I humbly thank all of you for your patience! It's been a weird time lately, as I'm sure you've all noticed. But I finally managed to write something again. (Special thanks to princessnefertankh for that!)

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The banquet hall was at least three times larger than her entire apartment floor. Sutton peered around a column and watched the staff bustle about the room as courtiers mingled about. There was anticipation in the room, despite the small talk. People were announced as they entered, and Steve and Bucky still hadn't arrived. She assumed the more important entrances were saved for last.

"Why do I have to wait?" She complained as she fidgeted with her dress yet again. It would be so much nicer to slip in with a group; with a list of names being rattled off people's attention were sure to wane.

Sprinkles chuffed as she kept turning her head, constant movement keeping her on alert.

"Because they said so." She said, as if that explained everything.

Sutton crossed her eyes in exasperation.

"What I'm saying is that I don't see the point. I just want to find a seat."

Sprinkles snorted derisively and bumped her shoulder against Sutton's legs.

"You're being silly." Her tone suggested that she was frowning at Sutton's behavior. "You already have a seat, if you were listening."

"Hey now!"

The man announcing names cut a slim figure with a prim, tight mouth and thin mustache. He was either bored or took his job very seriously, his posture rigid as he stood in the door's entrance. He finally looked over and crooked two fingers at Sutton, beckoning her over, and she hurried towards him, eager to be done loitering in the hall.

She came to a stop next to him and smoothed out her skirts as he cleared his throat. Sprinkles loped over and positioned herself at Sutton's side, looking relaxed but pleased to finally be going into the room with food.

"The Lady Sutton Regan," the man announced, "of the Pike's Place."

Sutton quirked a brow at his declaration of her home town. She hadn't told the man where she was from, so he must have gotten the information from either Steve or Bucky. It was kind of funny that they picked that over Seattle.

Still, she took a deep breath and straightened her posture as she walked down a short staircase and into the room.

She could faintly smell hints of spices and wines, and a band played music in the corner. It sent light, airy notes through the room. Sutton was glad to see that they at least had real music in this world. She tried to smile as she made eye contact with people, but found herself met with murmurs and contemplative stares. Not hostile, but certainly scrutinizing.

"Pike…"

"From a fishing village-"

"Sturdy people-"

Expectation built in the room. Sutton walked stiffly through the people's gazes, something fluttered in her gut, and the stares turned anticipatory. Her throat tightened and it felt like something was bubbling up, but she swallowed it back down and the sensation fizzled.

The people around her sent her semi-perplexed expressions before turning back to their conversations and the band increased in volume.

"Well," Sutton murmured. "That was weird."

Sprinkles peered up at her, one of her brows ticking up in a scorning look.

"You aren't listening," she insisted.

"Listening to what? I don't think I'm so nervous I missed something."

Sprinkles sighed and licked the side of Sutton's hand in reassurance.

"You'll learn; don't worry."

What that meant, Sutton didn't know, but she let the comment slide.

She managed to make it to the middle of the room and wasn't quite sure what to do from there. Someone pushed through the crowd towards her, and Sutton recognized the receding hairline of Coulson. He had a determined, set expression to his face and Sutton waved as she smiled to counter the look.

"Hi, Coulson. Having any fun?"

His expression quirked at that, his lips pressing into that not smile once again, and he stretched out his arm for her to take.

"As much fun as can be had, I suppose," he said. "Now if you'll just come with me, you have a seat at the high table. You as well, Mistress Sprinkles."

Sprinkles wiggled, shifting on her paws, and looked ever so proper and prim. Sutton slipped her hand over Coulson's elbow and chewed the inside of her cheek as he led them up to a platformed table.

The table was adorned with a fine linen runner in a deep red; and golden place settings and goblets were arranged over top. Light from sconces and a few floating orbs filled the room with a warm glow and reflected off the plates and cutlery.

Coulson pulled out a chair for her near the middle of the table and Sutton thanked him as she sat and straightened her skirts. Sprinkles hopped up into the seat to her right before Coulson could even gesture to it. Her chair was cushioned as well, but seemed to have a bit longer of a seat to accommodate how Sprinkles would sit. Sutton wondered how often they had dogs as honored guests.

