No Steve this chapter, but he'll be back next time!

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"Whoa, whoa, whoa. You have got to slow down!"

Sutton waved her hand as she attempted to scribble down notes before Tony moved on to another point. Ink messily stained the page as she struggled to manage using a glass pen on top of Tony's speed; as it was, it was barely legible.

"Kid, you don't have a lot of time to get caught up before the coronation as it is. Are you trying to write it all out? Don't you have a shorthand?"

"I'm not a court transcriber," Sutton growled. "Why would I ever learn shorthand? Don't you even have typewriters?"

"Honestly," Tony scoffed. "It's like you want people to realize you're not from this world. Tell me something an Andolosian native would know."

"What? There's a quiz now?"

Tony rapped a book against his desk and pointed at her.

"A cultural norm; come on. Hurry."

Sutton huffed and looked up as she scoured recent memory for something he'd told her.

"Babies are adorned with crowns of white roses and cornflowers for good luck and blessings in their fourth month?"

"Ah." Tony corrected. "Fifth month. Five is a lucky number. Five fingers, five toes, it's a round number and symbolizes generosity."

"Fifth month," Sutton repeated since it didn't seem like he'd let it go until she did.

Tony pinched the bridge of his nose as he let out a defeated sigh. Sutton's expression dropped into a glower at the dramatic display, and he leveled an annoyed look back at her.

"I have no idea how His Majesty expects me to get you up to speed before the nobles get here. It's impossible; and I possess magic."

"You possess rudeness." Sutton crossed her arms. "And you're the one telling me fun facts about baby showers when you should be just explaining the coronation process. I doubt a visiting noble is going to immediately suspect I magic portaled here and grill me with questions."

Tony pressed his fingertips together.

"See, it's speech like that which will immediately inform them that you are, in fact, not a local."

He pushed off his desk and waved to her to stand up. Sutton closed the notebook and set it on a small side table as she stood before him. Tony gestured to himself.

"I'm a visiting ambassador at the coronation. What do you do?"

Sutton bobbed in a curtsy and held out her hand.

"Hi. I'm Sutton-"

"Wrong." He clapped his hands loudly and Sutton jumped.

"What the heck?"

"An element of shock helps make the lesson stick," he said. "You don't introduce yourself to anyone, given you haven't been announced yet."

"So, what?" Sutton argued. "I just wait in a corner for someone to grace me with their presence?"

"You would," Tony replied snidely. "However, you'll never be without someone from our court next to you. I'm sure you'll have your fill of introductions before the coronation is over. Let's try this the correct way."

Tony took a step nearer to her and gave her a short nod.

"Good evening," he held out his hand, palm up, "I'm His Grace, First Wizard of Andolasia, Anthony Stark. And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

Sutton stopped herself from miming being sick at the formality. She cooperated and put her hand in his as she inclined her head, though the grace of the movement was interrupted due to her surprise as he kissed the back of her hand.

"Ah- Um. Sutton Regan," she said. "Does everyone have to do that?"

"It's manners," Tony said flatly. "Do try not to look so ill when others do it."

She rolled her eyes.

"Fine. Lovely to meet you, Your Grace the First Wizard of Andolasia, Anthony Stark."

Tony's eyes flickered in some sort of recognition and he stepped away from her to a bookcase against one of his walls.

"Right, speaking of titles, there's a lot of them. You should memorize as many as you can, given someone is bound to be insulted if you get theirs wrong. Especially if you get the wrong equivalent for their kingdom. It's like disregarding their culture. Here."

He dumped several books and a couple scrolls into her arms with little fanfare.

"Study those, that should get you nearly up to speed."

"Are you serious?"

"Kid, what part of this lesson has been funny?"

"Funny how poorly put together it is," she muttered.

Tony flashed her a look.

"You know what, extra dancing and table etiquette lessons just for that."

Sutton balked.

"You can't do that! I'm not a child at finishing school!"

