it’s snowing outside. I mean, if you want to,” he added more shyly, but still hopeful. 

“Do you mean that?” you asked and stopped to look at him. 

“Absolu-,” he started but didn’t finish as the impact of your sudden hug cut him off. 

“I would like that very much,” you admitted in his neck.  

“You’re always welcome here,” he told you and although his mom had said the same sentence to you often, you never felt them like now. The farewell did take longer until a guard told you you needed to leave before it would be too late for the ship. You promised again to come back sooner and went on your way. 

It was late in the evening with Steve and Natasha being in a competitive round of chess when a knock was heard above the storm outside. At the same time as a thunderbolt was hitting outside the door was opened. 

“Prince James, sorry to interrupt but I thought you wanted to know. It’s about Sunshine, I mean Princess,” he started but Bucky was already jumping up at your name and stalking towards the guard that wasn’t even fully in the room. Steve and Natasha had also stopped their game and walked closer so they could hear the guard over the storm. 

“There has been an accident. Samuel is here and he says they got attacked.” Bucky knew that Sam would never leave without you. His heart got heavy as he feared for the worst. The guard pointed him in the right direction where Sam was sitting on a chair while someone tried to get a look at his leg that was bleeding. 

“We were attacked,” Sam said as soon as he saw Bucky running towards him. “I couldn’t really see what it was and I tried to get Sunshine out of there, but there was suddenly a bright light and she was just gone. I couldn’t find her, I searched for her, you must believe me! I would have never left without her! She wasn’t there and with the injury I thought it was better to get you.” 

Not soon after Bucky left with a few men despite the storm. But they couldn’t find anything despite the carriage and the men that were left there. They couldn’t see that much and the rain would wash away every traces soon, but even Bucky had to admit to himself that they couldn’t do anything more now. The next few days and nights were restless, but your friends were searching for you. 

What they didn’t know was that they had no chance of finding you. You were held at an enchanted place and even if they found it – there was no way that they would recognize you. Which would be the only way to help, but we must rewind a few days. 

After the attack on the carriage, you were knocked out. When you woke up your feet were wet and your dress had soaked up a lot of water. You tried to push yourself up, but you were too dizzy to do so. 

“Ahhh, my princess is awake. That is good, we can wrap this up in a few minutes.” You couldn’t recognize the voice, but something was off and nothing could have prepared you for the next sentence. “My dearest princess, would you please marry me?” 

Your dizziness was all forgotten when you pushed yourself up. “What?” you wanted to scream, but it was more of a whisper. One part was because of the ridiculous offer, another because the man in front of you looked nothing like a man with the red skin across his face. 

“Isn’t it simple? When I’ll marry you, I’ll be king!” 

“Why do you even want to be king of Madripoor so bad? Wouldn’t it be easier to just kill me?” You didn’t know why you were even suggesting that, it was like an offer of your part and you didn’t know what he was capable of. 

He walked closer. “See, the thing is your folk loves their princess. When you’ll finally agree to marry me, your kingdom will accept me. Because there has to be something good about me, when Sunshine decides to marry me. And you and I both know why I want your kingdom! Usually islands need more help, so I wonder why no one was suspicious that a lot of things just grow there. The things you could do with the Tesseract and you fools use it to let the ground be more nutritious,” he scoffed. And you were shocked that he knew about it - it was one of your best kept secrets! “Don’t look so shocked, I knew your father. But enough of that. Will you marry me?” 

“No, never!” The words were spat out of your mouth and he nodded as if he had expected that. 

“Then we’ll see each other tomorrow. Goodnight my little swan.” 

You would scream if you could be sure he wouldn’t hear you and wouldn’t know he got under your skin. Why was your life so unfair? You felt helpless!  

The secret had been kept for generations. Once your ancestor found a cube that had a blue shining. When he took it in his hand he felt the force from it. It had been a hard year, the rain hadn’t stopped and the harvest had been weak. His folk had been starving and so he had wished for a miracle to help him. The miracle had been the stone that was called Tessaract and the information had been only shared by a few selected people. But as it always had been when there was a force was that someone tried to steal it for their own selfish purpose. The guy that had kidnapped you and whose face you hadn’t seen yet was once called Johann Schmidt. He was a magician wo had the Tessaract for a short while. But he was too selfish, wanted too much at once and now he was called Red Skull as it described him the best now. HIs face was deformed and red and he wasn’t ashamed. Why should he care what he looked like when he almost had the solution for infinity? He had to get closer, but he couldn’t come back to the island, your father had made sure of that. So had trapped you at the lake. You could only turn into a human when the moonlight hit the water on the lake and you were touching the water. You could turn back into a swan anywhere as soon as the first rays of sunshine were seen. 

Days passed and the routine stayed the same. Every night he came back, asked the same question and walked away when you refused. You were standing at the end of the lake waiting for the moon to rise. There was something in your feathers that you tried to pick out with your beak when something slammed your body into the water. You tried to lift your neck, but something pushed you under the water. Something sharp was pressed into your body and it hurt, but then you felt your body shifting. The struggle for air was still there but suddenly your human head was out of the water and you took a big breath. A pressure was on your chest and when you looked at it you saw a white cat staring at you. If a cat was able to look puzzled this one just did. 

“Did you attack me?” you asked and the cat looked from its paw that was resting on your chest towards your face as if it couldn’t understand what was happening here. Which it probably couldn’t. The cat stayed close to you after that, followed you when you were walking around at night in your human form (and hid once Red Skull came to ask you the dreaded question) and when you turned back into a swan it stayed near you. It even laid beside you when you finally rested your eyes and thought back of home and your friends.  

Meanwhile Bucky, Steven, Natasha and Samuel were gathered in the greenhouse as it was the only place where they wouldn’t be disturbed. 

“Okay, I hate to say this, but we searched everywhere. I don’t know how, but if they’ve taken her, they must be really far away,” Steven sighed. He was exhausted, not that he would say that out loud but his friends looked like they would drop from the chairs any minute now. 

“We can’t give up,” Bucky still sounded determined, but his eyes were closed. He just needed to rest them for a second. That’s why he didn’t notice the yellow and orange sparks that started to appear. 

“What is that?” Natasha asked and it caused Bucky to raise his head. Everyone was staring now at the sparks that appeared in a circle until they suddenly spotted a blonde woman, stepping confidently through it and stopping in front of Sam. 

Bucky didn’t have a weapon with him so the first thing he could think of was standing up and taking a few steps into the direction of the new arrival. “Samuel,” the blonde woman said coldly. 

“Yelena,” Sam replied, not much warmer. 

“You’re an idiot.” 

“I know,” the man agreed, which caused the others to share a confused glance. Their attention was divided by another newcomer. A man with white streaks in his hair and a long red cape followed through the hole and then the sparks died. 

“I’m magician Strange, this is Yelena and we’re here to search for the princess. As this was the last place where she was before she disappeared we needed to come here. We’re sorry for coming in here unannounced,” he said, but he didn’t sound as he was sorry at all. 

“Where were you coming from?” Natasha asked and walked around the place where the sparks had been and only a small black trace on the floor revealed that there had been something magical. 

“It’s called a portal and I don’t have much time. Yelena, if you’re done with staring at Samuel, would you help?” 

It still took a few seconds for the staring contest between the man and woman until she stepped back and stood next to the magician. “We need something from Sunshine that she recently had on her,” she said and suddenly Bucky felt as if he couldn’t move under her stare. Maybe it was magic too. 

“I’m not going to give someone I haven’t even heard of something of her. Maybe you’re after her and I would only help you.” Bucky managed to say. He couldn’t see it, but Natasha and Steve were nodding behind him. 

“You haven’t heard of us because we’re in a secret organization. That’s the point: You don’t see or hear us.” He could have sworn he also heard an insult, but it was too quiet. 

“They tell the truth. They live on the island and they’re there to protect the land. I know Yelena and I know of Strange, I was wondering when they would show up.” 

“Then a warning would have been nice,” Steve commented. 

Samuel recreated the story of how you were taken and the other added where they had been searching for Sunshine and what they found at the damaged carriage. They brought the magician and his shadow towards your stuff. Magician Strange wasn’t interested in your clothes and books, but then he found a stone. It was a regular stone, he didn’t have a special color or a special shape. They were confused why it had been there, but Strange claimed it was the object they needed. Sunshine carried around the stone with her on her travels as it was a gift from Steve. He had given it to her when they started to become friends and he had pressed it in her hands and told her if Bucky was annoying her again she should just throw the rock at him. He had laughed and ran away, but it was the first present she got from a friend and so she kept it close to her. Strange told Yelena he would open a portal for her where he would feel she was with the help of the stone, but he looked more than confused when the other people said they would follow through. He tried to tell the prince he couldn’t just send him out, but in the end he noticed he didn’t have a chance at a discussion with them and he wanted to get their princess back so he agreed. 

Packed with weapons they stepped through the portal. When Bucky looked back he saw Strange staring back at him before the portal closed. They were in a forest, trees he had never seen surrounded him. He could hear the animals, a few birds and frogs. While the others discussed how they should approach they divided in teams. Yelena, Natasha and Sam while he would walk with Steve. 

“Take this,” Yelena pressed a red stone in his hand. It was smooth and cold. “If there’s black magic around it will glow and alert you. Be careful.” She nodded at him a last time before she walked away with Natasha and Sam. 

“That’s a lot. Suddenly there’s magic, we just stepped through a hole full of sparks to step out into a forest and we have a stone that will glow when we stumble across magic. But I guess that’s what you’ll have to do for the woman your best friend loves,” Steve concluded. 

Bucky looked from the stone to his friend who was smirking at him. “I thought she was your friend?” 

“Oh, she is! But she’s also the woman you fell in love with. I actually thought we would have this discussion when she would have been gone for a few days and you noticed that you miss her. Not here – mostly because I didn’t know this part existed.” 

“I already noticed,” Bucky admitted and looked at the stone. No glow, still cold and dull in his hand. “That’s why I invited her for winter. And that’s why I’m afraid we won’t find her.” 

“We will! Now come, so you can tell her,” Steve patted Bucky's shoulder and with more determination than ever they walked through the uneven path. Suddenly there was a glimmer in the stone and Bucky tugged on Steve’s sleeve to show him without having to talk. The closer they walked towards a lake the brighter the glow became. The fact that the sun was down and the moon was about to come up made it look even brighter. 

By the end of the lake was a white swan staring at them. Next to it was a white cat - also staring. “It seems like it comes from them,” Bucky whispered. “What should we do? Should we catch them? The swan and the cat?” 

“I mean we were only here to find Sunshine,” Steve was interrupted by the swan making angry noises at them. Before they could say anything else the swan was startling them as it ran in their direction. Its beak was pulling at Bucky's sleeve, and it ripped. Steves arrow was pointing at the swan, but the bird took another bite into the fabric and Bucky was too stunned and almost lost his balance as the swan was pulling him in the direction of the lake. When he gained back his balance and pulled into the other direction, he lost another piece of fabric. It almost seemed as the swan huffed and waddled towards the water alone – still followed by the arrow. As soon as it could the swan swam on the lake and the cat followed to the muddy path where it could still stand and interrupted the line of the arrow. 

“What should I do?” Steve asked, but Bucky only had eyes for the swan. As soon as the reflection of the moon hit the water small splashes flew into the air until they swirled around the swan. 

“What is happening?” Bucky asked but had already drawn his sword. The cat looked unimpressed even by the splats of water that were hitting it as it was still staring at Steve. The water went higher and higher until it suddenly stopped and fell. But where previously had been the swan was now Sunshine. “How?” Bucky breathed. 

“Bucky,” you sobbed and ran towards him. As you had to travel through the muddy part he had enough time to lower his sword and wrap his arm around you as soon as you reached him. Your tears landed on his shirt, but he couldn’t care at all. 

“Are you okay, love?” His arm pressed you against him and he savored the moment you were in his arms. The stone in his hand suddenly wasn’t only glowing but turned hot. The air around them was shifting. 

“You have to go,” you exclaimed and pushed him away. 

“We just found you,” he tried to say, but you kept on pushing. “Go now, before he sees you. Please,” she begged when he didn’t move at all. The cat behind you was hissing. “Just hide there,” you pointed somewhere where the trees were thick. Unwillingly Steve and Bucky walked where you pointed and they only did it because they noticed your panic. The white cat was also hiding in the high grass and Bucky had to watch as you tried to dry your eyes while the grass around you started to become greener and flowers started to grow. 

“There you are,” he heard a voice and his eyes were about to fall out when he spotted someone walking towards his Sunshine. “There is no need for tears, we can turn them into happy tears if you’ll finally accept my offer of marriage. Your days as a swan will be over, you can go back to your island. So will you marry me?” Bucky had to watch as the man with the red face stepped towards you and tried to wipe away your tears. He was about to confront the man, when he saw you stepping back and he could hear your disgust when you declined. 

“Oh this would have been your chance, princess. Did you think I wouldn’t notice your little visitors. This was your last chance,” with a swipe of his hand the enormous tree where Steve and Bucky were hiding was split in two. “You think you can save her? What fools you are! Have fun finding her now!” A loud boom was heard and before they could do anything the whole area around them changed. Loud cackling was heard and suddenly hundreds of swans were surrounding the two flabbergasted men. They couldn’t see Red Skull anymore but could hear his voice before it faded out. “No more human form for you, princess. Let’s see if your prince will recognize you now.” 

“Where is he?” Steve asked confused. 

“Where is she?” Bucky asked at the same time.  

It was loud, very loud. They could almost not hear each other despite standing next to each other, but the swans were making so much noise. They were making their way towards the lake while a few of them came towards Steve and Bucky. One snapped at Bucky’s sleeve. “Sunshine?” he asked, but the swan only turned more aggressive. Another one was biting in Steve’s shoe. 

“Sunshine?” Both yelled in the hopes that you would hear them and come towards them. But they only saw birds over birds.  

“And why are they so aggressive? Sunshine?” Bucky complained and tried to take some steps forward, but there were too many birds. Suddenly a few swans were extra loud and two started to dive into the air. Feathers were flying around and they could see something else between the swans: a white cat. The one which had protected Sunshine. 

“We must reach it, I bet it will be able to recognize her! Can you grab it?”  

“One of them just stole my shoe!” Steve complained and tried to move forward but slipped on the ground and almost fell on one swan. In the end he managed to grab the cat who climbed his form more than willingly and sat down on his shoulder. “Got it, Buck!” As soon as both men stood next to each other the cat walked over to Bucky's shoulder. Together they moved and when the claws retrieved from Bucky's skin, he knew they came closer. 

Until the claws came back full force suddenly and the noise in his ear indicated that Sunshine had to be close to them. That’s when he spotted one swan fighting against two others and the cat jumped in, ready to shove her claws into the bird. Steve was pushing one out the way and Bucky almost ran to the animal that was injured and tried to scoop it up in his arms, but the bird didn’t want to be caged. 

“It’s okay, it’s okay,” he tried to soother it. “Calm down, Sunshine. I’ve got you!” 

It was these words that did the trick. Suddenly it was very quiet around them while the swan and the prince stared into each other's eyes. One by one the other swans disappeared until only one remained. 

“I think she needs to be on the water to change,” Steve’s voice sounded much too loud in the now quiet area. Bucky was finally able to lift the swan he believed to be his princess and carried it towards the water. And as soon as the feet touched the surface the water started to spin splash against both – although the prince couldn’t care less as he stared into the face he came to love.  

“You’re hurt,” he exclaimed once he let his eyes roam over your body and saw you clutching your arm against your torso. 

“It’s not much, but we need to leave. I think the curse might be broken I feel more like myself I think. But we need to get out of here in case he comes back.” 

The prince agreed. He might be a good swordsman but he was helpless against magic. The three of them made their way back to where Bucky and Steve came from, including a white feline following them. Bucky didn’t hesitate to pick it up and place it back on his shoulders. As soon as it had a comfortable place where it was secure it retreated its claws and slung its tail around the prince neck. With Sunshine to his right and Steve on her right side they continued their way. 

“Okay, so we have Sunshine. And now how to we get back? The portal is closed?” 

“Oh, I might be able to fix this,” you said and walked towards a burned place on the ground. Suddenly your voice had more authority than they had ever heard from you. “Magician Strange, I order you to open this portal right now so your crown princess can come back home.” 

“How did you do that?” Steve asked when he watched the sparks to appear again. You pointed at a bracelet around your wrist with an orange stone like the one they had in their hand. When you told them it was a precaution so you could stay in touch with the magicians it dawned on them that they didn’t even have a plan to get back or if they even should have made it back. And later when you heard the whole story you fell even more in love with your prince and were glad that you had such good friends who risked everything for you. 

“It’s so good to see you, princess,” Strange lowered his head instead of a bow. 

“It’s good to see you too, magician Strange. At least one magician I know I can trust.” Your recap of the story was interrupted when another portal opened and Yelena, Natasha and Samuel stepped through. Samuel didn’t even care that he had to bow before you – never in your life had you seen him rum so quickly and his arms were thrown around you. A burnt smell filled your nose, but you didn’t care and wrapped your uninjured arm around him. 

“I’m so sorry I failed you,” he almost sobbed in your shoulder. 

“You didn’t fail me,” you assured him. It was chaos after that. When Strange heard the whole story, he took Yelena with him to face Red Skull and they disappeared through the portal. After a lot of hugging and checking in with each other (and calling a healer for your arm) you all agreed to get cleaned up to get rid of the burned smell and the smell of swamp. 

Many hours later you were all still gathered in a sitting room. Your head laid on Bucky's shoulder and you had problems with staying awake. Sam was currently retelling the story of a dragon they had faced and you weren’t sure if you should believe him if it wasn’t for Natasha who backed up his story. The white feline was laying on the softest pillow next to Steve, but decided that your lap looked more comfortable.  

“You can sleep, princess. We’ll all protect you,” Bucky mumbled in your ear. 

“I need to go home tomorrow, but maybe – would you like to accompany me? I could show you my island and to be honest,” you paused as you weren’t sure if you could share your feelings now. 

“I’m not ready to be apart from you again too,” he assured you and a featherlight kiss was pressed against your hair. 

“Okay, good,” you yawned and your eyes finally closed. 

In the end the two kingdoms were reunited. And while it was a huge political thing that no one really wanted to get into it was more about their princess. As the story started as the Sunshine and the Grump it didn’t end that way. Because when their King looked at his Queen you wouldn’t know who smiled more. It was a story of love that most people would only find in a fairytale book. And with their friends who travelled with them from the island to the mainland it wasn’t only a story about love, but friendship and family. And as we stated that the story wasn’t so long ago, they still live very happily. 

Masterlist | Library Blog

Reblogs, comments, asks or just a ramble mean the world to me <3

#bucky x reader #fairytale au #fairytale retelling #the swan princess #bucky x you #bucky barnes x you #prince!bucky #sunshine x grumpy #bucky x female reader #prince!bucky x reader #bucky barnes x reader #found family

[dysfunctionalmaki]

Say My Name

Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader

Summary: You work all around at the local country club, to your advantage you flirted and used your beauty to get what you want, though with this certain woman your own way can't seem to work.

Warning: This work contains smut and foul language, minors DNI!!

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ.───

“Oh god—” You could just feel this woman's grip on your hair the more you burrowed your face in between her legs, she was begging, aching, and pleading to cum. Looking up to this beautiful older woman, you can't help but smirk at the fact that she's practically wrapped around your fingers. Who knew that the powerful business owner Diana Prince was such an obedient woman towards you, years younger than her and let alone the waitress at the local country club.

You made yourself busy as you focused on working your tongue against her clit, flicking the wet muscle against it, holding both her legs as they involuntarily jerked with your motions, hearing her loud moans, heavy breathing you knew she was close. “Please, baby… please make me cum…” she begged once more and you decided to be kind, letting go of her legs you went on to reach both your hands up to her breasts. Fondling them as you devoured her pussy, mouth pressed against it, giving short licks on her nub before sucking on it every now and then. Finally, Diana hit her zenith, cumming against your mouth, just how she always liked you made sure to lap up every single drop of her juice.

Helping her ride off her high, once she actually finished you slowly backed up, then she looked at you with her hazy eyes. “Great job as always, Y/N.” she complimented, you can't help but shrug with an evident smile on your face. “I make sure to do my best, Ms. Prince.” you teasingly say before sitting up, so you could prepare to clean her up. “Is this how you're going to live out your early 20s? Eating pussies and serving martinis for a living?” Diana asked as she watched you make your way into the bathroom. “That… That doesn't sound so bad.” you say loud enough from the bathroom.

Cleaning up your face before heading back into the bedroom with a small washcloth, you went to sit on her side of the bed, then you headed to clean her up after eating her out to both your heart's delight. Once you cleaned her up to her satisfaction, Diana sat up for a moment and reached for something from her handbag, taking out a cheque then she went on to write down the amount she's giving you and her signature on where it's needed. “Here, buy yourself something nice. You deserve it, no man can bring me that orgasm you just gave me.” Diana says with a sigh, you take the paper as you read what it's worth, your eyes widen then you look at the older woman. “What? No one's ever given you that much?” you shook your head. “I usually get 500…” it came out as a whisper from you. “Well, 5 grand's a lot compared to that.” she added.

“Now… come here and let me kiss the mouth that made me cum so good.” she purrs and you weren't going to deny that when you're just handed five thousand dollars, you could feel how needy her kisses were and you made sure to give what she needs. Her tongue swirling against yours, soft groans and moaning against your lips when you brought your hands back to her breasts to gently fondle and lightly pinch her sensitive nipple. With that happening, it was safe to say that you stayed the whole night in her condominium at the city, as the morning came she was gone and left a note on the side table.

“I’ll be gone for a whole week, I'd be a fool if I assume you aren't going to be in between someone's legs in a day or two, just make sure you'll be here at the same time next week.

Diana”

You went to take the note and place it in your bag, taking a shower in her bathroom then you went on to leave the building. You immediately check your cell to text your friend Yelena, telling her all the details of the sex and how much you earned after it. Getting into a taxi you asked to be dropped off at the Stark Country Club, you'd be a fool to quit your job even if you earned five grand in one night. As you got there, you quickly changed into your uniform, a polo shirt that hugged your figure perfectly and some short shorts that showed off your perfectly maintained legs.

It was no doubt that you're a head turner for men and women in the club, the older gentlemen would even ask you out for a drink every now and then but the women? They aren't as obvious as the men but they sure have imaginations and thoughts probably even dirtier than most.

“So, Prince is that rich?” You hear your friend's voice from behind while you are taking the orders and placing them on a tray. “I mean probably? Nobody just casually hands out that kind of cash.” you say to Yelena while waiting for the other meal since your dear customer asked for all the food to be served at the same time. “As good as it sounds, I don't think the whole sexcapade is my thing.” Yelena says before helping you with another tray, you both put on your pretty smiles when you served the meal to the customers and when it's just the two of you again the conversation started once more.

“I mean it's okay, we earn a fair day's pay after a fair day's work, the whole sexcapade thing is just a sideline… or–” “For your pleasure” Yelena finished your sentence. “Yes, for my pleasure.” you say with a sigh. Yelena left the conversation since she had more tables to serve and you're stuck at the lobby to accommodate more people to have drinks and some finger food. Until a certain group of older women walked in, there are two redheads and a blonde, you stared at them for a moment until you didn't realize you were holding eye contact with one of them.

