Chapter Text
Bucky knew from a young age that he wanted to be a knight. It wasn’t just a position of bravery, but one of honor. His father reminded him of that many times throughout his life. Fighting alongside his friends, he served and protected the kingdom with everything he had. Even at the cost of losing his left arm.
It was his resilience that caught the King's attention.
"Will you serve and protect her Royal Highness of Brooklyn?"
"With my life, your majesty."
Everyone knew of the princess of Brooklyn. Beyond your beauty, you exude warmth and generosity to the masses. You preferred working with the people and charities over going to galas. Your charm and wit won everyone over.
Especially him.
He half expected you to throw a fit when your father assigned him to be your bodyguard. Not because you were spoiled, but because you didn't get to choose him yourself. Instead, you welcomed him with kindness.
And he quickly fell in love.
“Am I decent?” you asked once you came out of the bathroom, smiling over at where he stood in the corner.
Free of your robe, you wore a knee-length navy blue dress with a pair of heels to match. While you likely chose the outfit for modesty, it hugged the curves of your body and he longed to remove it so he could see the hidden treasure underneath. He had to clear his throat as his stare lingered a second too long.
The way it always did.
While knights today didn’t have to swear to chastity or celibacy, he wasn’t meant to lust after the one person he was sworn to protect.
I'm not meant to love you either, but how can I not?
"You look beautiful," he said truthfully. "You always do."
You looked down as you smoothed out the fabric with both hands. "You're just being nice," you teased.
"No, princess," he said, straightening up as he walked over to you in a few strides. He placed a finger under your chin when you didn't lift your head, making you look at him. "When I say you look beautiful, I mean it."
"Thank you, Bucky," you whispered.
The people of Brooklyn looked at you with adoration, but you looked at him like he hung the moon and the stars in the sky for you. Your smile was like giving him the sun. He wondered if you realized how many different smiles you wore for your family, friends, other royal members, and the public.
And the one you wore just for him.
But it doesn't mean you love me, does it? You simply trust me because I'm your knight and confidant.
"And you do not lower your eyes to anyone," he added before he could dwell on his thoughts, dropping his hand to his side.
"I thought that's what good girls did," you grinned as you spun away from him and glanced over your shoulder. "Or am I only supposed to be good for you?"
If I had my way, I'd show you just how good you can be for me.
"If I didn't know any better, princess," he said, moving in front of you before you could grab the door handle to open it. "I'd say you were teasing me."
"Maybe I am," your grin widened as you brushed your fingertips along his arm. The light touch had his blood rushing faster in his veins and he fought to keep from shoving you against the door and claiming you as his. "Maybe I'm preparing you for the wedding reception."
"You think I won't put you over my knee if you tease me?" he threatened, his darkened gaze dropping fast enough to see your chest rise when you inhaled. He was certain if he put his hand on your chest, he'd feel your heart race faster.
"You wouldn't, good sir," you said, lifting your head defiantly.
Fuck, how am I supposed to get through this when all I want to do is ruin and cherish you?
"Try me, princess," he whispered as he took one step closer.
He did his best not to stare too deeply into your eyes. It was bad enough how gone he was for you. He also didn't know if the glances, the teasing, any of it was because you cared about him or if you were merely comfortable with him. If you had any idea how he felt, you wouldn't toy with his feelings.
You weren't cruel.
"If you ever put me over your knee, it will only be done with my permission," you said after a moment, rushing out the door with a giggle as he went after you.
"It isn't proper for a princess to run," he called after you as you skidded to a stop along the marble floor and fixed your posture.
"And who's to say what's proper?" you asked as you began to gracefully walk. "Don't think I won't put a codfish on your head."
He hid his smile as he caught up in a few strides, taking his place beside you.
I wish I could take your hand in mine.
There were many who didn’t understand why Bucky would risk his life for someone else simply because of their bloodline or the name tied to them. If any of those people truly knew you, they’d beg to be where he stood. He almost suggested once that Steve should be your personal guard instead when he realized how deeply he cared for you, but he couldn't bear the thought of someone else taking his place. Any knight would watch over you, of course, but would they show you the same care that he did?
Would you trust them the way you trust him?
You stopped outside of your father's study and straightened your dress and exhaled slowly. He understood your nerves. When you had your heart set on something, you wanted it. He prayed they accepted that you wanted him to be your date.
The guard at the door opened it once you nodded. This was one room your parents didn't permit many to enter, outside of family, guards, and anyone cleaning. Your mother sat on one of the ornate sofas, finishing a cup of tea, while your father sat at his desk and looked over his paper. Like when they sat on their thrones, they displayed power and pride.
