Chapter 1: Prologue
Chapter Text
“Bucky wait up!” Stephanie shouts, chasing after James, his fathers page boy. She huffs and wheezes, her small frame trembling slightly as she sucks in a few deep breaths. “You’re too fast Buck…I can’t keep up.” A pout crosses her lips, face flushed from exertion, as well as mild embarrassment.
“Sorry Steph..” Bucky gives a cheeky grin, turning on his heel to rejoin Stephanie. Rubbing the younger girls back to ease her breathing. “You’re breathin’ a little funny Steph, want me to get me ma-”
“No, I'm okay..I can do this all day!” She giggles, taking the opportunity to run ahead of Bucky, ducking under the arms of a laundress passing by. She doesn’t notice Bucky's expression as she runs off, Bucky's face has surprise written all over it, surprise and adoration. A slight blush covers the young boy's face, lost in his love-struck haze. Only snapping back to reality when Steph turns to stick her tongue out at him.
Bucky chases after Steph once more, the castle hall filled with the echoes of laughter, and the sound of quick footsteps. Soon the sun sets and the two have to end their playtime to eat dinner and wash up for bed. Stephanie walks Bucky to his family's quarters, a large grin falling over her face as she sees Mrs. Winifred Barnes cooking a hardy stew for her family. Bucky’s father Mr. James Barnes, a member of the royal guard, is sitting at the dining room table, bouncing a giggling Rabecca on his knee.
“Hi ma! Hi pop.” Bucky grins happily as he receives a kiss on the cheek from his ma. He steps over to his father, tickling Becca's side. “Hi Becca..” As the family shuffles around preparing to sit and eat, Stephanie stands showing no sign of leaving just yet. Winifred takes notice stepping over to Steph to check on her.
“You okay honey?”
Stephanie relaxes, letting her shoulders droop a bit “Yes Mrs. Barnes, I’ve got to get back for dinner now, can I say goodnight to bucky..?” With Winifred's permission Stephanie rushes over to Bucky, throwing her thin arms over his shoulders. “Can we play again tomorrow?”
“Yeah! I’d never wanna miss out on playing with you-” Bucky's words die in his throat as Steph presses an innocent kiss to the older boy's cheek. “Uh- um…” Redness spreads over Bucky's face as he looks down at Stephanie. “We could play knights again..? And I could rescue you..” Bucky mumbles, looking down at his feet.
Stephanie giggles and nods, “I’d like that. When we’re big you could be my real knight!”
“Really?!” Bucky's head snaps up, eyes wide, “You really would want me as your knight?” He's practically vibrating with excitement at the idea.
“Yeah! But for now let's just play knights…I don't like the idea of you getting hurt.” A slight look of worry crosses Steph's face.
“I won’t get hurt Stephy, and if I do you’ll take care of me right?”
“Of course I will! Cause, I'm with you till the end of the line.”
Bucky grins and wraps Steph up in a tight hug, giving her a gentle squeeze. “I’ll see you tomorrow! Night Stephy.”
“Night Buck..”
The two kids go their separate ways, unaware it’d be the last hug they’d share. Stephanie returns to her chambers, getting quickly swept up by her ma, Queen Sarah. She's given a tray of nuts and fruits to eat before bed and is swiftly tucked in. Sarah spends some time sitting on Stephanie's bedside, brushing her daughter's long blonde curls from her eyes. Sarah always spends the evening by her daughter's bed, with Stephanie's impressive list of ailments she always worries she’ll pass in her sleep.
“Mama..?”
“Yes my dove?” Sarah hums, rubbing Stephanie's cheek.
“Is papa going to come say goodnight too? He always says goodnight to me..” Stephanie pouts, her bottom lip giving a slight wobble.
“Of course sweetheart, your papa would never miss giving you his goodnight kisses.” Sarah snaps to attention as the door to Stephanie's bedroom creaks open. ”See there’s papa right now.? She glances over seeing King Joseph leaning in the doorway, but then he continues to lean…and lean…until he collapses onto the ground, a crossbow bolt protruding from the back of his skull two more, lodged in his back. A scream rips through Sarah as the bedroom window is shattered, cloaked individuals aiming their crossbows towards her and Stephanie.