But Tony waved his hand around the crystal medallion around his neck and then flicked his fingers outward. A blue light shot out from the medallion and flew through the room, then phased through the closed door; meanwhile he jotted down a note on a spare piece of parchment.

"Too late," he said. "And unless you want to insult King-to-be Steve's generosity, you won't throw a fit over going."

Sutton's scowl deepened and she pointed a finger at him.

"I'm telling Steve you're a lousy teacher."

Tony merely grinned.

"Please do. It's not like he can fire me, regardless."

A minute later, a knock on the door interrupted their argument and Tony called for the person to come in. It was the same young boy who Coulson had sent a message via at their war meeting. She thought he called him 'Parker'.

Tony handed the note to the boy with a playful sort of professionalism. It felt like he had a rapport with the boy.

"Please deliver this to Mistress Woods. She'll be pleased to have a new pupil."

Parker raised a brow at Tony before he realized he made a face and hurried to smooth out his expression back into a proper, neutral gaze.

"Of course, sir, Your Grace."

Tony sighed.

"I've told you, Peter, just sir is fine."

"Right! I'll deliver this right away, sir!"

He left the room in a hurry while he shoved the note into a little satchel at his side. Sutton watched him go with a bemused look.

"Do you use child labor here?" She asked.

Tony looked unimpressed with her inquiry.

"Children in Andolasia are some of the most valued and well treated in all the kingdoms. Mister Peter Parker is an apprentice as a page, and he's lucky to have such an opportunity. If you're worried that we overwork him, don't be. He likes being of use in the castle; and when he's enjoying his plentiful free time, I still see him running amok nearby or climbing the castle walls like a little spider."

Sutton had to admit the boy didn't seem upset to be running his given errands, and she knew that in the medieval ages learning a trade was an important part of growing up and being successful.

"He still goes to school though, right?"

"Of course he has lessons," Tony said. "Anyone working in this castle is privy to reading and writing lessons. It's better to have an educated staff."

"Huh," said Sutton. "Well. That's good." She brushed nonexistent dust from the skirt of her dress and squared her shoulders. "I guess I'll get going then and-"

Tony barked out a laugh, his face lighting up with sick amusement.

"You think you're done?"

"Oh, no. We have to be."

"Not even close."

Sutton dropped her shoulders and groaned in a mini tantrum as she let herself fall back into her chair.

"I already have to memorize these books and you're making me do more? Can't I just know the bare minimum to make it through the coronation? Why do I need to have such extensive knowledge? I'll never see any of these nobles again!"

"Fates, you really believe that, don't you?"

"Oh, what? Is Steve going to invite me to every party after he's made king?"

"Maybe he will."

Sutton threw up her hands.

"I only housed and fed them for a short while! I get you're all super generous here, but this is insane. I think I'm already indebted to him from him trying to pay me back."

"By the Fae," said Tony, "I'm going to laugh so hard when-" His voice faded and he shook his head as he changed the subject. "Let's get back on task so I can get back to my actual duties. Per your demands, we'll focus on the coronation. There'll be an usher to guide you to a seat, so there's no sneaking in late to sit in the back."

"That matters too?"

"Placement means something. With neighboring nobles visiting, we can't let them think we're not presenting a unified front if you try to defy the order."

"Tony, why would anyone pay attention to where I sat?"
Tony stared at her a moment then rolled his eyes.

"Fates help me," he muttered to himself. "Nobility will pay attention to everything, and you have a seat of honor. There's strict etiquette, remember? Or have you not been listening this entire time?"

"I've been listening." She said defensively.

"Small mercies," Tony said dryly. "Okay, so you have a front row seat and all attending can watch your movements. Do you applaud at any time during the coronation as if you're at a banquet?"

Sutton gave him a derisive glower.

"I'm guessing by the way you phrased that, no?"

"Correct. The audience is there as a witness to Prince Steve's appointment to the throne. It's not a show. The only part you have to play is at the end, where the people give a benediction. After all, it's not everyday one gets a new king, so it's good to try and bless their reign. It goes -write this down so you don't forget- the words are,

'May you reign with mercy and in justice, come peace or poverty. May your loyalty remain with Andolasia and her people; and whether you bless or curse, may your people pay you back in kind'."

