#ive played this game too many times and henry and sam always get me

[invisibleanonymousmonsters]

Heart of Steel - IV

Description: Sir James is known throughout the lands as the most fearsome and honorable warrior. Ballads have been written about him. Men fear him. He is the most trusted knight of the King Henry. So why has he given up the glories of war and pledged his loyalty to Princess Y/N?

Pairing: Medieval AU -Knight!Bucky x Princess!Reader

Word Count: 3,285

Warning: If you’re a history buff, probably don’t read this because the historical inaccuracies will most likely drive you crazy. 😅

Series Masterlist

The castle was in an absolute frenzy as servants prepared for the ball.

Usually it was the princess’ responsibility to arrange and plan such affairs. But Y/N just couldn’t bring herself to care. Maybe if the ball wasn’t all for her, she’d be able to swallow her pride and play her part.

She managed to convince Tony to take a ride with her. It was only after Bruce told him it would be good for her that he finally agreed.

Now it was the two of them, along with a small army of guardsmen. Bucky, Sir James Rupert, Sir Clinton, Sir Samuel, Peter, and Sir Harold trailed behind the royal siblings. They pretended to give them some semblance of privacy.

“I think this is the longest time we have gone without speaking, sister.” Tony teased, but there was worry in his eyes.

“Hmm?” She hummed. “I apologize, Tony. I am just trying to breathe the fresh air.”

“You know, whenever you out here, you act as if you have not seen the sun in years. You breathe the air as if you will never get a another chance.” Tony’s tone was humble, yet serious.

“Do you ever wish you were born a commoner, Tony?” Y/N asked before she could stop herself.

“I think it would be unwise for me to answer that question.”

Y/N laughed lightly, “You have always been better at playing the game than I, dear brother. Sometimes I envy you for it.”

“If your wish were granted, if you were but a mere commoner… what would you possibly do with yourself?” Tony asked.

Y/N smiled at the thought. “I would explore, never stay in one place, see as much of the world as possible. Learn as much as I possibly could and share my new knowledge with whoever wished to hear it. I would seek out the most famed philosophers and painters and poets, and I would ask to hear their stories.”

Bucky smirked as he overheard Y/N share her dream.

“Why can you not fulfill all of these wishes as a princess?” Tony challenged.

“You forget I was not born a man, Anthony. I am not a prince, like you. I cannot go exploring for months on end. I cannot leave my kingdom whenever I wish. It will be even less so when I am married. I will have to look after a castle and a husband... and someday children. My life will be only be an extension of my husband’s. My work will be only that which serves my new King.”

Tony frowned and looked away, knowing not a word she spoke was a lie. He was not one for serious talks such as this. Prince Anthony was known as a rebellious and charming man. His wit and cleverness were just as renowned as his title.

Now he could not give words to lift his sister’s spirits. So Tony did what he did best.

“Are we done feeling sorry for ourselves now, princess?”

Y/N smiled and giggled at her brother’s lack of sensitivity.

An hour or so later, Tony received message that his fiancé Virginia had arrived to the castle. She was visiting for the ball, but their wedding was only months away.

He looked torn on leaving his sister. Who knew how many more rides like this they would share?

“Go!” Y/N urged him. “You look like you have been struck by cupid’s arrow. I will not keep you from your beloved, brother.”

Tony smiled at her teasing. Then his eyes shifted to Bucky.

“You watch over her for me.” He warned the knight evenly.

“Always, Your Highness.” Bucky bowed his head.

Tony took most of the guards with him, leaving Y/N with only Bucky and Peter. The castle was in sight and they were in the safety of the royal grounds. Y/N didn’t need more escorts.

Y/N leaned her head back and closed her eyes as she absorbed the sunshine.

“I think I wish to walk from here,” she announced.

Moon whined as soon as Y/N dismounted. But he nuzzled his shoulder as she started leading him into a walk.

Peter waited for Bucky to follow before getting off his own horse.

“So, when is our next lesson?” Y/N asked Bucky with a grin.

He narrowed his gaze. “When the entire castle is not swarming with servants and visiting royals.”

Y/N humphed in a pout, but knew he was right. There was no way they could sneak around with all the new company.