“Oh- Hi! Welcome to Stark Country Club, how can I assist you today?” You put on your pretty smile that usually works on older men but these women seemed unfazed… Well, you just didn't notice the redhead at the back. “Hi, dear, call me Natasha or whatever, we would just like a couple of drinks before we get to the golf course, is that alright? Your choice, give us what's best.” The redhead at the front said before walking with her friends on one of the tables, you hear them gossiping as they left but you couldn't decipher what they were saying at all.

You walked towards the bar and Bucky the bartender looked at you with his brow raised. “That's your potential foursome?” He teasingly asked and you can't help but roll your eyes. “Hey, don't blame me, rumors get around here.” Bucky defended himself. “Whatever I do I make sure to do it outside my work.” you say before looking at the menu to choose what drink they should have. “They're asking for three scarlet cocktails.” it was house special and you've had a couple of regulars who would order this drink from time to time.

When Bucky finished making the drink you set it on the tray before making your way towards the three women, you did notice the blonde one was eyeing you but you paid no mind to it, you were struck with the quiet redhead who was just scrolling through her phone while waiting for the drinks. As you arrived at their table, Natasha smiled at you and you made sure to smile back, placing their drinks on the table. You were about to leave until Natasha spoke up. “Wait, I was wondering if you know someone named Yelena working here?” she asked then you bit the inside of your cheek unsure of what to answer since she's technically a stranger.

“Oh, I'm no creep I promise, she's my younger sister.” She took her phone and showed a photo of her and your best friend, after that it was shown that you nodded your head. “She does work here, would you like me to call her for you?” and the redhead shook her head. “No, no, she's working and I don't really want to bother her, just trying to see how she's doing.” Natasha says which made her friends look at her. “I'm sorry to interrupt the conversation but you look really pretty.” The blonde commented and you can't help but blush a little before saying thank you.

When you tried to steal a glance from the quiet redhead, your eyes locked with her for a moment since she's off her phone, all she did was smile at you and sure as hell your breath was taken away. You said your usual line “If you need me just give me a holler.” And they simply smiled with a nod to acknowledge you. Making a beeline back to your station, Yelena passed by and she stopped in front of you. “Don't tell me that's who I think it is.” your friend commented before looking behind you once more. “If you meant your sister, she's hot… so are her friends.” Yelena practically glared at your comment then she looked once more to confirm who the people are with her sister.

“She’s with her college friends, Carol the blonde one and Wanda the other redhead.” Yelena said then you nodded your head. “So… what are the possibilities if I hit on your sister?” you asked and she lightly smacked your arm. “No.” she simply says before getting back on track on doing her job. You were just standing on your station and occasionally serving other customers every now and then, until you felt the need to use the comfort room. Making your way towards it, you check if the stalls had people then you went to fix yourself, checking if your hair still looked good, your makeup still on, and as you were applying your lipgloss someone walked in.

You paid no mind to it until you noticed the reflection on the mirror, it is Wanda. She stood next to you and did the same, she was touching up her light make-up, and there's just this awkward wall between you two. “Sorry if my friend Carol made that comment.” she simply says then you looked at her. “Oh, it's okay, it's just a simple compliment it wouldn't hurt anyone.” you responded happily then she smiled at you. “Well, for what is worth she isn't lying at all.” Wanda commented. The sudden compliment somehow made you blush, you were used to receiving compliments so why are you blushing when this woman just gave you one?

“I can say the same, Miss…?” You look towards the redhead, she finishes applying her lipstick and she looks right back at you. “No need for formalities, it's Wanda, Wanda Maximoff.” She introduces herself before holding her hand out, you took it with yours and you shook her hand. “Now, I think I've got a reason to come here every now and then… Y/N.” she says with a smirk when she looked at your nameplate, she went to leave first and gave you a wink before closing the door. Looking once more in the mirror you were more than surprised with the encounter, sure it was awkward but that woman was something else.

#wanda maximoff x reader #marvel cinematic universe #mcu #wanda maximoff x you #wanda maximoff #natasha romanoff #black widow #yelena belova #smut #diana prince #wonder woman #elizabeth olsen #marvel #bucky x reader #alternate universe #au #dysfunctionalmaki

[queers-gambit]

Clingy Baby collection masterlist

a collection of varying muses labeling Reader as "clingy".

got another idea for being clingy? lemme hear it! requests CLOSED

requesting rules and masterlist

mostly hurt and comfort, some angst some sequels are being fleshed out

God's Plan

your boyfriend carries the worst parts of his job home, bringing to life one of your deepest-seeded insecurities. >>> or when a fight breaks out with your boyfriend, you're called clingy to your face.

pairing: Carmen 'Carmy' Berzatto x female!reader

word count: 3.1k+

fandom masterlist: FX's The Bear

🎭 drama 🥺 hurt 🚫 no REAL comfort 🙊 general language and content warning 🍄 toxic relationship

read here

part two: Two to Tango

the aftermath of Carmy's words seem to rattle him more than you.

word count: 5.4k+

🎭 drama ❤️‍🩹 hurt and comfort 💔 small angst 🧸 small fluff ☠️ discussion of deceased family member 🙊 general language and content warning 💣 relationship angst 🔏 barely edited

read here

Curiosity Killed The Cat

few weeks after rescuing you from a kidnapper, you overhear your boyfriend-turned-savior complain about how clingy you've become. >>> or you overhear your boyfriend call you clingy to his friends.

pairing: Mafia!Bucky Barnes x female!reader

word count: 5.1k+

fandom masterlist: Marvel

🎭 drama ❤️‍🩹 hurt and comfort 🦋 modern AU 💸 mafia AU 🙊 general language and content warning 🥊 brief depiction of physical violence and / or aggression 🫠 description of self-destruction 🔏 barely edited

read here

You Might Think It's Foolish

meeting your boyfriend's family for the first time creates anxiety, so, you stick to his side. at dinner, his mother calls out your clinginess - and Aemond doesn't defend you. >>> or when someone else calls you clingy and he doesn't defend you / agrees with them.

pairing: modern!Aemond Targaryen x female!reader

word count: 3.1k+

fandom masterlist: House of the Dragon

🎭 drama 💔 angst 🥺 hurt 🚫 no comfort 💣 relationship angst 🐝 stand alone 🙊 general language and content warning 🐍 toxic family 🍄 toxic relationship...? 🔏 barely edited

read here

Not All That Glitters is Gold

during your engagement dinner, you learn from your fiancé's niece that he hold choice words about you. >>> or when you find out he's been talking behind your back; calling you clingy. it comes to light during a public outing.

pairing: Daemon Targaryen x female!reader

word count: 3.1k+

fandom masterlist: House of the Dragon

🎭 drama 💔 angst ❤️‍🩹 hurt and comfort �� relationship angst ⏳ AU timeline 🙊 general language and content warning 🔏 barely edited

read here

Save Me From Myself

in a moment of unparalleled anger, you learn what Joel really thinks of you.

request: Can i request joel miller for the clingy baby series!! Maybe they were traveling together w ellie and she clings to him bc he always kept her safe until he calls her clingy one day.

pairing: Joel Miller x female!reader

word count: 1.9k+

fandom masterlist: The Last of Us

⚠️ mild spoilers 🙊 general language warning 🥺 hurt 🚫 no comfort 💔 mild angst ❗️ short fic!

read here

requesting rules and masterlist

#queers gambit #queers gambit masterlist #clingy baby masterlist #carmy berzatto x reader #carmy x reader #carmy berzatto x female!reader #carmy berzatto x you #carmy berzatto imagine #carmy berzatto #carmy the bear #james bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes imagine #mafia bucky x reader #mafia bucky barnes #mafia au #mafia bucky x you #modern aemond targaryen x reader #modern aemond x you #modern aemond #modern aemond x reader #aemond targaryen x reader #aemond targaryen x f!reader #aemond targaryen x fem!reader #prince aemond targaryen #prince daemon targaryen #daemon x reader #daemon targaryen x reader #daemon targaryen x fem!reader #daemon targaryen x f!reader

[crazyunsexycool]

You should see me in a crown

Coming soon… series taglist is open just comment. must be 18+ minors DNI

Prince!Bucky Barnes x Reader

Modern royalty AU

You were a princess.

At least that’s what your father had been telling you since the day you were born. In reality you lived in a two story house with your parents in a random neighborhood. It didn’t stop them from giving you everything you could ever want or need. From piano to dance classes, tea parties and dresses. When you grew up you were determined to go to law school and you did with their support. The one thing they never talked about was their homeland or your father’s family. They taught you all about traditions but whenever the subject was brought up they would quickly shut it down. So it wasn’t a surprise when you planned a vacation with your best friend that would take you to a few countries in Europe, including their homeland. You only wanted to have a life changing experience.

And you would.

James Buchanan Barnes was the crowned prince of his home country. He was next in line to become king. Every day that passed was a reminder of it. His parents’ words echoed in his head constantly. He needed to settle down and get married, start a family. All in the name of the crown. Bucky was more than ok doing that, he just wanted to do it with someone he loved. Yet love was the one thing royalty rarely found. His reputation of being a playboy didn’t help when it came time to settle down either. It came as no surprise that his parents became matchmakers.

Two worlds are turned completely upside down. Bucky wants a chance to find love. You desperately seek to connect to your roots. Hearts are broken and truths are revealed.

#you should see me in a crown series #prince!bucky barnes #prince!bucky #modern royalty au #Prince!bucky Barnes x reader #Bucky Barnes fic #Bucky Barnes series #Bucky Barnes au #Bucky Barnes fluff #Bucky Barnes angst #Bucky Barnes smut #Bucky Barnes x reader #bucky barnes x yn #bucky barnes x female!reader

[onceuponastory]

a perfect fit - bucky barnes x reader

Plot: After fleeing the Royal Ball, Y/N knew she had no chance of ever seeing the Prince again. But Prince Bucky is determined to find her. Pairing: Prince!Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader Warnings: Mentions of abuse and violence, blood, being cut by glass, Y/N’s stepfamily belittling and degrading her, Y/N doubting herself, and her parents dying. Also the cheesy fairytale love at first sight tropes and all that good stuff I love so much, hahaha. As always, if I miss any triggers, please let me know! Notes: This is part two of my Cinderella AU, because I’m a sucker for a happy ending... and writing PrinceCharming!Bucky, as it turns out. You can read part one here if you haven’t already.

Not beta’d, so any mistakes are my own.

When she awakens the next morning, for a moment Y/N thinks the night before was little more than a dream. It’s only when she sees the glass slipper beside her bed, shining in the early morning light, that she remembers how real it all was. The memories come flooding back. She really did dance with Prince Bucky, and spent the whole night with him. Unfortunately, now she has to go back to her regular life. But that doesn’t mean she can’t hold onto the memories a little while longer. After hiding the slipper, she soon busies herself making breakfast for her stepfamily, whilst pretending like nothing happened at all. 

Inside, though, she’s so happy that she wants to burst.

“Good morning.” She smiles, placing down each plate and teacup in front of her stepmother and stepsisters. “How was the ball?” She asks, trying to hide her grin. All she can think of is Prince Bucky, and the warmth of his smile. The way he looked at her still makes her heart beat that much faster. 

“It was awful.” One of her stepsisters huffs, and Y/N raises a brow.

“Really? How so? You were dressed so beautifully. I thought Prince James would’ve been enthralled by you.” It still feels odd to call him Prince James, rather than Bucky. In the few hours they spent together, the pair really connected, as if they were close friends. But that only reminds Y/N of how she’s never going to see him again.

“Prince James didn’t even look at us! Some other princess caught his attention, and he spent the WHOLE NIGHT WITH HER!” she whines. 

“And then she just ran away from him!” The other gasps. “Imagine running away from Prince James! She doesn’t even know how lucky she was!” As her stepsisters continue to wail about how unfair everything is, Y/N nods along, feigning shock. Although, all she wants to do is laugh. Her stepmother and stepsisters have tormented her for so long, yet they couldn’t even remember what she looks like, too ignorant to realise it was her that Prince Bucky wanted. The mystery princess they’re talking about is right under their noses.

“Didn’t you hear? She left one of her shoes behind. The Prince is searching for her now.” When she hears that, Y/N almost drops the plate she’s holding in shock. He’s looking for her. Maybe she has a chance after all. A part of her wants to tell the three of them the truth right there and then and rush out to find Bucky. But she can’t. Not now. She has to wait for the opportunity to present itself. But she can’t stop a little happiness from peeking through. As her stepfamily eats, Y/N refills their tea and fetches more food for them, humming a happy tune to herself. 

“You seem rather… happy this morning.” Her stepmother frowns. “More so than usual, anyway.”

“Do I, stepmother? I hadn’t noticed. I suppose it’s just such a wonderful sunny day that I guess I’m in a sunny mood.” She chuckles, paying no mind to her words. Yet, it’s enough to get her stepmother thinking. The tune Y/N is humming seems so familiar, and she’s never seen her so happy before. Something must have happened whilst they were gone.

“How about you? What did you do while we were gone?” For a moment, Y/N’s eyes widen slightly, only adding to her stepmother’s suspicion.

“Well, I finished my chores and then… I read my book for a while before bed. Nothing too exciting.” Y/N replies. Yet, her stepmother remains unconvinced. She knows she’s hiding something, she just doesn’t know how to prove it.

But she’ll find out what it is. One way or another.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When she finally has a free moment, Y/N rushes back upstairs, ready to think about the night before. She closes the door, finally letting out a small, happy squeal.

“I believe this is yours, isn’t it?” A voice speaks from behind her, the sudden noise making her jump. When Y/N turns, she sees her stepmother standing there. As soon as she sees what she’s holding, Y/N’s stomach drops. Gripped tightly in her stepmother’s hands… is her remaining glass slipper. “Imagine that. A glass slipper. Just like the one belonging to the mystery girl Prince James is so desperately looking for.” She gets up, stalking towards Y/N. “And yet, I found it in my stepdaughter’s bedroom. When she was under explicit instructions not to attend the ball.” The entire time, her voice remains eerily calm and monotone. With each step she takes, getting closer and closer to her each time, Y/N’s heart pounds so strongly it could break through her ribcage. “It is yours, isn’t it?” She hisses, and Y/N nods, deciding it would be best to accept whatever’s coming her way than to lie.

“Yes, it’s mine. And Prince Bucky’s looking for me now.” 

“Oh, Prince Bucky, is it?” Her stepmother scoffs. “Searching for you or not, do you really think he’d want you when he realises what you truly are? Just a pitiful, lonely and dirty servant girl with no money or dowry to her name?” Her words register something deep within Y/N. The same shame she felt when she fled the ball. When she ran from the kindest man she ever met, and the best chance she ever had. Y/N’s stomach twists, and she registers tears pricking at her eyes. Yet, she remains strong.

“I cannot trust that he will want me. But that is my slipper, and you said yourself that he’s looking for me. I still deserve the chance to win his hand.”

“Very well. How about a deal?” Her stepmother suggests, and Y/N raises a brow. “When the Prince arrives, we tell him the truth. And I’ll help support you in your new role and life.” Y/N listens intently, waiting for the catch. She’s been living here for long enough that she knows better than to trust her stepmother. “But of course, I’ll need to help your new husband too, no doubt. After all, he’s foolish enough to want you as his wife. So you will make me your royal advisor. All decisions go through me. Deal?”

“No.” The word causes Y/N’s stepmother to blink in surprise for a moment. Quickly, she regains her composure, yet her brows remain furrowed in confusion.

“I’m sorry?” 

“No.” Y/N repeats. “I want the Prince to find me more than anything… but not with your ‘help’. He is the most wonderful person I have ever met, and I refuse to let you treat him as cruelly as you treat me. So.” She takes a breath. Despite the courage flowing through her veins, she can already feel the sick taste of regret, and the worry that she’s throwing her last chance away is beginning to build. But she’d rather be stuck here for the rest of her life if it meant Bucky and the others in the kingdom were safe. “My answer is no.”

She expects her stepmother to start sputtering or yelling, to call her all the names she’s accustomed to hearing by this point. Because that’s what she always does. But that’s not what happens. Instead, her stepmother simply stands up straighter and walks towards her, completely silent. With each step she takes, Y/N feels her heart pounding faster and louder. She considers running, but she can’t even take a step. She’s frozen, waiting for what’s coming. 

“You ungrateful brat.” Her stepmother hisses, finally reaching her. As she backs Y/N up against the wall, she towers over her. Despite the stones digging into her back, Y/N stands firm, showing her stepmother that she isn't scared of her anymore. “After your fool of a father died and left us with next to nothing, I made sure you still had a home! And when I ask for something in return, for a moment of thanks, you throw it back in my face.”

“Don’t speak about my father like that!” Y/N demands. “He may not have had a lot, but he still loved me. He loved us. All you have done is treat me awfully. I have nothing to thank you for.” A harsh slap suddenly hits her cheek, stunning Y/N into silence for a moment. Her stepmother has only ever called her cruel names, and treated her like a servant. She’s never hit her before.

“How dare you disobey me! What on earth makes you think that a servant girl like you deserves this over my daughters?!” Her stepmother hisses, her breath hot against Y/N’s cheek.

“Because that is my slipper. I am the one who danced with him.” Y/N repeats. Fully aware of the potential consequences, she looks her stepmother right in the face once more. “It proves that I’m the one he is looking for. He wants me.” Suddenly, her stepmother smirks, standing up a little straighter.

“Oh yes. So it is.”

And without another word, she raises the slipper into the air, and then smashes it against the wall. When the slipper hits the wall, it shatters, spraying glass everywhere. Although, the sound of Y/N’s cry blocks most of it out. She sinks to the floor, desperately trying to salvage what pieces she can before her stepmother can crunch them under her heel. Her vision blurred by tears, Y/N registers pieces of glass slicing into her palm and fingers, but she doesn’t care. She has to get these to show Bucky the truth. That it was her he danced with all night. Although she already feels like it’s hopeless. These are simply just smashed pieces of glass… they mean nothing. Especially not that they used to be a glass slipper. As the last shred of her hopes and dreams fade, Y/N sniffles, breaking down in silent tears.

“Clean this up.” Her stepmother orders, her voice back to the scarily calm, monotonous tone from only a few minutes ago. “And do not fill your head with such ridiculous fantasies again.” Then she slams the door shut, the sound ricocheting across the room. Y/N jumps up, ready to run out of the room after her, to fight for her future, her and Bucky’s future. 

“Let me out! Please!” She begs, pounding on the door and trying to pull it open. But it doesn’t budge. Her stepmother must have locked it, trapping her inside. Her chance to get out of here is just as shattered as her glass slipper. Breaking down in tears, Y/N sinks to the floor once more, too tired to fight it.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Still no luck finding the mystery woman, Your Highness.” The Captain informs Prince Bucky, and he sighs. 

“How many houses are left?”

“Just one.” Bucky nods. Although he still has some hope left that they will find his mystery princess, he’s been losing hope with every failed house search there is. He glances down at the slipper. 

“Let’s hope the last house gives us some more luck, then.” Mounting his horse once more, they set off.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sometime later, Y/N sits up, her body aching from laying on the cold and wooden attic floor. Her cheek throbs from where her stepmother slapped her, and her eyes are red and raw from crying. She doesn’t even know how long it’s been since her stepmother locked her in here. Bucky could’ve been and gone already. As the beams from the setting sun fill the room, the shards of her glass slipper sparkle, a cruel reminder of the happy ending she could’ve had. Now, it’s just as shattered as her slipper. 

Y/N goes to the window, hoping that the sunset will at least cheer her up. As she gazes out of the window, she suddenly notices something. Men atop horses. She has no idea exactly how many, but there must be at least thirty. And they’re all outside the house. Y/N’s up too high to see everything clearly, but she recognises the deep blue of their uniforms.

It’s the Royal Guard. They’re here. She’s not too late. She still has a chance.

But how is she going to get their attention? Her stepmother locked her in, and she’s not strong enough to pull open the door or to break it down. She could try screaming or stomping her feet to prove someone is upstairs, but her stepmother would probably find her before they did. Y/N paces the room anxiously, muttering to herself, trying to think of a way to get their attention.

And then, something crunches under her foot. Glass. And then, she knows what she has to do. The walls of this attic room have been falling apart for decades, leaving stone pieces scattered around the room. If she breaks the window, she could alert them that way. Quickly, she grabs the biggest piece of stone that she can, rushing back to the window. Of course, hitting a member of the Royal Guard with a stone or raining broken glass down on them is not ideal, but it’s her only hope to get their attention. Bracing herself, Y/N raises her hand… and throws the stone at the window. 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Thank you again for your time, ma’am.” The Captain nods.

“Of course.” Y/N’s stepmother replies. “I am sorry that your search wasn’t successful.” She smirks. Even if her daughters don’t get to marry the Prince, the fact that Y/N won’t either is more than enough solace for her.

Bucky walks back to his horse, unable to hide his disappointment. Maybe he’s destined never to find his mystery girl again.

“Wait! Stop!” a distant voice calls, stopping him in his tracks. “I’m up here! Wait!” The words send a jolt of hope through his body. Immediately, he turns around, marching back towards the house.

“Ma’am. You said there were no other eligible women in your household aside from your daughters, did you not?” Her eyes widen, and she stammers.

“Well, there’s only my stepdaughter, but it can’t be her, she’s just a servant girl, nobody important.” Bucky hates the way she talks about her stepdaughter, as if she’s not a valid member of this household because she’s not related to her by blood. He remembers the mystery woman’s apprehension, and how afraid she was to let him help. And things suddenly make sense. If someone who speaks so terribly about her is 'taking care' of her, it's no surprise she didn't want him too close. Although, this only spurs on his desire to find and help her.

“Her status does not matter. What matters is you lied to the Royal Guard, and to your Prince.” He states. “Now, let us pass.” He orders.

Upstairs, Y/N nervously wrings her hands. Ever since she broke the window, she’s been waiting for her stepmother to burst into the room and punish her. She’s spent the last few minutes trying to think of an explanation that will save herself, but her brain has turned up empty each time. And that’s why she’s also considering making a break for it. When she registers the sound of the key in the lock turning, she sighs.

“Stepmother, I just wanted-”

“Hello again.” Prince Bucky smiles. Y/N gasps. As the fear leaves her body, she takes an enormous sigh of relief. It feels like an immense weight has just been lifted off her shoulders.

“Am I dreaming?” She asks, and he chuckles.

“I was going to ask you the same thing.” He steps closer, taking in every inch of her. “It is you.” He whispers, still grinning. And something deep in Y/N’s stomach flutters. Suddenly, he notices the mark on her cheek. Immediately, his face hardens. “Who did this to you?”

“It was my stepmother. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth, I was afraid she’d find me, and-” He takes her hand, cutting her off. He grips it tightly and protectively. 

“There is no need to apologise, my love. She will never hurt you ever again. She won’t even be allowed near you again. You have my word.” Y/N nods. Even now, when he holds her hand, she can feel the same care and love from the night before. “Now. If you’ll allow me, my lady…” Bucky smiles. He holds out the remaining glass slipper, ready to slip it onto her foot. But first, Y/N knows she has to tell him the truth.