"You'll be joined shortly," Coulson told her. "When His Majesty is announced, it's customary to stand."

"Oh, sure; noted."

It was a struggle not to fidget, even more, as she sat. While she knew her place at this table was all in honor of her helping them in their time of need, Sutton couldn't help but think it was all a bit too opulent. Mostly she didn't love the way people were casting her curious, and often bright eyed, looks. Like they expected something.

She reached over to scratch behind Sprinkles' ear and Sprinkles put a paw on her leg.

"It's ok," Sprinkles reassured her. "You're doing a good job!"

Sutton couldn't help but laugh.

"Thanks. It's just weird being in front of a room full of people. At least when Steve and Bucky come, they'll have someone else to look at."

Sutton snacked on a few appetizers offered to her as she watched the room. After a few more minutes people were starting to move towards their seats, and she sat up straighter as the herald cleared his throat and adjusted his coat.

"Their Graces, Anthony and Virginia Stark, First Wizard and High Treasurer of Andolasia."

Tony and Pepper swept into the room, looking resplendent in red and gold, a matching pair. Courtiers murmured and dipped their heads in respect as the couple made their way to the high table. They took all the attention in stride, Tony actually seemed to thrive in it as he gave people a wide, charming smile. Sutton was a bit disappointed that they were all forced to sit on one side of the table and wouldn't be able to talk as they took their seats on the end of the left side. Still, she smiled and waved, happy not to be alone on the platform anymore.

"Sir James Barnes, First Knight of Andolasia."

Bucky walked in next, dressed up in finery for the first time. He was wearing a deep blue coat, almost black, with detailed embroidery all along the lapels. Hunting dogs chased birds through flowers in a beaded forest. Sutton wondered if the same women who'd taken her measurements made his clothes as well.

She grinned at him as he sat at the other side of the table, an empty chair between them. With a wink, she gave him a teasing once over and a thumbs up.

"Wow," she mouthed, overdramatic. "Very pretty."

Bucky snorted at her and turned away to face the front of the room. The hall was silent in anticipation and Sutton figured Steve would be next, given all the hullabaloo.

"His Majesty Prince Rogers, Heir to the throne of Andolasia."

Everyone stood, and Sutton rushed to do the same. Sprinkles stayed in her seat, but she sat up tall and pretty, and held up one paw like she'd do when being polite for treats.

Sutton's eyes were fixed forward as Steve stepped into the room. He was in yet another outfit, this one more official and grand looking than the one before. His coat was a rich blue, same as her dress, with matching silver accents and filigree along the shoulders and around the buttons. There were beaded stars and the buttons looked like they may have been carved from a precious gem. He was also wearing a crown now, silver to match his clothes, and inset with various crystals.

Sutton swallowed and clasped her hands together in front of her. Though he gave a warm and sincere welcome to the people around the room, he quickly found her at the high table and his smile widened. Sutton gave another shy wave, hardly raising her hand from in front of her this time, and Steve's lips ticked to one side in amusement.

He walked to the empty seat between Bucky and her and lifted a goblet. His voice carried across the room as he formally greeted the crowd.

"Andolasia," he said, "it is good to be home. I humbly thank you for your patience and bravery in my absence. It isn't without the help of several others that I am here now. So in their honor, let us celebrate!"

He raised his goblet and the room copied him. Sutton lifted her cup and the disorienting thought that she was really in a fairy tale struck her once again. She was at a banquet doing a toast. Steve was wearing a crown.
Her eyes cut over to him as she pressed the cool metal of the cup to her lips. Sutton wasn't well versed in drinks, she tended to avoid them really, but whatever it was tasted like a sweet wine. It was at least sweet enough that she was able to take a sip without choking and making a fool of herself.

A small grace.

Steve took a healthy drink from his own cup and with that, it seemed, the banquet officially began.