Sutton flailed in a rush to grab the notebook as she desperately tried to write it all down before she forgot it.

"Sounds vaguely threatening at the end," she mused.

Tony grinned.

"It is. Now, since you've been complaining so much, I suppose we can end the lesson here."

Sutton snapped the notebook closed again.

"Sounds good to me!"

She jumped up to leave, only for another loud clap from Tony to stop her in her tracks with a jolt. He pointed to the pile of books and scrolls on the table.

"Don't forget your homework. And, unfortunately, we'll have to do this again tomorrow."

Sutton decided Tony probably had at least a little bit of Evil Wizard in him.

[][][]

By the time Sutton left Tony's hobbled together "lesson" and dropped off the reading material he forced on her in her room, she was mentally exhausted. It was only growing closer to dinner, and she still hadn't completed any of her self appointed tasks for the day. But the town square couldn't be that far from the castle, surely, and she had a bit of time. If she were lucky, they'd have a bulletin board of sorts that she could look over.

Like a medieval Craigslist.

Dost thou require a splitter of the lease? Verily, doth I haveth a cottage for thee.

Sutton snickered to herself over the, honestly inaccurate, imitation. It was still amusing. The novelty of a fairytale world. It still didn't feel completely real.

She made her way back to the front doors and once again attempted to slip through them; this time no one stopped her.

Outside was bustling with people hurrying to do tasks. Some cleaned the castle walls and others trimmed up the hedges and landscaping. Many looked to be going to or from other chores, either bringing in goods or carting out full, dirty buckets of water.

One woman struggled with an armful of teetering fabrics and baskets and Sutton diverted from her path to rush over and help before they all fell.

"Oh, here! Let me help you with those."

Sutton took a few of the bolts that threatened to slide off the pile and one of the baskets filled with little bits and bobs and stick pins. The woman breathed a sigh of relief.

"Thank you, miss- Oh! Lady Sutton!"

It was one of the seamstresses who'd measured her earlier, though Sutton felt awful she didn't remember her name. Obviously the woman had found her memorable enough.

"Hi," Sutton said with a chagrined grin.

"My lady, you needn't burden yourself with such a menial thing. I can call over one of the pages or house maids to assist me."

If she took the woman up on her offer, she could likely make it to town and back in time. Given how accommodating the people here were, they'd likely be happy to take her place. But it felt selfish to pass off the work. And, really, another night in the castle wouldn't kill her. It didn't seem to be bothering anyone else either.

"Don't be silly," Sutton said. "I can carry it and everyone looks busy. I'll just follow you to the- uh- the sewing room?"

"Well then," the woman said, "if you insist, my lady."

Sutton trailed after the woman directly back into the castle and down a familiar hall towards the seamstresses' workspace. She attempted to make small talk as they walked, and had to humble herself and ask the woman's name again. It was Astrid.

"Everyone looks busy," Sutton noted. "Is all the hustle because of the coronation?"

"Oh yes," Astrid said. "We've all been anticipating it, of course, but with King Steve's disappearance and sudden return, we weren't fully prepared to have it happen so quickly. Luckily Miss Evelyn already had us preparing plans for his suit a year ago. We're just putting the finishing touches on it."

"I'm sure it'll be gorgeous," Sutton said. "Everything you guys make look like it belongs in a museum. I feel bad wearing all the dresses; they're too beautiful."

Astrid turned a bit pink and ducked her head at the praise.

"Nonsense, my lady. It's an honor to dress you. And there's no sense in putting days or weeks into a dress only for no one to wear it. That's what they're for."

"What's your favorite thing to do with a piece?" Sutton asked. "Is there something you always want to do? Like embroidery or cutting the pattern? Beadwork?"