“Prince Bucky, my name is Y/N. I’m not a Princess, or a noblewoman. I’m more of a servant than anything. In fact, that’s why my stepfamily calls me Cinderella. I don’t have any family, or dowry I can offer. Even though I am the person who danced with you at the ball… I still don’t know what will happen once that slipper fits, or if you’ll even want me afterwards.” She can feel tears rolling down her cheeks, but she doesn’t stop. “But I love you. And I hope you will take me as I am.”

Bucky smiles, gazing at her like she hung the moon. “Of course I will. I don’t care about your title or what dowry you can bring. All I care about is the person behind it. And I love you… Y/N.” He whispers her name, almost as if he still cannot believe he finally gets to know it, or that he’s finally found her. Her name leaving his lips sounds so sweet, so loving. It’s been so long since she heard anyone say her name, let alone with no hostility in it. For the first time in a long time, she feels loved. “Now. Despite knowing the truth, every maiden in the kingdom has to try this slipper. Prince’s orders.” He reminds her, and she giggles. 

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Y/N slips her boot off, and Bucky slides the slipper onto her foot. “It’s a perfect fit.” He beams. He takes her hand, running his thumb along her knuckles. “My princess.” He whispers.

Slowly, he leans in closer, tilting his head towards hers, and Y/N rises to meet it. The kiss is soft, yet passionate. In fact, it’s everything she could’ve dreamt of. He holds her in his arms again, keeping her safe from everything in the world. Soon, Bucky leads her downstairs, keeping a tight, protective grasp on her hand. 

“In a way, I’m going to miss this place. Well, I enjoyed living here when it was just my parents and I.”

“Don’t worry, my love.” His nickname for her makes her smile, light heat settling on her cheeks. It’s a nice change from Cinderella. “We’ll both make sure nothing happens to it, and you can come visit whenever you want. I’m sure your stepfamily won’t be here for much longer.”

“And if they do stay?” Bucky chuckles.

“Trust me. My guards and I will make sure they don’t.” Y/N smiles, squeezing his hand.

“Thank you.”

When they reach the bottom of the stairs, her stepmother stands there, flanked by two guards. Reflexively, Y/N tenses. “It’s alright.” Bucky soothes. “I won’t let her hurt you ever again.” As they pass by her, Y/N can feel her stepmother’s glare burning through. As she begins to panic, Y/N registers Bucky squeezing her hand once more. Keeping her head held high, Y/N and Prince Bucky walk through the door, ready to start their new life.

Together.

The End.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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#Bucky Barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #bucky barnes x y/n #Bucky Barnes x female reader #prince!bucky barnes #prince!bucky barnes x reader #princecharming!bucky barnes #bucky x Female Reader #bucky x you #bucky x reader #bucky x y/n #bucky fanfic #bucky fic #bucky fanfiction #marvel oneshot #marvel cinematic universe #marvel fanfic #marvel fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfic

[warriorofthought]

Dragon racing

Summary: You and prince Bucky decided to do a dragon race.

Word count: 2.641

Warnings: no one

Prince Bucky x Princess Reader 

The people of your kingdom were mad with joy that the strange but beloved Prince Bucky was coming to your kingdom. 

The day the prince descended from the sky on his dragon Belrath, shaking the earth and flattering your mother with compliments, you felt annoyed.

Seeking comfort and peace, for the first time in the hours since his arrival, you went to the Mountain of Snowflakes.

What you didn't know was that the object of your wrath was just a few feet away in the shadows.

"I see you have taken a liking to my favorite resting spot."

The prince's familiar voice spoke to you as he leaned against the wall, his bluish eyes twinkling mischievously.

"It's nice here. Quite and an amazing sight" you answer.

"I don't often get visitors to my little hideaway. I like that you found it." The Prince spoke warmly, the corners of his lips curling in a smile.

"You are a Skylar, the symbol on your jacket is your family wappen, correct?"

"yes" you nod.

"And who may I have the pleasure of speaking with?" he took a few steps closer, his eyes scanning them up and down.

"Y/n" you answer simply.

Bucky paused for a moment, his eyes narrowing at the recognition.

"Ah yes, you are the daughter of Queen Rajendra?"

You nod confirming.

"I've heard quite a bit about you."

His smile returned.

"What are you doing with yourself up here? It's nice to see you are out of your mother's shadow."

"what have you heard?" You ask slightly curious.

A slight twinkle appeared at the corner of his eyes as he looked down at you.

“I heard you’re quite feisty.”

"Yeah, it can be true" you answer.

“A trait we both seem to share.” Bucky spoke softly into the shadow.

His eyes trailed over you lightly, but you saw him smirk.

“You do have a bit of a reputation.”

"Have I ? Which one?" You ask and walk over to a dragon who was watching you both.

The massive beast shifted its weight, its eyes narrowed in curiosity as it regarded you.

Bucky's eyes remained on the pair of you for a few moments, before he spoke again.

"The one that you're a bit of a wild thing. That, and you're a troublemaker." he teased.

"But it's nice to talk to someone who isn't afraid to be bold." he added with a sly smile.

You chuckle " I don't make so much trouble" you say sarcastic.

"I don't believe that for a second."

He leaned against the wall, his arms folded across his chest.

"So, why the sudden interest in a place like this? Are you looking for a bit of trouble to stir?" He couldn't help but smirk.

"Maybe. Do you want to race with me, a dragon race?" You ask with a mischief gaze at him.

Bucky’s smile only grew wider as he considered the offer.

“Well now that’s an offer I can’t refuse, though you do know my dragon is faster, don’t you?”

"oh, don't underestimate my dragon, I think he can keep up with your dragon, maybe even a little bit more." You say with a smirk.

“Very well, let’s see if this little dragon can keep up with my Belrath.”

Bucky’s face broke out into a devilish grin.

“I won’t be too easy on you.” he added with that same mischievous tone.

"don't be. That wouldn't be funny"

Bucky shrugged and turned abruptly, beginning to walk out of the massive cavern.

"Belrath is waiting outside."

He turned his shoulder to see if you were following.

You follow him and as you walk outside you call your big ice dragon.

For a moment, Bucky stares over at you and your massive dragon. If he was impressed by the sight then he didn't show it, however, a slight smirk was still evident on his lips.

"I have to say, I've never raced against an icy dragon before."

He mounted Belrath and waited for you to do the same.

You chuckle " it would be funny" you say and smirk then you sit up on icefire.

"Well, I suppose we should get started then, unless you want to back out?"

He smirked widely, watching you mount Icefire. Belrath rumbled a low grumble- as if to say they wanted the race to begin as well.

"I never back out" you answer and give icefire a signal to go in the sky

As soon as Icefire took off, Belrath took to its own speed. The massive beast surged up into the clouds with tremendous speed and force.

The Prince was quiet as his eyes remained fixed on the massive white dragon that flew alongside them.

The ground became a blur below.

Then you make a very rare and risky turn around Belrath and Bucky can hear your giggle.

Belrath gave a loud hiss as it felt the icy wind brush past it.

Bucky was quiet for a moment, his face twisting in an almost mischievous grin as he heard the laughter.

He looked forward, he could see the snowy mountains looming closer and closer.

You give icefire a signal to be as wild as he wants and you tighten your grip on the seat.

Belrath roared a deep, throaty rumble as its talons reached out in front of the other dragon in a wild manner.

The prince grunted as he struggled to keep control of his dragon.

In a moment of pure instinct, the Prince gave his dragon a deep command: 'burn.'

Belrath's head swerved sharply towards Icefire, as a small, orange flame shot at the Icy dragon.

Before you can comment anything to icefire he handles himself and dives into the sea before overtaking Belrath.

As the Icy Dragon dove into the water, Belrath roared in defiance as it chased the dragon down.

The prince's face twisted in concentration as he fought to keep control of his massive dragon.

He could hear your laughter above, as if you were enjoying yourself.

Then you both land at the same time on the massive mountain road.

Bucky sighed with relief as Belrath touched the ground. He jumped abruptly as he dismounted, the dragon still breathing like a raging fire.

He walked over to you. As he approached, all of the humor in his eyes faded into a serious expression.

"That was a foolish gamble, but I like that."

He paused for a moment.

"You've got fire in you, the same as me." He said with almost a chuckle.

You chuckle slightly and get down from your dragon. You softly pet icefire before icefire relax.

Belrath let out another low murmur as Bucky turned his attention back to the large, white dragon beside him.

He looked at you curiously, his face shifting in a thoughtful manner.

"That dragon of yours is quite impressive, where did you find your beast?"

"Deep In the mountains "

Bucky's eyes stayed on the massive, white dragon. He seemed oddly interested in the creature.

"Hmm...That's quite interesting. Most of the dragons we find in the mountains look much different than yours."

"He is different, he spit blue fire" you answer proudly.

Bucky couldn't help but smirk, as he stepped closer to the beast.

"Blue fire? Now that's an interesting sight indeed."

He ran a hand against the creature's face.

"How old is he?" Bucky  asked curiously.

" i think he is maybe 100 or a little bit older"

"And how is it that you tame such a beast?"

Bucky  stepped back from the creature, his eyes still studying it as he spoke.

"Taming dragons from the mountains can be extremely difficult."

You shrug your shoulders " icefire has seen me playing with the wolfs and then he followed me"

"He chose you." Bucky spoke softly as he looked down at the dragon.

"That's impressive, I don't know how many could say their dragons followed them on their own accord."

You nod.

"That's good to hear." Bucky stepped back from the dragon and looked over at you.

"Your dragon seems very different to anything I've seen. I suppose he's as unpredictable as you." Bucky paused.

"Or are you more of a force of the wild like Icefire?"

"maybe both" you answer with a slight smirk.

Bucky let out an amused chuckle.

"From this encounter alone, I would say you're the more unpredictable of the two."

He gave you a sly smile.

You chuckle slightly.

"You're a bit like me, aren't you?"

He couldn't help but smirk, as he looked over at you.

"A bit of a wild thing. You don't always listen, and you aren't the kind to be a follower."

He paused again.

"I have to admit, that's quite attractive."

You shrug your shoulders " you can ask mother if I'm difficult or not. " you utter, referring to your mother, Queen Rajendra.

A light chuckle left Bucky, as he looked away for a moment.

"I have heard quite a bit about you from your Mother, as well."

His face twisted up in a sly grin, as he turned back to you.

"She says nothing about you is ever easy."

You scoff "i don't cause much trouble"

"Then you must have an interesting definition of trouble."

Bucky's eyes trailed over you slowly.

"The stories that I have heard about you are the exact opposite of what I'm hearing now."

"what have you heard?" You ask slightly curious.

Bucky's eyes stayed on your face, as he paused for a moment before answering.

"That you're difficult, hard to handle, feisty." He paused for a moment, his face turning teasing as he spoke.

"And that you've given your mother numerous headaches."

He smirked, as he awaited your response.

"she is sometimes just too emotional" you utter and roll your eyes.

Bucky chuckled at that.

"I don't believe that for a second."

His face twitched into a playful smile, as he continued.

"I think you must make her incredibly frustrated, in which case I would say you can be a pain in the arse."

He smirked again, a playful, almost seductive glint in his eyes as he spoke.

"What makes you the most annoyed is that you enjoy it."

You try to suppress your smile. " not my fault that they don't understand fun"

Bucky took a step closer, his face turning into a smirk.

"Fun? I'm sure your mother would argue that what you do is nothing more than pure mischief."

"Which, I would completely agree with."

He paused, then let out another amused chuckle.

"And yes, I do believe you rather enjoy it."

"Has my mother told you that you should stay away from me because I'm too much trouble?" You ask curious.

"I believe she did, yes."

He took another stride forward, his eyes still looking down at you with a sly grin.

"She warned me about you, and I believe she may have been onto something."

"about what warned she you, for example, that I would steal your sword if I liked it or rather that I rarely follow rules." You ask and tile your head slightly.

"She warned me about how much of a wild thing you are. How you don't often listen and don't care much for rules."

Bucky paused for a moment, before continuing.

"And she did tell me you loved to steal things." He chuckled slightly, his lips turning into a smirk.

"And you didn't steal my blade, did you?"

"Oh, don't worry, Prince. Your sword is still on your hips" you say with a hint of mischief in your eyes that you couldn't suppress.

Bucky's smile widened. The prince took another step closer, his eyes staying intently on your face.

"Well, you're quite an interesting character. What else have you stolen from me?"

He raised an eyebrow in amusement, as he looked you over slowly. His eyes shifting up and down, before settling on your face again.

"Who said I have stolen something?"

"Your face is a dead giveaway, my lovely dragon rider."

Bucky chuckled as he said that, still looking over at you with a twinkle in his eyes.

"What did you steal?" He repeated with a teasing grin.

"your necklace, dear prince" you say amused and hold it up.

Bucky let out a low grumble, as he stared at you and the necklace in your hand.

"Are you going to give it back, or are you just going to tease me?" He asked with a sly grin.

His eyes stayed fixed on you for a deep moment, as he glanced up at the necklace.

"Don't make me use force, my sweet sweet dragon rider..." Bucky said playfully.

"sure you can have it back" you answer and you hold out the necklace to him.

Bucky took the necklace from your hands, the prince couldn't help but notice the small grin on your face as you gave it back.

He examined it for a minute, before giving you a playful, suggestive smile.

"Would it surprise you to hear that I didn't even notice it was missing?" He asked with a smirk, as he glanced at you.

You grin slightly “Oh I know you didn't notice it, that's why I did it.”

Bucky chuckles softly and steps closer to you, then his hand wraps around the necklace in your hand and before he can react you pull him against you. You hear him slightly gasp, then your eyes meet and for you both stop the time. 

Your hands intertwined softly, the necklace still between them. “You know I have missed you, Princess. You should definitely decide to come with me to my kingdom, my heart always longs for your teasing.”  Bucky says, his voice has a lovely undertone.

“You missed just my teasing? Nothing more, Prince Bucky?” You slightly pout.

He grabs you on your hips and pulls you closer, now you both stand so close that nothing fits between you both, you can feel how his chest moves as he breathes your scent in.

“Oh, i have miss you so much, my love. Not just your teasing, your whole being have i missed and your wild side.” he whispers with a gentle undertone in your ear. 

This sends a shiver down your spine.

“I have missed you too.”

Bucky reaches his hand to your face and slowly caress your cheek. 

Bucky's face softens a bit, as he sees you lean slightly against his hands and he smiles at you, his eyes shining with a deep affection.

He then leans towards you and kisses your forehead in a gesture of tenderness and adoration.

You can feel his strong and warm body against yours and it fills you with a feeling of safety and comfort.

Bucky hugs you again, this time his grip is tighter and warmer and he presses you against his chest more tightly.

You feel his heart beating rapidly against yours and he is breathing slowly, as if both of you are just enjoying the moment of being together without any further words.

Then you take his necklace and put it back around his neck. “There, it is back at his place.” you whisper softly and pet his chest.

“Come, my princess, it's slowly getting dark, we should go back to your castle” Bucky smiles gently at you as he sees how your hair slowly begins to move through the slightly windy evening air.

“Alright, we both should probably go back, you are right.” You nod.

The Prince pulls you closer to himself and places his hands on your shoulders, gently stroking your hair with affection as you both walk back to the castle.

You can feel his warmth and strength around you, making it feel like he is protecting you from the world.

He leans his head on top of yours and whispers to you:

"I am yours, and you are mine…”

“Always and forever “ you end his sentences.

#bucky barnes #bucky x reader #bucky x y/n #james buchanan barnes #bucky barnes x reader #james bucky buchanan barnes #bucky fanfic #dragon rider au #Prince Bucky Barnes #Royal Bucky Barnes

[itneverendshere]

runaway - bucky barnes au! (one shot! series)

warnings: angst!!!!!; little backstory and a little surprise??

parti i and ii: out of time; as it was

I remember the day it happened as if it were yesterday, the years not having drifted by and drained every emotion from my heart.

How foolish of me to think I ever stood a chance against the most powerful woman in the Kingdom. To go against the Queen meant meeting your doom. My love for her son, for Bucky, had blindsided me. It made me believe that she would understand, maybe not at first, but surely, if she saw how happy we were, she would do her best to respect her son’s wishes.

I was wrong.

Royalty loves their power and their choices more than they could ever love someone else. There’s no space for understanding, for caring. Everyone is a pawn in their game, and if you become a threat, you’ll be dealt with.

The day it happened, Bucky and I stole moments together in hidden corners, weaving dreams of a future where love conquered all. Little did we know that our happiness hung by the thinnest thread, a thread that would soon be violently severed.

It was during a lavish royal banquet that the Queen's displeasure was unveiled. The grand hall echoed with laughter and music; the air filled with the aroma of delicacies. Bucky and I exchanged stolen glances across the room, oblivious to the storm that was brewing. 

How did I not see it?

As the night wore on, the Queen's icy gaze found its way to me. Her piercing eyes bore into my soul, stripping away the illusion of safety I had built.

She knew.

My heart sank as I realized I was no longer a dirty secret kept between the walls of the castle.

“Tell me, girl,” her voice haunts me to this day, even after her passing, “How long have you known?”

My eyes darted quickly in her direction, seeking to escape whatever punishment I knew she was about to bestow on me. “I’m—My sincerest apologies, my queen, I don’t know—”

“Surely, you’ve realized you’re with child?”

Her words hung in the air like a heavy fog, thick with a mix of shock and terror. The revelation struck me like a thunderbolt, leaving me momentarily paralyzed. My hand instinctively moved to my stomach, as if to shield the secret growing within me. The truth was laid bare, and the Queen's sharp eyes seemed to pierce through the layers of my being.

“I understand your education is…appalling. But surely, you’ve noticed your lack of monthly bleedings.”

I stammered, trying to find the right words that could soften the blow of this revelation, “I don’t understand—”

With a deliberate step, the Queen descended from the elevated platform and approached me, her royal gown trailing behind her like a river of silk. The weight of her disapproval bore down on me.

"Your naivety is astonishing," she hissed, her voice a low, venomous whisper. "You will deny that child belongs to my son as well?”

I could feel tears welling up in my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. The Queen circled around me like a predator closing in on its prey.

I summoned whatever courage I could muster, standing tall despite the storm of emotions raging within me. "Your Majesty, my love is genuine. I never intended to disgrace the kingdom or your family. Bucky and I—we simply wanted to be together."

The Queen's cold laughter filled the hall, sending shivers down my spine. "Love?! You dare speak of love? You believe you’re special.”

“I don’t—”

“But you do! Look at yourself, girl, you dare to think my son would ever love a commoner such as yourself? You can barely write your name, let alone rule a Kingdom.”

The Queen's words were like a harsh wind that threatened to extinguish the flickering flame of hope within me. I felt the weight of her scrutiny, a heavy burden that threatened to crush me under its enormity.

“Any man is easily fooled by a pretty face and a pair of legs. James, as smart as he is, is still a man at the end of the day, is he not?”

I felt the hot sting behind my eyes, my breath caught in my chest. My shoulders trembled slightly, a subtle sign of the emotional turmoil within. Determination etched across my face, I fought valiantly to hold back the tears threatening to spill. My jaw tightened, and I blinked rapidly as if trying to push the emotions away. “Your son is a good man.”

“Yes, but he is only just a man. Not very smart creatures, are they? So easily played, so gullible, yet so… treacherous. You cannot possibly think you were the only girl in his bed.”

I knew his heart better than anyone; Bucky would have never hurt me. If there was one simple thing I was certain of, it was him.

"Your Majesty, please," I implored, desperation seeping into my voice. "If it's punishment you seek, punish me. Banish me from the kingdom, but spare the child.”

A cold smile played on the Queen's lips as she continued her circling, the predatory dance of a predator toying with its prey.

 "Innocence is a rare commodity in the realm of politics. You, my dear, chose to dance with wolves, and now you must face the consequences."

My mind raced, desperately searching for a way to salvage the remnants of my shattered world. “I beg of you, please don’t do this!”

She halted in front of me, her gaze piercing through my defenses. "You will leave this kingdom at sunrise, never to return. Your presence will be erased from our history, and my son will be free to fulfill his destiny without the shackles of your deceit."

Leave? I’d barely left the castle, let alone the kingdom; it was all I ever knew. There was nothing for me outside these walls, no one to guide me or to come to my rescue.

“I have nowhere to go."

“And that is your doing. Your kind is not meant to challenge the order we've established. You’re a stain, a stain I will erase for the sake of the kingdom. If your child meets its death, it will be a deserving ending, better than what I would allow."

A profound sense of isolation engulfed me. The weight of impending exile pressed upon my chest, making it hard to breathe. “Bucky won’t allow this.”

“James will abide by his duty to the kingdom. He’ll have someone warming his chambers by tomorrow night.”

A surge of disbelief and betrayal coursed through me. The Queen's words cut deeper than any blade, and I struggled to comprehend the enormity of the situation. The love we had shared, the dreams we had woven together – all seemed to crumble into dust before my eyes.

"You underestimate the bond between a mother and her son," she continued, her voice dripping with malice. "He will move on, just as the kingdom will, once you are but a distant memory."

The reality of my impending exile and the Queen's ruthless intentions gripped my heart with a vice-like force. “He loves me.”

“He might, but he will certainly not once he learns you gave him up for a better life.”

“You would lie to him?”

A realization struck me like a lightning bolt – my love for Bucky had become a pawn in the Queen's game of power and control. She wielded it like a weapon, ready to sacrifice it for the sake of the kingdom's stability. 

My fight wasn't just against her disapproval; it was against the very foundations of a society that deemed love a threat.

“I’d be doing him a favor. He’s currently out on a mission? By the time he comes back, you’ll be long gone.”

Her cruel indifference stung like a thousand needles. I stood there, my world unraveling, as the reality of her manipulation settled in. 

A numbness crept over me, replacing the desperate fight with a resigned acceptance of my fate.

"Your Majesty," I spoke, my voice barely above a whisper, "I will leave at sunrise, as you command. But please, spare him the lie. Tell Bucky the truth about why I must go."

The Queen's cold gaze bore into mine, and for a moment, I glimpsed a flicker of satisfaction in her eyes. "You underestimate the power of a well-crafted narrative, my dear. Sometimes, a lie is more potent than the truth. It protects not just the kingdom but also the fragile hearts of those who must bear its burdens."

The truth, it seemed, was a luxury not meant for the likes of me.

She took everything from me that night. And although surviving in the cold, harsh world lying outside those walls almost killed me, it allowed me to protect the most important thing in my life.

My beautiful Becca.

#prince bucky #bucky imagine #bucky x reader #bucky fanfic #bucky fic #bucky barnes #james bucky buchanan barnes #bucky x you #james buchanan bucky barnes #bucky angst #james buchanan barnes #bucky x female reader #angsty

[beananacake]

My Crown Upon Your Head

Ch. 1

Prince!Bucky Barnes x Reader

Synopsis: When an arranged engagement between Prince James of Brookland and Princess Natasha ushers the discovery of the existence of a marriage contract between you and said prince, you readily agree to a divorce for the sake of the kingdom. At first, you had been willing to be separated from Prince James but as you spend more time with your husband, you begin to feel things that are forbidden. It does not help your case when James shares the same sentiments. As you combat the emotions that excite and scare you, the discoveries you make of the people that surround you make you suspect there is something else at play...

