#slipping through

"Sires!" The guard, a young man by the name of Dernier called as he came into view. His face was pale and his eyes wide, "We found something. . . a man's body." The brothers glanced at each other before setting off to follow Dernier. It didn't take long to push through the bushes and foliage before they came across a smaller dirt path than the one they had been taking. 

Two other guards stood nearby, on alert if need be. Dernier led the two princes just down the path and soon enough they came up to the body of a young man lying face down in what used to be a pool of blood. The ground underneath was dark, the blood dried and soaked up by the dirt. Steve knelt down, and brushed the brown curls away from the face and he sucked in a breath. 

"Peter. . ." Bucky muttered as he looked down at his old friend. He remembered watching you and Peter chase one another through the gardens when you would visit. You'd somehow convinced his own father to allow the boy to join you three in your games and you'd quickly grown fond of him. Bucky and Steve's father saw potential in the boy, and moved him to training with the knights. Soon enough, his talent for sneaking through hallways unnoticed had gotten him placed among Hydra's soldiers and he had been reporting back ever since. 

But he was still too young to be a full man, too young to be thrown to the wolves like he was. Bucky hadn't thought he was ready when his father announced the decision, and now, he wished he'd spoken his mind instead of letting them cart him off to enemy territory. Now, here he was with a dagger in his neck and a fearful look frozen on his face. Bucky reached down with his own dagger, cutting the rope that bound Peter's arms behind his back, he was defenseless. 

Rage boiled in Bucky's veins as he stood, stepping away from Peter's body and onto the path. He could see through the tree line where it connected with the main road, where it led to their destination. He glanced back the other way, his brows scrunching. Why were they out here? 

He let the thought fester in mind as they worked together to give Peter somewhat of a burial. They had a decent spot in the ground dug when they searched his pockets, looking for anything that would tell them what exactly happened. All they found was a scrap of parchment paper folded in his vest pocket. Steve unfolded it, revealing a small sketched out map. It had a small mark circled numerous times with the word 'HERE' scrawled in large letters. 

Once Peter was laid to rest, a small pile of rocks stacked on top, they brought out their own map and compared the small hand drawn one from Peter's vest. The sun had set, blanketing the forest in shadows as the glow of the torches was all they had to light the parchment. It didn't take long before it revealed to line up with the small path they found him along. 

"Looks like whatever he circled should only be half a day's ride up the road," Steve said, glancing up the path that they now stood on. 

Bucky thought for a moment, about how they should go about this new piece of information. Another puzzle piece they had to try and fit into a picture they couldn't see. He wanted to continue on their journey, to see if you were behind enemy lines in their kingdom. But he also knew that if Steve were to split off, he could say something out of emotional anger or frustration that could have a detrimental outcome. Steve was always the more diplomatic of the two, being the leader of the kingsguard had trained him to keep his emotions hidden and his actions unbiased. And though Bucky was in line to take the throne, that was something he struggled with. He wore his heart and his sleeve and he knew it. 

"I'll follow Parker's map," He stated, staring down the dark path, "I'll take Dernier and Jones. We'll check out whatever it is he's got circled here, and meet back with you at the castle." Steve turned, eyes wide and unsure of his brother's choice. 

"Are you sure? There could be anything over there. I'm supposed to protect you, not let you go wandering off because we found a map drawn by a boy." Steve hadn't meant for it to come across as aggressive or as sceptical as it did, but he couldn't take it back now, so he stood by his words. 

"A boy?" Bucky scoffed as he whirled and pointed at his brother, "He was integrated into the Hydra ranks because of you and father. He was close with Y/N and me and you when we were children. He was brilliant and too young to be on his own like that in a place where he couldn't trust a soul. I am going to check it, and you cannot and will not stop me." Bucky walked back to camp, fuming at the words of his brother. 

