Chapter Text
The light streaming through the curtains shifted from the red and orange hues of the sunset to the calming blue light of the moon, streaming through the cracks of the windows and landing on the rumpled sheets of the chamber's empty bed. Soft laughter can be heard echoing gently around its walls, its source coming from the balcony where a prince and a blacksmith spoke under the moonlight.
"Let me show you something, Anthony," he spoke, his voice filled with excitement. Tony looked in rapt attention as the prince held out his hand, and a swirling light of blue began at the tips of his fingers. It shone brighter than that of the moon, and soon, fluttered a blue butterfly that crawled across Stephen's palm.
"Beautiful," Tony muttered, in awe at the butterfly that seemed to emanate a gentle glow. It flapped its wings into the night air, disappearing into the night. Stephen grinned, a smile that made crinkles form in the edges of his eyes. He conjured some more butterflies from his palm, letting them burst out in a series of flutters.
A single butterfly flew around the blacksmith, making him turn in a circle to keep eyesight at the beautiful creature, before it decided to land on the tip of his nose. Tony heard soft laughter from beside him, and the moment he flickered his eyes and caught sight of Stephen, his breath caught in his throat, almost as if it were knocked out of his chest.
The moonlight shone across his features, a slight flush forming on his high cheekbones from the cold of the night air. He was laughing softly beneath his knuckles, and his shoulders shook with it.
"Beautiful," Tony repeated. The butterfly on his nose fluttered away, joining its friends.
His warm brown eyes gazed into Stephen's, the swirling shades of green, blue, grey, and a tint of brown in his eyes never failing to enrapture him. It was like looking over the expanse of the deep ocean, where secrets and mysteries of the sea lay beneath, awaiting to be discovered.
The prince had only shown him his face a few days ago, and Tony had cherished every single chance he had to look at it. It was an honour, a show of trust, something no other person – well, no other person like him – has ever had the fortune of seeing. And Tony was forever grateful for it.
The beauty of his face was nothing like he's ever seen before – the gentle upturn of his lips when he smiled, setting butterflies fluttering inside his stomach, the little crease between his eyebrows whenever he frowned, the little crook of his nose, the sharpness of his cheekbones that could cut glass… Stephen Strange had an assortment of odd features, yet blended together so well. His beauty was, undeniably, none like the other. It was captivating, luring Tony to the man.
But just as soon, the little bubble that formed between the two of them at that balcony was disturbed by a knock that came from the door.
"Your royal highness, the Sorceress Supreme requests your presence." A voice from the door came, and Stephen scrambled for his veil. Tony hurried to drop off the balcony, climbing down the branches of a tree he used to get up.
"Same time tomorrow?" He asked, whispering the words, but loud enough for the prince to hear.
Stephen turned around to catch Tony's eyes, and even through the veil, the way his eyes sparkled with a twinkle told him that a smile had formed on his face.
"Same time tomorrow." Stephen said, before he turned over his heels and stalked towards the door.
He straightened his clothes and readjusted his veil, clearing his throat before placing his hand on the door handle to slowly pull it open. With a curt nod, the guard in front of him led Stephen through the carpeted hallway, down the swirling staircase, and into the main tower where the throne room was at. Sat on the throne was The Ancient One, who stood upon Stephen's arrival and stepped forward towards him.
"My prince," she greeted.
"Mother," Stephen replied, giving a bow.
The Sorceress Supreme returned it with a gentle nod.
"Such a lovely evening, isn't it?"
"Yes, I believe so."
She nodded again, and then clasped her hands together.
"Well then, I believe I shall just get to the point."
Stephen nodded, shifting in place.
"I have decided that it is time for you to take the throne," she said, and Stephen's previous composure gave way to that of surprise, evident from the widening of his eyes and the raise of both his eyebrows.
The Ancient One gave a light chuckle. "It was bound to happen, eventually. It's not that I'm dying or anything, dear. I just felt it was better to… speed things up"
Stephen gave a sigh of relief at that, but some tension still lingered in his shoulders. He knew it wasn't just that.
" But, " The Ancient One said, holding up a finger, "in order for you to claim the throne, I wish to have you married. To have someone as a companion to lead the kingdom of Kamar Taj together."
"Married?" Stephen asked.
The chuckle that came from his mother was unexpected. "Yes, married."
Stephen gave a frown.
"I have, in fact, gathered a few individuals from outside the kingdom that might be compatible for you. Some even wish to merge our kingdoms together," She said, her smile growing at every word, "isn't that such wonderful news? They have agreed to come gather in the very room we are standing in right now, tomorrow."
" Tomorrow ?" Stephen exclaimed, the initial shock giving way to anxiety. "Why have you just told me now, mother?"
The Ancient One gave him a look. It was that look Stephen had never understood, the one that looked so innocent yet held such power, one that made his skin tingle and his insides churn, sending his mind into a swirling mass of panic. It was as if she were staring right through him and revealing every secret of his being, leaving him bare and vulnerable beneath her eyes.
"Tomorrow." She said instead, a little smirk playing across her lips. She walked away without another word.
Left standing alone in the throne room, – aside from the guards standing behind the double doors – Stephen gave a frustrated exhale.
Tomorrow , her voice echoed in his mind.
*.~ ◇ ~.*
Putting links on the A/N never worked for me, so I'll just leave this here.
Originally posted on Tumblr
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