Chapter Text
You are Blood of my Blood, and Bone of my Bone.
I give you my Body, that we Two might be One.
Bucky whispered that into her ears as he undid her garments. The feel of his hands sliding up her chemise was delightful and sinful all at once, but it didn’t matter. He was hers and she would be his.
I give you my Spirit, `til our Life shall be Done.
You cannot possess me for I belong to myself
But while we both wish it, I give you that which is mine to give
She murmured back to him as she shed off his linen shirt to see that he truly was a gorgeous as the rest of him. Excitement filled her as she ran her hands over him. He grinned encouragingly.
“I am yours.” He said, then kissed her deeply. “I cannot wait to bring you back to Baleen.”
His kingdom, where he ruled as the king of the realm and she would a queen there too. Bucky had paid a magnificent bride price for her and the contract had been signed. King James and Queen Sarah. It was perfect.
You cannot command me, for I am a free person
But I shall serve you in those ways you require
and the honeycomb will taste sweeter coming from my hand.
They snuck off into the gardens and now here they were, undressing each other and she happily pulled him against her as he consummated their love.
She tunneled her fingers through his long hair, pulling him down for more of his kisses, moaning her pleasure as they made love on the grass. His hips sank deeper and deeper, bringing about sensations that made her mind positively swim with delight.
Bucky held her close, the ecstasy addicting, the pleasure almost painful. His groans escaped him as he watched his beloved fall apart in his arms. He held the image in his mind, determined never to forget this wonderous moment. Sarah, the jewel of the Ega territory, was his love.
They gasped and moaned as they continued to thrust against each other, again and again until the heat bloomed and exploded within, leaving them weak and glistening in the dim light of the coming dawn.
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James got up from his cold bed and looked as the sun streamed from his opened windows as his valet allowed the fresh sea air to come in. With a firm squeeze, he got his metal arm to flex, getting the intricate metal pieces and cogs to come to life, even the red star gleamed against the silver plating. He looked at his simple buttered bread and hot cider already at his table and got up to begin his day. Washing his face and torso in warm perfumed water, he used a handful to slick his long hair back, then he shoved the bread into his mouth before throwing on the black tunic over his broad shoulders and gulping down his drink. Usually, his servants helped him dress but he had no patience for it. Today was the beginning of the end and he wanted to get it over with.
“Master Buck.” Sirrah Misty Knight greeted him, following him step by step down the halls.
“Sirrah Misty.” He replied, giving her a polite kiss on her sleek, golden metal hand before they continued on their way to the ancestral halls. “What you got for me?”
“His Majesty sent a message this morning voicing some concern about the transfer and the upcoming journey.”
“For fuck’s sake how many times do I have to promise Steve that I plan to behave myself?” James’ rolled his eyes.
“Because he’s your brother and he knows you will not behave yourself now that you have a reason to go back Ega?” She replied smoothly.
He gave her a look but didn’t respond and once they entered the ancestral halls they fell silent anyway. Inside were dozens of portraits, tablets with names and memorabilia that once belonged to hundreds of deceased members of his family. Their bones were buried deep under the stone floor, but the names unforgotten above. Their descendants dutifully light candles and incense to honor them and hope for their wisdom and favor. Today James went to one side of the altar where a painting of his wife and child stood. The faces stared at him solemnly and he stared back. Faithfully he had mourned them, followed all the traditional funerary rites. No one could say he did not do his duty, especially since the battles that were still ongoing were caused by their deaths, but starting tomorrow he was a free man and as the King of Baleen and brother to King Stephen of Reina, he would be pressured to find a bride.
This time around King Anthony of Amster and his fucking lackeys won’t be around to make that decision for him, especially not with him and Steve still at each other’s throats. Plus, there was the “guest” currently residing in his tower that Stark was on pins and needles to get back. A casualty of war, no harm had been done, but if anyone from Amster decided to even look at James the wrong way, he wouldn’t hesitate to put the sw0rd to the young lord.
“Are you sure you don’t want the Scarlet Witch with us?” Misty asked timidly once he exited the halls.
James growled. “She could stay in Steve’s halls and weep until her eyes fall out for all I care for her magic.”
“She could be useful in helping us find-”
“We have her brother aiding us. With his legs we have been able to find nearly everything we need.”
“Except for-”
He turned on her. “Is this because you don’t want to see him? I thought you were over him.”
Misty swallowed and frowned. “I’m not afraid of seeing Samuel again. I’m just disgusted we need his aid.”
“I don’t like it any better, Misty, but we need a reason to get into Ega to begin with.”
“The Queen Mother hates your guts.” She reminded him.
“Hopefully the death of her husband and the return of her son will soften her up a bit.” He said as he headed towards the stables. “Are we ready, Sirrah?”
Tally, a tall, sinewy albino warrior who also bore a simpler metal hand bowed his head to his prince. “Yes, Your Majesty. Everything will be set within the hour.”
“And Prince Samuel?”
“Breaking his fast. Razel is with him.” Tally informed him.
“Should be quick then.” James breathed in the cold morning air. “Dugan!”