WC: 3.9k

Warnings: period-typical misogyny, 18+ for delicate issues, typos, not beta'd

A/N: Hi! Welcome to my first Bucky fic! If you think you've read this before... uh, no you didn't ;) Likes, comments, and reblogs makes beananacake a happy writer lol

Once upon a time, there was a girl who accidentally married the prince.

That would have been a story to be told for ages, you thought ironically to yourself. It would have made for an everlasting tale by the Brothers Grimm; storytellers whom you had met during one of your travels to the distant land of Prussia with your diplomat father. They were an odd sort; old men whom you would never have thought to have been the authors to the short tales you loved reading as a child. Their stories were rather macabre despite the hopeful beginnings. After all, not every Once Upon A Time ended with a happy ever after.

I wonder how they would have written my story, you mused rather distractedly as you stood before the King of Brookland.

You had been summoned to the palace the moment your ship had docked into the kingdom’s port. There was no preamble as to why you were wanted; they had only loaded you unto the carriage and had been presented to the monarch without so much as a change of clothing. You were not vain but it would have been more preferable to be wearing the proper attire when meeting with the king. Instead, you met him in your leather breeches, a silk dress shirt, and a waistcoat that you had fashioned from your father’s old vest—all of these articles of clothing were scandalous by themselves, but not as scandalous as knowing the reason why you had been summoned.

“You see, my son is set to marry the Grand Duke’s niece but we find ourselves in an unusual predicament,” said King George II of Brookland as he stood from his throne.

You had no voluminous skirt to tuck your hands into when you were nervous. Instead, you only clenched them at your sides, clutched into fists to calm the nervous quake about you.

“My secretary has found a marriage certificate binding you and my son in matrimony.” The king said disdainfully as he looked down on you. He was a classically handsome man if a bit gaunt and pale. His blue eyes were kind yet piercing. His jaw was strong and covered with a beard that was white as it was thick. His voice rasped with every words as though he labored them out. He was an old man, stooping because of his many years but it did not dampen the regal, commanding aura he had about him.

“You had been married to my son for two decades.”

Twenty years? You would have been but six years! Surely, there must have been a mistake.

You took a discreet step back, afraid of the silent fury in his voice. You had no idea of this marriage to the prince but your lapse in memory only seemed to make the blaze of anger in the king's eyes grow.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty, but I have no idea of this certificate of which you speak.”

A harsh scoff sounded from the man who stood beside the throne. Your eyes flitted to the Grand Duke and the cruel severity from him made you step further back. His features told you he did not belong to Brookland; rather than possessing the strong jaws and high cheekbones of the Brooks, he appeared more foreign. The Grand Duke—an honorable title reserved only for the king’s advisers—had his lips drawn tight, his brown eyes beady as he regarded you.

“His Majesty will not tolerate insolence, child. I suggest you answer in truth.” His words, while spoken calmly and simply, chilled you. His eyes betrayed nothing nefarious but there was an air about him, of something that made him unfriendly to you. Then again, it was his niece the prince was promised to and you had unknowingly married said prince.

“My apologies, Grand Duke,” you bowed your head as you lowered into a curtsy. You could not bear to look him in the eye for one more time.

“Tell me your name again,” commanded King George.

You kept your head low as you said your name.

“If you are who you say you are, then it must be you who signed this contract.” The soft unraveling of the scroll drew your attention and you looked up as the king thrust it before you.

There it was. Your name, written by the hand of a six-year-old child. It was a mess of letters but it was discernible enough for anyone to read your name. Beside it was Prince James’s inscription, no better than yours but still enough to be recognized as the name of the kingdom’s future monarch.

The royal seal of the Barnes of Brookland—a crowned lion standing atop a shield that bore the coat of arms of the family—brought about a memory that had long been buried until that moment.

You watched closely as your father, a scholar and one of Brookland’s diplomats, poured hot wax on the space between where he and another had signed. It was a rich blue with gold flecks, the colors and symbol of your country’s opulence. You were always curious as to why he did the ritual of laying his ring on top of the molten wax after signing the papers. You asked him.

“It is a promise, Y/N,” your father had replied as he took of his signet ring and placed it sigil-down on the paper.

“Like friendship, papa?” you had asked in your small, excitable voice.

He chuckled fondly, caressing your cheek as he watched you in the candlelight. “Of a sort. This paper is a memory of that friendship with our country and this country’s king.”

“Can I do it with my friends?” You watched with curious eyes, taking note of where he had written his name and the fact that it must be sealed with wax and his ring.

“Of course, little one. I shall have to teach you how to write your name so you can sign your promise.”

You beamed, eager to employ this newfound knowledge and practice of sealing your promises of friendship.

You were unable to read as well but it was no matter, your papa will teach you. It was your memory that was prodigious and you remembered his process. First, he took parchment from his sheaf of papers. He signed his name on the first empty space, then the other man did as your father had. They shook hands. Your father poured hot wax and placed the sigil on the promise and placed it on different sheaf of papers.

It was simple enough for you to do.

You recalled that moment you had done it. You had visited the palace with your father and he had let you play around the grounds while he conducted business with the other diplomats of the kingdom. Prince James had been but a boy then, a little older than you were but not old enough to talk affairs of the kingdom. He had been in the garden alone and you approached him with the idea of trying your newfound way of sealing friendships. You had not realized that you had plucked a marriage certificate from the Great Study because, truly, all of your father’s contracts appeared one and the same to you and you had assumed as much for all the papers. You innocently scrawled your name, taking good care in spelling it right as your father had told you. The prince had done the same and with your father’s ring, you sealed your—and the prince’s—fate.

“You recognize it then,” asked the king as he snatched the offending paper away.

“Your Majesty—” The apology did not slip past your lips.

“You may look innocent but I sense ambition in you, girl,” remarked the adviser. There was a hint of malice in his words and you flinched.

“Grand Duke.” There was a warning edge to King George’s tone. He turned to you once more. “You recognize this certificate?”

You steeled yourself, standing erect as you drawled out slowly. “It was not my intention to bind myself in marriage to the prince, Sir.” You swallowed. “My father introduced contracts to me as a way of keeping friendships. As a child of six, I did not know of diplomacy or the legitimacies of binding contracts nor the numerous different kinds of it. I only took the paper as I had assumed all were one and the same. I signed my name and had the prince sign his and stamped it the ring my father had me hold for safekeeping. I did not know that any agreement signed by the prince and sealed with the royal stamp would be legally binding even at so young an age.”

The silence that followed echoed in the throne room. Your boots scraped against the marble floor and you were once again reminded that you were unfit to be meeting with the king in such a state. Women, even common folk, were expected to be in dresses and long skirts. You shunned those articles of clothing whenever you were traveling the waters, finding breeches, shirts, and practical boots better than the full hoops of the skirt that often got in the way whenever you walked about the ship. The sailors were used to seeing you in this garb and did not find it offending at all that you were not dressed like a lady but to the eyes of the king and the Grand Duke and perhaps the many a footman you had passed before entering the throne room, you looked downright scandalous.

“We will keep you in the palace, Y/N.” proclaimed the king, which made you turn to him once more.

Evidently, the news shocked the Grand Duke as well because he turned to the monarch with his question plain on his face. King George held up a hand to his adviser and sat on his throne before answering.

“We will keep you in the palace until we find a solution to this impasse.”

“Of course, Sir,” you replied because what else was there to say?

“Surely, you understand the delicacy of this matter. I would not have you proclaiming to the people that you are the new princess—or rather, had been their princess for near two decades already.”

You were offended at his insinuation but did not show it. You had no right to show indignation towards the king.

“In here, you are contained. You shall still be free to roam the palace grounds as you please but we will not have you out of it. If so, you shall have a chaperone and we would be informed of your itinerary.”

You only nodded. You were a creature of adventure; the very notion of being confined within the palace grounds was comparable to have your wings clipped. But I had started this problem and I must pay for my childish ignorance, you thought to yourself.

You were set to sail with your father once again to the return to the distant land of Wakanda. It had been your life; traveling from one kingdom to another. You had learned of cultures and languages, of food and dance, and everything it was that you could ever beheld. Your home kingdom might be tiny and beautiful but the world beyond held more possibilities that you never once thought was within your grasp.

Oh, how you would have wanted to walk your father’s footsteps as Brookland’s new diplomat. You learned from all the travels you have done; your father had made you his apprentice and had taught you everything he knew of his trade. People still underestimated you. It was unheard of for someone of the fairer sex to be an ambassador, so you had never tried. You only acted as an adviser to your father within the confines of his office walls, honing your innate talent of persuasion and diplomacy.

Sadly, your dreams were once again stalled.

“Your Majesty, since I am common folk, my presence in the palace will arouse suspicion.”

The king nodded. “It is all being taken care of. My son's cousin will be arriving soon and you shall pose as a guest with him. You are merely early in your arrival.”

“Of course, Sir.” You paused and looked down to your clothes before turning back to the monarch “There is also a matter of my trunks, Your Majesty. I have arrived empty-handed.”

King George looked at you from your head to your boots. “Are all your clothes thus?”

You shook your head. “No, Sir. This is what I wear when I am traveling the seas. I do not find it practical to wear a skirt whilst I am on deck and the tides are high.”

“Ah, yes. You travel with your father.”

“Yes, Sir.”

He nodded. “I cannot allow you to leave the palace so soon after we have talked. Write him a missive for your trunks but do not mention your business here.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You may go.”

“My King,” you genuflected at the monarch before doing the same to the Grand Duke. “Your Grace.”

You stepped backwards, keeping the front of your body towards the king as you slowly went out of the throne room. Once the doors had closed, you heaved a great sigh and straightened, only to knock against someone behind you. You turned and gasped, rooted in place, at the sight of the man before you.

It was the prince. Prince James Buchanan Barnes. Prince James with his dark hair and fiercely blue eyes and features that told you he truly was the son of Brookland. He had grown handsome over the years, which shouldn’t come as a surprise as his father was a handsome man as well. James—were you allowed to address him as James?—had a firm look on his face, a bit reminiscent of his father’s gaze as he watched you. Broad of the shoulders and fit of the body, his muscled legs were encased in tight white breeches and his coat brought out the color of his eyes. They were as blue as the sea and as clear as the sky.

Your husband. What an absurd notion!

“Careful,” he said as he held you by your arms. His voice was deep and smooth and it caressed you in places that you never thought were possible.

You ogled at the prince. As much as you wanted to  look away, you cannot. His gaze held you, searching your eyes and quite frankly, perhaps even your soul. Even if you had nothing to hide, you were scared of the things he would find there. Like the matter of your being bound to him in marriage.

Your heart skipped a beat. It had nothing to do with your being nervous of him finding out about your accidental ploy of being married to him but more of the fact that you had never been looked at like how he was looking at you. Your appearance was unkempt and you had not been able to properly tie your hair but something about his stare made you feel like you were much more beautiful than you truly look. He made you feel emotions not even the best of the world could offer and for the life of you, you had no idea why.

Your knees buckled and you bent down in an ungraceful curtsy. It did not escape your notice that your arms were still caged by his fingers. The heat from his hands seeped through the soft cotton of your shirt into your skin and you gave a shaky breath. “Your Highness, my apologies. I did not see you—”

“James. I thought the hunt would have run you ragged.” You heard the king say as the doors open behind you.

Princes James gave you curious smile and you realized he had no idea of who you were or why you were there. Would it change if he knew? You wondered absently. Your eyes still lingered on his lips.

“It is all right. No need to apologize.” he said.

You turned to his eyes as you rose to your full height. His hands left your arms and the imprints that he left warmed you as you were ushered away.

…

…

…

Prince James Buchanan Barnes was, for all intents and purposes, an apprentice. His whole life he was schooled to be the next king of Brookland. He was taught to be a soldier to know of battle strategies. He had masters who taught him philosophies and history. He was knowledgeable in three languages because his parents had insisted he learn two more so he can converse with more people. He was, essentially, an apprentice monarch. And a king, even one still learning the trade, needed a queen.

Which brought him to the matter at hand. His father had promised his hand to the Grand Duke Zemo’s niece. He had never set eyes on her before and was only sent a portrait that he and his father had looked at and had deemed her beautiful. Her country was powerful and Brookland—albeit teeming with natural and mineral resources—needed to ally with a kingdom for its protection. Marrying a princess from a rich and powerful country was the correct step in ensuring the best for the kingdom. It was what his father had done with his mother. It was fortunate that his parents had fallen in love despite the circumstances.

“I was not aware Princess Natasha was arriving today,” James said as he pried his eyes away from your retreating figure.  

It was unusual for him to see a princess not in their finest clothes, either, especially one from a country that was advertised to him as bountiful and rich. He had no qualms, however, about seeing you in such a state. Clad in what was commonly considered as undergarments, you were a small person than what the portrait had let on. You came only until his chin and even then, you still seemed tinier. Your legs were enclosed in buckskin leather, much like his own when he went hunting, and it made him wonder if maybe you hunted as well. You wore a dress shirt beneath a curious piece of waistcoat that you had tucked in the waistband of your breeches and it accentuated your rounded hips and ample bottom. You wore none of those heeled shoes he knew ladies favored. Instead, your feet were clad in flat boots that went up to your knees and showcased your perfect calves. Albeit you were dressed inappropriately, it did not escape him that you were dressed practically. And sensually, he thought to himself.

You were beautiful in the portrait but in person, you were exquisite. The painter failed to capture the smattering of freckles across your nose or the hint of lightness on your hair. There was a small scar on the side of your cheek that he did not notice when he beheld your picture; perhaps the painter found it wise to not include the blemish lest it deterred him from making an offer of marriage to you, even if it was not his idea to be wed to you. Be that as it may, the scar endeared him to you. It made you appear more tangible, more… real, and nothing like the uptight version your uncle had painted you to be.

“Heavens, no. I would never associate myself with that—that thing.” Zemo said, looking at your back in what could only be termed as disgust.

James raised a brow. So you were not the princess. “I would assume that thing has a name and a purpose?” When his question was met with silence, he turned to the king. “Father?”

“Walk with me, boy.” was all the king said. He waved his hand away to his adviser. “Thank you, Grand Duke. We do not need you in this talk.”

“Your Majesty. Your Highness.” Zemo bowed as King George led James away.

He followed his father down the Hall of Portraits. He remembered his lessons of his family’s history, of the important people who had changed the laws and the lives of many. King Alphonse. Queen Mariam. Queen Winnifred, his mother. He knew it best not to dwell on his mother’s untimely death around his father, whom he knew was still mourning her. She had left them so suddenly and they both had not been the same ever since. It did, however, brought them even closer.

“James,” his father started as they arrived in the garden. “There is a matter I wish for you to know.”

Rarely did his father venture this far into the gardens. Queen Winnifred had kept a small alcove for her personal use, locked away but still kept clean by the royal gardener. James often went there when he needed time for himself. His father did not.

“Yes, father?” James asked, watching his father closely as he sat.

Since his wife’s death, the king’s health had deteriorated rapidly. The doctors had deemed it a great depression, one the king will brave in a few months’ time, but James knew his father would never recover from the death of his beloved. Every day he feared his father would leave him so soon after his mother had. The mere idea frightened him.

“You are promised to Princess Natasha,” King George said, to which James nodded. “But there is a small matter we must address before you wed her.”

He raised an inquiring brow. “Does she not want to be wed?”

“She wishes to be wed to you, James. However, we find ourselves at a loss for something you have done some twenty years ago.” He patted the space beside him on the bench and the prince sat.

Twenty years ago? What could he have done at eight years old for his father to remark on now?

“Are we bringing up old sins, father? Because if we are, I do not remember what I had done at eight years old that would bear remembering.”

“My boy,” the king clasped his son on the shoulder. It was a fatherly touch but also that of a king, a touch that brooked no argument.

“You are already married.”

James frowned. Married? Surely, he would have remembered the festivities that came with the union.

“Married? I don’t remember meeting my bride or signing a marriage contract.” He turned to his father. “Are you well, father? Perhaps we should return inside. The sun—” The sun had killed his mother. He did not wish the same for his father.

The king waved his hand away. “I am well, son. Do not worry about my health.” He looked sternly at the young prince. “You are not married to the Princess Natasha but you have been married for two decades now.”

“Father, I must ask you to speak plainly. I had been married for two decades? And not to the princess I was promised? Then who am I married to?”

“Do you know anyone by the name of Y/N Y/L/N?”

James’s frown deepened. He readily denied but stopped short.

Y/N. The name sounded familiar to him. And then he knew. He remembered; the girl he had invited inside is mother’s secret garden and had played with under his favorite tree. Familiar eyes that lit up as they smiled at him, the same ones who had looked upon him just a few moments before. You had brought a paper to him—a promise of friendship, you had said—and he signed it with no hesitation.

“She is that girl you thought was the Princess Natasha, my boy.”

James looked back to the door they had came through, as though he would see you appear if he called your name out loud.

“She is your wife.”

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes royal au #bucky x reader #bucky barnes fic #prince bucky barnes x reader #prince!bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes #bucky barnes au #bucky x female reader #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes x you #james bucky barnes #james buchanan barnes #marvel royal au #marvel historical au #prince!bucky #bucky barnes x y/n #my crown upon your head fic #beananacake writes

[holylulusworld]

Not a queen (5)

Summary: You are no one. What if fate makes you queen?

Pairing: Bucky Barnes x Maid!Reader x Nick (Fowler) Barnes

Warnings: angst, dystopian world, modern royal au, shy reader, arranged marriage, idiots in love (kinda), possessive Nick, cocky reader (kinda), talk about sex, language, Nick is a horny bastard, a hint of fluff

This series takes place in the Two kings universe, at the same time. I recommend reading this story first to understand this universe better.

A/N: Read Wuthering Heights. :)

You can find all arcs here: Of Kings and Queens Arcs

<< Part 4

Not a queen (Arc 2) masterlist

“Stop fidgeting,” Nick tuts as you nervously shift in your seat. He tried to read a book while watching over you. He’s still angry at his brother. “You’re making me nervous.”

“Stop locking me away then. Let me go home and look for a new bride. You’re an awful prison guard,” you bite back, “and a pervert. I dare you to touch me again!”

“You would purr like a cat in heat for me if I ever touched you,” he grins when you shy away, and drop your gaze. “You’re so cute and sweet. Do you want me to show you the ropes for our wedding night?”

You scrunch up your nose. “No! Keep it in your pants!”

“I wasn’t talking about my cock,” he laughs. “Maybe you’d like it when I go down on you and taste your sweetness.”

“Go down on me?” You gape at Nick. “What do you mean? Do you want to have a look at my feet? I just washed them.”

Nick makes an odd noise. His features soften when you look at him, brows furrowed in confusion. “Aw, you are a cute little mouse. I will enjoy ruining you.”

He slams the book shut and places it on the coffee table next to the old armchair he occupied. Nick gets up to stand in front of you. He looks you all over. “What are you doing?”

“I try to find out if you are playing with me, or if you are innocent through and through,” he purrs. Nick cups your face with his large hands, leaning closer as you stare up at him with doe eyes. “I wanna taste you, mouse. Can I?”

“What?” You are confused. Nick was cruel and rejected you anytime he got the chance to do so. “I-“

“I’m gonna kiss you now.” He brushes his lips over yours. You whimper and close your eyes. You hold your breath and wait for the feel of his lips on yours. “Mouse…”

“Hands off!” 

You shriek as the door slams open and a beyond furious Bucky steps inside the room. He glares at his brother, ready to rip Nick apart.

“For fuck’s sake, Bucky,” Nick cures under his breath. “What are you doing here? It’s my turn to spend time with Y/N.”

“You tried to grope her again!”

Nick sneers. “I wanted to kiss her, you idiot. She doesn’t even know what it means to go down on a woman. I only tried to ease her into becoming our sweet wife.”

“Nick, I swear,” Bucky growls, “if you don’t stop toying with Y/N to hurt her I’ll break your face.”

“Toy—what?” Nick purses his lips. “I want the first kiss. Is that so hard to understand!”

“You don’t even like her.”

“Maybe. But she’s a cute mouse and I want to…” Nick huffs. He doesn’t know what he wants if he’s honest. All he knows is that you woke his jealous streak. The thought of his brother having you first drives him up the wall.

“You want what?”

“Nothing.”

Nick storms off. He grumbles under his breath before slamming the door shut behind him.

You are confused. Moments ago, Nick tried to kiss you, and then he changed his mind once again. Only because his brother caught you in the act.

“Did he hurt you?” Bucky steps toward you to cradle your face. He looks you all over, humming as you just look at him. “Did he kiss you? Did he steal the first kiss?”

“Why are you always fighting? I’m not some toy you can fight over. You’re like my twin brother, fighting over nonsense with me when we were kids…” You shake your head and drop your eyes to his chest.

“You didn’t tell us much about your brothers.”

“The eldest died before I and Y/B/N were born. He was the first son. When Y/B/N and I were born…” You sniffle.

“It was a death sentence to your brother,” Bucky whispers. “You never told us you were twins. I thought he was your elder brother.”

“Oh-he was! My brother was born first,” you grab Bucky’s wrist. “He was good big brother. But the law shows no mercy to a second son. It didn’t matter our elder brother was long dead.”

“It’s insanity, Y/N. This law is a crime against humanity. One day, we will this endless circle of death and violence. I promise.”

Bucky presses a soft kiss to your forehead, lips lingering as you close your eyes. “How?”

“We will tell you all about it soon. Just give me a little time to tame my brother. He always was the wild one.”

“Mouse, come here,” Nick pats the empty spot next to him on the sofa. “Let’s read a book and talk about our engagement.”

“Where’s Bucky?” You glance around the room, wondering if you can trust Nick to not try to grope you.

“Did he kiss you? I bet Bucky stole the first kiss.” Nick looks like an angry child when you step toward the sofa. “Did he? You can tell me. I know it’s not your fault. Bucky always got everything first.”

“He kissed my temple,” you whisper. Nick is still a mystery to you. Most of the time, he tells you that he hates you. And now, he almost looks hurt. “Not my lips.”

You sit next to him, glancing at the book in his hands. “It’s called Wuthering Heights,” he says. “Did you read it?”

“No. What is it about?” You ask.

“So, there is this guy Heathcliff. He’s an orphan who falls in love with a girl above his class. Poor guy loses her to some richer guy.”

“That’s sad,” you sniff. “Why do you read such a book?”

“Wait, that’s not the end, mouse,” he excitedly says. “Heathcliff devotes the rest of his life seeking revenge on her family and all who have wronged him.”

“He sounds like a bad guy.”

“What? I—”

“She’s not wrong, Nick. Just remember how Heathcliff treats his son and the boy’s mother,” Bucky interjects.

“You really had to ruin the book for me,” Nick pouts. “Why do you always mess with the things I like?”

“Did he love her for real?” You move a little closer to Nick to take the book out of his hands. 

“What?”

