A/N: Medieval AU
I'm not an expert, I just know enough (practically none) to write my story. Enjoy.
I Am Who I Am
Michelle hissed through her teeth as her servant pulled harder on the string of her girdle. The thing was practically squeezing the life out of her, and yet her Mother's maid continued to tighten it, hugging her hips. She was going to rip it off and burn it if it gets any tighter.
"Please remind me Mother, why do I need to wear this atrocity? It's sending my lungs to an early grave, mind you." She swiped her hair behind her shoulders, bracing herself for another pull.
"One more pull, Miss." The servant muttered softly. Michelle just huffed her acknowledgement.
Her Mother paced the floor already dressed into a gown that licked the floor in a soft blue hue that got darker from the top to bottom. Silk and miniature jewels hung from her arms and thin wrist as she observed her daughter carefully. She flapped her fan with annoyed grace. "A lady shows what she can provide. Beauty is the doorway to riches, so quit making a fuss." Her mother lifted her head higher, her eyes hardening. "Matilda, can you please move quicker, we must be the first to arrive. I don't need the daughter of Wakanda to undermine our status."
"Her name is Shuri, Mother. She's kind and my friend." Michelle retorted back. Matilda finished tying the laces before coaxing her into the wardrobe. The servant guided her into a laced cream gown that hugged her curves and draped nicely behind her in gentle folds of fabric. The material was soft as she slipped her arms into the sleeves, her shoulders carefully exposed.
Matilda gave her a soft smile. "You look beautiful, Miss."
Michelle smiled at the complement, gently brushing her hand over the lace design sewed into every crease and fold expertly.
"Thank you. Give my thanks to the seamstresses."
Michelle walked out of the changing fold and faced her Mother who stayed quiet.
"Mother, what do you think?" She gave a few quiet twirls letting the gown speak for her. The gown was simple to her taste, but still held an elegant quality that suited her personality perfectly.
"The gown is too simple for my taste, but we are little on time." The woman sighed. "Matilda, dress her in jewelry, maybe that will make you look a little presentable."
"Yes Mistress."
Michelle sneered behind her mother's back. "I am not a prize, Mother. I am your daughter."
"No, you are a vessel. We are invited to the Royal's bouquet. There will not only be one but two princes. If you do not succeed we will lose our home. Your father is doing everything he can to keep our estate in our name. Without it we will live in poverty, and that is a life I forbid me and my family to live in." Her mother exited the room, the door closing with a soft boom. She always got the final say in everything. No matter how short or blunt her words were.
Michelle sighed, sitting in a chair as Matilda carefully brushed her hair. "I am a lamb walking to a slaughter house."
She couldn't feel surprised by the anger and sadness that craved itself into her chest. Part of her was ready to scream, but the chains inside their riches kept her tame long enough to let her servant brush through her hair.
"Miss, if I may." Michelle gave her nod, edging her to continue. "Maybe this Ball will not be so terrible. My advice is to just enjoy yourself."
Michelle appreciated the simple words and carried it with her as she helped herself into the carriage. She could feel the disapproval from her parents but that touch of independence kept her smiling as the carriage started the journey.
oOo
The Castle was a mountain compared to the small community of homes that surrounded the castle like an ocean. The carriage passed through the gate as she watched as little kids raced to follow. She gave them a wave and they giggled back in response. The homes were in rough shape but she's seen worse back East. Lord Thanos or how others described him as Lord Titan was a psychopath with a crown. Half of his kingdom was starving and the other half lived in riches. It was by chance if you lived in devastating poverty or in glamorous lifestyles. His power was wide and far, but his power remained untouched here. The Stark family was known for their riches, but most importantly for their inventions and the power they held to keep the Mad Titan from ever reaching the kingdom's borders.
At first glance, she could see marvelous machines and contraptions throughout the area, and she couldn't wash down the spark of curiosity that urged her to explore. A line of carriages were lined up as each family was removed from each carriage, walking up the grand staircase that led to the Great Hall. Her family was next and she took the hand outstretched. She straightened her spine and followed her mother and father inside.
Servants were lined up in grand attire with silk clothes hanging from their arms.
The sound of voices were almost deafening when she reached the Great Hall. The walls were plain, but designed with red drapes with golden trims that touched the ceiling. Chandeliers of candles hanging above them illuminated the rows of tables against the wall and the harmonized dance commenced in the middle as the rest of the guests laughed and spoke in numerous conversations about their own riches. Made the girl want to roll her eyes.
Her mother grabbed her arm before she could escape. "You know what you need to do. Do not fail me, daughter."
With that her mother left her, joining arms with her father. That fire flared in her chest and she walked briskly away from her parents in the opposite direction. She tried to find her childhood friends, but even with a monstrous room such as the Great Hall she still had trouble walking from one space to another. She passed the musicians that played generously before she found who she was looking for.
