A year ago, he was called a murderer, then he became a fugitive, warrior and in the end - the Baron-King of Neo-Sokovia.
Zemo smiled to himself, while gazing at the royal garden from his small palace. Sam Wilson and James "Bucky" Barnes should have never let him out. They obviously underestimated him, as everyone else. No one suspected that thanks to his connections, cunning and determination, Sokovia would shine again and the rest of the world would have no choice, but to accept what happened.
"I've heard that there is a small uprising in the north part of the capitol."
Unfortunately, not everybody was pleased with the new country, including some of Zemo's subjects. To keep peace, the Baron-King had to rule with an iron fist, but at least every citizen had a roof over his or her head, could count on receiving three big meals per day and hospitals were always well equipped.
"It already has been dealt with." a strong voice behind him answered. "We apprehended twenty one terrorists, who are presently transported to the main prison camp."
"Of course, it has." Sokovian stated without turning back. "With you at my side, it could hardly end differently, James".
Zemo had always been proud of his remarkable memory. Who had thought that this, combined with the familiar red book, which Baron found years ago, would give him the Winter Soldier to do his bidding? Barnes heroically tried to resist, but he wasn't prepared for a new set of code words, as the result - they made his mind completely defenceless.
"How many fatalities?" Baron-King hated this question, but he knew that it was unavoidable.
"Ten our soldiers. Fifteen civilians. We weren't able to specify how many from the enemy's side." Barnes continued mechanically. "Forty seven people were hurt and are awaiting for help."
Zemo closed his eyes momentary. When Sokovia was resurrected, he hoped for a better world, but it seemed that the journey to reach that particular goal was far longer that he thought in the beginning. Fortunately, he had the power to shorten the distance.
"Contact the sergeant responsible for our prisoners." he commanded, while still gazing at beautiful yellow roses. "Tell him to execute them as soon as they reach the camp. They will serve as a good example for anyone, who would try to oppose me."
Baron should have heard a quiet 'yes, sir' or James' diminishing footsteps, however to his surprise, there were none. Only then, Zemo turned around and looked at his subordinate. Droplets of sweat appeared at Barnes' temple, his fists were tightened stronger than usual and he straightened so much that he seemed to gain a few additional centimetres.
"At ease, Soldat." Bucky visibly sighed with relief. As Winter Soldier, he could show that he didn't approve his master's wish only by remaining silent and unmovable. Thankfully, Zemo, instead of just ordering him around, valued his opinion and when required allowed him to speak up. "What is it?"
"A few of attackers were children."
"And?" Baron started walking through the grand office and stopped a step in front of Bucky.
"If you saw them, you would realise that life wasn't kind for them." James explained in much more human tone than a minute ago. Sokovian had to admit that he was quite found of him like that. "They were probably hired as guides, when no adult volunteered."
"Let me guess, they probably are on their own and were desperate to earn some money for food or shelter." he commented unimpressed. "All of that could be provided if they were in an orphanage."
"I won't quarrel with you about that." the soldier rolled his eyes. "My point is that they don't deserve such cruel end."
"No, they don't." Zemo agreed with regret. "However, similar children also took part in earlier precarious incidents. What's more, they were fully aware of the risk and consequences of their actions."
"And you spared them." he thought he noticed a glimpse of gratitude in Bucky's eyes.
"As you can see my good will was for nothing. They continue to collaborate with my enemies. And when a carrot is useless, we have to take the stick."
"They are just children..." Barnes tried again, but one glance at his master's cold face made him to hold his tong and lower his head.
The Winter Soldier programming was still functioning, of that the Baron-King was certain. He tolerated Bucky's occasional bitter remarks, only to make him more comfortable in the current position, which was forced on him, which HE forced on him... The end justified the means, Zemo reminded himself. Neo-Sokovia could prosper thanks to Bucky's super strength, but still - Zemo didn't like to be kept misinformed.
"What aren't you telling me?" his face moved dangerously closer to Barnes.
Silence, a nervous gulp, trembling hands.
"James." Sokovian sighed and started gently: "You may presume that I enjoy torturing you or using your skills, but believe me that I don't. As I said before, you are just a mean for a greater cause, whom I can't free any time soon. If you accepted your fate, all would be much easier for you."
Bucky didn't speak a word, but his deadly glare was saying enough to know what he thought about Baron's semi-apology.
"It isn't personal. I must..." Zemo tried one last time, then almost took a step back. His Winter Soldier was... laughing? No, the sound could hardly be recognized as cheerful.
"Are you even hearing yourself?" Bucky asked with a mad grimace.
"I find it hard to understand what amuses you." he replied stiffly.
"Listen, if... " James started, then shook his head. No matter what he would say, Baron would deny everything, so he just needed to show him.
Zemo wasn't afraid of being killed by Winter Soldier. (Codes words were a permanent protection.) He never flinched, when Barnes was reaching him or suddenly raising his metallic hand up, because Baron knew that it was being done for a much different purpose. (Usually, to block a bullet, which aimed at his skull.) That's why when Sokovian felt James glowed palms on his cheeks, he barely reacted, however Zemo's composure crumbled immediately, when Bucky's lips touched his.
He 'woke up' long minutes later with his tong exploring his Winter Soldier's mouth, his arms around James' body and... he preferred not to think what else was happening to him. For the Heaven's sake... how... when did he end on his desk with Bucky under him?! Sokovian tried to persuade himself that he surely was being held down, which worked only for five seconds, as he noticed that Barnes' hands were lying limply next to him and it was the Baron-King, who was clinging to the soldier. With dread, Zemo jumped up as far away as possible.
"Admit it now," Bucky challenged him with a sneer. "that it isn't personal."
"Get out!"