The official appetizer alone was probably ritzier fare than any meal Sutton had ever had on her own. Everything was delicately plated, fresh and colorful and aromatic. She delighted in each bite and was a bit thrilled and only slightly surprised to find they had courses. Of course, not entirely surprised. This was a fairytale world, after all. Courses and balls and extravagant clothes seemed the par.
Steve leaned over as the servers brought the salad course and Sutton caught a whiff of cedar and spice that wasn't at all distracting.

"I hope it's all to your liking," Steve said, voice low and earnest. "I didn't have the time to explain burgers or french fries."
Sutton put her hand over her mouth and stifled a laugh.

"That's totally fine," she said with a wave. "I'm not sure a burger would exactly match the occasion. And anyway, I like trying new things, so this is fun! It tastes amazing so far."

The answer seemed to satisfy Steve and he gave her a warm smile before turning back to his plate.

She tried not to mentally calculate what a meal like this would cost back home. It was a habit she had a feeling she'd have to get over the longer she stayed here.

Sprinkles, on the other hand, looked to have no second thoughts as she chowed down on the plates of food brought to her. Sutton eyed the contents, to make sure there weren't any foods that would upset her stomach. But it looked like the chefs had taken the fact that she was a dog into consideration and made alterations to her dishes.
It certainly wasn't kibble and Sprinkles was living it up as she licked her plate clean.

"Don't eat too fast," Sutton chided as Sprinkles finished cleaning her plate and looked up for more. "You'll make yourself sick."
Sprinkles merely grinned at her.
"They don't even try to hide the good food here. I like it!"

Sutton huffed but couldn't stamp down the amusement at Sprinkles' exuberant response. A grin managed to work its way up her face as she turned back to the festivities. There was a break between courses, and a group made their way into an open area before their table to perform a dance.

The ladies wore extravagant dresses, shimmering and shining in the room's light. They were gauzy, flowing things, sewn in subdued colors and embroidered with bright flowers. The men wore linen tunics with embroidered jackets, glossy belts cinched in at the waist, and tall, just as glossy, boots.
They spun around the run in an impressive display of grace and carefully timed coordination. It was almost like they were flying across the floor. Sutton leaned forward as she watched the performance.

One woman arched as she swept her arms up around her and leapt across the room. Her brown, curled hair flared behind her as she spun and twisted. She looked weightless. She reminded Sutton of Tinker Bell somehow. Like a delicate fairy. She blinked at the familiarity.

"They're some of the best dancers in Andolasia."
Steve's voice broke her from her line of thought, and Sutton turned to look at him. His expression was eager, almost like he was hoping for her approval. He seemed to hope she was impressed or comfortable with everything since she arrived, and she supposed that was understandable given this was his kingdom. And she'd taken them on their share of tours in Seattle. It must be only fair that he returned the favor.

"They're amazing," she agreed. "All the moves are so fluid."

His smile widened at that and Sutton couldn't help but grin back.

"Coordinated dance that precise takes years of practice Especially without a sung message."

That gave Sutton pause. She squinted in bemused perplexment, but didn't want to spoil the moment by telling Steve that choreographed dancing in groups without a storybook lesson or an announcement wasn't unusual in her world.
Heck, practically every wedding had at least the Cha Cha Slide in order to coax everyone to the dance floor.

Though maybe he had a point with the "coordination" bit.

"So this dancing is difficult, but people can do it without practice if someone's talking about how nice a day they had or something?"
"It's different," he insisted. "There's-" He didn't seem to know exactly how to explain it and paused to find the words. "You join in their song. You're celebrating with them."

Sutton didn't find that any better of an explanation, but it was still an interesting thought. Though she highly doubted she'd ever be joining in any musical numbers no matter the circumstance.
Instead she smiled up at him, he was very good at making eye contact.

"Well thank you for letting me sit up here," she said. "I think it definitely has the best view. No tall people in front of me like at the movies!"

His smile just went lopsided and she bit the inside of her cheek in response. The dancers gave their last bow and the room applauded.
"Really though," Sutton said between clapping. "Thank you. I'm so grateful for the hospitality you've shown me."