In the morning Bucky gets up extra early to attend to his usual duties of tending to the king and his family, but more importantly tending to Stephanie. He goes to King Joseph's chambers searching for him, worry slowly builds in his gut as he goes room to room searching for any sign of the royal family. By the time he reaches Stephanie's chambers his little hands are trembling, tears willing and worry twisting in his belly.
“Your majesties..?” Bucky's croaks weakly as he approaches the room, heart rate quickening as he sees the door cracked open. “Stephanie-” He can't even manage to finish his sentence as he takes in the scene before him. Joseph is dead on the ground, blood dried into the carpet. Sarah's body is hunched over the bed, her eyes wide and unblinking. Blood pooled under her head from a large gash carved into her throat. The window is shattered, glass scattered around the floor blood trickled over the shards. Stephanie is nowhere to be found, the only remnants of her are little bloody footprints near the window. Bucky's chest tightens, he covers his mouth with a hand as his stomach churns. Without a second thought he bolts down the halls, not caring who he bumps into as he cries out for help.
“SOMEONE! ANYONE! T-THEIR MAJESTIES ARE DEAD!!” He cries, running back to his and his family's chambers and bursting through the door, tears streaming down his cheeks. “MAMA!” he sobs, choking on his tears running into his mothers arms as quickly as possible. He clings to the fabric of her night shirt, pressing his cheek to her stomach. “Mama they're gone- they…I don't know what to do..” Bucky's shoulders tremble as he sobs into his mothers belly.
Winnifred frowns, “Who’s gone honey..? What were you yelling about in the hall baby?” She lifts Bucky up into her arms, patting his back and pressing a few kisses to the boy's head and nose.
“The king and Queen mama. They're dead.” Bucky whispers, his voice shaky. He watches as Winifred's eyes widen, her hands shake slightly but she keeps calm, bouncing Bucky gently.
“You- oh goddess, you saw their bodies didn't you honey? Oh my poor boy…it's okay, I’m here baby.” Winifred kisses Bucky's head, humming to him in gentle comfort. Bucky rests his chin on her shoulder, fingers intertwining with her sleep shirt.
“I promised her till the end of the line mama…” Bucky sniffles, determination welling inside him. “I’m going to keep my promise mama. I'm going to find her.”
Chapter 2: The tournament
Summary:
Bucky has grown up, made friends, but still yearns to find Stephanie. And now he might just have a chance.
Chapter Text
As years went on the story of the Rogers family murder fell into obscurity, less and less people were searching for the killer, and for the missing princess.
The people of Brookhaven eventually chose a new king, King Peirce of Brookhaven. Everyone seemed to have moved one. All except for one, James Buchanan Barnes. Searching tirelessly for his lost friend, his princess. But over time even his spirit fades, he begins practicing with the guard, merciless training periods. Working himself into the ground until he finally works up to become a castle guard..
Now Bucky has grown into a fine young man, 28 years old, and one of the most revered individuals in the Royal guard. Amongst the enemies he’s known as the winter soldier, earning the title during a fearsome battle during one of the coldest winters Brookhaven has ever seen. Along with his title he's been appointed a partner, Natasha. Known for her stealth and the amount of men she’s felled with her blade, she easily earned her title of the Black widow. Though the two rarely see much action anymore, the days have become calm, and almost boring. But for Bucky it's given him time to think about Stephanie, her capture, where she could be. It re-ignites his determination to find her.
-
“Hello, James? Are you in there?”
Bucky shakes off his haze, brought back to the moment. He's posted outside the King's chambers while he talks to the Captain of the guard. Bucky looks down at Natasha, brow pinched in thought “Yeah, just lost in my own head I suppose...” he doesn't miss the way her brows raise, her red lips forming into a lopsided smile.
“Thinking about your princess again?” She tilts her head, dropping the smile when she sees how sincere Bucky looks. “Hey…it’s alright, maybe she’s out there, I mean from what you’ve told me she seems like she was tough.”
“She is tough. I just wish I had the time to look, she could be out there all alone. Scared. Or maybe she-”
“Don't- you’ll drive yourself into an early grave worrying like that. We can talk about this later okay? Maybe get some drinks at the new Tavern in town, you seem like you could use a stout or two.” She gives his elbow a gentle nudge, trying to provide some sort of comfort. Bucky smiles , nudging her back a little rougher to knock her slightly off balance. She laughs a bit, the rare genuine smile gracing her lips. The two are startled from their moment of peace by King Peirce stepping out of his chambers with the captain, an arm Slung around his shoulders.