“Why do you wish to learn how to wield a sword anyhow, Your Highness?” The young squire asked curiously.

“Peter!” Bucky scolded. “You must learn to hold that tongue of yours.”

Y/N chuckled at her knight’s harsh tone. It invoked fear in just about everyone but her.

“It is quite alright, Sir James. He means no harm.” She calmed him. Then the princess turned her attention to the young boy. “Peter, did your mother or father ever tell you not do something when you were a child?”

Peter nodded.

“And did it only make you wish to do it even more?” Y/N continued.

Peter nodded again.

“Well, that is part of it.” Y/N sighed.

“And the other part?” Peter asked.

Y/N frowned at the question. “Have you ever felt powerless, Peter? Ever felt so incapable that you began to feel weak?”

Peter wanted to nod, but the gravity of his princess’ words chilled him.

Y/N stopped walking Moon so she could face the boy head on. “I do not wish to feel weak any longer.”

Peter swallowed thickly from being addressed by the princess so directly. He managed to nod his head and then look away from her intense stare.

Y/N then continued walking forward.

Bucky lingered for a moment to glare at his squire. Then he smacked him on the back of the head when Y/N was far enough away not to notice.

“What?” Peter gasp.

But Bucky just shook his head in disappointment and marched forward.

————

Y/N had made a point not to venture out of her wing when all the the guests had arrived. Every spare room was filled with nobles or royals. She had no intention of socializing with them any more than she already had to.

But as she got ready for the ball (or rather as her team of servants and seamstresses dressed her up as if she were a giant doll) Y/N slightly regretted it.

Her heart was racing from the anxiety and pressure. She knew the people touching and fidgeting with her could feel it. But they would never dare say anything.

Only Wanda watched her with a sympathetic look and tried to give her a reassuring smile. It was moments like these that made Y/N wish she could switch places with her.

Then they were practically shoving her out the door. The party had already started and the King and Queen had specifically requested that the princess come later. 

Y/N had rolled her eyes at their dramatics, knowing they wanted her to make a big entrance. It was just more pressure on her.

Wanda held the door open for Y/N. Bucky and Sir Samuel were waiting patiently for her exit. 

After the incident with Prince Brock and the castle being filled with foreigners, Y/N’s guardsman had been ordered by the King to keep an even more watchful eye on the princess.

“Sir James, Sir Samuel,” Wanda greeted with the bow of her head. She didn’t miss the way Bucky held his breath at the sight of Y/N.

“You shall be the most beautiful woman at the ball, Your Highness.” Sam said with a bow of his head and confident smirk.

The teasing gave Y/N a small relief and she smiled a little. “Thank you, Sir Samuel. But you have not seen the guests of the ball, so your compliments are premature.”

“Oh, I do not need to see the others to know,” Sam corrected with a wink.

Y/N couldn’t help but laugh. It felt good. She doubted she would have another on this dreadful night.

Her eyes fluttered over to Bucky, half expecting him to compliment her, as well.

But he remained silent. Y/N sighed and lifted her skirts, “Shall we?”

Sam nodded, and Bucky started walking without saying anything.

As soon as they arrived at the great hall, Y/N’s breathing became shallow. She was so lost in her own head that she missed Bucky watching her with great concern.

When the herald spotted the princess, he sent a servant to quiet down the music. 

Suddenly the trumpet group started playing the royal fanfare. All of the guests inside were shushing and quieting down in anticipation.

Y/N took in a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to calm her breathing and rapid heartbeat.  

Sam gave Bucky a warning look when he saw the man shifting back and forth, physically in pain from not being able to give Y/N some sort of comfort.

“Her Royal Highness, Princess Y/N of Zamora.” The herald called out. 

Sam and Bucky flanked either side of her, just a step behind, as Y/N slowly walked forward. Her head was held high and all signs of anxiety and nervousness were utterly concealed. Y/N moved with a grace and confidence that was unparalleled.

Finally she made her way to her small throne beside the King and Queen. Anthony sat on the other side of their parents. As soon as she sat down, the music began playing once again and the guests resumed talking, but at a much quieter volume.