Astrid paused in front of the workroom door and Sutton hurried to open it for her; Astrid still had more of an armload. She made a peculiar face at the act but thanked Sutton enthusiastically for it. They sat down the fabric and supplies on the nearest table and Astrid shook out her hands.

"Well," she said hesitatingly, "I do rather enjoy the bead work. Enchanted work as well. Miss Evelyn has even gotten beads imported from Asgard, and it's said they have some of the most stunning glass work. Some of them are said to even emit light."

"That sounds really cool!" Sutton smiled encouragingly and didn't dare ask where Asgard was. "I had glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling in one house I lived in. It's probably not the same, but I thought they were cool when I was younger."

Astrid cut her eyes over to Sutton as she organized the bolts of cloth.

"That sounds charming, my lady."

Sutton rubbed a corner of one fabric between her fingers and shrugged. She hadn't had the bedroom for long. The couple "couldn't connect with her". But she always remembered the glow-in-the-dark stars.

Sutton cleared her throat and let go of the fabric; Astrid continued to half watch her quietly.

"So, do you have any suggestions for what's appropriate to wear to a coronation? I've been told I'm going, but I don't know which dress in my closet would work best."

Astrid blinked in surprise.

"Oh, my lady, we're working on your dress now. You can't use any of the dresses in your wardrobe for a coronation, especially not with visitors coming. Everyone will be expecting everything grand, as you know."

"Right," Sutton said with a shake of her head. "Of course. Ha. Obviously what I have already wouldn't work."

Astrid nodded and seemed to think something over.

"Is there anything you'd like to request on the dress, my lady? We're already working on it, of course, but if you like-"

Sutton waved off the concern.

"No, it's fine. You all make beautiful dresses without my input. I'm sure it's gorgeous."

Astrid smiled softly.

"I am enjoying working on it."

Sutton excused herself from the seamstress workshop and found herself trying to recall any aspect of Tony's lesson. If the dress was being specially made for one event, she probably ought to behave as well as she could while wearing it.

If only Tony's lesson had made a lick of sense.

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With dinner nearing and given they seemed to expect her to attend every time, Sutton accepted her errands weren't happening that day, possibly not even until after the coronation, and made peace with it. Really, she didn't have room to complain. And likely Steve would let her know she needed to find her own place when he settled down after and had a moment to think.

Though she was sure he'd be nice enough to offer to help her look.

But she still had enough time that she could search around outside for Sprinkles before rushing off to the evening meal. Sutton wandered the outside of the castle and kept an eye out for any sign of her disloyal companion.

The only outside area she'd really gotten to explore was the royal garden, but Sprinkles wasn't likely to hang out there by herself. Sutton headed the opposite direction and found herself on some cobblestone pathways leading off to more interesting areas. One curved down a wildflower covered slope, and in the distance she spotted what looked like a stable. A huge stable. It looked like it could fit an entire troop of horses and probably have a second story to boot. She'd save searching there for last, if she couldn't find Sprinkles elsewhere.

The sound of movement and life and people surrounded her as she searched, a couple times she heard someone singing a song acapella. Whatever music they were all privy to couldn't not exist, given how many people spoke about it and sang unprovoked. But it still irritated and baffled her that all she heard was silence. Perhaps it was because she wasn't born in their world. Maybe she'd never understand what they were experiencing.

"In a musical world, and I'm the straight man," she said to herself. "Wonderful."

It wouldn't be so terribly bad if it didn't seem to devastate Steve so much; which she still found odd. But he wasn't the first person she'd disappointed, so she could handle it. The continued twist in her gut over it was temporary.

Sutton passed another couple buildings and walked through a few archways, but didn't see any sign of Sprinkles. She perked up at the sound of barking and whining as she rounded a wall and came upon a wide area which looked like an ornate dog kennel. At least a dozen hounds played or slept inside the kennel yard and a few spotted her and ran over with loud bays. She cooed at them and waved as she approached the fence.

"Hello," she said, "do any of you know where Sprinkles went?"