Steve gently caught her hand, mid clap.
"Why wouldn't I?" He asked.

The atmosphere in the room shifted once again. Something seemed to build up in Steve, like he was thinking of something to say but was too excited to find the right words. The music dropped completely and the chattering turned questioning. Bucky leaned forward to try and meet Steve's eye.

"Steve," he said, his tone stuck between a question and a warning.

"In my time away from you
There's something that I've seen
A world so unlike that of our own
Where I was unknown as king."

Steve turned his face towards the room of guests and his voice rang out through the room as the remaining chatter died. He sang a capella, but the musicians listened intently, almost like they were ready to learn his melody so they could join in.
Secondhand embarrassment flooded Sutton again. How were these people fine with breaking out in random song like it was no big deal?

Just… saying things? Sharing thoughts? Who did that?

"And a maiden so fair." Steve continued. He looked directly at Sutton and her face went hot. One of Bucky's eyes might have twitched. At least she wasn't the only one feeling uncomfortable.

"Who though struggled on her own
Opened up her doors to us
And shared with us her home."

Sprinkles fidgeted in her chair, her ears twitching up and down, and she yawned nervously. Bucky stood up from his seat.

"A friend to all
A friend to the crown
Tell me
Can purer character be found?"

He shot Steve a pointed look and Steve frowned at his knight. Sutton contemplated crawling under the high table and waiting until the cleaning crew came round.

"And though the journey was so far
It 'twas a gift of fate
For there'd have been no other way
To meet my Tru-"

"-Timely coronation date.
For there's no longer minutes to spare
When the enemy's so near."

Bucky's jump in to join in the song seemed to throw Steve off his rhythm, which was odd with how in sync everyone usually was. But the mention of a coronation sent excited murmuring through the crowd, a quiet lilt to their own words, and Sutton was only able to loosen her shoulders when it looked like the singing was over. Next to her, Sprinkles stopped fidgeting and went back to looking for the next course.

"He's a good boy," she said to herself. Sutton shot her a befuddled look before turning back to the other humans.

Bucky looked semi exasperated and Steve's mouth was pulled to one side in what looked like irritation. She flexed her fingers in fretful hesitation before she forced herself to stop thinking and placed her hand on his arm to get his attention.

"Are you actually going to be doing that soon," she asked. "I've never seen a coronation before."

Steve's gaze flickered to her, he appeared more apprehensive than he had earlier. His expression softened as he looked at her and he let out a silent breath.

"I suppose I can't put it off any longer," he said. "It's the right thing to do."

"I don't really understand what the difference would be for you to make it official, but for what it's worth, I think you'll be a great king."

Steve's face lightened even further and he looked to be taking another deep breath when Bucky leaned into view.

"Your Highness, the next course is ready."

That distracted him from whatever he was about to say. Servants stepped forward with more trays of food and Sutton settled back into her seat. Perhaps she was being disruptive? That's why Bucky seemed frazzled and Steve tried to cover for her with another song. She grimaced and straightened her back.

She'd make sure to mind her manners the rest of dinner.

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By the end of the banquet the richness of all the food, the warm light, and the gentle music had Sutton blinking more slowly and then digging her nails into her palms to try and stay awake.

The high table was escorted out of the dining hall before the rest of the guests left, and Sutton was a bit hopeful that maybe she'd get to sleep. Despite the fun, she was still feeling a bit overwhelmed from changing worlds and everything after.

Sprinkles trotted loyally at her side and licked her chops a few more times as if trying to continue savoring the food she'd been given.

"I like it here," she declared as they passed the high, arching doors into a castle hall.

Sutton rolled her eyes with a slight scoff.

"Oh, I'm sure you do."

Tony cast a wry look her way as the servant murmured something about prepared rooms and Sutton decided she could survive whatever smart remark Tony was probably going to make as long as there was a semi comfortable bed waiting for her in a minute.

"And what about you, Lady Sutton? I do hope our humble kingdom doesn't disappoint."