Shuri was close to her brother and mother speaking softly to one another. Her friend spotted her and they both smiled.
"Michelle!" Her friend called. They embraced each other. "I was wondering when you would arrive."
"I am here, am I not?" She smiled back.
The girls chatted to one another, soon joined by Lila Barton, Cassie Lang, and her other friends Cindy and Betty. The girls refreshed their lives to one another, but the moment was ruined when they moved onto the topic of why they are here.
"Have any of you seen the Princes?" Betty asked with a smile. "I was talking to Cassie and Cindy and they heard that they tried to run off."
Lila shook her head. "That's a lie, they are just waiting for the rest of the families to arrive before they reveal themselves. It's kind of weird though. I've known the Princes all my lives. Kind of strange hearing them trying to find a wife."
Cassie just smirked. "That's because your dad is part of their Guard."
"So is yours." Lila shot back, sipping her glass. "Last I heard Peter wasn't too fond of the idea."
Shuri laughed. "And what about Harley?"
Lila gave her a strange look that made the other girl blush. Michelle raised an eyebrow at the exchange. "Harley was for it, rumors say he may have already found the woman he is looking for."
Her friend, Shuri blushed harder.
"Why are both the Princes looking for brides?" Michelle asked. "The throne belongs to the oldest."
Betty looked a little surprised. "That's right, your kingdom did not receive the message."
"What message?"
Cassie jumped in. "The throne will be shared. Both of the Princes will share half the throne."
Michelle's eyes widened. "That is against tradition not to mention laws."
Betty shook her head. "They are the future Kings and my friend Ned actually revealed that the idea was both Prince Harley and Peter. They wanted shared custody."
Lila gave a mischievous smirk. "You should've heard Lord Stane. He made such a fuss, but if the people wanted a traditional King for their kingdom they are living in the wrong territory."
Michelle sighed. This would not please her mother, but the rumors of the Princes wanted her to engage in further study of the Princes. Tradition was dying and she was glad her view was easily shared in Royalty.
Suddenly the Hall quietened as the music changed and the King and Queen hand in hand entered the room. Everyone bowed simultaneously as did she. Michelle raised her eyes as the Princes and the small Princess that followed the King and Queen. The Princes were dressed sharply and showed their treasure in gems and small crowns placed upon their heads.
The little girl made her smile as she grabbed one of her brothers hands and waved to the audience. Michelle waved back which made the girl beam, but her waving caught one of the Princes attention who smiled warmly toward her.
Everyone applauded after introductions were made and the party continued. Betty cooed at the little girl. "She is so adorable."
The little girl was bubbly and carefree as she stood by her mother's side who helped straighten her own little crown that laid softly on her long brown curls. The girl giggled at the words her mother said and grabbed the King's hand who smiled down at the girl. Michelle's eyes moved over to the oldest, Prince Harley, who looked like his mother, but his straight jaw and dull blue-green eyes marked intelligence from the father. He shook hands with Dukes and kissed the daughters hand with mannerism. A little closer and Michelle could see the strain in his eyes that made her feel a little guilty and pleased at his discomfort.
When she looked for the other Prince he was nowhere to be found. She looked for a crown in the crowd and found him talking with Lila and her brother Cooper. She wasn't going to interrupt the moment, but her eyes made contact with her mother who gave her a hardened look.
She gave her mother a glare of her own, before forcing herself to walk over to the group.
Lila spotted her. "Michelle! Over here!"
Michelle was relieved at the call, which made things easier to enter the conversation.
Lila reached an arm in Michelle's direction. "This is Michelle Jones, her father is Count Jones who lives in the Middle East in the borderlands."
The Prince was kind as he gently kissed her hand. "So you are the territory no one knows who they belong to."
The response wasn't rude, but in complete interest. She still gave him a response. "We belong to no one. We are a separate piece of land, hence the Borderlands. Laying a claim is a battle we cannot have, so we refuse entrance. It has been that way for many years."
"I did not mean to offend you. I have studied your lands and your customs." He spoke, careful of her reaction. "My father also agrees with how you keep the Borderlands, I just wanted to quench my own curiosity."
Lila and Cooper exchanged worried glances, before her brother nudged her gesturing his head toward the food. Lila smiled at her friend. "Me and my brother are going to grab some food. Do you want anything, Michelle? Your Highness?"
Michelle gave a verbal no, while the Prince shook his head with a kind smile. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm good."
Cooper looked relieved and dragged his sister behind him.
Michelle turned back toward the young man and analyzed him. Unlike his brother, he was a younger version of the King, soft brown curls, hazel eyes that held a fire of intelligence but such warmth. She couldn't help how her cheeks warmed. He was handsome, she'd give him that. She wanted to break the ice. "I also studied your kingdom and if the rumors are true you and your brother are preparing to break tradition?"