“Heathcliff, did he love her, or was it just…”

“He loved her dearly,” Nick leans closer again to cup your cheek. “He would’ve burned the world for her, mouse. It was the kind of love you make you a better person or destroying you.”

>> Part 6

Tags in reblog.

#bucky barnes #nick fowler #nick fowler x reader #bucky barnes x reader #prince!bucky #prince!nick #modern royal au #dystopian au #Not a queen (5)

[dysfunctionalmaki]

Say My Name

Wanda Maximoff x Fem!Reader

Chapter 03/?

Summary: You work all around at the local country club, to your advantage you flirted and used your beauty to get what you want, though with this certain woman your own way can't seem to work.

Warning: This work contains smut and foul language, minors DNI!!

A/N: This update came too long but with the holidays going on, I was occupied but I assure this work could be smooth sailing from now on.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ.───

You were nervous, that's the simplest way you can describe what you're feeling, the table by the window was occupied by Wanda who was having her lunch alone, you were too sure that your eyes would always meet with hers whenever you'd look her way. Yelena even noticed the way you're fiddling with the pen you're holding, Bucky had to steal it away from you since he can't stand the constant clicking sound that came from the object. “Well, what the hell are you doing here? Go do your pretty girl things that you always do, Y/N.” Barnes teased and you can't help but roll your eyes.

“What? No! Y/N, you're not pulling that shit with a married woman.” Yelena retorted, trying to play with your conscience until she chuckled. “Just kidding, go do your thing, her husband's an ass.” she snorted which made you laugh nervously, looking around the room you looked eyes with the redhead once more. Slightly raising her hand to get your attention, you went to be at her service after all you’re still her waitress. “What time are you heading out?” She asked casually which made you widen your eyes a little but you looked at your watch. “In four hours… I'm sure you won't push around your salad for that long.” You say which made the older woman smile. “I have some errands to do but I think it'll be nice to tell Yelena that you won't be going home with her.” Wanda says as she took her designer handbag, taking out her purse so she could get her credit card to pay for her meal.

Doing your job, you went to take it and bring it over to the counter. You weren't sure why you're so nervous, you've done this before… you've hooked up with people way shadier than Wanda, in fact… she's probably the most normal one you're about to go after. When they're finished with her card, you went back to Wanda to return the item to her. She smiled as you returned and took back her card, placing it back in her purse before putting on her sunglasses that made her look even hotter considering how well it matched her outfit. “I’ll pick you up, make sure those two keep their mouths shut about us.” she softly says before getting up from her seat, clearly talking about Yelena and Bucky who were basically watching from their stations.

Placing a hand on your forearm, gently squeezing on it and letting go of you almost immediately, then you watched her walk out of the restaurant with such elegance and style, she didn't have to wear the most obvious designer clothing to scream out that she's loaded, the way she carries herself and her aura was enough to tell that she's that kind of person. Getting inside of her luxury car that the valet got for her, that kind of vehicle was enough to tell you that she is surely a powerful woman. Making your way back to your station, the two gave a certain look and you're immediately reminded of what Wanda told you to do. “So… I hope you two can shut your mouth about this.” You say then Bucky shrugged. “I can keep my mouth shut, I don't know about this one.” Barnes teased while using his thumb to point at Yelena who's waiting on the drink he's making. “Just be careful with what you're doing, you're playing with fire here, Y/N.” she warned you, shrugging with what your friend said, you just went on to do your job.

Hours went by and you were exhausted, you've told Yelena that Wanda’s most probably picking you up, and you think that the older woman was… well, ‘man’ of her words. Heading into the restroom so you could freshen up after your shift, finally you've let your hair down, spray on perfume that has worn off hours ago, and finally you clock out. Heading to walk outside the country club, you see the familiar car that has picked you up once. Making your way towards there, you hear someone call your name and it's coming from a car that just pulled up. “Y/N, how are you darling?” The familiar voice called to you which surprised you, Wanda was about to open the door for you from the inside but confused by what made you stop.

“Diana? Hi! How are you home so soon?” You greeted the other woman who just exited her car, Diana wrapped her arms around you the moment she got close to you, you went to look at Wanda’s car and you're sure as hell that she's watching all this happening. “The meeting went well, everything goes to my approval hence why I'm back here early, didn't tell you ‘cause I'm planning to surprise you… seems like I did.” she says as she batted an eye towards the redhead’s car. “Well, yeah- I'm actually surprised.” you say then you looked at Diana before gently pulling away from her arms. “Mhmm, are you coming with me or not?” she asked so casually. Meanwhile, Wanda can't really hear what you and this woman was talking about, though she could sense there's something between you and this stranger but she didn't want to pry much instead she just waited.

“I- I'm afraid I can't, I made a commitment and I really stick by my words… you know that.” you say which made Diana roll her eyes. “Sure, but you know where to find me and you'd have to promise that you're going to make it up to me.” She says which made you bite the inside of your cheek. “Of course, you know I always do.” You say and finally you bid your goodbyes to her, and Wanda unlocked the door for you… now, you awkwardly get inside her car. “She looks familiar.” Wanda commented the moment she finally drove off. “Oh, she's also a member of the club so you probably ran into her a couple of times if you went here back then.” you say while the redhead nod in response.

“So, I'm going to ask the same question that I asked you last night in our texts… You're aware that I am a married woman, right?” she asked then you simply answer with a yes. “You like trouble don't you? The way that woman held you? There's something there isn't it?” she softly chuckled then you took a moment to think what to answer. “Well, it's no secret that Diana and I do go out… completely casual and no strings attached.” you say causing Wanda to raise a brow. “I hope you're not expecting the same thing with me, Y/N.” the redhead softly spoke. “I don't like sharing at all.” she added with the most innocent smile that she could put on.

“But I think you and I both know what I want.” you say honestly and Maximoff looked at you for a moment. “Oh, you're getting straight to it?” she chuckled before biting her lower lip. “Well, this is how it usually is, right? The married woman goes for the girl she wants to experiment with and once it's done… it's done.” you say, causing the older woman to laugh softly. “Marrying a man is more like the experiment.” Wanda scoffed, she went to drive a little longer and finally you both arrived at some motel out of town, well, she probably chose this one so no one could recognize the both of you and especially her.

Getting out of the car, you went after her just tailing behind her, heading into the motel the older woman asked you to do most of the talking so you did, you chose a decent room for the both of you. While you two were in the elevator, you went to move a little closer to Wanda’s side. “It's Diana Prince… I think she works for Wayne's company.” Wanda says all of a sudden. “Yes, that's her. Do you know her?” She shook her head at your question then you nodded yours. “Well, it's probably just I've seen her whenever I have to do some errands when I do business meetings with their company.” she added. “And you're aware that I'm married to a man who's somehow related to Stark too, right?” you nodded your head once more.

The moment the elevator, Wanda went ahead first and you followed after her, though you had to go first eventually since you're the one holding the key card. The moment you two were inside, Wanda went to look around the room for a moment, while you placed your bag on the chair by the desk near the bed. “What do you mean you don't like to share?” you ask her and tracing back to what she said earlier. “If you want to get me and have me, I want you to have me and only me.” Wanda says and she turns to face you. “Come on, I'm sure you're aware how much of a pretty face you are.” she added which made you even more confused.

“You really want me to put it into simpler terms?” Wanda says with a sigh before composing herself, walking closer to you. “I want to be the only one kissing this lips of yours, be the only one who gets to mark you up… take you whenever I want and whenever I need.” the more the redhead talked about her whims for you, you can't help but feel your body warm up. Eventually, you felt her hand resting on your waist. “You're going to have an affair with a powerful woman, Y/N, are you sure you're ready to take the heat?” she asked as she pulled you closer to her, fingers slowly digging into your skin. “I- uh- You mean I have to drop every possible connection that I have?” That was the question you could ask, sure it does sound stupid but your mind stop working when this woman had you under her spell.

“Well, you're quite greedy if you want to keep me around and still have other people, don't you think?” she asked then finally your face was only a couple of inches apart from hers. “I mean… I know I'm a catch, sweetheart.” she confidently says. Unsure of what to say at this point, all you know is that the both of you were staring at each other's lips, you didn't know how it occurred and who made the move first all you know is that the both of you started kissing… It was needy, hot, and desperate. To your surprise, it was Wanda taking the control here, you were always the one in control… they always have the hots for you and not vice versa, but this woman certainly has her way for you.

Eventually, you found yourself going at Wanda’s flow, you could feel the warmth of her tongue against yours, her wet muscle just swirling against yours. You walked backwards, trying to get a feel whether you're near the bed or not and as the back of your leg hit it, you slowly sank to your knees and sat on the mattress. This time your hands were around the older woman's waist, you were trying to take control this time… your hand was hiking up the blouse that she was wearing, yet you were stopped when she held your wrist. “Who said that you could touch?” Wanda purred as she parted her lips from yours just so she could speak. “I've got to have you first before you get me, malysh…” she spoke in her thick sokovian accent that caused butterflies all over your stomach.

“I- uh- I'm yours…” you stuttered which made Wanda chuckle. “We both know you're not there yet, sweetheart.” she says and you know damn well that she's not wrong. “But, we'll get there.” she whispered against your lips, now she crashed her lips against yours once again. The redhead straddles your lap, her lips moving perfectly with yours, you never felt this desperate… desperate for someone's touch, lips, and warmth. “Give me a chance tonight…” you mumbled against her lips which made her smirk. “No, I want you to crave for me… to the point you'll have no choice but to submit yourself to me.” she answered.

For a couple of hours the both of you didn't do anything but make out, and you've never felt so frustrated, neither of you took your clothes off. Here you are facing the mirror by the sink at the mirror, and what's worse? You're alone, the older woman had to leave since she had to be home when her husband unexpectedly came home. Taking your phone from your bag, you went to call someone.

“Hey, I know it's late and you're probably tired but I was wondering… if you can pick me up?” you hear a soft laugh from the other end. “You didn't score? You're not in your game, darling?” Diana teased which made you chuckle. “I guess you can say that.” You went to tell her where the motel was, this woman actually drove this late so she could get to you, she asked what your room number is and not even an hour later she was knocking on your door. “Should have come with me.” she says before leaning instantly for a kiss and you made sure to give her that satisfaction.

Spending the rest of the night with Diana instead of Wanda whom you came here with, lavishing on Prince’s warmth and taste on the same bed where you made out with the redhead you had earlier. You really are playing with fire after all, it's either you burn brighter than the fire you caused or be burnt, and you know you're never one to back out from a challenge.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ.───

Taglist: @esposadejoyhuerta @reginassweetheart @lvinhs @alexawynters @mfd-101 @dorabledewdroop

#marvel cinematic universe #mcu #marvel #wanda maximoff #wanda maximoff x reader #yelena belova #wanda maximoff x you #natasha romanoff #alternate universe #black widow #wanda maximoff x female reader #smut #scarlet witch #diana prince #diana of themyscira #wonder woman #bucky barnes #angst #drama #slow burn #fanfiction #dysfunctionalmaki

[pinkiebieberpie]

prince!bucky

he's quite possessive, loves his princess and would do anything for her, charming, everybody loves him and the whole kingdom thinks he's a perfect pure angel but only his princess knows the truth; she knows his body, knows how it feels to be close to him, to have him inside you, to feel his lips and hands on your warm skin;

bucky moodboards list

#sebastian stan #bucky barnes #bucky barnes moodboard #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes au #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #james bucky barnes #bucky barnes fluff #bucky barnes smut #sebastian stan x you #sebastian stan smut #bucky barnes drabble #bucky barnes oneshot #sebastian stan x reader #sebastian stan characters #bucky barnes x female reader #prince!bucky #emmys 2022

[jadehuntressqueen]

Dreams

Masterlist

The first thing that registered was the bed covers shifting around you, and not by your own doing. Next was the quickened breathing beside you. You sat up and glanced down.

His brow was creased in fear, or sadness. Small whimpers left his lips as he thrashed side to side.

“Baby wake up,” you placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. This action shocked him into wakefulness and he shot upright. “Hey, hey, you’re okay,” you cooed, “It’s okay darling, it was just a dream.” His trembling body curled into your side as you brushed his hair. “Just a dream.”

#anyone x reader #x reader #reader insert #character x reader #bucky x reader #caspian x reader #prince caspian x reader #bucky barns x reader #maxon schreave x reader #maxon schreave #prince maxon #bucky barnes #loki x reader #edmund pevensie x reader #edmund pevensie #peter pevensie x reader #peter pevensie #peter parker x reader #peter parker #gilbert blythe #gilbert blythe x reader #james conrad x reader #sirius black x reader #sirius black #the marauders #marauders x reader

[onceuponastory]

last stroke of midnight - bucky barnes x reader

Plot: When a stroke of luck and a little bit of magic allows her to attend Prince James' royal ball, Y/N soon realises that they’ve met before. Pairing: Prince!Bucky Barnes x Female!Reader Warnings: Mentions of Y/N’s stepfamily belittling and degrading her, her parents dying, and her doubting herself. Classic Cinderella story stuff. Also, a little bit of angst bc it’s me. As always, if I miss any triggers, please let me know! Notes: My final entry for @buckybarnesevents Into an Alternate June-iverse Connect Four event! My final square was Fairytale, and I realised I haven’t written a Cinderella inspired story before, so here we are! This can also tie into the Royalty square I had, but I’ve used that already.

Not beta’d, so any mistakes are my own.

Slowly, Y/N makes her way down the hallway, the sound of her heels against the tiles reverberating around the room. Various elaborate portraits and other pieces of artwork stare down at her. Unsurprisingly, the royal palace is ornately decorated, ready for the hundreds of guests attending tonight. Y/N has never seen somewhere so beautifully decorated in all her life. When she reaches the end of the hallway, two heavy oak doors stand before her, the muffled sound of music and laughter from the ball seeping through. That’s how her life seems to be nowadays. On the outside, looking in. It’s still a wonder that she was invited to this ball in the first place. But Prince James ordered every maiden in the kingdom to be present, and who was she to deny a Prince’s wish?

Of course, if her stepfamily had it their way, she’d still be at home, finishing her chores. Honestly, she thought her dream of attending the ball was as ruined as the dress they tore up to force her to stay home. It was only then that Y/N learnt she had a fairy godmother of her own, who gave her a gorgeous new dress, a pumpkin carriage and a pair of glass slippers, making her look like a true princess. And now, Y/N is standing in the royal palace, surrounded by various noblemen and women, and royalty from all over the world.

And she’s never felt so out of place. She’s still waiting to wake up, for this happy dream to be over in the blink of an eye. Even now, she can hear her stepfamily screaming in her ears, forcing her to do all the household chores, as they have done every day since her father died. Treating her like a servant, rather than a human being. For so long, Y/N thought that was what the rest of her life was destined to be. Living as Cinderella, their idea of a nickname for her, rather than Y/N. Since her stepsisters took over her bedroom, Y/N has nowhere else to sleep at night other than on the cold tiles by the dying light of the fire. And each day, she wakes up covered in soot, which inspired the name.

Their voices and laughter still echo in her mind, even now. Belittling her and labelling her a mere servant with no potential. Especially for even thinking that she could attend a royal ball, Prince’s invitation or not. But here she is, at the royal ball. Wearing a gorgeous ball gown that shimmers like the stars whenever she walks, and a pair of glass slippers that somehow perfectly fit her feet.

Finally, she has a chance to do something else, to be someone else, even if it's just for a night… and she’s terrified to take it. What if they see right through her? Realise that she doesn’t belong here, that she never did? Warily, Y/N holds her hand out, her fingers tracing along the ornate, carved detailing on the door. But she’s made it this far. Surely that must mean something.

Suddenly, the doors burst open, and Y/N gasps. “I apologise, I wasn’t-” Apologising for everything is simply second nature to her now. At least, it is when you live with people like her stepmother and stepsisters.

“Ma’am.” The guard bows to her, gesturing for her to enter the ballroom. She steps back for a moment, taking a breath for courage as her heart pounds through her chest. Yet, her feet start moving without a second thought, leading her into the ballroom. She glides through the room, past everyone’s watchful eyes. Y/N can hear them whispering, wondering who she is, and she has to tune them out before she becomes too panicked and flees.

Until suddenly, the crowd parts like the sea, and Prince James steps forward, right towards her. The second she looks into his silvery blue eyes, she recognises him right away. “Hello again.” He chuckles. “I’m thrilled to see you made it.”

Of course, Y/N could never know that she was the entire reason he suggested inviting everyone in the kingdom to this ball. Since he first saw her, Prince James couldn't get her out of his mind and yearned to see her again. And the ball his parents insisted he throw to find a suitable wife seemed like the perfect opportunity to find her again. The sparkles on her dress twinkle in the light, and he can’t stop smiling the more he looks at her. She looks beautiful.

And yet, Prince James could never know that the main reason Y/N is attending this ball is for the hopes of seeing him again. Although, she had no idea he was the Prince in question.

The two first met when Y/N was at the market with her stepsisters, being bossed around once again. Thankfully, they soon stopped bothering her and went to visit the local dressmaker, granting Y/N some precious alone time. Once they left, she took some time to walk around the stalls and take in everything on offer. Just taking some time to do nothing. As the sun warmed her skin and the cool breeze blew through her hair, Y/N finally felt at peace again. She wasn’t Cinderella, at the constant beck and call of her stepfamily. For a few blissful moments, she was Y/N again.

Soon, she found a stall selling fresh fruits and vegetables, and her stomach began to rumble. That morning, like most others, she was preoccupied completing the other chores and making sure her stepfamily were fed. And that meant she hadn’t thought about feeding herself. All the food on offer looked so enticing, and she just couldn’t resist. She rifled around in her pockets to find the few coins that she had managed to hide away, hoping it would be enough for something to eat. As she did so, a voice cut in.

“No, please. Allow me.” She had turned to see a face with a pair of gorgeous silvery blue eyes smiling back at her. Before she could protest, he paid for some apples and handed them to her.

“T-Thank you, sir.” She smiled, gazing over at him. It had been so long since someone treated her with kindness that Y/N swore she could’ve broken down into tears right then.

“Please, don’t worry about it. I couldn’t leave a lady like yourself in distress.” Y/N giggled at that, her cheeks burning slightly. As they started walking together, Y/N glanced over at the kind stranger, her gaze tracing over every inch of his face. As she did, a feeling of warmth settled in her stomach. Of course, a large part of that was because of his kind gesture, but Y/N found herself attracted to him from that very moment. With the way his eyes sparkled whenever he laughed, and the way he smiled at her… falling in love with him was very easy to do.

They spoke for a while, as close as friends, despite only meeting a few minutes ago. “Forgive me if this sounds rude, sir, but I haven’t seen you at the market before.” The man laughed, adjusting the hood of his cloak.

“Is it that obvious?”

“A little.”

“Well, I thought it would be a pleasant change from my normal life. Getting out in the fresh air, meeting new people.” He explained. “And….” He looked over at her, smiling softly. “I’m glad I came.” Her cheeks burned, and her heart felt like it was doing backflips in her chest.

“I’m glad you did too.” She smiled. But before they could talk for much longer, the voices of her stepsisters filled the air, calling her and pulling her out of her brief moment of happiness. Sighing, her body slumped in disappointment. The handsome stranger raised a brow, concerned by her sudden change in emotion.

“Is everything alright?” He had asked, instinctively placing a reassuring hand on her forearm. For a moment, she considered telling him the truth about her life. But as her stepsisters got even louder, she realised she couldn’t possibly drag him into this, or let him hear the things they say about her. It’s bad enough that she gets to hear it day in, day out.

“I’m sorry. I better go.” She sighed. When she saw the man’s face fall, she regretted her choice even more. But she didn’t have a choice. “Hopefully, I’ll see you again, sir. Thank you again for the apples.”

And here he is once more, standing in front of her in all his royal finery, looking like a completely different person. He’s still just as handsome as he was that day, his eyes still sparkling. And of course, she’s sure that she looks a lot more different than she did that day, too.

“You’re a Prince?” She gasps. “The Prince?” Embarrassment flows through her veins, and her heartbeat rises. How could she have been so stupid, so naïve to not realise that she was speaking to the Crown Prince? The bitter venom of her stepmother’s words flows through her veins once more.

“You foolish child! To think the Prince would even want you, a servant girl, at his ball-”

“It’s quite alright. Please, do not worry.” He reassures her, placing a soft hand on her forearm and pulling her out of her spiralling thoughts. Just like he did that day at the market. As he does so, Y/N feels herself beginning to calm down once more. And a familiar warm feeling settles in her stomach. “I’m sorry. I should have been honest.”

Even after the complete bombshell that's just been dumped on her, she is glad to be reunited with him, too. She and Prince James stare into each other's eyes for a little while longer, each feeling their hearts beat faster and faster. For a moment, the crowds fade away, leaving just the two of them together. Despite all her anxieties from earlier that night, Y/N feels so at ease around the Prince. For the first time in a long while, she even finds herself smiling. It isn’t until the music starts playing again that they remember where they are. And the crowd is still watching them. Clearing his throat, he stands up straighter. “May I have this dance?” And once more, Y/N’s feet move forward without even thinking about it.

“Of course.” Nodding, she slips her hand into his, whilst he rests his on the small of her back. As his fingers brush along her spine, she gasps. Being in his arms feels so right, so comfortable. Every time his touch brushes against her, it feels like a spark of electricity throughout her entire body. She’s never felt so alive.

Despite how long it’s been since Y/N danced, being with Prince James makes her feel so at ease that she easily matches his steps. As they dance together, moving gracefully throughout the room, Prince James twirls her under his arms, spinning her around the room. Y/N honestly feels like she’s floating. For a moment, she forgets all her worries, and it’s as if she and the Prince are the only people in the room once more. In fact, it feels like they’re the only people in the universe right now. The fact that her stepmother and stepsisters are here, and are no doubt watching her with the Prince doesn’t even cross her mind. She could stay here for the rest of her life, in his arms.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After spending most of the night dancing together, Prince James soon invites Y/N out into the palace gardens for some peace, and to relax after dancing for so long. The cool night air hits her skin, and Y/N takes a breath. All thoughts of the time limit on her night, and her fairy godmother’s warnings seem to have slipped her mind.

“I must say, you are a wonderful dancer.” Y/N chuckles.

“Thank you very much, Prince James. Although, I did have wonderful company.” Prince James grins, blushing furiously.

“Please allow me to introduce myself. Properly, this time. My full, official name is Prince James Buchanan Barnes. Personally, I think it’s too fancy of a name, so my close friends and family call me Bucky.” Immediately, she drops into a curtsey. “Please, don’t feel the need to do that. It’s alright.” He chuckles. She’s still amazed by his refusal to treat her like she’s any different to him, or a different class, like she’s been used to people doing most of her life. In fact, he looks at her like she’s the most important person in the world. And it’s making her even more smitten.

“I just can’t believe I didn’t realise you were a Prince when we first met, Your Highness.”

“Please, call me Bucky.” He smiles. Y/N chuckles, and her cheeks burn even more. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you the truth when we first met. The truth is, I enjoy going out into the kingdom and meeting the people. It’s surprising how easy it is to be undetected when you wear a cloak.” He laughs. Oh, she knows that very well. “And besides, I’m sure you understand. Wanting to get away from it all.” His words confuse her for a moment… until the penny drops.