“Ah Rumlow! You never cease to amaze me, but I love your ideas and begin the training immediately. I will speak to the servants. We will hold the tournament in the jousting arena.” Peirce claps a hand onto Captain Rumlow's back, laughing happily. Natasha and Bucky watch as Captain Rumlow stalks off, his slate colored armor clinking with each step.
“Your majesty.” Bucky lowers his head in respect, “what was this mention of a tournament?”
“Hm, oh yes Captain Rumlow had an excellent idea, see our last Lieutenant was felled in battle recently, and we need a new one. We figured an excellent way to choose one would be to host a tournament, nothing too difficult, just a simple duel. The finalist will duel Rumlow for the title.”
“A lieutenant?” Bucky’s eyes widened slightly, and if he became lieutenant he could get out of the castle, extend his search. Maybe he could even become Captain one day. “Anyone can join in?”
“Any members of the guard can sign up for the tournament. I do hope to see you sign up James, and you too Natalia.” Peirce steps away, waving a hand “You two are dismissed for the afternoon I have matters to attend to.”
“Yes your majesty.” Bucky bows his head turning to Natasha, seeing her nose scrunch for a split second as she watches Pierce leave, he smiles a bit “don't let him catch you making that face..” He finally relaxes slightly, resting his hand on the pommel of his sword.
“Trust me, he won’t.” Her face returns to its usual calm expression. The two of them walk through the castle, making their way through the garden. Bucky plucks a red dahlia as they walk, offering it to Natasha with a smile. She rolls her eyes and takes the flower, rolling the stem between her fingers. Bucky takes his time, walking Natasha to her chambers.
“Hey do you want to hold off on going to the Tavern? My ma is making fruit tarts, and I know you can’t resist sweets.”
“You just don't want to be around the crowds don't you?” She raises a brow, giving him a taunting smirk. “Alright, but you owe me a lager when we go. Besides, I can't resist your Ma’s cooking.”
After they both take the time to clean up and change, they head down to the Barnes’ quarters. Winifred has taken up the job as Castle Laundress, while James Barnes is a retired Castle guard. Bucky doesn’t get the chance to knock before Winnie throws the door open, pulling Bucky into a tight hug, kissing his cheeks.
“Hi ma-” Bucky chuckles, kissing his ma back on the cheek, “I brought Nat with me, you know how much she loves your tarts.” He smiles as Winnie gives Nat a tight squeeze, before quickly ushering them both inside. Dinner goes over well, the family sharing bits and pieces of their day. Slowly the night winds down, only Winnie, Natasha, and James are left chatting. Natahsa finds herself leaning on Bucky, picking at the tart on her plate. Bucky rests his chin on the top of her head, his eyes glazed. Lost in thought once again.
“What’s going on with you?” Nat hums while finishing off her tart. “You’ve been spacing out all day.”
“I'm just thinking about the tournament, I already dropped off a sign up note before I went to my chambers. If I win…I could get more people in on my search. I could finally have a shot at finding Stephy.” He clenches his fists, relaxing a bit when Natasha rests her hand on his.
“When you win, I’ll help you find your princess.”
“Thanks Nat…I couldn’t do this without you.” Bucky ruffles her hair, making Nat scoff and push at his chest playfully. Winnie watches them from the corner of her eye. Her heart feels full seeing the two of them, she’s just so glad Bucky was able to make a friend after everything he's been through.
Nat and Bucky only spend a few more minutes like that, until Bucky’s barely awake, pinching his hand trying to stay awake and keep up with the conversation. He uses the last bit of energy to walk Natasha back to her room. “I’ll see you tomorrow alright? Be sure to cheer for me from the stands” Bucky's expression morphs from exhausted into a sleepy shit-eating grin.
“Yeah alright,” Natasha chuckles patting Bucky's arm “I’ll see you tomorrow”
-
The next day the Jousting arena is filled to the brim, all of the castle's servants, the King, the royal guard, as well as select nobles from the kingdom. All gathered to watch the duels, most for entertainment. The fighting begins at noon, Bucky stands on the sidelines waiting for his duel, Natasha by his side.