Bucky and Sam stood in the shadows just behind her throne, keeping a watchful eye out.

Y/N’s own gaze flickered around the room, taking in as much information as possible while also keep a stoic expression. She recognized old faces and saw the new too.

Almost immediately, royal families started approaching the throne and either greeting the King and Queen or introducing themselves.

To Y/N’s shock, the first were the Asgardians. 

Their kingdom rested in the hinterlands. They were isolated and distant, staying out of affairs that did not directly involve them. There were always whispers of the family practicing magic. But Y/N found it hard to believe it could ever be the dark kind with the way the eldest son, Thor, appeared. The man was a giant. But reminded Y/N more of a loving dog than the fierce lion she heard about. He had kind eyes and a warm smile.

His older sister and younger brother hardly even looked related to him. Icy eyes and greasy black hair. If anyone practiced dark magic, it was them.

“Princess Y/N, it is truly an honor to make your acquaintance,” Thor greeted with a deep bow.

“We do not see much of the Asgardians, Prince Thor,” Y/N greeted. “I am honored you made the long and tiresome journey for Zamora.”

“Not for Zamora,” he corrected, “for you, Princess Y/N.” Prince Thor said with a charming smile.

Y/N smirked at his charm. It was entertaining… for now.

King Henry shared a look with Thor’s father. “We shall speak more privately later in the evening, King Odin.”

Just like that, the responsibilities of the night were brought back to the forefront of Y/N’s mind.

Y/N forced herself to sit up even straighter. “You will save me a dance, Prince Thor?”

Her forwardness and charm caught Thor off guard, but he quickly bowed his head in agreement and walked slowly away with his family. But not before looking over his shoulder to catch another glimpse of Y/N.

The only other family that had made a longer journey than the Asgardians was the Wakandans. It must’ve taken them at least a week to arrive Zamora.

Y/N was immediately fascinated with them. King T’Challa was surrounded by female knights, not a male in sight. However, Y/N feared them more than any man in the great hall.

“They are called the Dora Milaje.” Sam whispered into Y/N’s ear before they approached. “They are the world’s fiercest warriors and the king’s most loyal companions.”

Y/N’s eyes lit up at the information. All of the women’s head were shaven and they wore bright red armor, which was unlike the dull greys and blacks Y/N was accustomed to. 

However, Princess Shuri, dowager Queen Ramonda, and King T’Challa were dressed head to toe in black. It was another peculiarity for Y/N, since the royals she knew illustrated their wealth with bright colors and expensive jewelry. T’Challa bowed his head. There was a quiet confidence to him that Y/N respected. Somehow she already knew he was wise beyond his years.

“King T’Challa you have made such a journey to a land so foreign from your own,” Y/N greeted him. “I fear we will only disappoint.”

T’Challa smirked at her modesty, “Nonsense, Princess Y/N. Your beauty is worthy of a journey three times longer than our own.”

“No need to flatter me, King T’Challa. Your mere presence is an honor in its own.” Then her eyes flickered to the Dora Milaje that stood behind him. “I know so little of your kingdom, I hope you will appease me and open my mind to the mysteries of Wakanda.” Y/N answered with a radiant curiosity in her eyes. It was one of the few things she would say tonight that was genuine.

T’Challa nodded with a smile of his own. “It would be my pleasure, Princess Y/N.”

After they moved away, Y/N’s mother gave her a reassuring smile, proud of her daughter’s grace and manners. But Y/N hadn’t surprised herself, she knew how to play her part in all this.

The pattern continued for the next hour. Y/N received royal family after royal family. Her hand was either kissed by a man or she was given hollow compliments. It grew boring, and Y/N slowly became mentally and socially exhausted. She already planned to lock herself in her wing after tonight and speak to no one for a week.

Thor gave Y/N the dance he promised. They spoke polite and buoyant conversation. Y/N didn’t mind him at all. In fact, she rather enjoyed his warm presence. But it was nearly impossibly to know if she could share a life with a man she had just met.

There were also horrible conversations. Egotistical princes and kings, who were of the same breed as Rumlow, just less threatening and evil.

After a few hours, Y/N needed a moment to herself. She gave a look to Sam and Bucky, telling them with her eyes to stop anyone from following her.