He thinks she’s the same as him. A royal, disguising herself in order to escape her life. Of course, she looks the part right now, but it’s all fake, just pretend for the night. Her head swirls, her smile dropping. Is that why he wanted to speak to her alone? Because he thought she was something different, something special? If he knew the truth, who she really was, he’d never want to see her again. Embarrassment rushes through her, chilling her veins as her stomach churns.

“Is something the matter? Did I say something wrong? I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“No. I’m alright.” She lies. Her mind screams at her to tell him the truth, that compared to him, she’s a nobody, just a simple servant girl. He’s been so compassionate towards her already tonight, surely he’d understand. But she can’t bring herself to tell him. This night has been so wonderful already, and she can’t ruin it now. She just wants one good night with the man she’s falling in love with. At least after tonight, she’ll never see him again. He won’t know anything else about her.

And that hurts deep in her soul, more than anything in the world. The universe seems to be set on constantly taking away every ounce of happiness in her life. First it took her parents, and then her freedom. And now, it’s taking Prince Bucky. But like she said, this is how it has to be. She couldn’t bear him seeing the truth, or seeing him letting her go.

“These gardens really are beautiful.” She says, hoping to steer the conversation away from anything to do with her.

“Well, that’s my mother’s pride and joy.” He chuckles.

“My mother loved flowers too.” She nods, thinking back to the flowers that used to adorn their garden, vibrant hues of pinks and purples. The bees and butterflies that filled the air, flying past as Y/N played with her parents. Life was so much simpler back then, so happy. She’d give anything to return to that time, when she had no worries or stepfamily. Although, being with Bucky is making her feel just as happy as she did back then.

“Well, she must have been a wonderful woman then.” 

“She was. She really was.” 

“And you’re right, they are beautiful. In fact… there’s a lot of beautiful things here tonight.” He smiles, and Y/N’s cheeks burn even deeper this time.

“Thank you.” She murmurs, a small smile tugging at her lips. “This has truly been such a wonderful night. And I never want it to end.”

“Then stay with me. Just a little longer” Bucky smiles, stepping closer. Y/N gasps, shaking her head in disbelief.

“I wish I could, but I can’t.” When he sees the tears shining in her eyes, Bucky’s brow furrows, noticing how panicked the woman is becoming. He sighs, not meaning to come across as so forceful, or to scare her.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“You didn’t. Not at all. You’ve been nothing but wonderfully kind to me all night.” She sighs. “It’s just… a lot to explain, Your Highness.” When he hears her call him by his official title again, it registers a feeling deep within in his gut. At the market, when her face fell as soon as she heard people calling for her, he wondered what was wrong. And now, seeing her so distressed, things are starting to make sense. Whoever this woman is, she seems to be hiding from someone. Or something.

“If anything is wrong, I can help you with whatever it is you need.” Y/N chuckles, sniffling slightly.

“I wish you could.” She’s worried enough about the possibility of her stepmother finding out she went to the ball in the first place, let alone her knowing she spent the whole night with the Prince. But if she did, Y/N would take full blame for it. It would break her heart if Bucky was hurt by her actions. Y/N steps closer to him, gently taking his hands. “But the fact you even offered means more to me than you could ever know.” Bucky looks into her eyes once more, gently cupping her cheek. Even though he only met this woman recently, he already feels like he knows her better than anyone else in the entire kingdom, even his closest advisors. He’s falling more and more in love with her with every waking moment. And he wants to make sure she’s alright. He has to.

Suddenly, a sound pierces through the air. The sound of clock chimes. Immediately, Y/N’s blood runs cold.

“What time is it?”

“It’s midnight.” Everything hits her all at once, like a bucket of cold water has been dumped over her, chilling every part of her. Her fairy godmother’s warnings ring out in her mind once more.

“At the last stroke of midnight, everything will be as it once was.”

“I’m so sorry, but I have to go. Thank you for a lovely evening!” She gasps, breaking free from Bucky’s grasp and rushing back towards the palace, to her carriage before the chimes finish. As she runs through the gardens, dodging people left and right, she can hear Bucky calling after her, trying to get her to stop. And every fibre of her being wants to turn back and tell him the truth. She knows he could protect her if she needed, that he would in a heartbeat.

But she can’t take that risk.

When she reaches the steps leading up towards the palace, Y/N runs down them, adrenaline rushing through her veins. In her haste, she can feel her shoes slipping off, but she has no time to stop them. When the first slipper falls off, Y/N doesn’t go back for it, too worried about Bucky seeing the truth to care about a shoe of all things. She slips the other one off, clasping it in her hands as she finishes her descent of the stairs and climbs back into her carriage.

As it sets off, whisking her back to her ordinary life, Y/N glances out of the window. Bucky stands on the stairs, watching her go. And Y/N feels her stomach twisting, and regret fills her veins.

“I’m sorry Bucky.” She whispers.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The carriage only makes it a few miles away from the palace before collapsing completely, turned back into a pumpkin. And so, Y/N begins the long walk home, still clutching her remaining glass slipper. The waltz she and Bucky danced to replays in her head, and she hums along to the tune, moving through the steps in her head.

“It was wonderful.” She sighs to herself. “Better than I could’ve ever dreamt it.”

When she’s only a few yards away from home, the sound of hooves approaches, and Y/N ducks out of the way behind a wall. Peeking out, she glimpses them as they pass. Almost immediately, she notices the royal crest on the saddle. The feeling of hope builds in her gut once more, and she smiles. Bucky’s looking for her. He wants to find her again.

But just as soon as the hope rises, her anxieties sink in once more.

He’s not looking for her, some poor orphaned servant girl with no dowry to her name. He’s looking for the girl he thought she was. The princess, the wonderful dance partner. The girl who doesn’t exist. Sighing sadly, Y/N glances down at her remaining glass slipper, still glinting in the moonlight. A permanent reminder of the wonderful night she had…and what she lost.

But like she said, it’s better this way.

Isn’t it?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Your Highness.” The Captain of the Royal Guard pants, rushing into the room. “We looked everywhere, but there’s no sign of the mystery maiden. It appears she’s disappeared out of sight.”

Bucky sighs, nodding. “Thank you for trying, Captain.” He murmurs. He can still see the look on her face as she ran, the fear that something would happen if she didn’t leave immediately. It still makes his heart sink, even now. Nervously, he begins to tap his foot. Something is wrong with this woman, something in her life must be causing her great pain. He wants to find her again and to help her more than anything. The slipper sits atop his desk, sparkling in the candlelight. He picks it up once more, his fingers tracing around the heel. “A shoe made of glass.” He chuckles. “What a wonderfully strange woman.”

“Your Highness?” The Captain asks.

“Tomorrow morning, we commence a kingdom wide search for the maiden who fits this glass slipper.” He states. “No stone will be left unturned. Do you understand?” The Captain nods. “Good. Ready your men for the morning.” As the man departs, Bucky holds the slipper close to his chest, as if he was holding her that closely. “I will make this right.” He whispers. “I promise.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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[smolvenger]

Smolvenger Fanfiction Masterlist Updated 4/7/24

If you want to be tagged, let me know!! :)

REBLOGS, COMMENTS, AND ASKS ABOUT MY WORK ARE APPRECIATED! THANK YOU!!!

Star Wars:

Oneshots-

Life Day Gift: Din Djarin x Fem! Reader:

The Mandalorian kept looking directly at you through his helmet. “Where…where did you get that necklace?” he asked. “Old friend, Life Day Gift,” you answered.

Years ago you were friends with a young boy named Din, assumed to be dead when your village was attacked. Now it's Life Day, and the day shift at your job brings a Mandalorian with a secret...an unexpected reunion. (Warnings: Mentions of death and violence and an asshole kid at the beginning, mainly fluff)

Marvel:

Oneshots-

The Most Wonderful Time- Bucky Barnes x fem! Reader: Often, he sat down- troubled. Eyes glazing over nothing but there was something inside him. Something he wouldn’t say

Bucky isn't doing too well at the Christmas celebration with your family. You go to cheer him up. (Warnings: smut with dom! Reader and sub! Bucky, some fluff)

(Not) Alone on Christmas- Bucky Barnes x trans! Masc! Reader:

“You want me to pretend to be your boyfriend!?” Bucky cried, hands on his hips.

You and Bucky fake date around the holidays. But you're definitely not interested in each other...unless...

(Warning: Brief Transphobic family member who gets shut down, some angst, but a lot of fluff)

Series-

I Say Nothing That Frightens Me: Loki x Fem! Reader.

Loki is alive and once I find him, I will tell him how I feel and-” “Y/N, he’s there with a woman he’s fallen in love with…”

Frigga sends you on a mission to find her son, who you secretly have feelings for since you were friends throughout your childhood. When you locate him with the TVA, you learn that he has fallen for some other woman named Sylvie and not you... More Coming Soon! (Warnings: Lots of angst, and an eventual happy ending)

Chapter One //Chapter Two//Chapter Three//Chapter Four Finale Coming Soon!(Continuing. Will be in Four Parts)

A Court of Mischief and Purpose: Loki x fem! Reader

“It is one week. Or you can kiss your life and your precious priest goodbye.”

Series Summary: Sarah J Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series is reimagined with Tom Hiddleston's various characters. You are dying of tuberculosis right before your upcoming wedding to the Lusty Vicar of Aldwinter, Will Ransome. The god of mischief Loki appears before you with a deal. He will heal you in time for the wedding...if you spend a week of every month with him. Opening you to a world of more magic and danger than you ever could imagine...

Masterlist Link here (ongoing!)

Masterlist for The Boat in the Water: A Beauty and the Beast Story: Loki x Stella Ransome miniseries

Summary: Having lost her health and her husband's fidelity and love, Stella has nothing more to lose than her life. Then...she is swept away to another realm, to an enchanted castle. A castle whose master is a god...a god with a striking resemblance to her husband.

One// Two//Three//Four//Five//Six

TBD

Tom Hiddleston Characters:

Oneshots-

Professor! Tom Hiddleston

Exam Aid- Prof! Tom x Reader (Request)

“Hello class- good morning. I’m your professor- Professor Hiddleston.”

When finals have gotten you down, your Shakespeare professor offers some help...and motivation... (SMUT)

Hot for Teacher- Prof! Tom x Reader (Request)

“Oh…he hasn’t said anything about a girlfriend, do you think…he’s single?!”

Summary: After being private about your relationship, your professor boyfriend, Tom Hiddleston, introduces you to his students.

Loki

The Ceremony- Loki x fem! Reader

"Now, all of you wish to watch? Then watch."

Summary: You and your dear prince, Loki of Asgard, are finally getting married. But in order for the marriage to be legitimate, your wedding night and consummation must be witnessed… (SMUT)

Seven PM Sharp- Loki x fem! Reader

Stupid, beautiful asshole with a great ass.

Summary: A sudden dinner "for the Avengers" changes everything about the relationship between you and a certain mischievous god... (SMUT)

The King of Asgard- Loki x fem! Reader

“Hail the King Loki! Hail the Queen Y/N!”

As the wife of Prince Loki of Asgard, you suddenly discover that Odin and Thor are gone. You are made queen and your dear husband is king. But a king needs an heir...(SMUT)

Reunion- Loki x fem! Reader

"He’s been gone for a bit- it’s been a few days."

The sacred timeline is destroyed. And your missing, mischievous lover has returned. A confrontation and a fear of abandonment and betrayal with his return still bring about the passion you have for each other. (SMUT)

Yggdrasil- Loki x fem! Reader

“Please…take me to him…it is all I want, all I wish, all I ask for..."

Your husband, the god of mischief, has made the ultimate sacrifice for his friends, and the world...he lives, but now he is alone...that is until you choose to join him in his solitude and make a life there.

My Goddess- Loki x fem! Curvy/Plus-Sized! Reader (Request)

'Don’t get carried away. You’re just not meant for romance, Y/N'

Amidst the pressures of school and your personal insecurities, you never expect your crush on the god of Mischief to be reciprocated...

Crimson Peak

Handsome Enough to Tempt Me.: Sir Thomas Sharpe x fem! Reader.

Yes, he was a stranger. Yes, you were alone with a man. But he seemed kind.

You were looking forward to a ball, but no one will dance with you and the night is turning sour. That is until you cross paths with a baronet with a talent for inventing... (TW: brief mentions of past abuse, but lots of fluff, a wee bit of hurt/comfort)

Half Agony, Half Hope: Sir Thomas Sharpe x fem! Reader

"And there’s something else…something you must know about me, about the man who’s going to be your husband…”

Your engagement with Thomas Sharpe makes him reveal the trauma of his childhood abuse with you. (TW: Mentions of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse)

Coriolanus

Twenty-Seven Wounds- Caius Martius Coriolanus x fem! Reader

After a few months, you realized something- you had never seen him bare.

In ancient times, in a place that calls itself Rome, you find yourself married to the general Caius Martius or Coriolanus. He has fought so many battles he has twenty-seven scars on his body. Scars that he has not shown you yet...

The Night Manager

Summer In Majorca: Jonathan Pine x fem! Reader

“Listen, the point is- I will not be the one you settle for just because you can’t have Jed!” you cried.

A trip to Spain alongside Roper and his crew had you cross paths with a man mysterious as he is kind and heroic as he is handsome. But it seems he has eyes for Jed and not you...

(Warnings: Eventual Smut)

High-Rise

The Cure for Virginity: Dr. Robert Laing x fem! Reader

Men have the brothel. Women have Laing.

You recently moved into the High-Rise and befriended the Residents. But your new friend, Charlotte, thinks you've been a virgin for too long. She suggests someone to help with that. The best amenity in the building: Doctor Robert Laing.

Warnings: 18+, Eventual SMUT!!!!

Series:

The Essex Serpent

Stella of Essex or The Vicar's Wife Betrayed: Some Stella Ransome x Will Ransome, Eventually Stella Ransome x Male OC

"Aldwinter was not filled with the sound of a hissing Serpent but the crying of women and especially of wives."

What does that say when men, even priests, are the ones free to misbehave and innocent women are the ones punished? Here, we explore the life of a young woman named Stella. Sweet and proper, she is naturally the ideal woman for the 19th century's expectations, as well as those for a minister's wife. She falls in love and marries a handsome vicar named William Ransome. Despite the challenges, they build a peaceful, happy life together in their small town. But then Stella Ransome not only catches consumption but discovers her beloved husband is having an affair...

TW: Discussions of cheating and the trauma and grief it brings but the cheated-on spouse gets revenge). If you don't want to read about Will or Cora or their affair being portrayed negatively, you have been warned.The series is now complete!

Link to Masterlist Here

Prologue//One//Two//Three//Four//Five//Six//Seven//Eight//Nine//

Ten//Eleven//Twelve//Thirteen//Fourteen//Fifteen//Sixteen//

Seventeen

Stella's Second Husband: Stella Ransome x Male OC, a little of Stella x Will if you squint.

"Then, when I die. When I see God before judging my actions. I’ll only tell him- Lord, I loved a precious woman...And if I die from my love for her, then I can think of no sweeter death.”

Act One//Act Two (Complete)

The Pain of Being Betrayed by the ones you love hurts deeper than the bite of any mythical Serpent. Can Stella move on from Will and find a happy future with her new husband, Harry Cavardossi?

Warnings: Discussions of Suicidal Intentions. We get Two Tom Hiddleston's fighting each other. Some Steamy Stuff but no actual graphic smut. Drunkenness.

War Horse

Miss Narracott and The Captain: Captain James Nicholls x fem! Reader

Goodness, the uniform really did make him even more attractive! It made you dizzy.

Part One//Part Two//Part Three//Part Four//Part Five//Part Six//Part Seven//Part Eight-Finale Coming Soon!

Summary: You are Y/N Narracott, the older sister of Albert Narracott. You must do what you can so your family can keep their farm. And so your brother can keep his beloved horse. Under financial struggles, you never expect romance to come into your life...until you have a chance encounter with James Nicholls- a Captain with a knack for drawing. (Continuing)

Warnings: Light Slow Burn, some fluff, and some angst.

How To Fake Date A Spy: Jonathan Pine x fem! Reader

“Tell everyone you’re a couple, now. Go to a few parties and restaurants, hold arms, and smile at each other. Maybe a kiss on the cheek, sometimes!"

Part One//Part Two//Part Three Coming Soon!

When you joined your sister, Jed, for a lovely summer in Spain, you wanted to enjoy yourself. Instead, you have to deal with numerous men of Roper's business having a gross interest in you for more than small talk. Going to Roper for help, he offers an idea- pretending to be the date of his newest friend. A handsome sous-chef known as Thomas Quince. Little do you know yet, the man's real name is Jonathan Pine and he is on a mission to take Roper down...

The Hollow Crown

Used Goods- Prince Hal x Reader.

Why does he have to be The Prince of Wales? Why couldn’t he be just a tailor?

You are betrothed to your darling prince Hal, but the Law of Contract demands that you must be a virgin to marry the future King of England. This forces you to confirm a traumatic incident and secret from your past...how will Hal react? TW: Discussions of past sexual assault,"Who did this to you?", Hurt/Comfort, and comforting fluff.

Part One// Part Two

The Twelve Days- Prince Hal x Reader.

“You, luckiest of girls, are betrothed to marry none other than the King of England!” your mother cheered.

You were betrothed to marry none other than the young kind of England, a man you had never met. Now you must face your first celebration of the Twelve Days of Christmas not only as a queen but as a wife in a royal and still unconsummated marriage... TW: Smut, only a little angst, and lots of fluffy and romantic moments.

(Now Complete!)

One//Two//Three//Four//Five//Six//Seven//Eight

The Queen's Abduction- Henry V x fem! Reader (Request)

"You may not fear my father,  you may not fear my brother- but you will fear the wrath of his majesty, the king"

Shortly after your secret marriage to the king of England, Henry V, a nefarious villain abducts you to be his...

Nursing The Prince- Prince Hal x fem! Reader

"You look at the prince like he was a honey-cake!"

You tend to Prince Hal's wounds after the Battle of Shrewsbury.

Arise Fair Sun- Henry V x fem! Reader

"Here, there are no eyes watching us. I can speak to you honestly"y.

One night, Henry appears under your balcony to confess his feelings to you.

The Wedding of The King- Henry V x fem! Reader

As king, Henry could have anything...But he could not have a wife who loved him.

Henry is looking forward to the wedding of his arranged marriage to you. You as The Bride, however, are not...

(Small Spinoff of The Twelve Days but can be read without that context)

The Battle of Agincourt- Henry V x fem! Reader

"The camp is far off. They won’t disturb us. They won’t hear us..."

As his wife and queen, you follow your husband, Henry the Fifth to France for his battles. It is the morning of the battle of Agincourt, and you don't know if he will make it out alive. You spend one last moment of passion together. (Contains Smut)

After The Battle- Henry V x fem! Reader

For many men, the lust for battle was only a flip of a coin from the lust of the body. 

After your husband, King Henry V, wins and survives the battle of Agincourt, you meet him in his tent to reward him... (Contains smut)

The Tavern Prince- Prince Hal x Fem! Proper! Reader

You hated that he was the most beautiful man you had ever laid eyes on.

You are shocked and unhappy to find out you are betrothed to notorious rake, Prince Hal. But one evening, he sneaks you into the Boar's Head Tavern...and your mind about him starts to change. (SMUT)

BIRTHDAY BLURB MASTERLIST TBD

Taglist: @4stary @sonyascomet @asgards-princess-of-mischiefvelyn-kingsley @five-miles-over @jennyggggrrr @fictive-sl0th @ladycamillewrites @villainousshakespeare @holdmytesseract @eleniblue @twhxhck @lokisgoodgirl @lovelysizzlingbluebird @raqnarokr @holymultiplefandomsbatman @michelleleewise @villainousshakespeare

REBLOGS, COMMENTS, DMS, AND ASKS ABOUT MY WORK ARE APPRECIATED! THANK YOU!!! If anyone wants to be added to the taglist or removed, please let me know! Thanks y'all!

#carrie writes #masterlist #fanfiction #star wars #pedro pascal #the mandalorian #the mandalorian/reader #the mandalorian x reader #din djarin x y/n #din djarin x you #din djarin x reader #marvel #mcu #mcu fanfiction #the mandalorian fanfiction #bucky barnes #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x fem! reader #bucky barnes x trans! reader #loki #loki tv series #loki x reader #loki x fem! reader #prince hal x y/n #the hollow crown #the hollow crown fanfiction #the essex serpent #the essex serpent fanfiction #clemence poesy #stella ransome

[subwaysurf45]

The Time of the Prey (1)

Summary: The younger sister of the most talked about princess in the kingdoms really can’t do much except smile and nod. When Natasha, your sister, finally goes to moves all of you to Shieldshire to marry her beloved Prince Steve you are left with your art, all alone. But one Knight took it upon himself to keep you company, and that company was all you needed to get through wedding season. Will that company last or will it be ripped away from the both of you? A war is starting and it seems targets are being made.

Pairing: Knight!Bucky x Princess!Reader

Words: 4.4k

Warnings: nothing much, fluff and setting the scene

Series Masterlist      II      Series Playlist  

Smile and nod. 

You crouched in front of your trunk and gently placed the clothes you were taking on the trip in, pushing them down to make room for the other dresses you were also packing. The rain pattered against your window as you hummed a tune, though you can’t remember where it was from, it seemed to be the song you hummed most often. 

The trunk was made of strong wood with brass hinges and locks, it had been dented and repaired a few times due to your clumsiness. The brass isn’t as strong as gold, you found this out from comparing it to your old sister’s trunk she took on trips; if Natasha, your older sister, would dent the trunk she’d immediately get a new one rather than repair it. 

Natasha’s room was also bigger than yours, she had more windows and more vanity space. She had two handmaids as well, which was two more than you. Right now, as you packed she was most likely sitting on her chair and telling her maids what to bring and where to put it, not even lifting a finger. Natasha was most likely sitting with her back straight, holding a mirror as she brushed her red hair. Or she was squealing like a child over another letter from her future husband, Prince Steve. 

The door flew open, “let me read you this!” Natasha had run in and jumped on your bed, “it’s a letter from Prince Steve, he’s so excited to see me tomorrow!” 

You looked up and smiled at her, nodding your head. 

“Well,” Natasha whispered, “can I read it?’ 

“Sure,” you sighed and continued packing your things. 

“My dearest, Natasha- ugh, he’s such a prince,” she gasped, “anyways, my dearest, Natasha. As you know tomorrow is an important day for the two of us, we will finally meet. I receive and read your letters almost every other day, they are the height of my waking moments, but I feel as though nothing will compare to how I’ll feel when I finally see you tomorrow. I’ve been sent small paintings of you and you’ve described what you look like, your red hair will flow like water as we run to each other, I’ll finally feel your warm embrace which is all I’ve ever wanted.” Natasha took a deep breath, “and he finishes with: I’ve been dreaming about this day since I was a child, I can not fathom that this will be true, but I can’t wait to spend my life with you- he’s so poetic…” Natasha sighed and stretched out on your bed, almost as if that letter had taken her breath away in the literal sense. 