“Gods, this is more brutal than I assumed it would be.” She huffs, watching the two knights in the arena swing their swords at each other, blade against blade. One of the knights cries out in pain, falling to his knees, holding his hands up in surrender. “People are nearly killing each other for this position…Bucky this seems like a bad idea.”
Bucky watches, eyes trained on the next two contestants entering the arena, “I have to, I’ve got to, for her.” His gut twist, anxiety filling his belly. He tried to block out the cries of battling contestants, the blood staining the arena ground. Bucky's breathing picks up pace, a bead of sweat running down his temple. “I just can’t lose.”
“Buck-” Natasha's cut off by trumpets blaring, signaling for the next two contestants to enter the ring. She pats his back “You’ve got this..” Bucky nods, grabbing his sword and entering the arena. He raises his sword as he walks to the center, seeing his opponent he almost feels guilty. The man is practically a kid, late teens to early twenties, with brown curls and freckles. The fight goes as expected. When the duel begins, Bucky sweeps the kid's legs out from under him, pinning him down, sword pressed to the boy's chest. He doesn't want to hurt him, but he will do whatever’s necessary to win. He presses the blade harder, watching blood blossom around the tip of his blade, staining the kids shirt.
“I don’t want to hurt you any more than I have to kid. Give up.” He huffs, pressing the blade harder, trying to ignore the nausea building in his gut from hurting someone on his side. “Give.Up.” He pushes harder, the boy cries out in pain, finally raising his hands in surrender. Bucky lets up removing his blade, he pushes it in deeper than intended, blood feathering through the fabric, a large bloody stain on the boy's sternum. He finally retreats back to the stands with Natasha, the hours pass by as fight after fight plays out. Bucky wins each fight, battling with his own exhaustion hour by hour.
Finally, as the sky becomes painted with oranges and pinks, the sun sets over the kingdom. Bucky is left to face his final battle, Captain Rumlow. He enters the arena once more, practically swaying with exhaustion, he’s sweaty and covered with dirt from his other battles before this one. Rumlow doesn’t wait for the trumpets to sound, he swings his catching Bucky's chin on the edge. Bucky winces in pain, raising his own blade to block every swing. This feels different than the other fights, Rumlow was aiming for his throat, his belly, his chest. He’s aiming for vital areas. Bucky deflects as much as he can, but Rumlow won’t stop. Bucky grunts as the butt of the axe knocks into the side of his head, the world spins around him, he doesn't even realize he's falling until he slams into the dirt floor of the arena.
He hears someone calling his name from the sidelines, “S-Stephanie..?” his eyes land on the figure, seeing Natasha's wide fearful eyes. “‘Tasha..” he groans, she's pointing at something. Following her hand he realized Rumlow stood above him, his axe held high. With as much strength as he can muster he quickly rolls to the side, the axe comes down quickly, metal meeting flesh as pain shoots through his body. “FUCK!” He cries in pain, blood pooling beneath him, Rumlow was trying to kill him, but why? What had he done to deserve death? Bucky screams as the axe is pulled from his joint, he can’t feel his arm anymore just a searing pain in his shoulder.
“You won’t win.” Rumlow growls through clenched teeth, he raises his axe again, preparing to make a finishing blow. With what little strength he has left Bucky grabs his sword off the ground, thrusting the blade upwards as Rumlow swings downwards. It feels like everything goes in slow motion as the axe lodges into the ground beside Bucky's head, Rumlow's body slowly slumps down, Bucky's sword pierced straight through a gap in his ribs, blood drips from Rumblow's mouth, dripping onto Bucky's cheek.
He killed him, to be fair Rumlow tried to kill him first. But he still couldn’t believe it. Bucky slumps further into the dirt floor, his eyes drooping closed as he lies in a pool of his own, and now Rumlow’s blood. The last thing he sees is his Ma and Natasha running towards him from the stands.
“M-Ma…Tasha’..” He croaks weakly as his eyes slide closed.
Notes:
Hope you liked it! If you'd like to request anything feel free to leave it in the comments or ask me on tumblr, @digital-nocturne :)
KayPay632 on Chapter 2 Mon 07 Jul 2025 02:48PM UTC
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