The only other person in the room was Erma, an older palace worker who had been there long before you were born. She loved you like a granddaughter. Bucky respected her for that and more.
"There you are. We were beginning to wonder if you snuck out for the day," your mother said as she set her cup down and stood to embrace you, giving Bucky a chance to take his place in front of the bookshelf after he bowed. "Would you like some tea?"
"No, thank you," you said, smiling over at Erma as she came over to clear the tea. "Good morning. How are you?"
"Very well, your highness. Sir James," Erma curtsied, even after you told her many times she didn't have to greet you so formally.
"My dear, would you stop looking at that and greet your daughter?" your mom asked.
"I'm seconds away from tearing this to shreds," your dad grumbled as he shoved the paper away. His eyes warmed as he glanced up to look at you. "I'm sorry."
"I didn't mean to disturb you," you said as your mother sat back down, gesturing for you to do the same. "I just wanted to finally tell you who I'm bringing as my plus one to the upcoming wedding. I think I kept you waiting long enough."
Bucky noticed that Erma slowed her cleaning, delaying it so she could listen. She kept the palace tidy and her team in line, but he knew she also observed her surroundings. He didn't fault her for that.
"That isn't a disturbance at all," your father smiled. "Who have you chosen?"
"Sir James," you smiled back.
No one said a word at your declaration. Erma carefully set the teapot on the tray and bowed her head. Your mom didn't look in Bucky's direction, but focused instead on your father.
"Dad? Did you hear me?" you asked.
The king's smile didn't disappear quickly. It faded slowly as he narrowed his eyes and turned his gaze to Bucky. He looked back at the man, not defiantly, but with confidence. The knight wasn't easy to intimidate, far from it, and he was larger than your father. But up against the will of a man with a precious daughter? Would he lose?
Worth losing my other arm if I have to fight.
"You're bringing your knight?" your dad asked, his voice calm as he looked at you. "Explain, please."
"What's there to explain?" you asked, keeping your hands folded on your lap. "My knight is best suited to escort me, especially since he'll be in close proximity to keep an eye on me."
Your mother nodded slowly. "That's true."
"And there's nothing that says I have to bring a prince," you continued. "I asked Sir James and he said 'yes'."
"Did he?" The king swung his gaze back to Bucky.
"He did, your majesty," he answered, even though he didn't direct the question at him.
"To be honest," your father began, sitting back in his chair as he considered his next words. "I thought you might accept the offer from Prince Nicholas. At least, I hoped you would."
Bucky clenched his teeth when your shoulders sagged, but stayed silent. If your dad wanted you to go with Nick, it meant that he wanted something from him. You were a princess, not a pawn.
Or maybe he thinks I'm not good enough to be on your arm.
"I don't want to go with Prince Nicholas," you told your parents, giving each of them a pleading look. "I'm choosing to bring Sir James. This is my choice. I don't need your permission."
Bucky almost went to your side when he caught the wobble in your voice. He wasn't worth getting upset over. He was proud, however, that you stood by your conviction.
And stood by him.
"It is her choice. We discussed that, my dear. You need to respect her decision," the queen said, holding up her hand before her husband could argue. If anyone knew how to put the king in his place, it was her. "I think Sir James is a fine choice. We'll arrange for our tailor to have a suit made."
You lit up like you were going to shout with joy before you cleared your throat and nodded. "Thank you, mom."
"Of course," she said, shifting so she could face Bucky. "You will keep her safe."
If it was possible, her gaze was more intimidating than the King's glare.
"My duty is to serve and protect the princess and you have my word that I will do so, your majesty."
He dared to look away from the queen and saw you smile at him.
I would do anything for you, my princess.
Bucky caught Erma slyly smiling as she excused herself from the room. Though she likely never heard him voice his feelings about you, as he was careful to only tell Steve in secret, she saw how he looked at you. She saw through him.
She also hadn't spoken to your parents about her suspicions, which meant she approved.
"Very good," the queen said, waving a hand toward the door. "Go. You have a busy day ahead of you."
You went to each of your parents and kissed their cheeks, quietly thanking them again. Your relief made Bucky relax. You may not need their permission to take him, but you didn't want to disappoint them.
"Sir James?" your dad spoke before either of you could exit the room. "Please know I meant no offense by my reaction. You're a good man and I know you'll take care of my daughter."
"Thank you, your majesty," Bucky said, bowing before you slipped your arm through his to pull him away.
Your dad might consider him a good man, but the look on his face said this discussion was far from over.