She rushed out to the gardens that were luckily undiscovered by the guests.

The cold, fresh air worked miracles. Y/N closed her eyes and took in a deep breath.

Y/N knew she should’ve listened to Wanda when she tried to force her to eat beforehand. Now she had a stomach filled with wine and no supper. It did, however, make her relax quite a bit.

The princess was broken out of her alleviation when the sound of heavy footsteps were heard from behind her.

“If another prince compliments me on my beauty, I shall surely be sick.” Y/N grumbled, thinking it was Bucky, sent to lead her back to the ball.

“Well, then I will be sure to keep my distance,” a deep voice replied.

Y/N’s eyes widened when she realized it was not Bucky and did not recognize the voice. 

She quickly whipped around to find a tall, handsome man standing before her. His hair was uncommonly short, but his eyes were a blue that could rival Bucky’s.

“Please forgive me,” Y/N bowed her head. “That was very improper of me. I mistook you for my guard.” She hated losing at this game.

The man chuckled, “I quite enjoyed it actually.” There was no lie in his tone.

“But it is I who must apologize. I startled you and have now not properly introduced myself.” He stepped forward and bowed slightly. “I am King Steven of Midgard.”

Y/N curtsied, but her mind was racing with this information. The King of Midgard? It was the only kingdom bigger than her own. She could have sworn it was King Joseph who ruled. Y/N scolded herself for not being more informed.

“And you are?” He asked in return.

Y/N realized she had rudely not given her own name. But then she recognized that King Steven actually did not know who she was.

“Do you truly not know?” She asked him carefully.

“I do not. But the longer you keep it from me, the more infuriated I become with my ignorance.” Somehow it was not charm, but blatant honesty.  

Y/N was not used to blunt conversations, especially with royals. She found it oddly refreshing.

“Y/N,” She muttered in a voice that was her own and not a forced voice of a royal. She didn’t know why she left out her title.

King Steven’s eyes widened, immediately recognizing his mistake. “You are Princess Y/N of Zamora?” 

Then he looked behind them at the ball; the ball that was solely being thrown in her honor. What a fool he was.

But Y/N let out the loud laughter her mother tried to rid her of and nodded.

Steve seemed in daze from hearing her laugh.

Then he opened his mouth to speak, but changed his mind and closed it.

“What is it?” Y/N asked, proving that she’d caught it.

“I intended to pay you a compliment,” King Steven explained, “but then I remembered your initial grievance.”

“I have robbed you of a man’s only device for luring women. Whatever shall you do?” Y/N teased.

King Steven glared at her playfully, “I have an inclination there are far more things to worship about your character than something so obvious as your beauty.”

Y/N’s smile was wiped from her lips. Once again, his words felt like a transparency rather than a charming line.

“I apologize. I have made you uncomfortable.” He said quickly, clearly having misread her reaction.

Then Y/N took in his clothing.

For a king, he was dressed rather modestly. He chose to wear muted browns and leather, rather than the bright velvets and plush furs of most royals. However, the clothing did nothing to hide his build. 

There was a sword strapped to his waist. It wasn’t uncommon to see on a king; but it was usually more for show than purpose. Though Y/N had an inkling that King Steven knew how to use it quite well.  

“I must confess, I am not very good at this.” King Steven added. Her silence seemed to make him nervous.

“And what is that exactly, King Steven?” Y/N asked gently.

“Courting women,” he confessed. Then his eyes widened in horror. “But you are not just a woman! You are a princess. Please, forgive me. I have done nothing but make a fool of myself since being graced with your presence.”

To his shock, Y/N giggled.

“Please, you need not apologize. I find it rather endearing... if I am being truthful.”

Before the King could say anything more, they were interrupted.

“Your Highness, the King has requested your return.”

It was Bucky.

Y/N’s smile dropped at the sight of him.

Why did she feel like Bucky had caught her doing something wicked?

The guilt ate away at her.

Then King Steven turned around to address the knight.

“Bucky?” The man said in absolute astonishment.

------

Part V

Okay this will now be the 4th chapter in a week. so write me a novel of thoughts, feelings, and reactions. make me happy ❤️