A handsome man with a heavy moustache approached. A prestigious knight from the Howling Commandos, he was usually stationed with Steven, but was here to watch over Baleen while its king traveled abroad. “Your Majesty?”
“You’re my eyes and ears while I’m out. Let me know if Stark makes a move against my brother or if Thanos is sniffing about. Trust only my brother’s men.”
“You got it.” Commander Dugan bowed his head and then added with more care. “Master Buck? You’ll find ‘em, I know you will.”
James features grew a touch bittersweet. “May the ancestors be listening.”
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In the kingdom of Reina, at Cambria Palace, two practical minded rulers looked over the latest missive.
“I just received word that Bucky and Sam are finally on their way to Ega.” Steve told his wife Margaret after the morning meeting was done.
The queen studied her husband’s face. “You’re worried.”
“That obvious?” He shook his head. “I’m praying that I didn’t make a mistake, but I think maybe I should be there with them, easing the way.”
“We can’t leave our men leaderless. Even if we’re currently at a standstill with Stark.”
“I could just send you. After all our last victory was your doing.” He smiled proudly.
“Only because you caught the rascal coming up from behind.” She replied. “Now Tony’s ward is in our hands and I’m glad it’s kept him at bay long enough for us to save Prince Samuel from Thanos. Now Ega might drop its neutrality and join our cause.”
“Sam and I talked for so long and he seemed amiable. I told Bucky not to do anything to provoke him or his mother! We need their support at least to keep the trades going.” Steve pinched the bridge of his nose. “Ugh, I feel like this was a mistake.”
“It’s been seven years now. Surely, they should be able to be a little civil.” Margaret offered.
“Sirrah Knight is with them.”
She let out an unlady-like whistle. “Your brother is a brat.”
“I’m going to send a missive with Pietro and make sure to remind him to behave himself…again.”
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Samuel didn’t know if being inside the carriage was supposed to be a form of protection or an insult. He was a prince, king actually, of Ega and he ought to be in front when they entered the great painted walled city from where his family ruled. Peeking from behind the curtain he saw the man he hated only slightly less than his father’s murderer and beside him, Misty, looking regal and proud on her mount. Seeming to sense she was being watched she flicked her gaze over her shoulder, gave him a cool stare then looked away, nose upturned. She still hated him, of course she did.
Sam slumped back with a sigh, his mind recalling sweeter days, when Misty first came to court and set his heart on fire. She had been born and raised in Baleen, favored by Prince James enough to send her to Ega to establish further friendly relationships. She and Sarah hit it off immediately and even his mother liked her. The queen could see the longing growing between them and offered to broach the topic of a match. They had been excited at the prospect of binding their families further together along with their countries Ega and Baleen, two critical and wealthy trading cities with strong armies to protect it. Then the great blunder occurred, and Misty stayed to guard Sarah, was held back while his sister screamed and screamed in grief until Sam forced the liquid down her throat and silenced her at last.
Misty I had to! I couldn’t let my sister live like this!
Murderer! I hate you! I hate you!
He rubbed the scar she left on his gut before fleeing back to Baleen. If it had been a little more to the left, he would’ve died. The look in her eyes hurt more than the wound and his mother nursed him back to health, but both had been profoundly changed by the events that took place.
Honor-killing, that’s what the court elders said. He had saved his sister from disgrace; he had done her a mercy and kept his family’s reputation clean. Still, his sister’s blood was on his hands and suddenly many ladies feared him. His father tried to muster up a bride, Princess Monica of Mar-El but her mother Queen Maria and her shield-lover Captain Danvers refused it.
If a man could kill his sister, what would stop him from laying hands on his wife? His daughters?
No amount of assurance could convince them nor other neighboring kingdoms. Time, his father decided, was needed to soften the memory in the people’s minds and then later a bride would be more forthcoming. Until then Sam worked on helping his parents take care of Ega. None of this would’ve happened if the bastard King James hadn’t come to Ega and wooed his sister so entirely. If James had kept his promise, if the king of Amster hadn’t been so enraged, if Steve had never been so thorough, all of this wouldn’t have gone to shit.
The journey to Ega would take weeks and so far, they had been undisturbed. The War of the Avengers had been ongoing and exhausting. Furthermore, the tyrant Lord Thanos had been encroaching on several territories and any person that he came upon had two options, join his cause or death. For those reasons, thieves, thugs and commoners have run away in fear of enslavement leaving roads and villages bare.
Sirrah Razel, a large, bald, silent black man had been polite and obliging to him, bringing his meals to his tent since he could not stomach eating with Bucky or Misty present. They cordially invite him to the royal tent every mealtime, but he knows it’s only a courtesy. Bucky hated him and the feeling was mutual. The sight of that arrogant ass who dishonored his sister made him want to tie him to a tree and lash him until he felt the same shame and humiliation that she went through. Instead, he had to bite back his impulses. The war superseded everything, and the alliance was critical. Plus, there was Steve, always bringing the best out of everyone, asking them to think of the greater good. It was almost impossible to ignore his pleas and honestly Sam could not.
Meanwhile Bucky and Misty shared their meal in his tent. Razel entered to deliver the same message he had before.