One dog continued to bay at her, another desperately attempted to get closer for pets, yet another decided its own tail was more interesting than she was. None of them answered. Sutton frowned and scratched one's nose as it tried to shove its head through the fencing.

"You know Sprinkles, right? She's a Doberman. Shiny black fur? Um. Do you guys have a spokesperso-dog? No? Nothing?"

A distant bark pulled her attention away and Sutton turned to look. A few feet away the ground dipped, a path curving down a short hill, and opened up into a cleared area. There were a couple more small buildings down there, but more eye-catching was the obstacle course and obvious training ground. After scanning over the area twice, Sutton finally made eye contact with a waiting Sprinkles. She snapped her mouth happily when she noted Sutton's attention.

"They don't speak people!" Sprinkles shouted over the distance. Sutton sighed and stood up, shooting a look at the observing dogs.

"You tell no one about this," she said as she pointed at them.

She pulled up her skirts enough that she wouldn't trip over them as she made her way down the path towards the training grounds. There were people down there, training, obviously, but with Sprinkles' shouting they already knew she was there. Leave it to her dog to intrude on some military training. Her dismay only grew when she noted it was Bucky who appeared to be leading the training.

"Sprinkles you shouldn't be down here," she scolded as she kept to the edges of the lawn. "I thought you wanted to race the hounds?"

"I did," Sprinkles said primly. "I'm the fastest dog!"

Bucky sheathed his sword and gave Sprinkles a doubtful look.

"You're the fastest?" He questioned.

"Yes," Sprinkles insisted. "Tawny and Dagger are also fastest. But I am too."

Bucky hummed dismissively and Sutton rolled her eyes. She'd seen Sprinkles running alongside other dogs at the park enough times to find the attitude unsurprising.

She waved her hand to urge Sprinkles along, though her dog didn't look like she was inclined to move.

"We shouldn't be down here when they're working," Sutton insisted.

"Actually, they're play fighting and I'm helping."

"She's not a bother, Lady Sutton" said Bucky gruffly. "Not entirely. Though I'm not sure how many of her pointers will be useful in combat."

Sprinkles lifted her snout in disdain.

"I am very useful. If it's a bad guy, you bite very hard and shake, shake, shake. Then he can't be bad anymore."

"It is hard to be bad without an arm," Sutton mused.

"Forgive me; my folly," said Bucky. His voice remained bland, not that Sprinkles noticed. He raised his hand and held it straight as he tapped Sprinkles on either side of her neck. "I declare you, Sprinkles, knighted. Now perhaps you may use your knowledge to protect your fair lady."

Sprinkles wiggled in excitement, though Sutton was sure there was no way she understood what being a knight actually meant. Bucky's antics garnered a few laughs from the other soldiers, knights?, Sutton wasn't sure what the difference was, and some wandered closer to join the conversation.

"Is this the lady who saved your hide, then?" The man who asked looked rather amused, and he stood with his sword over his shoulder, flat side down. Bucky cast him a glower and Sutton smirked.

"Heard you plucked Bucky and His Highness up from flood waters," another man said. "One of the maids heard from a page who works with Coulson that you had to nurse 'm back to health."

"Ah." Said Sutton. "Well, it was raining very hard when I noticed them."

Another man peered down at her with interest. Like the guys were just as hungry for good gossip as the ladies.

"Was it daunting, bringing the heir to Andolasia into your home? My ma would have had my siblings and I cleaning house, chopping wood, and cooking like mad if it'd been her.

"Um. Well. I didn't exactly know they were, uh, royalty, actually."

A few guffaws rose from the group.

"Not from lack of informing you," Bucky said dryly.

That garnered a few raised eyebrows and a silence that said the men were waiting for a rebuttal.

"I also might not have believed it when they told me that."

That got a louder round of disbelieving laughter and Sutton's face warmed. One of the men ribbed Bucky while grinning.

"Not very convincing, then, were you?"

"Must'a been a real scoundrel," another joked.

Sutton saw her opportunity and took it without repentance.

"He did try to train with his sword in my house."

