『blacksmith's boy ch.1 | b. barnes x reader』
pairing: bucky barnes x afab!reader words: oh so many summary: after the (very frowny) son of a blacksmith saved you, you made him your knight - much to his disbelief and disapproval. At first, he's reluctant and only helps you out of obligation due to your high status, but, as time passes by, he begins growing fond of you. warning: there is some sensitive content ahead, namely violence and mentions of assault.
one - next ⇝
The sun had smiled down on you the second you were born. You were the only daughter in a large family, making you the center of all praise and attention. Your family, that had started as mere travelling merchants a mere decade before you were born, had built an empire on their trade.
You had never known hardship in your life, and being pampered, adored and protected by every cousin, aunt and uncle had made you quite sheltered and innocent, exposed to the dangers of an unjust and evil world.
Your first encounter with the shocking reality of the real world took place during a ball. Your family belonged to the bourgeoisie, they were not commoners, but they were not yet recognized any noble titles, as such, invitations to balls were scarce, but, whenever they did happen, you couldn't contain yourself.
The pompous people of the court and their chats could sometimes be boring, downright offensive even, but all that was easy to ignore when you were in the presence of the most detailed ball rooms, the most exquisite gowns, and the most delicious food.
The poor seamstress down the street had spent weeks working on your dress - you insisted it must be perfect. Although she enjoyed your enthusiasm, when you finally agreed on the finished project, the woman felt a weight fall from her shoulders.
It was a green dress, and the velvet pattern drawn all over the corset and skirt were a darker shade of green. The long Juliet sleeves with frills, and the lace that adorned the hem of the dress were eggshell coloured, intertwined with some golden thread, the same that tied your corset in the back of the dress, and that tied a small bow on your bust.
Your mom lent you her pearl earrings, a family heirloom, the first expensive thing that your family had acquired, as well as her emerald necklace.
The family's invitation wasn't guaranteed, so you had to go all out and be on your best behaviour - something your parents reiterated constantly.
So, naturally, when your carriage stopped in front of the castle's door, it took you a second to collect your thoughts and step out. These people knew everything about each other, and you felt a little bit like a fish out of water - you were sure they knew everything about you too, however, which only made you that much more nervous.
Suddenly the corset felt too tight, the ruffles felt itchy and the air felt hot and stuffy.
"You look lovely this evening, Madame..." A voice said beside you.
You snapped out of your stress-induced trance and looked to your side. A tall, well-built male with honey-coloured eyes and blonde curls smiled down at you.
"Y/L/N. Y/N Y/L/N." You introduced, bowing your head slightly, and flashing the polite smile you had practiced all week.
"Bernard Graham, my Lady." The male returned the smile and the bow as he said his name.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Bernard."
You could see your mother and father from your peripheral vision, smiling brightly as the rehearsed lines fell from your lips effortlessly, like you belonged.
"The pleasure is all mine, Lady Y/N. I must request that you save a dance for me later in the evening."
You felt the heat rise to your face as the male took your hand in his and kissed it softly.
"I shall find the time for you, Sir Bernard." You responded and exchanged one last bow before he excused himself.
It was hard for your parents to keep composure after their child was approached by such a good looking gentleman just as she stepped off the carriage - the night was promising.
As expected, the interior of the palace was absolutely ravishing. Decorated with shimmery ribbons of silk and satin, bouquets of roses, lilies and orchids, and food served in the finest silver I'd ever seen. You had to try your hardest not to pick up a spoon and spend the whole evening admiring the intricate hand work that had gone into the details.
It was as beautiful as it was intimidating - standing among the most important people in the country, those who knew everything and controlled everything, was exciting but scary. You knew that if you faltered or failed to uphold your composure for a second, it'd be noticed and talked about.
You engaged in conversation with some of the younger ladies, but when the music began echoing through the large room, it was a breath of fresh air - no more talking and gossiping, simply dancing.
No one had invited you to dance during the first song, which was quite alright as watching the dancing always amused you. As the second song started, however, someone extended their palm to you.
"May I claim the dance that was promised to me, my Lady?" The man you had met at the entrance asked.
You smiled, and bowed, before placing your hand on top of his, lightly.
"I'd be honoured."
His hands were soft, his touch was light and his voice was mischievous. You could tell Bernard was the type of man that gave you a little of him just so you could leave wanting more, and you fell into the trap.
You were taken by his beauty and good manners, and, as he stared at you with his glass eyes, it was as if you were being hypnotized.
"Have you ever seen the Castle's garden?" He asked in your ear, in a faint, husky voice.
There was something else in his voice, an undertone that told you his words and actions were not at all the best, but alas, your excitement clouded your judgement. You were in the Royal Palace, attending a ball amongst all of the important people of the Kingdom. As if that wasn't enough, you got an opportunity to visit the garden, which was rumoured to have imported plants and animals from all over the world - it was known that the Queen appreciated beauty and everything eccentric, so how could you refuse such an offer?
