The whole thing was ridiculous really. An absolute embarrassment if there ever was one. Tony eyes the kingdom's gates as they get closer. His kingdom. That he rules.
Tony looks down at his restraints with a sigh. This was not the way to meet the two people you have spent most of your childhood looking up to. But at least he knows that he could trust them… he supposes.
This was a right mess, all he had wanted was to take a stroll around the borders. He really should have had Sir Rhodes with him. The man was never going to let him list this down, after the knight gave him a rightfully earned earful first that was.
He knew better than to wander the kingdom's borders alone. Especially with all the Hydra raids that have been occurring recently. But it was his kingdom, and he wanted to be out there taking it all in. He didn't want to forget why he was ruling, to forget that he was there to lead and protect his people… not like Obadiah had. That, and Pepper was always on him about getting some fresh air and stretching his legs for his health.
So he had set out, expecting it only to be a short walk, maybe an hour or two at most. It was late afternoon when he set out, very soon to be dusk. He should have turned around and left his walk for tomorrow.
He was lucky that he ran into who he did, and not anyone who perhaps might have less than savoury motives.
If anything, it was a little embarrassing that he didn't recognise them at first. They were both some of the realm's most revered and sung of heroes. He had spent most of his childhood idolising them and their tales. Jarvis, his old tutor, would be laughing right now if he was still around.
It was a childhood dream of his, running into Captain Rogers and Sargent Barnes. Somehow, none of those childhood fantasies involved mistaking them for two spies… and attacking them. He gave it his best, and really, Sir Rhodes would have been proud of him, for how long he lasted.
Tony had realised he was wrong, some point during the time he was tied up next to their campfire. Listening to them as they talked about who they were going to turn him over to the kingdom's guards. Not for profit, no, but to protect the kingdom. His kingdom.
For what it was worth, it was the most polite captivity he had endured. They had even shared their meal with him.
He got a good look at them then and listened to what they were saying. There were very few vampires that would risk themselves, and for others no less, by leaving their keeps. It wasn't hard to work out who they were.
Tony had tried to reason with them, to explain to them who he was. But to no luck. And Tony wasn't surprised. They thought he was a bandit. Why would they believe that he was the king? They informed him that at dawn they would hand him over to the kingdom guard.
And that was where they were now. Heading towards the kingdom's gates. The day's first light barely just peeking over the horizon. Both men had their hoods drawn to protect themselves from the light.
He runs through his head all the way he could explain this to the guards. Hoping to find a way to save the two well-meaning vampires from the stake.
If they could get through this, he is sure that they will be laughing about it later.
Before long they reach the gate. The guards eye them with confusion and uncertainty.
Captain Rogers's steps forward before Tony could speak. "Hello there. I am Captain Steven Rogers, and this here is my friend Sargent James Barnes. We have come to lend a hand in the fight against Hydra. We seek council with the king, if we may"
Tony casts a wary glance at Captain Rogers. This probably would be funny, if he were not involved.
The guards look towards Tony as they whisper amongst one another.
A look of uncertainty flashed across Captain Rogers' face. "We wish to hand this man over into your custody. He attacked us on our travel here. He claims to be the king"
"Your Majesty?" The head of the guard inquires.
"Don't worry about it. I am unharmed." Tony says. "I would like to be free of these restraints though"
Captain Rogers stares at him with wide eyes, face white as a sheet. He gapes at him like a fish, struggling to find his words. But the only word he manages is a quiet "oh"
"Well, perhaps we could look upon this favourably," Sargent Barnes says, stepping forward with a charming smile. "We have just proved our commitment to protecting the king and his kingdom."
"True" Tony agrees, returning the smile as the guards untie his bonds.
The good Captain buries his face in his hands with a pained groan.
The End
Notes: In response to a prompt by MassiveSpaceWren in the stuckony_summer_stocking_2020 collection.
I was inspired by the prompt "Medieval-ish Fantasy AU: Knights? Or travelling together & everyday struggles? Both?" (+ and a some likes)
