( 1 week later)

Steven and his family left for Rogeria after their plan succeeded. Natalia had been scared, but Buchanan spoke for her whenever needed, and Jane backed her too. The blame never reached Steven. But Eric knew the mastermind behind such a huge plot.

Catherine was married to Pietro and safe. Pietro did love her. And no king or crown prince could do their first queen any harm. Wanda was married off to Loki as planned. And Buchanan was returning single.

They had left at night, due to the bitterness that sprout between the kingdoms. Eric so furious, but had to restrain himself. Their were many kings present who would easily side Steven. And probably his son would too. Pietro seemed to know about his sister's choice and was happy for her.

_____

Natalia was in her carriage, wearing Steven's favorite night gown, that he had specially made for her as a gift. It was white, with a deep neck, showing her cleavage off to a great extend, delicate work on borders and fabric so soft and thin, it wouldn't stand much.

Natalia was asleep, with William by her side. So tired and exhausted after all the weddings preparations and her efforts to get Wanda with Loki.

Everything was peaceful, until her carriage came to an abrupt halt, disturbing her sleep. She woke up, and then she heard the clashing of swords, screams of pain. She peeked out of the window to find blood everywhere.

"Mommy!! " William was scared, waking up to the worst nightmare come true.

"Don't be scares, Will" she hugged him, "we'll be okay" she consoled him, unsure of her own words.

She was scared and breathing heavily, with William shaking in her arms. There was no sound after a few minutes of constant war. She didn't know what happened. Who won? Her side? Was her husband alive? Was he fine? Was Buchanan okay? Questions rose in her mind and she couldn't find the answers without risking herself.

After a few, silent moments, which felt like ages to her, the door of her carriage opened.

She had decided to give up her life if it came to that, but not submit to another king, not again, not on any cost.

Relief seeped through her, as her husband's face appeared in front of her.

"Are you alright? " he asked, his face worried, he was in his night robes too, a little blood stained the perfect white fabric.

"Daddy!! " William hugged him.

Natalia was speechless and motionless.

"Come, we need to go. More of them must be arriving " Steven said, holding his hand out for her to take.

Natalia put a shaky hand in his, and stepped out with weak limbs, finding the sky clearing up, but the sun not visible due to the thick clouds.

Buchanan arrived behind Steven.

"We'll take east, father. You go through the rain forest" he said, his clothes stained with blood, his face bruised.

"Richard! " Steven called, and a young soldier stepped in front. Steven handed William to him, "change your clothes and take him home safely, no one shall know who you both are in civilian clothes. Buchanan, you do the same and take a different direction. Me and my queen shall proceed towards the forest"

They all nodded. Steven kissed William's hands, "We shall meet in Rogeria" he said.

Natalia steppes forward and kissed his cheek, and then the soldier hurried away.

"Come, my beautiful queen" Steven said, "we shall run now"

Natalia held his hand and they both rushed towards the forests.

______

It had been hours since they were on the run. The rain had started and drenched them completely. Natalia's sleek gown completely soaked and transparent. Thankfully, there were no other humans stopped, yet.

The forest was very thick with tall trees, the sky almost invisible but the rain still falling on them. It was completely bright, and they have been running, then walking since dawn.

Natalia was a poor girl but she had never walked this much in her entire life. Her knees were wobbly, she couldn't keep up with Steven's fast pace. He hadn't spoken ever since her dragged her along. But now she couldn't take it. Her throat was dry, her mind foggy.

"My king" she stopped, "I cannot walk anymore" she said, falling on the ground.

Steven turned to look at her and frowned, then bit his lip in confusion.

"We cannot rest here, they can get to us. I cannot fight an army with this sword and no armor, especially with this rain and the thick forest" he said.

"I.. Am sorry but I can't.. " she said, even her voice was weak now. She barely ate dinner at the palace, anxious about the plan, and she was already a weak girl.

"Fine!! " he said, bending down, and wrapping his arms around her, he carried her bridal style, "let's go"

Natalia was dumbstruck for some while. Wasn't he tired too? He had a fight, he was walking too, and now he'll be carrying her and walking too. She had her arms around him, and her face flushed at the proximity. Her wet nipples piercing the thin fabric.

"You look so beautiful like this, I just can't... And you are making it more difficult by staring with that open mouth" he said.

She dropped her gaze, "How long do we have to keep going? " she asked.

"Till we are out of Maximia's territory " he replied, not facing her, his expression stern and fixed.

"How would we know that we are? " she asked.

"You ask too many questions, my beautiful qu.. Wife " he said, "you'll see when we do"

She decided it wasn't the time to chit chat, so she kept her mouth shut and didn't realize when she fell asleep, cradled in his arms like that.

*****
I fast forwarded the other parts because we need romanogers story progress, right?
Anyways, they are alone, in a rainforest, and he is carrying her.
Hot times ahead.
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