"Hardly," said Sutton. Something about the way he said it made her feel like he was testing something, and she never liked being tested when she didn't even know what she was being tested on. It made her feel anxious. The dress and the banquet and the speech patterns were starting to make her feel like a snarky heroine in an Austen novel.

"I'd say Andolasia is the most impressive kingdom I've ever seen," she continued, "except maybe the bar's a bit low seeing as how I've never seen an actual kingdom in the first place." She leaned forward to flash a sharp grin at him and Tony grinned sharply back.

"If I ever manage to travel around and see other places, I'll be sure to let you know."

It wasn't clear if she'd answered satisfactorily, but Tony chuckled and whispered something to Pepper to make her grin, so Sutton hoped she hadn't been insulting.

Oh. Wait. Perhaps making jokes about their kingdom on her first day wasn't the best first impression.

Sutton cursed the imaginary jet lag she could pretend to have after hopping worlds.

They traveled up a couple sets of stairs and down another hall before it branched off. The servant glanced up at Bucky, who waved a hand in dismissal, and the servant gave a shallow bow before looking at Sutton.

"The guest rooms are this way, my lady."

"Oh. Okay." She turned back towards the group to give them a wave goodnight, and Steve caught her hand, bringing it down to place a kiss on the back of it.

"Until the morrow," he said. "Rest well."

Heat traveled through her body so fast that Sutton thought she might explode. If she pulled her hand back a bit too quickly and looked a bit too alarmed, she didn't mean to. She really should have explained that kissing hands wasn't something people in her world did. And you especially didn't do that if you didn't want the person getting the wrong idea.

"Right. Yes." She stammered. Unsure of how to properly respond, she dipped slightly in an awkward curtsey and tried not to fidget with the accosted hand. "Well, goodnight. You- you rest well too. All of you, I mean. Goodnight."

Sprinkles yawned widely, blessedly taking the attention off Sutton, and lazily stretched in a downward dog.

"Goodnight, King Steve and King Steve's friends."

Sutton scurried after the servant and could hear Sprinkles nails clicking on the floor behind her, though it wasn't enough to entirely drown out a few quiet laughs that she assumed were at her expense. She hurried her pace so she was side by side with the servant. A beat of silence passed.

"So, how badly did I embarrass myself back there?"

The servant, a lithe woman with icy blonde hair in a long plait, looked down at her in surprise.

"My lady?"

Sutton glanced up with a sheepish wince.

"I'm still a bit… new to this. It always seems so easy in the books, but-"

The woman smiled, though she obviously tried to suppress it.

"If I were so bold, I would say His Majesty did not find you foolish at all. As it is, my lady, I think you'll find Andolasia is one of the most forgiving kingdoms in regard to proper decorum."

"Still a good idea to keep me away from anyone of note, probably."

"I'm sure they would prepare you beforehand, my lady."

Sutton took the obligatory encouragement for what it was and didn't respond as the woman opened a wooden door carved with forest scenery. Trees filled the distance and crawling vines framed the foreground. Several delicate looking forest creatures were etched behind leaves or in the branches, and she wasn't able to study it as well as she would have liked before the door swung open and revealed the room beyond.

Though perhaps calling it a room was being a bit too conservative.

The space opened into a sort of sitting room with a couple plush chairs and a carved coffee table that had a tea set sitting on top. It was all velvets and florals and plush carpets, stained woods and polished silver. Sutton had the sudden impulse to take off her shoes and leave them by the door.

A doorway to the right opened to the actual bedroom, and Sutton stared into the space. The walls were a warm butter yellow with white trim, and a large four poster bed dominated the space. It looked to also be made of wood, and carved in such a way that the post looked like trees rising up around the mattress, a canopy draped over it all in the palest of creams, spots on the fabric glittering in the candle light.

Besides the bed, there were some other ornate furniture. A large painted wardrobe with some festival depicted across the doors, a few tables and a dresser, and wide windows which appeared to open up onto a balcony.

"You can come in, my lady."

