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Don't judge me, you know my name
but not my story

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Natasha left the dinner feeling a pit in her stomach. How could a prince admired by all think so less of a woman? Women weren't some kind of accessory for a man. They weren't their inferiors. They were equals. At least they were supposed to be. 

She found it upsetting because although Steven wasn't her ideal groom, he was still someone she was destined to spend the rest of her life with. She didn't want to marry someone who thought of women with such disgrace. 

She shook her head, she needed to clear her mind. So she walked away to get a breath of fresh air. However, instead of the peaceful evening, she was expected with her she walked out and came face to face with a sword. Of course, she would find him training. However, the weapon of choice was new this time. And his partners she recognized as Sir James and Sir Samuel. Along with Maria laughing at their poor skills.

"Your Highness." Sir Barnes said lowing the weapon, the Natasha once thought was Clint's. It was actually James's. James had left moments before Natasha, apparently to spare. 

"It's an honor to see you again," Samuel said bowing next to Natasha. She smiled harmlessly at the two. 

"Tasha," Clint said. Ignoring the looks he got from James when he called her that. "How was the dinner. Sorry, I missed it, but Sir Samuel was bragging on his way to the dinner his power with the sword. And may I say, he has nothing to brag about." 

"I will not reply to that, such language is not predictable in front of a royal," Samuel muttered. 

"Oh, I wouldn't mind that," Clint said. "Natasha here has a more foul mouth than anyone here," Clint said laughing at her. Natasha narrowed her eyes glaring at her friend. 

"You see Clint, this is why I can't become Queen. You are spreading such nasty things." She smirked at him. "and to answer your question, the dinner was....eventful." She said. She was being careful with her words because she was aware of Barnes relationship with Steven. She didn't want things worse than they already are.

"How was the Prince? Was he as charming as ever?" Maria asked. Natasha swore she saw Sam rolls his eyes. Steven probably captures the hearts of all women. All women expect her owns. 

"The prince was an interesting man. Not as respectful as everyone points him out too." She said. Stevens friends looked shocked and outraged. 

"I peg your pardon Princess but Steven is the most honest person in the entire world," James said. 

"You obviously don't know what you are talking about," Samuel added. 

"I don't mean to offend you guys, however, Steven offended not only me but my mother. His own mother seemed shocked by his harsh words. He had a thing or two to say about women," She said. " and I want to tell you guys that woman is just as hardworking. If not even more then men." She said. 

"I am sure he was just nervous around such a beautiful woman," Clint said rolling his eyes. Natasha shook her head. 

"Clint, may I speak with you?" she asked. "Of course I wouldn't want to interrupt your very important game." 

"It isn't a game, but yes. That's what I am here for, to see what you need at every beck and call." She glared at him. "Just kidding of course. Besides, I am done beating these amateurs let's go for a horse ride shall we?" He asked. She nodded taking his arm to walk out. she ignored the itch in her thought that was starting to leave more of a painful feeling.  Leaving Samuel and James with their own thoughts. 

Steven

Steven walked down the hall and saw his blonde girlfriend standing at the end of the hallway.  She stared at him, with a face full of no emotion. But she vanished before he had a chance to even smile at her. 

Steven couldn't understand why she was acting so distant. He had not in anyway approached Natasha romantically. He had even pushed her farther away. Would nothing make her happy and it was starting to wear him down. He shook his head and walked away to the window. 

He started to wonder why this was all so complicated. Why couldn't he have the woman he loved and the title of king? 
"Clinton." he heard a hushed voice say. He looked out the window beyond the bushes and saw his bride be. She seemed to be with Sir Clinton. A well-known warrior. He knew it was most impolite to stare but he wanted to hear this conversation. 

"Tash, I just think you are judging the prince way too quickly." He said. Steven frowned, they were talking about him, and it didn't seem to be good. 

"Clinton. He called woman inferior. He is very disrespectful." She hissed. "You know I had met Princess Margret once before." She said the mention of Peggy's name made Steven's heartbeat race faster. "She said she knew Steven very well, and that he was the most polite man in the world. That he was such a dork that he couldn't even speak to her, even if they were longtime friends." 

Steven recalled the days where he wasn't in a relationship. Where he wasn't being forced to treat women with such disrespect. if it wasn't to make Sharon happy, Steve didn't even know if he could possibly speak to Natasha. 

"Natasha, I know how hard this is. Being married again. I remember how your last one was. And I am glad it's over because I can protect you now. I don't think Steve is truly himself right now." He said, Steven, thanked the heavens that Clint spoke with such respect toward him. 

"I don't know Clint. He seems....unfocused. If he wishes to be king he can't have such a troubled mind." 