“That’s a very lovely letter, sister,” you nodded as you finished putting in your clothes. 

“When will you marry?” Natasha asked as she sat up, “we are only three years apart and you are of age, what is taking so long?” 

“Well, Natasha,” you sighed and sat back on your calves, “mother can only do so much, she is spending her time on you because you are the oldest, I don’t know when I’ll get married but it’s not like it’s going to matter.” 

“It will matter,” Natasha scowled, “it will matter to you but not the public.” 

“Our entire existence is for the public, Natasha,” you were beginning to get aggravated, “I was not born out of love, I was born out of politics. Knowing that I must do the same makes me sick,” you crossed your arms. 

“I find it romantic,” Natasha whispered, “I can’t wait to be a mother and marry Prince Steve, one day I’ll be the queen of Shieldshire,” her eyes drifted away as she daydreamed. 

“It’s a mouthful,” you muttered.

“Well, you are obviously sour,” Natasha stood and walked to her door, “I’ll just go talk to mother about princess things because it is obvious you don’t want to be one,” she turned on her heel and quickly left, closing the door behind her. 

“Glad someone notices,” you rolled your eyes before closing the truck. Being unladylike was something of a specialty for you, over your life you had found ways to do it behind your mother’s back but still in front of Natasha so she’d lose her temper. 

Though your room was small with a window you managed to capitalize on the space on the walls. Your art hung everywhere around your room, with different size canvases and different ways of art filling the space. You had sculpted the head of someone from a sketch you drew, it was the hardest piece but the most fulfilling. Paintings of lakes on royal grounds, the queen’s guard, and the massive ballrooms filled with different people were scattered everywhere. You had made sure to make room for a small palette and canvases, taking out a few dresses which didn’t matter to you. 

Tensions were high throughout the royal families, Shieldshire and the Southlands- your land and Prince Steve’s lands -were not fighting at all, the two families that ruled had been allies for years on end, always a safe bet to marry into each other’s family. There hadn’t been a wedding between the Southlands and Shieldshire in many generations, there had been other politics to be taken care of. But Hydra’s Hill and Red River were about to start a war, whispers travelled through every meeting that took place in the throne room at Southlands, you had always been the one to fill Natasha in later. 

You didn’t know if it was a land dispute between the two smaller kingdoms or something else that had never been explained before. All you knew was that Red River and Hydra’s Hill never liked one another, never married into each other, and never liked how the little land they had shared a border. There had always been tension but with the number of allies and weddings happening you knew everything was about to snap. 

That was why Natasha was going to marry Prince Steve, not because they will fall in love. 

But because Shieldshire can provide food to the common folk if a war breaks out. 

And Southlands can provide an army.

********

“Thank you,” you muttered to the driver of the carriage as you stepped in, your mother and Natasha were You could hear the two horses that were going to pull the carriage getting antsy, they were stomping their hooves and making the occasional sound. It was a very hot spring day, out of the ordinary for the season but it meant that summer was close. Natasha would get married in late summer, it had always been her favourite time of year. Through the open windows, you could see the buds beginning to show on the trees around the courtyard, you watched as a light breeze moved the thin branches.

“Let’s go!” Natasha cheered as she jumped into the carriage.

“Natasha,” your mother, Lady Melina, scolded as she stepped in, “you can’t be this unladylike when you’re meeting Prince Steve.”

“Sorry mother,” Natasha muttered.

“Y/N,” your mother looked at you, “did you pack your easel and canvases?”

“Yes,” you nodded, you hadn’t packed all of it.

“I got you that trunk for your art supplies, why is it not in the back of the carriage?” Your mother knew that you never wanted to be a princess, she was happy you had fallen so in love with art. She had told you once it was always easier to raise someone who didn’t know they were a princess rather than one who did; though Natasha was her favourite, you were easier to raise.

“There wouldn't be enough room,” you said it like that was common knowledge, shaking your head a little.

“There’s room back there, I’m not bringing a lot.” Lady Melina got the driver's attention, “check the back to see if there’s room, please.”

“There isn’t,” the driver shook his head, “it was hard to close it, there’s a lot of baggage back there, Lady Melina.” the driver walked away with a bow, and soon the carriage began to move.

“How much did you pack?” your mother turned to Natasha, “I hope you know all your gifts will be fabric and dresses, you could have packed nothing and you would have a full wardrobe by the end of the week.”

“I love all my dresses,” Natasha said as she played with her hair, “I couldn’t leave some behind.”

“Yes you could have,” your mother gently smacked her thigh, “very few people are going to gift Y/N anything, you know this,” you didn’t think your mother would get so upset, “art is her favourite thing, you could have left room for her.”

“Mother,” you sighed, “it’s fine.”

“That’s very selfish, Natasha.” your mother rolled her eyes and looked out the window.

You were sitting on your own on one bench, and your mother and Natasha were sitting across from you. No one was talking after your mother’s scolding, you really didn’t think it was that big of a deal because it wasn’t the first time Natasha only thought about herself, she was your big sister who grew up with a spotlight on her, she wanted to keep on her and you couldn’t blame her.

As the country land passed by, you found yourself tuning out the muttered conversation between Natasha and your mother, Natasha had asked a question which lead to a civil conversation. There were a few farms as you passed, people recognized a royal carriage and waved as you passed, and you leaned out the window and waved back.

The driver leaned over, “there’s a farmer up ahead with food, should I stop?”

“Yes!” you yelled, turning around to see the driver.

The carriage came to a stop and you leaned out the window, waving the farmer over.

“H-hello, your royalty,” he was very shy and his daughter was hugging his leg, “we heard you were coming down this path, I-I have some fruits if you’d like?” he held up a small basket, “you don’t need to take any, just thanks for all you’ve for us folk on the farms, thank you, Lady Melina.” your mother was the one who made the laws for your kingdom.

“Of course,” she smiled and took the basket into the carriage, “thank you for your hard work, sir.”

You and Natasha smiled, you leaned over and looked at the small girl who was still very shy, “what’s your name?”

She slowly looked up, “m-my name is Betty.”

My grandmother, you thought, “such a pretty name.”

Soon enough you were back on the road, making your way to Shieldshire with food to keep you all awake. You sketched in the book you brought in the carriage, trying to capture the budding trees and clouds in the sky. Your mother was stitching while Natasha sat and was still with only her hands rubbing one another.

You knew she was nervous, her time writing to Prince Steve was over and now she had to meet him in real life, which would make anyone nervous.

“So, Natasha,” you placed your book down, “what colour do you think the curtains in your room will be?” it was a very specific question but making her think about something else while relating it back to the castle would calm her down.

She just looked at you for a moment, “maybe a dark red?” she asked, “I will have to see what the inside looks like, if it’s a light grey stone then it will be dark red but if it’s dark grey stones than I don’t know what it would be, they shouldn’t have too many darks.”

“But you will like it all the same,” your mother chimed in.

“We know,” you spoke for Natasha, “she will love everything, Natasha is beyond excited, the colour of the curtain won’t make her run back to the carriage, I’m just…” you twirled your hand around to try and find the word, “distracting her from being stressed out, mother.” you quickly glanced at Natasha and she nodded towards you with a smile, she might be a hassle but she was still your sister.

As the castle began to show on the horizon Natasha became extremely nervous, constantly asking if any hairs were out of place or if her makeup had smudged anywhere. You stayed calm, telling her she was beautiful as always. Your mother stayed composed as well, sitting there like nothing was happening.

When the carriage turned into the courtyard you leaned over and grabbed Natasha’s hand, “you’ll make a great wife, Natasha, Prince Steve is lucky to have you.”

Natasha nodded, a smile growing on her face. Before the carriage stopped Natasha jumped out of the car, running with her arms wide to meet the man who stood at the top of the steps. He was also running down to meet her, a smile wide on his face. When they met they embraced for a while, swaying in the middle of the massive staircase to their castle.

With the number of letters Natasha had read to you, Prince Steve was a pretty decent match to his descriptions. He was taller than her with short blond hair that curved to one side at the front, you could see his blue eyes from the carriage. He was dressed in his nicest clothes, a heavily detailed tunic with form-fitting pants as well.

As you opened the carriage door your mother grabbed your wrist, “I know you are younger than her,” she spoke quietly, “but you are wiser, I also know you do not wish to participate in the…political act of getting married,” she looked out the window again to see Natasha and Prince Steve waiting for the two of you, “just tell me if anyone meets your eye.”

You smiled and nodded before getting out of the carriage, helping your mother out as well. Both of you took your time as you walked up the step, your hands gently holding your skirt up to make sure you didn’t embarrass yourself in front of Natasha’s suitor.

“Lady Melina,” Prince Steve slightly bowed his head, “it is beyond a pleasure to finally meet you and your daughter. And you, Princess Y/N.”

“The honour is mine,” you spoke as if it was second nature; because it was.

As the Prince talked you looked around the setting, seeing six knights standing by the entrance, three on either side. They all had their helmets off and did not wear armour, just their sword on their belt. The only reason you knew they were knights was that they wore chainmail over a tunic with the family crest on it, an eagle. After scanning the knights once you looked at the height and intricacy of the castle, seeing its massive towers and flag.

You didn’t look for too long because the hair on the back of your neck stood up, the feelings of eyes on you weren’t new, but the intensity of the stare was. You looked over your shoulder to see the carriage driver working with the servant of Shieldshire to bring in the many trunks your sister had packed, when you looked forward again your mother had her arm out, a sign for you to take it.

“Are you alright?” she whispered as Natasha and Prince Steve walked in front of them.

“Yes,” you patted her hand, “don’t worry about me.”

Before you walked into the castle the feeling intensified, your eyes feeling the tug to look to your left. You had finally found the source, the third knight was looking at you. When he noticed you spotted him the knight slowly blinked and bowed his head, a gentle hello. You did the same and couldn't help but smile a little.

The knight stood tall, his long brown hair falling to his shoulders. His eyes were like crashing waves, pulling you in. you didn’t get a good look at his face but you saw enough to know he was your type, strong and beautiful. When you looked over your shoulder before the door closed you caught his eyes again, this time he had a smirk on his face before you looked at him.

When you looked forward a gasp left your body without thinking. The castle was grand and beautiful, you had always known your castle was on the smaller side but compared to this beast of a building your home looked like a shack.

The first and main room you walked into was open, there were benches everywhere with people walking around. It seemed as though common folk of the higher class could come and go as they please, there were knights at every corner and doorway. The walls were textured and carefully placed with light grey stones, as you walked around the outside of the common room your hand felt the wall as you looked up to the tremendously high ceiling. Each window in the common room was made of different shards of stained glass, casting colourful shadows below it. As you walked on the reflection of the ground a laugh escaped your lips, no one was paying attention to you so you jumped from each chunk of red reflection to another. There were red, blue, green, and yellow shards placed together to make an oval window.

Most of the guards stayed in the common room once you passed through the threshold to the royal areas. Each room seemed to be larger than the one before, the throne room was massive.

“Weddings, funerals, any celebration is held in here,” Prince Steve said as he looked at Natasha, “most of the space goes unused but when there is something to celebrate we seem to feel squeezed.”

“I bet it will feel that way when we marry,” Natasha said to Prince Steve, “so many people,” she gasped to herself. “Can't you believe it, Y/N?” she turned to ask you but you were elsewhere, still in the same room as Natasha but your mind had wandered.

“Y/N,” your mother scolded, “listen to your sister.”

“Sorry, mother,” you bowed slightly and looked at Natasha who repeated what she said, “yes, your wedding will be grand, I can’t wait to see you walk down the aisle.”

When Natasha looked content with your answer you went back to looking at the small details of the room, I could paint this, you thought to yourself. Though most of the flooring was grey and stone you found everything was so different. The floor was sleek and had such shine you thought they were wet, the walls were still textured you bet you could paint the way they felt. Behind the golden throne, there were three massive stained glass windows, casting colourful light everywhere in the open space.

“The windows-” you began to ask but found no one was listening, your mother and sister were walking towards the throne and the knights followed Prince Steve and Princess Natasha.

“What were you saying?” a voice came from behind you.

You turned around to see the same knight who smiled at you before, his chain mail slightly rustling as he leaned down to whisper. When he was up close you could see a few scars on his face, one ran right above his eyebrow. His smile was shining, you could see his slightly crooked teeth.

“The stained glass,” you pointed around, “it’s beautiful.”

“Yes it is,” he nodded and stood tall, “they’re all around the castle, your chambers will have a window.” he walked with the group, “you are Princess Natasha’s younger sister, am I correct?”

“Yes I am,” you slightly bowed, it was second nature. “You are, Ser…?”

“James,” he quickly filled in the question, “Ser James.”

“I am Y/N,” you smiled at him, looking forward for a second to make sure you were still with the group.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Princess Y/N.”

“Thank you,” you looked down for a moment, his gaze was too intense.

You walked with the group as Prince Steve showed off the rest of the castle, eventually, he and Natasha broke apart from the group and left their handmaids and knights to escort you and your mother to their quarters. Two knights left and walked with Prince Steve and Natasha, two went with your mother, Ser James was the only one left with you; as well as a handmaid.

“Wait here, I'll find another guard,” James was about to walk away but you quickly stopped him, grabbing his wrist.

“I don’t need an escort, I’ll be fine with you and…” you looked at the handmaid.

“Bellona,” she squeaked.

“Bellona,” you repeated, “I’m awfully tired and I want to explore.”

Ser James just nodded his head and began to walk in an opposite direction than where your mother or Natasha went, he took a few turns before heading up the stairs. Bellona was walking behind you and Ser James was in front of you, he kept looking back to make sure you were still with him.

When you reached your room he opened the door for you, letting you walk in and take in the room. It was bigger than the one at home, the first thing you noticed was the stained glass window. You quickly walked up to it and pressed your hand against the blue shard, and then the yellow, and then the green.

“They really are everywhere,” you whispered.

“I do not lie,” Ser James took a step in.

“I never said you did,” you turned around a smirked, “why don’t you Knights wear normal shiny armour all the time?”

“Because,” Ser James shrugged, “Shieldshire is very…relaxed when it comes to formality, if we were being attacked I would be ready in less than five minutes.”

“But what if five minutes is too long?” you walked over to him, taking your sketchbook from Bellona who picked it up from the carriage.

“Then I will be dead,” Ser James looked above your head, checking the room, “I would have died in honour of the castle.”

“And you’re okay with that?” you asked, wondering how someone could.  

“You don’t need to know that answer,” his eyes flicked down to you, “are you satisfied with the room, Princess?” his tone had turned sharp, you had been royal all your life and you knew when someone turned to extra formality they were upset.

“I-” you placed a hand on your chest, “I’m sorry, I said too much.” you shook your head, “I shouldn’t have asked that, my apologies, Ser James.”

“That’s alright,” he tilted his head to look down at you, “you’re forgiven,” but you didn’t know for sure, “the rest of your baggage will be brought up soon, is there anything else you need?”

“Just need to make sure you aren’t mad?” you asked slowly, trying to break out a smile to see if he will copy you.

A breathy laugh escaped his lips, his eyes travelled up and around before coming back down to you, “do not worry yourself, I am not cross,” you giggled at the word ‘cross’, “what?” he laughed, showing the creases near his eyes.

“You sound like my mother,” you laughed.

“She’s one scary woman,” he muttered out of the corner of his mouth, his face dropped, “don’t tell her I said that, please.”

“Let's just act this like conversation never happened, I didn’t step on your toes and you didn’t insult my mother, agreed, Ser James?” you stuck out your hand.

“Agreed, Princes Y/N,” he took your hand and shook it, “and you don’t need to have the Ser, by the way, call me Bucky.”

“Then don’t call me Princess,” you tilted your head to the side.

All he could do was give a bashful smile, “have a nice night, Princess Y/N.”

“And you, Ser James.”

When the door closed and you were left alone in your room, Bellona was nowhere to be found, you twirled around for a moment, letting out all the feelings you were trying to keep hidden in front of James. He was a very attractive man and when he talked to you it sent shivers down your spine, he looked at you in a way no one had; he actually saw you.

After jumping up and down a few times with a squeal you jumped onto the large bed in your room, hugging yourself as you closed your eyes and replayed the conversation again. His smile and his laugh, the way he held your hand when he shook it. Part of you wanted to run and tell Natasha but you also knew she was probably drooling after her actual suitor.

Your room had light stone walls without any curtains because the stained glass deflected some of the light. The bedding was a light yellow colour with poles sticking upon each of the four corners of the bed, holding up a cover on your bed which had light yellow hanging off of it; giving you some sort of cover if you chose to let it fall to the ground. Your clothes hadn’t been brought up but they would go in the large cabinet which would be your closet, there were already three dresses waiting for you; Natasha probably had ten waiting for her. The vanity was a sleek piece of wood that looked to be stained to make it look darker, there was a mirror with a very intricate gold frame. A few makeup products sat on the desk as well as a hairbrush.

“Here are your things, Princess Y/N,” someone had walked in with your trunk, “I was told to let you know your art supplies are in transport now, Lady Melina asked me to tell you,” you nodded as you opened the trunk, “there are also shoppes and vendors very close to the castle walls if you so chose to see them.”

“Will I need to be accompanied?” you asked.

“No,” he shook his head, “the vendors are close enough you would be in a guard's eyesight all the time if you’d like a guard with you and I can arrange that.”

“I’ll be fine, thank you though,” you smiled.

“Of course, Princess Y/N.”

When he left you fell back on your head, falling hard enough that the silk of the left side of the canopy fell down and touched the ground. You knocked the others down and laid on your bed in your own little world, holding your hands to your chest as you went back to thinking about Ser James. A smile slowly grew on your lips as you thought of what your mother said.

“Just tell me if anyone meets your eye.”

EPISODE 2

Taglist: tag list: @maybeimart​ @imtherain @jackiehollanderr @redneckstrash @tylard-blog1 @readingbooksdrinkingtea @linzc-reader @honeybunchesofbucky @sky0401 @striving4averagegirl @seybox @yaszx @happyt0exist @honeybunchesofbucky @munsonettee @searchf0rtheskyline @aya-fay @emi11ie  @prettywhenicry4 @theluvcafe​ 

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#Bucky series #Bucky Barnes series #Prince Bucky #knight bucky barnes #bucky barnes fluff #bucky fluff #bucky barnes angst #bucky angst #bucky seres #bucky x reader #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes x female yn #bucky x female yn #bucky barnes x yn #bucky x y/n #sebastian stan #royal au #sebastian stan series #winter solider series #The Time of the Prey series

[pellucid-constellations]

A Correspondence of Obligation - Eight

Pairing: Prince!Bucky x Princess!Reader (Royal AU)

Summary: Obedience, duty, pristine smiles—raised as the princess of an oppressive kingdom, you knew nothing else. Your father signed your life away at the ripe age of five, black ink bleeding into a contract between nations, fate cemented with the flick of a quill. So when the time came to fulfill the promises you were too young to make, you expected much of the same in the land of Brookshire. But Prince James had other plans, as did the enemies looming outside the castle walls.

Word count: 6k

Warnings: Angst, a bit of fluff, cannon-level violence, a very distraught protective bucky (sorry!)

a/n: I appreciate feedback so much, let me know what you think! Thank you for reading ♡♡

Series Masterlist // Main Masterlist

~~

You painted him often. 

In the morning, when you got to see the way the rays reflected upon the planes of his face and lit him up. Gentle. Ethereal. With no rush or concern for the time of day because it was simply the beginning. 

In the afternoon—quick brushstrokes, always in a hurry. The colors were purple and blue and red. They were blurred together to replicate the way his lips felt as he passed you in the corridors and sought you out after meetings. Images of the afternoon were more abstract and less cohesive; they were how you felt after the brief rendezvous you were granted during busy days. 

In the night. In the night… starlight was the easiest to paint, but only because of him. Rippling waters and branches weighed down by the moon; boots lost in knee high grass and layers of your gown lost in the heat of the balmy air. You painted him most at night, even when he could be found nowhere on the canvas. 

And he must have been able to tell, because with each painting you showed him, he kissed you just a little bit harder. He would let his eyes trail over each of your decisions, the brushstrokes touched by light reflecting off of spun glass, and he would smile at you as if you had given him some gift he could never repay. As if he hadn’t been the one to give you the tools and the joy to create such things. 

You wished he would take a step back and see the truth behind your paintings—the love. 

There were occasions where you almost said it out loud; every time the words fell from his lips first, or in instances where the laughs escaping you were so attached to the feeling that to not tell him you loved him seemed an impossible feat. 

But you didn’t—hadn’t yet. And you wanted to, so bad. 

You wanted to watch the way his eyes would widen and feel the pads of his fingers as he brushed them against your face. You knew he would laugh and that it would be so breathless that the sound would drift past your ears and melt into you, warm you. You wanted him to kiss you, feeling loved. 

You were waiting for the perfect time. 

You wished you had just said it sooner. 

~~

“I won’t be in the room with you, I have to train the squires with the knighting so close. But the prince will be beside you the entire time, and Steve will be there as well. I asked him—” 

“Natasha.” 

“—to be sure to keep an eye on you. Of course, he agreed. Was rather annoying about it actually.” Your lady-in-waiting ripped the brush through your hair with an unrelenting flick of her wrist. “He said ‘well obviously, Natasha. She is my family after all’. As if I was some dimwit. I swear—” 

“Natasha, please.” 

“—he acts as if I’m being overbearing. Like you weren’t just tossed about in some forest and held hostage. I want to strangle him sometimes—” 

You twisted in the plush armchair, removing the brush from her grip with raised brows. She snapped her mouth closed and pressed her lips together as you turned back around and met her eyes in the mirror. 

“Ow,” you remarked, reaching up to instead hand her the flowers she planned on weaving into your small headpiece. “I wanted to leave my hair attached to my head for this luncheon, but if you have something else in mind, please let me know.” 

Natasha grimaced, sheepishly taking a more delicate approach to your look. “I’m sorry. You know I get carried away when I’m worried.” 

You sighed, sending her a smile in the mirror that she replicated with an unsure look. There was no need for her to be as worried as she was; this lunch was a simple one. There would be local diplomats and noblemen and some of the more prominent shop owners from the kingdom. It was your gentle reintroduction to court, paired with small sandwiches and chilled tea. It wasn’t as if you were going to faint from overexertion; you had been clear of bed rest for well over a month. 

Not that Natasha cared, with all of her mother hen tendencies. 

“Natasha, you know better than most that the prince would have me out of the room if he even presumed I was uncomfortable,” you assured. “Between the two of you, I’m surprised I’m allowed to converse with anyone that hasn’t gone through some inspection.” 

She sent you a pointed look. “You watched yourself get dragged up from the ground with a knife at your back and then get back to me.” 

Guilt bloomed within you, making you bite at your lower lip to keep from blurting out an apology; she had chastised you for as much several times since the attack. Still, it was hard not to find blame when your friends were plagued with so much worry. 

“Well, with all of the training I’ve been doing, I’m sure something like that won’t happen again.” 

Natasha set your hair into place and leaned down, squeezing your shoulder as she smirked, “Your training with me is beneficial. Not so sure about the time you spend on the grounds with the prince, however.” 

