The truth is that Sam has lived half a walking nightmare for years now. The youngest of three children, he is not in line for the throne, and always knew he duty was to marry well. An omega is bargain like that, and he is lucky that by virtue of his birth, he will be kept in comfort no matter what.
Still... he is 15 when John Walker delivers an ultimatum to Sam's parents. He will agree to a ceasefire if Sam is given to him then and there. The request was refused staunchly for three years, despite how the war was bleeding both their people as well as royal coffers, bringing misery and near ruin to the country. Sam shudders to think of it all. The engagement was inevitable. It would have happened sooner had anyone heeded Sam - he would have gladly done it three years ago to save his country. He's still glad to do it today.
That doesn't make it any easier, wenn Walker touches him and tells him how Sam will do his duty in their marital bed. Sam despises the man and his touch. But he loves his people.
When Bucky addresses him, Sam startled, although his recovery is quick. He knows how to act befitting of his position, even on a night like this. When the country celebrates and Sam mourns, privately and quietly.
"Sergeant Barnes," he greets, tone warm. The man is a war veteran, and Sam has personally lobbied for as many of them as possible to receive positions of honor in the royal guard, or attractive pensions. Sam remembers seeing the man before the war, participating in a tournament. Bucky is older now, more haunted. Sam is touched that Bucky would follow him into the maze to check on him. "I'm well, but you have my gratitude for the concern. I hope you've been able to enjoy the banquet. I know it must be a lot to adjust to your new post."
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Date: 2022-12-24 05:02 pm (UTC)Still... he is 15 when John Walker delivers an ultimatum to Sam's parents. He will agree to a ceasefire if Sam is given to him then and there. The request was refused staunchly for three years, despite how the war was bleeding both their people as well as royal coffers, bringing misery and near ruin to the country. Sam shudders to think of it all. The engagement was inevitable. It would have happened sooner had anyone heeded Sam - he would have gladly done it three years ago to save his country. He's still glad to do it today.
That doesn't make it any easier, wenn Walker touches him and tells him how Sam will do his duty in their marital bed. Sam despises the man and his touch. But he loves his people.
When Bucky addresses him, Sam startled, although his recovery is quick. He knows how to act befitting of his position, even on a night like this. When the country celebrates and Sam mourns, privately and quietly.
"Sergeant Barnes," he greets, tone warm. The man is a war veteran, and Sam has personally lobbied for as many of them as possible to receive positions of honor in the royal guard, or attractive pensions. Sam remembers seeing the man before the war, participating in a tournament. Bucky is older now, more haunted. Sam is touched that Bucky would follow him into the maze to check on him. "I'm well, but you have my gratitude for the concern. I hope you've been able to enjoy the banquet. I know it must be a lot to adjust to your new post."