She expected the wince that grew on his face, but she remained impassive.
"The rumors are true. Me and my brother think we could make the kingdom better if we worked together, and Harley just did it because he loves to make Obadiah's life miserable." He answered back, glancing toward his brother.
She hummed, her curiosity beginning to peak. "What did the King think about it if I may ask?"
"Oh he was against it, but me and Harley were prepared for that. With us having combined power we could stretch our kingdom's borders, but that is a phase far from the present."
"You are signaling the other kingdoms to war, one in particular if you are planning to extend your borders." Once the words left her mouth she wished she hadn't. The Prince's eyes hardened and that warm fire almost glowed in his eyes. She couldn't help taking a small step back. Although the fire disappeared quicker than it came it still left her frozen.
He gave her a sheepish smile. "I'm sorry about that, but I will answer your question. Right now our plan is to make sure our people are well cared for before we start making plans to help the people in neighboring lands. The Borderlands are not the only places that has no assistance from the Anarchy. We want to change that, but if they decide to not join our borders we will still provide necessary tools and supplies to at least give them a better chance at survival. If Lord Thanos makes a move, unfortunately we will fight back."
She sensed a burden that draped him, but she also admired his strength. He wanted to help people outside his gates, but Michelle wasn't known for her optimism. She was known for her cutting honestly. "I agree with your perspective, your Highness, but just like any other kingdom your supplies are limited. If war is created, how do you expect to compensate for the extra supplies to keep the people alive for the winter and the mandatory sustenance for war?"
She could feel the analyzing stare he was giving her at her words. It was quiet in their world before he laughed softly. "You are brutally honest."
"Life isn't sweet, so I try not to be." She responded honestly with a shrug.
He nodded in understanding. "And I respect that, but you still need to find some happiness in your life. What are things that you yourself enjoy doing?"
"Other than watching my parents fumble carelessly with their money, I like to read. Like to sketch people in distress. I like to be alone from status. I enjoy finding interesting ways to help my people despite my parents' disapproval." She spotted her mother speaking with other wealthy Lords and the urge to escape started to be overwhelming. "You know I am only here because my Mother wants me to butter you up so I can have the crown."
"But you never wanted the Crown, did you?" He asked, carefully.
She shook her head. "No, I want to be someone who can make a difference without the aid of gold or power, but in this time that's the only way to make the most difference. Because with power no one can tell you no, but since I am a woman I will never have the same hand in power as does a man. My life will be a constant no and I am sick of it."
That felt good, but the weight of her own words still weighed heavy on her shoulders. "I'm sorry, your Highness, you didn't come here to hear my burdens."
He smiled in return. "Well I did ask you, and please call me Peter. Highness and Prince is a burden in itself."
She shook her head. "I cannot without disrespecting your title even if you urge me to."
The Prince looked thoughtful. "Then maybe we can go somewhere with no ears. That's if you want, I won't force you to. We can go get some fresh air and… just talk."
Just talking sounded like a golden luxury. So when the Prince opened his hand as an invitation, she took it. It was easy leaving the loud Hall, the music and crowd giving them the perfect opportunity to escape. They walked along hallways, hiding from the guards protecting the castle, even dodging the cooks brought smiles on both of their faces. They came to a halt in a garden once they broke the walls of the castle, leaving them both out of breath.
Michelle followed him to a bridge that connected to the small garden on one side and a big oak tree on the other side. A small stream flowed under the bridge bringing life to the garden while the moon brought them light. The way the boy looked at the garden with such love made her inch closer to him.
"It's beautiful." She whispered in awe.
"It is isn't?" He muttered into the night air. "The garden belongs to my grandmother. When me and Harley were younger she would have us help her tend to the garden. Pull the weeds, trim the bushes, and cut out the dead flowers. It was our time with her. No studies, no rules, just... just us." The smile he wore dimmed as he looked toward the tree. "The tree was the last thing we did before she died, but me and Harley still tended to the garden, and now it's become a thing with us and Morgan now." He laughed. "She loves the garden almost as much as we do."
"I think you and your siblings handled it well, your Highness." She said with a smirk.
He groaned. "Ugh! Please call me Peter. I was given that name at birth for people to use it, you know."
She chuckled. "Alright then, Peter. You are a very good gardener."
He tipped his crown. "Why thank you, M'lady."
They grew quiet but were comfortable in the silence and the comfort the garden provided them.
Peter took a deep breath, breaking the silence. "You know, I understand how you feel."
She looked at the young man as he continued to look forward. "My mother and father are the best parents I could ever ask for, and they have done everything for me and my siblings to ease the burden of royalty. But wearing this," he said, pointing to his crown. "Is just as a burden as the responsibilities that come with it. Sometimes... sometimes I just want to get on a horse and just ride off where my power is deniable… where no one knows who I am. Just me."