Bucky rolled his eyes as the others hooted and made sounds of disdain at his expense. The man with the sword on his shoulder let it drop down to his side as he moved forward with an outstretched hand. Sutton reached out automatically for a handshake and was once again sent blushing as he turned her hand and kissed her knuckles.

"I apologize on his behalf, my lady. Sir Barnes ought to know better than to bring a weapon into a lady's home."

He still hadn't let go of her hand and Sutton fought to stop herself from forcibly removing it. He was polite, and cute enough, and clearly jovial, but the contact didn't sit comfortably with her. Not that she was reading into anything, he was clearly trying to rile Bucky up, but something about Bucky watching made it even worse. He might tell people or something.

"Ah." Sutton laughed nervously. "To be fair I kind of gave him a pass. They were- you know- I mean, cooped up all the time. It was- the circumstances." She pulled her hand back and thankfully he let go without hesitation. "But thanks for the concern, um, Sir…?"

"You give me too much honor." The man said. "As it is, I am no knight. The name is Oliver Reynard; enlisted in His Majesty's armies."

Sutton bobbed slightly, though she couldn't remember from Tony's lesson if this was an appropriate moment for a curtsey or not.

"Nice to meet you, Mister Reynard."

"Please," he said, "Oliver is fine."

"Well, you can call me Sutt-"

At that moment Bucky made himself known again. He stepped forward one foot and angled himself slightly as if to block Oliver from her.

"No," he said, "we'll stick with 'll all address her as Lady Regan."

Sutton shot him a look. What was the big deal? They weren't even in the castle.

"I don't mind-"

"Formalities," Bucky interrupted, "are important. You are King Steve's honored guest. Mister Reynard would do well to keep that in mind."

Something flashed in that exchange. Some sort of understanding and Oliver backed off while glancing at her with a look of growing curiosity.

"Of course," he said genially. "I meant no offense, Sir."

Bucky's comment altered things slightly. The men were still friendly, but backed away and were more subdued than they'd been initially. Like their attitudes had shifted from an informal interest to a careful curiosity.

"Why are you down here anyway," Bucky asked. "How did you find the training grounds?"

"Uh, I walked around? I finally escaped from my 'lessons'," she actually used finger quotes, "with Ton- er, First Wizard Tony, and I wanted to find Sprinkles before dinner."

Sprinkles jumped up and pressed her paws into Sutton's side, making her stagger back a step.

"But I'm a better Finder," she declared. "I can find you all the time because I can smell better. Plus you didn't even whistle! You always whistle when you're Find It because you can't smell and you give up."

Sutton grabbed Sprinkles' paws and waggled her back and forth in a little dance before dropping her back to the ground.

"It's not giving up if I'm telling you to 'come here'."

Sprinkles huffed in indignation and Sutton grinned.

"How were lessons?" Bucky asked. "I'm surprised Tony lasted as long as he did, given his disposition for dramatics."

At that Sutton groaned, forgetting manners, and another chuckle rippled through the group of men. She caught the flub and rushed to backpedal.

"I mean, it was okay! It's just, you know, there's a lot to go over, apparently, and Tony talks fast. And he gave me homework, which is fine!, but there's quite a few books on formal titles which is a bit daunting and I don't know why I need to memorize them for one night."

"I never envisioned His Grace as an etiquette tutor," Oliver said. "I can't say I'm surprised by the outcome."

Bucky sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Have you even retained anything?"

Sutton smiled through a wince.

"At five months old, babies are adorned in a flower crown of… cornflowers and, um…white roses?"

An amused murmur ran through the group and Bucky muttered,

"Sweet mercy."

"Wait, wait. That's not all!" Sutton said in a bid to save face. "I have to sit in the front row during the coronation and there's no clapping during the ceremonies."

"The front row?" Oliver inquired. He made eye contact with one of his fellows and they exchanged a look. "Are you-"

"That is truly dismal," Bucky interrupted. He did that a lot. One might've thought a culture so focused on formalities would think that rude.