Sutton jolted from her stupor and blinked. The woman was smiling at her in a way that said she understood the hesitation. Shaking off the shock, Sutton hurried into the room, Sprinkles still at her heels.

"Sorry," she said. "I just didn't expect it to be so big. This is probably bigger than my entire apartment was."

"It's no problem, my lady. I hope the accommodations are to your liking during your stay in the guest suites."

"Sutton. You can just call me Sutton, if you want. And this is beyond fine, thank you."

The woman smiled primly again and Sutton had the feeling she probably wouldn't stop calling her lady. She wondered if anyone would actually call her by her name instead of the polite title ever again. Perhaps that'd stop once she left the castle grounds and no one knew she'd helped their king out.

"I can help you undress, my lady."

Sutton reached behind her, ready to decline the help, when she remembered the process it took to actually put the dress on. It was laced up the back, no easy zipper, and, anyway, there were the layers of undergarments underneath that would protect her modesty.

Still.

Sutton scrunched her nose and gave a sheepish smile. Sprinkles, bored of clothing talk already, bypassed her to jump straight onto the large, plush bed. The woman came around to untie the lacing, and Sutton watched Sprinkles roll around the bedding like spoiled royalty.

"This is a good bed," Sprinkles declared, still rooting around the sheets. She snorted as she rolled on her back and Sutton snapped at her, unable to move.

"Hey! Don't mess it all up! I'm going to ask for a big pillow or something and you'll sleep on the floor."

Sprinkles just stared drolly at her from her position on her back.

"No," she said simply.

Sutton didn't bother arguing the lie. The woman stepped away from her and stifled a laugh.

"I can draw a bath if you like and then be on my way, my lady."

Sutton blinked, remembering the struggling she'd heard when Steve or Bucky had first been trying to figure out how to use her shower.

"Oh, right. Your plumbing is different. If you don't mind showing me, you won't have to do it again."

It must have been an odd thing to say because the woman stared at her a moment, a sort of bemused look on her face.

"You're not accustomed to being waited on, I assume."

The idea was laughable. If only these people knew how historically fanciful all this felt.

How unnecessarily over the top. How she really wasn't anyone special or deserving of this at all. She was essentially a peasant and she'd been taking care of herself just fine for a while now.

"I know it's how you all do things," she said instead. "And I'm trying not to be rude while I'm staying here."

That was met with a warm smile and the woman waved her over; Sutton was glad to not have offended her.

"Very well," the woman said. "I'll show you."

Sutton grinned.

"Thank you…. Oh, sorry. What's your name?"

"Matilda, my lady."

"Well thank you, Matilda."

They went through the process of running a bath. There was a large inset tub in the middle of the bathroom with a shining silver faucet which was situated by another crystal looking orb. Matilda showed her how to swipe her fingers over the crystal, dragging it either left or right to adjust the temperature. It was impressive how exact you could get the heat and Matilda explained that only royalty and nobles had such impressive accommodations.

With the bath explained and drawn, Matilda bowed and took her leave and Sutton was finally alone. Sprinkles regaled her with tales of everything she'd sniffed so far from the bed as Sutton washed herself with floral smelling soaps and shampoos, and there was something so comforting about it despite the creeping worry.

She didn't deserve all these niceties, it was way too much to be repayment for something she'd never asked payment for. And besides, it wouldn't do well to get used to it and then be disoriented all over again when she moved out.

But one night wasn't getting used to it, she argued internally. And exhaustion from the whirlwind day let her be more ok with the generosity than she might be usually.

When she climbed up into the large bed, the bedding almost enveloping her in its plushness, she was half asleep already. The nightgown Matilda left out was silky and soft and the room was warm and Sutton curled up with Sprinkles at her side, content.

"Maybe this wasn't the worst decision I've ever made," she murmured, her voice already growing soft with sleep.

Sprinkles let out a deep sigh and licked Sutton's arm where she could easily reach without moving.

"You'll like it." Confident as always. "Don't worry, you'll see."

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Thank you for reading, and I hope everyone stays safe!