“His Majesty declines your invitation.” the great soldier said in a deep, rumbling voice.
“Well now I can eat in peace.” Bucky replied. “Thank you, Sirrah.”
“I know your brother told you to be nice, but you don’t have to keep inviting him if you know he’s just going to decline.” Misty said as she watched him continue his meal.
“I can’t help it.” He admitted. “It’s the closest thing to scratching the itch. Needling him, annoying him. Sometimes I look at him and the desire to squeeze his head between my hands like an apple just…”
“He needs to live, Master Buck. Baleen and Reina cannot make enemies, not now.”
“He loved his sister so much, how could he??” He muttered almost to himself. “For a deed that in any other kingdom would’ve been swept under the rug. Fuck Tony, Fuck Sam…fuck me.”
Misty had heard these lamentations for years now and the pain in his voice hadn’t lessen. At this point it was best just to let him get it out of his system.
He swallowed down his wine, then pushed it aside. “I wish I had ordered you to bring her to Baleen. Why didn’t it ever occur to me? I never believed that Ega would be so cruel to their own princess. Sarah, I’m so sorry, Sarah.”
“Eat.” She ordered gently after a while. “Soon we’ll be in Ega and then at the royal city, and I doubt we’ll get a welcome reception. We must keep our wits about us.”
She was right. The moment they got to the capital many things could go wrong and none could be afforded.
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The painted walls of the city of Ville des Sages were a thing to behold. Made of hard packed earth and stone, covered with amazing images colored in red, black and white, it was a source of pride for the Egans who called the city home. Close to the entrance, Bucky had managed to avoid talking to Sam throughout the entire trip, but now he needed him out front and center so that they weren’t fired upon. The moment the soldiers recognized their prince, the people came out to celebrate him, throwing flowers as they rode their horses to the castle. Le faucon! Bénédictions sur notre prince! they cried. Bucky and Misty gladly let him lead, trying to ignore the people who pointed at their banners and whispered amongst themselves. He didn’t have to look around to know that he had enemies in Ega, people who took umbrage to the way he had failed their princess so spectacularly. It was a failure that he could not forgive himself for and the reason why he wore black since her death. However, there was a spring of hope, a piece of her might yet exist, which is why the minute they entered the city, Tally and two other spies disappeared into the crowd, on the hunt for the truth.
“So this is the plan then? Parade me in front of my people to show them how nice Reina and Baleen had taken care of me.” Sam asked when their horses caught up to each other. “Notre prince! Notre roi!” He waved in gratitude.
“Steve went out of his way to save you because he loves you. When he made his vow of fraternity to you, he meant it.” Bucky replied, staring forward. “Souillé,” he heard briefly and ignored.
“I don’t know how much longer I would’ve lasted under Ebony Maw’s grip. I can’t speak against Steve nor doubt his love.”
“The war is nearing its end, but we need a push. Your skills and your men would be vital.”
“I can’t make any promises, especially with you around.”
“I’m hated that much? Should I have my food taster prepared?” Bucky thinly jested.
“Wouldn’t put it past my mother.”
He thought of his own mother and how she heaped blessings on his sister Rebecca when she was married off. No doubt the Queen Mother had her own dreams and wishes for her daughter which had been dashed.
“Sarah-”
Sam shook his head. “My sister’s name is never allowed to come out of your mouth ever again. Not after you went and befouled her so completely.”
Bucky bristled with anger, the urge to scream her name in defiance terribly strong, and he had to nearly bite his tongue to hold it back.
Misty suddenly turned up on the other side of them. “Sororicide, the killing of one’s sister.” She hissed at Sam with cold, mean eyes. “It sounds more regal than just plain murderer, doesn’t it? More befitting of your new royal title.”
Sam barely flinched, though the sharpness of her words dug deep. “I love how deep your love is for my sister that you defend her even now.”
“And I shall continue to defend her, my sister in all but name.” She replied. “I wish I had dug the knife deeper.”
“Sirrah.” Bucky barked and Misty pulled back her horse away from the men.
They reached the palace, Salle Blanche, and the Queen Mother was overwhelmed to see her son hale and whole. She fussed, kissing and hugging, but it soon became obvious that she was delaying acknowledging the leader of Baleen and his men. It could’ve been seen as a terrible slight, and Samuel knew he couldn’t allow it.
“Mama, please.” He said gently.
Queen Mother Darlene sighed and finally turned to address them. “It must’ve been a terribly long journey for you all. To the stables…Rooms of course have been prepared for his majesty.”
Bucky nodded in thanks. “The Queen Mother is as generous as before.”
As they were led into the grand, white-washed walls, Misty sidled up to him. “Oooh she hates you.”
“I’m surprised she doesn’t hate you more.” He retorted. “After all you nearly killed her son.”
“She always said she liked strong women.” Misty replied with a smile.
“Well, I hope she still likes you, because I don’t think we have as much time as I hoped to get what I want.”
“Agreed. I give us three days to a week before she pushes us out.”
“I need to get Sam to tell me the location of her remains, but I will hold off until Tally can locate the midwife.”
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