"Well," Sutton said, a bit defensive, "I did say he gave me homework. I'll probably study better on my own anyway."

"He's taking the wrong approach," another soldier said, confident. "As it is in our own training, practice is the best instructor. How better to learn the intricacies of a party than to attend one? At least, in model."

"Brilliant, Mills," Oliver commented. He looked to Bucky. "But only if Sir Barnes approves, of course."

Bucky looked uncertain about the idea and Sutton rubbed her temples.

"You want to give me more lessons?" She whined.

Bucky's expression snapped to a pleasant smile.

"I think we've done enough today to end our own training. And after all, isn't it on our honor to help those in need?"

Sutton's nose wrinkled in distaste.

"I didn't even do anything to you today," she said. "This is uncalled for."

"I'm simply trying to ensure you are as prepared as you can be," Bucky replied in too genial a tone. "I assure you, it's for your own benefit."

She didn't believe that to be his motivation for one second and her narrowed eyes were more than a little telling of her unspoken opinion. But it still didn't stop the men from situating themselves as noble party-goers around the field; an impulsive thought sparked in Sutton's mind and she fought to stifle a laugh.

"Oh my gosh, we're reverse larping. This is horrible."

Her comment went unacknowledged; Bucky held out his arm in a now familiar gesture and Sutton sighed and primly took it. Sprinkles followed closely at Sutton's side as she was led onto the grass, likely seeing this as a possible new game.

"The most demanding part of the coronation will be the part afterwards, when all the nobles and guests mingle and pleasantries are exchanged," Bucky explained. He continued almost carefully. "And you'll be a… new face, so you may garner more attention from some."

"Great. Good to know."

"My girl is very good at talking to strangers," Sprinkles offered. "She does it all the time. And all the other dogs at the park liked her; sometimes she brought extra treats."

"Other dogs don't count as strangers, Sprinkles." Sutton groaned then paused. "Wait.

They all liked me? Really?"

Bucky played himself, but the rest of the men pretended to be nobles. Sutton half expected them to play up the ridiculousness of how nobles were perceived, but they seemed to take their jobs seriously.

She was escorted around the field, 'introduced' to people, and taught how to stand at the edges of conversations and look just interesting enough that perhaps the higher ranking person would invite her in. Oliver assigned himself the role as an ambassador, which was apparently a higher form of noble, or at least deserving of more care, and she had to replay interacting with him a few times to master the art of being diplomatic enough.

She was tired of learning, but there was something to be said in the practice of acting out behaviors instead of just being told them. And the soldiers appeared to be having fun with it, so at least her predicament could provide someone entertainment.

"You likely needn't curtsy so deeply," Oliver suggested. He cut a look over to Bucky, as if seeking confirmation, but Bucky merely glared.

"Oh," said Sutton. "Is it weird? Sorry, I'm just going off mov- um, what I've seen… around."

"Lady Regan may curtsy however she likes for the coronation," Bucky said flatly. "For now, though, we ought to get going if we plan to arrive on time for dinner."

Sprinkles snapped back to attention at the mention of food; she grabbed on to a mouthful of Sutton's skirt and gave it a tug.

"Come, come!" She yipped. "This is a Best Part."

Sutton clicked her tongue.

"Unsurprising." She waved to the other men and dipped her head. There, not so deep. "Thank you all for helping me out! I definitely feel like I have a better grasp on everything now. Oh. But don't tell Tony that."

The soldiers laughed lightly and bid her farewell; Oliver bowed halfway and exchanged another look with Bucky as a knowing smile adorned his face. Bucky glared sharply before he pushed against Sutton's back to urge her toward the castle.

Sutton rolled her eyes at the action and huffed.

"Are you always so grumpy after work?"

"Only when there's a threat of invasion," Bucky said blandly. He muttered something else under his breath, but Sutton couldn't make it out and he refused to repeat himself.

Honestly. She wasn't even doing anything to garner so much frustration from everyone.

It really must be the possibility of war that had everyone so snarky.