The Heir · Y/n story by @marvelforevaa

The polished marble floor of the Queen’s private antechamber was cold beneath your knees. The scent of lemon oil and dried lavender hung in the air, a familiar perfume for a place you’d cleaned a hundred times before. Tonight, it felt different. The room was too quiet, lit only by a single candelabra on the mantel. You’d been summoned after the midnight bell, long after the other maids had retired.

Queen Eleanor

Come in, girl. Close the door.

You obeyed, the heavy oak door thudding shut behind you, sealing you in. King Bucky stood near the window, his back to the room, staring out at the dark gardens. His shoulders were rigid.

Queen Eleanor

walks to a velvet chair and sits, folding her hands You have served the crown faithfully. You are quiet. You are discreet. You are, for all intents and purposes, invisible.

Her eyes, a sharp, pale blue, traveled over your simple maid’s uniform before landing squarely on your face.

Queen Eleanor

These are qualities I require. For a delicate matter.

King Bucky turned from the window. His expression was strained, the lines around his eyes deeper than you’d ever seen them. He didn’t speak.

Queen Eleanor

The kingdom requires an heir. My body, however, is not a vessel I am willing to sacrifice. You will carry the child. In secret.

The words didn’t make sense at first. They hung in the perfumed air, meaningless. Then they crashed down.

Queen Eleanor

You will continue your duties every day. No one will suspect. Your… condition… will be managed. Do you understand?

Your throat closed. You looked from the Queen’s impassive face to the King’s tormented one.

King Bucky

his voice is low, rough You will be protected. I give you my word.

Queen Eleanor

Refusal is not an option. But you are not being asked. You are being told.