Heat crept up your neck at her teasing, embarrassment battling with the pride you felt at your progress. It had only taken about three weeks of healing for Natasha to agree to train you again. You’d gotten quite proficient in the bow since then, but Steve loved to remind you that that statement only applied when the targets were stationary. You also loved to remind Steve that you would have the power to banish him in just a few weeks. 

That usually shut him up, but not before all of his laughing got you ten extra push ups from Natasha. Steve’s teasing was getting you into immaculate shape. 

Getting Bucky to agree to take you to the training grounds took a bit more persuasion, but after many pleas and multiple promises to take it easy, you were able to show him everything Natasha had taught you. For about ten minutes. 

Every time you found yourself “training” with Bucky, that was how long the productiveness lasted—ten minutes. Not that you were complaining; spending an hour outside with Bucky, the smell of fresh grass bright in the temperate air, was priceless. It meant no eyes and no responsibilities, and it meant freedom, even for a little while. 

Well—it meant no eyes until Natasha came down to ensure the troops were taking their break at the appropriate time.

“Tell me how to do it again, once more.” 

“Bucky, you are being facetious. You know how to string a bow.”

“I truly have forgotten, princess. Once more, for my benefit.” 

You giggled, the sound rustling the branches of cherry blossom trees as the wind followed close behind. You pretended to glare at him, squinting in the sun and catching the slightest hint of his spiced citrus past the floral breeze. The pants you had on braved the weather, but your hair was not so lucky. 

“You are such a terrible liar,” you accused. The bow in your hand swayed as your arm did. 

“Perhaps I am,” he admitted, stepping forward to slip the wood from your fingers. “A truth, then—I do know how to string a bow.” 

“See!” 

“But I much prefer to listen to you explain it.” He dropped the bow, hand coming below your chin, thumb pressing into your bottom lip. “And I do love watching the way your mouth forms the words.” 

You let out a shaky breath, speechless at being so close even though you had kissed him countless times before. He leaned forward, pressing your foreheads together but refusing your lips the feel of his own; you’d have to work for that, it seemed. 

“Are you going to teach me then, my love?” 

A breath in. A pass of your tongue across your bottom lip. “You should first hold the riser straight to ensure that your bow is the right fit for you.” 

Bucky hummed, eyes never leaving your lips as you spoke. His hands came down to press your hips forward, seeking as much contact as he could find. 

“You should—you should hook the bottom loop of the string around the bottom of the bow.” 

“How will I know it’s the bottom?” he breathed, lips brushing yours as he spoke. Your stomach burned at the contact. His grip tightened on your hips. 

“Shorter…” you began, the rest of your sentence lost somewhere between Bucky’s lips and the corner of your mouth. But he urged you to go on, nudging his nose to yours. “Shorter finger guards should be on top.” 

“And then what?” 

You were sure this was some kind of torture; he was teasing you, pressing his lips to your cheeks and your jaw. And all you could do was try not to melt in his arms and recite the steps to some arbitrary thing. Truthfully, it wasn’t arbitrary, but right now, everything other than him felt as if it was. 

Bucky took your brief pause as a forgetful stint, sliding one of his hands up your back until it cupped the back of your neck. 

“Where should you step after the bottom is strung, darling?” he whispered. 

“Through… through the bow and string while—”

His lips tasted like sweet rose water and lemons and laughter. He kissed you and put you out of your misery, halting your poor excuse for a lesson with urgency and pressing desire. And you kissed back with just as much fervor, hands coming up to rest against the stubble of his cheeks. 

But that wasn’t enough—it never was. So Bucky brought a hand between your shoulder blades and lowered you down until grass tickled at your neck and made the air sweeter. He encased your head with his arms until even that was bothering him as well, one hand coming down to grip your waist as you laid in the grass. 

He kissed you harder until a smile was found between lips. Until you were both breathless but neither of you had any intentions of pulling away. You were about two seconds from pushing him into the grass—an act that surely would have shocked him—when the sound of a clearing throat shot you out of your adrenaline. 

“Your Highnesses.” Natasha’s amused tone had you pushing a reluctant Bucky into the grass after all, but for an entirely different reason. 

“Natasha!” you greeted, dusting yourself off as you stood. “I was just—I was just showing the prince how I am with the bow.”

Natasha threw her gaze over to the very disheveled prince, still unapologetically in the grass and smiling up at her. She raised a brow at him, gave a small nod in greeting, and then turned back to you with a smirk.

“That looked to be exactly what you were doing.” 

The burn in your cheeks and up your neck increased as you remembered the afternoon that followed that day, all of the questions and remarks as Natasha readied you for bed. But you would take them all over again if it meant that the lightness Bucky gave you would linger as it did that day. The love was worth all of the teasing. 

“I don’t know, Natasha,” you called out as she sorted through your jewelry. “Maybe I have become advanced and you just don’t know it because you’ve been spending all your time with those squires.” 

She fitted pearls around your neck as she scoffed. “It is more likely that the prince appointed me as their trainer so that he could have more time making you ‘advanced’ in place of me.” 

You rolled your eyes with a smile, pushing out of the chair and rounding its back to grab Natasha’s hands in both of yours. She narrowed her eyes, but that was vastly overshadowed by the smile that played at her lips. You gave her fingers a small squeeze, one she reciprocated with ease. 

“Thank you, Natalia, truly,” you spoke lowly, her name from childhood thick in your voice. “You’ve gotten me through so much. Through everything.” 

She shook her head, biting the inside of her cheek and looking to the ceiling in feigned nonchalance. But you knew what it really meant; you were seconds away from doing the same yourself. 

“Are you about to ask me to hide you away in the woods again?” she jested, voice heavy with an unshed happiness.

The laugh you shared with her echoed to your windows, filling your room with a sound that would have been frowned upon back in Hyland. But you weren’t in Hyland anymore, and you never would be. 

Natasha spoke again. “I would do much more than teach you how to shoot a bow.” 

You bit your lip, ready to tear up and throw her into a hug, when a knock at your door stopped you in your tracks. 

“Time for your fancy lunch then,” she said, drawing out the words with a playful brow. 

She got the hug anyway, and maybe a few tears. 

On the other side of the door was a patient Steve, his hands held behind his back as he tried to make conversation with Sir William at his post. Your guard was obviously disinterested in the small talk, his face impassive and his words monotone, but you were there soon enough to save him from your cousin. 

Steve looked dashing, as usual; an embodiment of spring with his light features and healthy glow. His blonde hair looked vibrant as it slipped past his forehead, just a tad bit overgrown. His smile was bright as you greeted him and took his arm in the hall. 

 “Are you excited?” he beamed, nudging you slightly as you walked to the dayroom. 

You sent him a confused smile. “For lunch? I mean, sure, but I would much rather prefer something intimate.” 

“No, not lunch,” he rolled his eyes. “For the wedding. It’s almost here. Buck won’t shut up about it.” 

Your grip on Steve’s arm tightened, nerves and elation twisting within your chest. Just a fortnight and you would be married. Everything would be official and you would be queen, but more than that, you would be Bucky’s.

The thought used to scare you; the idea of belonging to a man you didn’t know was so heinous before, but that was because of expectations forced upon you from childhood. In truth, you weren’t going to belong to Bucky. On paper, the law would proclaim you did; there was no way to escape such a system in your current position. But Bucky would never act upon his power. In his mind, the thought would be nonexistent. 

Your nerves, instead, sprouted from the title you would gain from your union, not from Bucky. 

When Steve bent his neck to inspect your pregnant pause, you were quick to formulate an answer. “Of course I’m excited,” you whispered. The ocean to the west crashed beyond the arches you passed. “This land is vast and plentiful. I am grateful to be its queen.” 

Steve let out a humorless laugh. “What a lovely, trained, answer.” His tone was accusing as he stopped you in front of the ornate doors of the dayroom. “Tell me the truth, y/n. Before we go in there and you have to use all those words that Lady Austeen ingrained in that big head of yours.” 

You slapped his chest with a scoff. “You are rude. And nosy.” 

“I only worry about you. As does Natasha, although you seem to answer her questions more willingly.” 

“She doesn’t insult me when she asks them!” 

Steve’s smile was soft as he raised a brow. “Insulting you is part of my job description.” 

Glasses clinked and violins created a gentle song just beyond the doors, and you took a breath, enjoying the simple comfort of family before having to greet so many others. Your dress swayed as you shifted your weight between your feet, the green silk shimmering and delicately draping at your shoulders.

“Sometimes… I just worry that being queen will be too much for me. I’m not ruthless. I won’t kiss another’s betrothed for my own benefit. And you saw what it did to my mother. If I am not able to withstand the pressure, it won’t just be myself I let down.” 

The playfulness on Steve’s face sobered up quickly, leaving behind a sincere expression and hands that rested on your shoulders. His “father look”, you liked to call it, and he did it quite well. 

“Hey, there’s no law in place that states you need to be brutal to be a leader. There’s respect in kindness. These people—they already love you. They aren’t looking for a malicious queen to take over regions. If you haven’t noticed, that’s not going so well for Sharon.” Steve paused, squeezing your shoulders as he took a breath. “And your mother… there are things we still don’t know, things we will never be told. The king was so secretive and unfair to you, but you have to know that you won’t end up like your mother. Bucky would never let that happen. I would never let that happen.” 

There was an ugly truth hidden behind Steve’s words. You were so young when your mother died, and that left any questions about her thwarted and banned. You never got to learn what illness had taken her, or why your father took it so hard. All you had were the remnants of your court and the rules that followed her as she passed. 

You’d be lying if you said her death had no connection to your nerves; being queen was a heavy weight to bear, and you had little example to go off of. 

But you had Bucky now, and you had Brookshire. Things would be different. 

Steve’s eyes were stuck flitting between yours as you finally spoke. “I know you wouldn’t,” you smiled, easing the tension in the hall. “You’re too headstrong to let me wither away.” 

He huffed out a laugh and pressed a kiss to your hair, jerking his head to the door and letting you straighten yourself out before entering the room. Bucky spotted you immediately, putting an end to whatever conversation had him tied up by the balcony. 

His grin was terribly endearing as he carded his fingers through his hair and met you at the doors. He placed a hand on the small of your back and kissed your cheek, clapping Steve on the shoulder with the firm grip of his right hand. 

“Steve,” he greeted, eyes shining. “Thanks for escorting her. The noblemen never leave my side at these things.” 

Steve returned the prince’s gesture and parted after a few fond exchanges, heading straight for the refreshment table where he was greeted by shop owners and plenty of conversation. You smiled as you watched him, relishing in Bucky’s touch as he dragged it up and down your spine. His lips back on your cheek had you finally turning to greet him, a perfect picture of comfort settled onto his face. 

“Hello, my love.”

You couldn’t hide your smile as you exchanged your own greeting, and you suddenly found it rather annoying that you were in a room full of people. Your cousin’s boisterous laugh reminded you of such, and you were spouting off the question that had been running through your mind during your walk in the hall. 

“Why did Steven escort me here? I know where the dayroom is well enough.” 

Bucky knocked his head back in feigned regret. “You caught me,” he groaned. “I asked him to. I wanted to make sure you were… warmed up—so to speak—for the questions all these men might ask.” 

“Oh? So you are the reason I had to endure such a serious conversation before my first ‘no pressure’ appearance in court?” you teased. 

He bit into his bottom lip when you cocked your head to the side, both accusing and grateful. It had been some time since you were last grilled by the people of the kingdom, and getting all of your nerves out with Steve instead of one of the nobles was preferable. 

“Is our marriage such a serious conversation, darling?” 

You laughed and shook your head, the response lost on your lips as a stocky man with dark hair cleared his throat. You turned away from Bucky, but the prince was sure to leave his hand pressed to your back. 

“I am sorry to interrupt, Your Highnesses,” he apologized, a slight bend in his waist as he bowed. 

Bucky was quick to interrupt. “It’s not a problem at all, Wong. Allow me to introduce you. Princess, this is Wong, library and archive manager in Brookshire. Wong, this is my princess—” 

“Surely I know who your princess is by now, Your Highness. In fact, with all of her art gracing the halls of the library, we might as well give the building her namesake.” 

You gaped—completely improper given the company—and blinked up at Bucky. Your art? Why on earth would anything you made leave this castle, let alone be hung in public places? Bucky looked down at you with an unsure smile, his fingers now fidgeting with the material of your dress. 

You snapped your gaze back to Wong. “I’m.. I’m sorry, I just didn’t realize—” 

“Oh, please, princess, do not take my comment the wrong way. We love your art. The library was so dull before—all stuffy and beige. Every time the prince brings one of your works we spend the evening clearing off a spot on the wall. The students love it.” 

“Thank you,” you breathed, still too shocked to form anything coherent. 

“No, thank you. That is why I came by this afternoon, to thank you. Well… I also wanted to wish you well. I heard there is still no word on the people that attacked you. The town just outside the castle was devastated when we were told what happened. And so close to your wedding as well.” 

There it was—another ugly truth. After weeks of questioning, it became extremely clear that Roger, one of the lesser mercenaries that had attacked you, knew nothing of the people that employed him. He knew that he was employed, but that was about the extent of it. 

You had caught Bucky tugging at his hair one too many times to assume any better outcome had arisen, and it wasn’t too long ago that he finally admitted the truth to you. It had taken a lot of coaxing, but the words had echoed in your brain for the remainder of that night. 

We have no idea who wants you. No idea. I won’t lock you up in this castle but it is eating away at me, princess. 

You hadn’t slept well that night. Bucky hadn’t either. The both of you spent hours on his balcony instead, mapping out stars in a warm breeze, wrapped in each other and trying to forget. 

But it was always looming there, and now it was front and center once again. 

“Thank you, Wong,” Bucky covered for you, your silence incredibly loud. “The search is still out.” 

“It was nice to meet you,” you managed, calling out before he could part. Wong presented you with another bow and a smile, this one a touch more strained. 

“I wish he hadn’t brought that up,” Bucky murmured, voice turned down to you. 

You pressed a hand to the lapel of his jacket, smoothing it out and trying to redirect. “Which part? The attack, or the fact that Brookshire apparently has so many of my paintings that they are about to rename a library in my honor?” 

Bucky cringed for a moment, closing his eyes as a breeze passed through the dayroom. The violins were still in full swing in the corner, the sandwiches still towered high upon trays and the tea still fresh with ice. You had hardly made your way around the room, but the atmosphere was still lovely where you stood. 

“Are you truly angry about that, princess?” Bucky finally got out, sliding his gaze to you as you smiled at a group of diplomats passing by. “Because I really only sought to show the world your talent. You would have been satisfied keeping all of those works piled up in your paint room and the library had requested art. The kingdom appreciates beauty, and to have their queen—” 

“Can you show me?” 

Bucky paused. “I’m sorry?” 

“The library,” you clarified. “Can you show me?” 

The violins picked up, livening the room and causing every conversation to get louder; almost imperceptibly, but it was still there. You could see Wong close to the group of strings, talking animatedly with his hands to get his point across. 

“I’m sure I could have that arranged, darling. We haven’t left the castle since—” 

“—since the attack,” you finished. You turned to face him fully, grabbing his forearm with hopeful eyes. “Let’s go see the library. It’s just beyond the castle, isn’t it?” 

It would be the perfect place. In a room surrounded by variations of him—in the morning, the afternoon, the night—all carried by his hands and brought out to show the world. Because he was proud of you. Because he loved you. 

Your wedding was just weeks away, and you hadn’t said it back. 

It would be the perfect place. 

“Now?” Bucky emphasized, looking around the room as a roaring laugh boomed from an archway. One of the trays clanked against a crystallized glass bowl, the sound resonating against the walls. 

“Now, Bucky. Please,” you pleaded. 

His resolve dissipated the second you looked up at him like that, your fingers tugging at his sleeve with impatience. You could tell by the way his face softened; by the way he covered your hand with his own, the warmth combating the excitement rushing through you. This would be the perfect time, the perfect day, the perfect place. 

“Darling, we are in a room full of our court. We can’t just leave.” 

You ignored the spark you felt from the word our. “This is the perfect time to leave. No one expects us anywhere else, and since Wong, no one has come within ten feet of us. They are all too busy discussing matters of their farms and their shops. We are simply ornaments at this point.” 

Bucky seemed to weigh his options carefully as a heavy wave crashed beyond the walls. A seagull cried as well, but it was hard to hear over the music. You could only make out the end of its call. 

“Okay, yes. Fine,” he conceded, quick words spoken against your cheek as he kissed it and expertly ushered you to the door. “But I’ll have to meet you at the stables. We can’t leave at the same time.” 

You nodded your head enthusiastically when your back met the door. He glanced over his shoulder to survey the room, but only Steve seemed to notice your not-so-subtle getaway, his head shaking fondly as he listened to shop owners continue on. Your giggle was met with Bucky’s hand on your stomach, gently pushing you through the door. 

“Okay, go! I love you, go,” he whispered, and then you were a joyful mess in the hall. 

You brought your hand up and pressed your fingers to your mouth, taming your smile before heading down to the stables. It was nearly impossible; with the lightness in your gait, your dress trailing at the tops of your feet with a gentle ease, it would be so easy to spot your unrelenting emotions.  

But it didn’t matter. Everyone in the court could see the happiness coming off of you in waves and you wouldn’t care. 

Only they didn’t see; no one saw, because no one was in the hall. There were no guards at your door when you passed it, no visitors of the court bowing to you by balconies or archways. No staff could be found going in and out of rooms and no children ran beyond their mothers’ skirts. 

There was no one. It was…eerie. 

A loud boom startled you out of the stupor you had fallen into, finally getting your feet to move. You had stopped by the kitchens, a far cry from the stables. But the boom was the least of your worries, because the horns started. 

Blaring and incessant and close; the horns sounded off from the towers stacked on top of you, and you knew what they meant.

Find a guard. Run. Do anything other than stand in one place and get yourself killed. 

Your feet made the decision for you before your mind could, sending you hurtling back to the dayroom, back to Bucky. Footsteps could be heard in the distance now, and you weren’t sure if the heavy boots sounded like Brookshire’s guard, or if they meant something else. 

The guard. It had to be the guard, because your mind couldn’t fathom anything else. 

Breathing got harder the faster you ran, panic stealing what little air you could take in. You needed to get to Bucky; Natasha was too far away on the training grounds. But Natasha was out in the open as well, leaving her exposed to so many possible attacks. Now your mind was reeling as your body struggled, and there wasn’t enough adrenaline in the world to tame both. 

You rounded a corner as you heard it. 

“Princess! Princess, please. Where are you?” 

You opened your mouth to scream back at him, when the sound was muffled by leather. A leather palm, leather fingers; the same leather wrapping around your middle and dragging your thrashing body away. You kicked and let out unheard words until the sun was dimmed, and you were in a space between walls. 

Whoever this was knew the castle well. 

Whoever this was didn’t let you go as they dragged you through the tunnels you didn’t know existed. 

You couldn’t hear Bucky anymore. You could barely hear the horns. 

“This is going to be real easy for you if you just shut up and get in the carriage, got it, princess?” 

Their voice was deep and gravely, thick with an accent you didn’t recognize. You thrashed again in their arms, unrelenting even though it just made them tighten their hold. A tutting in your ear made you recoil.

“They told me you weren’t going to be easy.” 

Light assaulted your eyes as the wall gave way to some back entrance of the castle. They must get deliveries here; it was hidden, shrouded with ugly twigs and snarling vines. The scene made you feel ill. You were one step closer to being taken, the same position you were in just weeks ago. How had it come to this so quickly? How had the perfect image if your afternoon been ripped to shreds so suddenly? 

You didn’t have time for questions, only actions. You jutted your elbow out to meet your captor’s stomach, taking them by surprise as they doubled over. Their hand came next, your grip coming up to twist their wrist until they released your mouth as well. You could hear their annoyed hiss as you ran to the wall, hands skimming over every stone. 

Where was the way back in? The gated entrance to wherever this was impossible to reach unless you wanted this man to chase you, and he would certainly win. Each stone set another weight in your stomach as you passed it with shaking fingers, trying so desperately to find what he had. 

He recovered before you had the chance to cry in frustration, the cruel grip back around your body.

“Stop!” you screamed, hands reaching out to the cold stone. “Please, we’ll give you more than whatever they have. Anything you want.” 

His chuckle was dark. “I’m not getting paid for this. Consider it loyalty.” 

The carriage came into view then, its less than polished exterior blurred by your tears. Your captor kicked at your heels when you dug your feet in the ground, and an amused sound came from the back of his throat at your effort. 

But the carriage was nothing compared to what came next, Bucky’s form being dragged up by two men sending you into a panic. 

“Not him! Just me, you don’t need to take him,” you pleaded. The sound of your voice made the prince’s seething remarks toward the men halt, his head snapping to you with an unmatched speed. 

The man at your back sounded annoyed, almost letting out a yawn as he said, “We are not allowed to hurt the prince… unfortunately. He just gets to watch. Direct orders.” 

Bucky yanked away from the men to avail, his eyes wild as he marked every point in which the man held your body.

“Let her go or I swear to god I’ll—” 

“You’ll what?” the man on his right taunted, pulling him back just to show him he could. “You’ll nothing. Be thankful you even get to see her leave.” 

Yelling from a top floor of the castle erupted, and a small spark of hope shot through you. It was quickly put out when your feet were moving again, dragging you into the dilapidated carriage long before anyone could make it down the many castle steps. 

Bucky’s voice came out broken as he promised, “I’ll find you, y/n. I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.” 

His words were so different from the ones he had shared in the hall, just moments ago. 

Okay, go! I love you, go!

You’d remember those, wherever you went—the laughter and the lightness, and Bucky without his voice coated in tears. 

“Look at me, my love. I beg of you.” You hadn’t even realized your eyes were closed. You opened them to find you were passing him. “I love you,” he said, his cheeks glistening. “I love you and you’re going to be okay, alright? I’m going to find you. I won’t rest until your back home.” 

And maybe it was because of the possibility that you’d never see him again. Maybe it was because of the heavy tears making tracks down both of your faces. Maybe it was just the pain blooming along your arm where the man held you that made you say it. 

Either way, the I love you that fell from your lips sounded nothing like it had in your daydreams. 

Bucky thrashed against the men even harder, stringing curses and threats as your head was shoved into the nondescript cab. He promised death and pain and everything you knew he could deliver, if he only had the freedom to do so. 

“You bastards,” he choked out, the anger lost to pain. “If you hurt her I will hunt you down and make you wish you were dead. Don’t touch her!” 

The horses shook when his screaming stopped, but that only made your tears fall even harder. 

The man sitting across from you rattled the carriage and simply scoffed. “We didn’t kill him. God, are you royals always so dramatic? Feels like this in every court.” 

The horns started up again, and you could hear yelling past the creek of a rusty gate—footsteps marching with a heavy haste. But you were past anyone’s eyesight, and with the prince unconscious on the ground, he would take precedence. 

That was fine. All you could focus on was the man’s last few words as you stared down at the ripped emerald green on your thigh. 

In every court. 

#bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x y/n #bucky barnes x you #bucky x reader #bucky barnes x female reader #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky barnes #prince Bucky #sebastian stan #royal AU