"Me? I- I have not, Sir! I heard it is exquisite." You said.
The glow in your eyes made him smile, the sweet innocence and genuine interest ignited something within him. The male looked around briefly before expertly guiding you out of the crowded room.
You weren't supposed to be unaccompanied and in the presence of a man, it was frowned upon, but Bernard had been so kind, and he had made an offer you couldn't refuse.
"Woah!..." You exclaimed, looking around, taking in all of the beauty.
Flowers of all different kinds, colours and scents surrounded you, the trees were full of fruits you couldn't even name, and the grass and leaves around you looked like a brighter, fresher shade of green.
You were too busy admiring the natural scenery that enveloped you to notice a pair of hands sneaking around your waist. You were only brought back down to planet Earth when his firm chest pressed against your back.
It was as if a bucket of freezing water had been thrown in your face.
You stepped forward harshly, hoping to create some distance between you and the man, and turned around to face him, with wide eyes and a burning face.
"Sir- Sir Bernard, whatever are you doing? We mustn't behave in such a way." You questioned as you fixed your dress, hoping to maintain your composure despite your discomfort.
"Come on, sweetheart, I saw how you were looking at me in there. Let's have a good time, no one has to know about it..." His voice was dangerously low, and the male licked his lips as he stepped forward, hoping to close the distance between your bodies once more.
Your world was spinning - what had you gotten yourself into!? How could you have been so careless!? You were alone with a man, in the Castle grounds. You couldn't yell for help, if you were caught your reputation would be in shambles! Everyone would talk!
Your chest rose and fell rapidly as you began panicking, there seemed to be no solution, you were scared and "Sir" Bernard did not care at all. Your back was against a wall, and the man had no intentions on stopping coming towards you.
Suddenly, just as the male leaned down to kiss you, he was yanked away from you. You had no time to process what had happened, one second the man was glued to your body, and, the next, he was laying on the floor, about two meters away from you.
"Pick on someone your own size."
Your eyes followed the source of the voice. Not far from you stood a man- no, scratch that, he was far too beautiful to be described as just "a man". His eyes were as blue as the sky, his hair was dark and fell down to his jaw, outlining his face perfectly. He had a bit of a scruff that made him look rugged and manly (along with his large, well.-built frame). The male's skin was golden, which suggested he worked quite a lot, which you found attractive.
"How dare you!? Do you know who I am!? I can have you jailed for life!" Bernard said through gritted teeth.
He attempted to stand, but the unknown male knelt beside Bernard, gripped a fist full of the male's hair and tugged on it, keeping the man on the ground.
"And I can kill you right now. I can chop you up, feed you to the pigs and no one will ever know what happened, hm? How's that sound?"
His threat sent a shiver down your spine, but it wasn't fear, it was a mix of arousal and excitement - you had never seen someone impose so much respect.
Bernard widened his eyes in fear, and, for some reason, seeing him experience the feelings he had caused you, made you happy.
"Didn't think so. Get the fuck out of here." As he said that, the male let go of Bernard's blonde locks and pushed him forward.
The latter scrambled on his feet, with the help of his hands, and ran off fearfully - truly a sight to behold, as he scurried away, his white pants stained with green from the grass.
You looked at your saviour, and you exchanged a look before he turned around and began walking away.
"Hold on!" You loudly called, as you ran after him and grabbed his wrist.
The male whipped around violently, as if he was disgusted by your touch and you nervously stepped back.
"I-I... That was-" the words got caught in your throat as his beautiful gaze pierced you "Thank you, for going out of your way to help me." You managed to blurt out.
He scoffed and looked around, trying to look at anything but you. There was a smile on his face, but it wasn't humurous as much as it was ironic.
"Don't get the wrong message, your highness, I couldn't give any less of a shit about people like you," he said, mockingly, hinting at the fact that you were of higher status "but I have a younger sister, and I didn't like what I was seeing."
Just like that, he turned his (very large) back around once more and began walking the opposite way.
"Wait!" You grabbed your dress as you attempted to go after him and match his step "You saved me nonetheless, I must know your name!"
"Must you, though?" He mocked you again, mimicking the fancy language you used "I thought the women weren't supposed to be out and alone with a man, anyways."
"Well... yes, that's true. But you're my saviour, I have to thank you and I'd like to know your name. It is the proper thing to do!" You insisted once more, finding it hard to match his fast pace with your heels digging into the dirt of the garden.
Finally, he stopped and turned around to face you, one hand on his hip and the other pinching the bridge of his nose. The man sighed and licked his lips.
"Fine, if I tell you my name, will you leave me alone?"
"I promise." You told him, and nodded, knowing fully well he would be on your mind for a very long time.
"It's James." He introduced, simply, as if he was trying to give you as little information as possible.
"James?..."
The man sighed once again, but he had already understood that you weren't going to back down, so he might as well fold and give you the answers you sought.
"James Barnes."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir James, you have my full gratitude."
"minors do not interact" banner credit: @cafekitsune
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