"So why don't you?" She wondered. She knew the answer, but something deep down wanted to hear the answer. She was done with being alone. She wanted a friend, someone who can read her frustration just as she could theirs. She wanted an equal.
Peter smiled. "For the same reasons you do not. If I were to escape this castle I would do it by walking out of the front gate, but doing so will show me every person that lives under my father's rule, the people my father serves and protects, the people that need me just as much as I need them. I can't walk away from that. I am who I am, not because of the countless books in my father's library, but from the lessons I have learned from the people below me. I am their equal, I am just as poor and worried about the future as they are. Gold means nothing to me but a way to create a better life. If I rule the way my heart wants me to, I have to sacrifice my freedom to make it happen. Because in the end I do not, and will not regret it, not if it brings smiles and happiness instead of endless misery."
"This is why me and Harley made the decision that we did. We want to share the responsibility, just as we have shared everything else in life. But also because we know that Lord Thanos will become impatient. That isn't something our family can avoid. Even now we know he is planning our demise. We have power, but power can't do anything against a stab in the back. If a war is what Thanos wants the Starks are not going to fall without a fight." Peter gritted out. "He is already making moves in the North, taking over the Mainlands, forcing men to fight for a dark and horrible cause. We have no power in the North so he is free to do as he pleases and this angers my father, this angers my mother as well. I do not want our next generations to thrive in war, but if this continues I want the people, not just mine, but everyone to have a fighting chance. The people do not serve me, I serve them. That is something my father, my mother, even my own brother has been teaching me since I was born, and I will not let their wisdom be for nothing."
Michelle stayed silent, but her heart was beating hard in her chest. She willed it to stop, but it continued to beat harder. She forced herself to smile. Surprisingly it came easy. "Well if you need any aid I will do whatever I can to help you fight."
They shared a laugh, Peter nudging her shoulder with a blush. He hesitated before putting his hand over hers, causing her head to shoot up in surprise. "No offense but I am really glad you feel just as trapped as I do, but in… in a good way."
She couldn't help it, letting out a warm laugh. "Me too."
He cleared his throat, glancing over into her eyes. "So does this make us friends?"
Michelle flipped her hand over that laid in Peter's and laced her fingers with his. "I guess so, your Highness."
"Seriously?!" He groaned, but he never lost his smile.
"Peter! Peter!" A loud shrill voice called. "Peter!"
Peter smiled. "Over here, Morgan!"
The little girl looked out of breath, but when she spotted Michelle she squealed. "Did you choose your wife too?"
Peter choked at the question while Michelle's eyes widened in shock. "Uh, no… Wait, does that mean Harley…?"
Morgan giggled. "Yep, I bet you can guess who it is."
Peter didn't even have to think. "Shuri."
His little sister nodded up and down with a star bright smile.
"Wait, Shuri, like of Wakanda?" Michelle asked in alarm.
"Oh yeah. Harley has had a crush on her since he was five." He suddenly grinned. "Dad owes me five gold pieces."
"You and the King betted on this?" She asked unimpressed.
"Dad only betted against it because he didn't think he had the guts to go and ask her, but knowing that he had to choose a wife tonight would give anyone the guts to ask." Peter responded, picking up his sister and setting her on his hip. "Besides that, why did you really come looking for me?"
"Mommy and Daddy were looking for you. They are not happy with you leaving and Harley said to get your golden crown butt back in here." Morgan said, snuggling into her brother's neck.
"Well I can't argue with the little lady." He offered his arm and Michelle took it without hesitation.
Morgan perked up at the woman next to her. "Are you Peter's wife now?"
Michelle shook her head. "No, I am just his friend."
Morgan didn't exactly look pleased by that. "But Mommy and Daddy said you had to pick a wife and I like her so marry her."
Peter laughed. "Sorry Mo, but I did find something better, though."
Michelle glanced over as he smiled. "I think our Kingdom has found a new trading partner with the Borderlands, don't you think, Mistress Jones?"
She gave him a smirk in return. "I think this is a beginning to a wonderful relationship, your Highness."
A/N: I got this idea while doing the dishes while listening to a playlist on Youtube, and I had to hurry up so I could write it down before I forgot it. I hoped it was okay with you History nerds out there. I love history. I'm just not a geek about it. I tried to use little to none conjunctions because back then they actually spoke in full sentences. I know the characters are a little OC, but that's okay. They are old enough to know what they want, so that reduced Peter's stuttering. I wanted him to be wise and not naive, especially when he grows in fear of Thanos. He knows what's at stake, so I wanted him to be a leader.
Stay safe and away from Covid. It's awful, trust me.