She was right. He was spending so much time focused on what Sharon wanted. He forgot that he was about to be king. He was about to lead over a thousand people into a more prosperous life. He was about to help so many people. He couldn't do that by focusing on one person. He needed to look out for them all, even if it jeopardized his happiness. 

Or. 

He could make the rights with Natasha become her king. Lead them to a well and happy life then go back to Sharon. Claim her as his next queen. No one could object. They wouldn't kick him off the throne after everything he would do for them. Right? He only has to get Sharon to agree and then come close to Natasha. 

He had a plan. 

Later that night
Natasha

To say the very least, Clint was helpful. He reminded Natasha that he would always be there for her. That he wouldn't let anything happen to her in this new marriage. Her spine shivered at the thought of being a wife once more. 

All that pain she was trying to hide away for the last few days had been fading. As the days approached to announce the wedding it became more real. It seemed to all be falling back into place. Everything, the good, and the bad. 

There was a gentle knock on her door. She frowned because it was very late and no one usually interrupted her private time. Unless it was an emergency. She quickly stood from her bed adjusting her silk nightgown. She felt a sense of nausea when she stood up way too quickly but proceeded to the door. 

She opened the door and her mouth hung open, but she quickly changed facial expressions to a  small smile. 
Sir James was standing outside her door, dressed in a black attire with his sword draped around his waist. 

"I am sorry your Highness did I wake you?" He asked ever so politely. 

"Of course not James, please call me Natasha. It's way too formal when we are on our own is it not?" she asked with her smile that would make anyone fall to the ground, even James. 

"Of course, as long as you call me James, " he said. Natasha nodded her head accepting his offer. 

"was there an emergency James or did you come here to see me in my nightgown?" She teased causing him to blush madly. Natasha was glad she still had this effect on men. He laughed it away however and looked at the princess. 

"I um actually have something I wanted to say to you, however, I need to do it away from here." He said seriously. Natasha knew he was serious because of the look in his eyes. 

"How far away from James?" She asked looking down the hall to make sure no guard was on duty. She grabbed a black clock to wrapped around her body as James explained. 

"The walls have ears, Natasha, I know where we should go." He said. Natasha nodded and closed her door gently before following the young soldier out of the hall and out the of the entire castle. 

James made sure to look behind him to make sure she was still following. Natasha watched his movements as if studying him. He seemed to be nervous and acted as if what he had to say was against the law of the king. 

"James where are we going?" She said as the castle came out of view and the wind started to pick up. "I should warn you if you were sent to kill me, I have dealt with this before and you will be punished-" 

"Natasha I am not going to kill you," James said looking at her with concern when she said she had been through it before. But she didn't continue. "I think we are far enough away. Natasha what I am about to tell you can not leave your mouth. But I can't keep this anymore." 

"James, what are you talking about?" She asked. James looked around as if thinking if this was a good idea or not. But he took a deep breath then focused back on her. "are you okay James? You seem off." 

" I am just trying to find the right words," he replied. "It isn't the easiest thing to say." 

"James you are starting to worry me. And if you can't say what you need to say right now then I am going to have to leave. I can't actually stay out here long. Someone will notice." 

"I want to tell you I do. But  can't I shouldn't have brought you out here." He said regretting his actions. "maybe I should just take you home." He thought as it all ran through his mind. 

"No, I as the Princess and future queen of this land demand to know why you dragged me out here at such a late hour." She said with a stern look. She didn't want the use the new queen thing because it was not who she was. She wouldn't use her power to get what she wanted, but James seemed to be very scared and she wanted to know why. "Just tell me." She said this time a bit more gentle. 

"I can't do this. I am sorry Princess." He said and started to walk back to the castle. Natasha frowned and followed him in anger. She tried catching up but he was a few steps ahead of her. 

"Barnes! Did you take me out here just to tell me nothing? That's ridiculous!" She said following him. She decided she was angry, but as her father said 'if you cry don't let them see the tears and wear a veil if you bleed wear red to hide the blood if your angry dress in a smile that hides the angry. 

They arrived at the castle and James could feel the annoyance radiating off of Natasha. He was so ready to tell her the truth however when the moment came he couldn't do that to his best friend. He couldn't ruin the position that Steve has worked so hard to get. He just couldn't. But seeing Natasha angry somehow made him feel worse. He had to give the princess a hint of some kind so before walking and leaving the princess alone with her the thoughts of her mind he whispered to her when he reached for a hug. He whispered the words that would Send Natasha on a spiral of questions. 

"Watch out for thirteen. Not everything is as it seems." 

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Be careful with who you trust
Not everyone is who they say they are

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