He had a feeling, a twisting uncomfortableness in his gut that told him Peter's death had something to do with you. And he was going to find out what was so important on that map, even if he had to fight his own flesh and blood to do it. 

~~~

The next morning, the brothers parted their ways, Bucky taking the two soldiers he picked the night before to accompany him, the rest going with Steve to the lion's den. 

It didn't take long for Bucky to find the old, seemingly abandoned building that Peter had circled on his map. It was hidden by the dense trees and appeared to be an old fort, long forgotten after a war long before Bucky's time. 

Its stone bricks were weathered from the environment and storms from over who knows how many years. There were vines and moss climbing up the walls and growing along the roof of the old building. They followed the carriage tracks to a little cove in the bottom of the building and split up from there. 

Jones and Dernier took the main and second floors while Bucky took the underground level. It was dark and the air was humid, causing a thin sheen of sweat to gather on his brow as he lit a torch to light his way. He slowly made his way through what turned out to be a dungeon of sorts, though much smaller than any castle would have, only having four cells. 

He carefully inspected each cell as he came across them, the smell of wet dirt and rotting food filling his nose as the further down the hall he went. Most cells were barren, nothing but dust and mildew and some moss coming in from the small opening that was originally meant to be a window. Sometimes there would be a small rodent that would run out the door the second he opened it, as if they'd been stuck in there forever, but somehow survived. 

It wasn't until he came to the last cell that the twisting in his gut had a reason for tormenting him all morning. Opening the door, he found it was the one cell with no window, no fresh air reaching it and as his torch lit up the room in a warm glow, his heart dropped. 

There were apple cores, fresh ones in the corner. He knelt to the ground and spotted stains, blood stains. As he walked around the room, eyes glued to the floor, he spotted a few bloodied rags in another corner, and pieces of ripped fabric. Picking up one of the pieces, he knew it was from your dress. It was the same fabric of your favorite nightgown, the silky maroon one. It felt like his heart stopped beating as he sat, knelt to the floor with the fabric in his hand. You were right here. Parker knew, he must've been with you while you were here. 

The pieces started to fall into place the longer he thought about it. Parker was with you, spying on Rumlow when you were taken. He would've cared for you, he knows he would have, that boy looked up to you, even as children. That must be the reason why they found him with a knife lodged in his throat. Rumlow figured it out and punished Peter. 

Bucky blew out a harsh breath as he raised to his feet, taking another look around the room. He saw the chains attached to the wall, leading up to the ceiling and hanging in the center of the room. Rage flooded his veins as his jaw clenched. He didn't need anyone to tell him what happened here. He could figure it out for himself. But to imagine you, hanging from the chains in front of his eyes, taking god knows what Rumlow did to you. It all made him sick. 

He couldn't wait till he got his hands on him. He promised to himself then and there, that once he got to Rumlow, he was going to make him pay for everything he did to you in this room. 

But he also knew that finding this meant they were closer to you than they thought. It was only a matter of time before they got you back, and Brock paid for what he did. With his life. 

He made his way back outside, finding Dernier and Jones waiting for him. 

"We didn't find anything of significance, sir," Jones announced. Bucky waved them off as he mounted his horse. 

"We need to get to the castle as fast as we can," He started before looking to the two guards who were untying their horses from the trees, "Are you two alright with riding through the night? I found evidence in the dungeons. She was here. I want us there as soon as possible, but if you two want to take a rest, we can do that as well." He watched the guards share a look before looking back to him with determination. 

"Sire, we'd rather find her than rest. We can ride through the night." They mounted their horses and nodded at Bucky, waiting for him to lead the way. Though the situation was dire, he couldn't stop his heart from swelling with pride. His guards were as loyal to you as they were to him. He was grateful for that. 

~~~

Steve traveled to the gates of the Hydra Castle, informing the guards of the letters exchanged with their king, showing him the signed letter that told him they could come search his kingdom. They soon let him and his men past, leading their convoy through the main city that surrounded the castle. 

Once they were inside, greeted by the king himself, King Pierce, Steve followed him to his throne room and sent the guards to get the carriage and the dogs settled for the night. The sun had already set and they would search the grounds the following afternoon once Bucky had rejoined them. 

"You really believe my son has something to do with this?" King Pierce asked, his voice echoing in the large room. It was just the two of them, Pierce on his throne and Steve standing just steps below him. He was trying to be as civil as possible, like he was trained to do. But the smirk on Pierce's face irritated him to no end. 

"Well, your highness, she was taken the morning of her wedding, and your son was found to be missing as well. All other guests stayed for questioning and all other routes of suspicion have been closed. Prince Rumlow is the only one who we haven't been able to speak with and inquire about why he left," Steve said, his voice more calm than his heart, though he was thankful for that. If Pierce had known how on edge he was, who knows what could happen. The king was known for his 'out of character' actions and he didn't want to provoke him in the slightest. 

"Well, I assure you he is innocent. He was on his way home and the wedding was along his route. So I told him to stop to bear witness, then to come immediately home. So him leaving that morning would make sense." Pierce tried to dismiss Steve's information. 

"The wedding hadn't even happened when he was discovered to have. . . fled." Steve reminded. Pierce's face twitched, just the slightest flicker of his eyelid before he continued. 

"Well, perhaps he felt endangered. He was only there for formality, we are nations at war after all. And with your princess being taken, he could've felt like his life was endangered and he wanted to return to safety." Pierce said with a wave of his hand, as if he was waving off the topic all together. "Now, you wanted to search my grounds to be sure?" 

"If you would allow us, Sire. We are only here to search for her, nothing else. Given the size of your castle, it would probably take us only a day, but we would like to wait for my brother to arrive before we start." 

"And when will he be here? Because, no offense, but I would rather you all go home as soon as you can." Pierce said, his polite smile dropping into a frown. 

"He should be here tomorrow by mid-day. He had important matters to attend to before he could travel." Steve lied. Well, he didn't necessarily lie, he just needed to give Bucky a vague enough excuse to work with if Pierce were to ask where he was.

They concluded the discussion after King Pierce agreed to let them search the grounds, though Steve had to remind him he wrote a letter stating that he was the one who told them to bring the hounds in the first place. Steve thought it was a bit odd that Pierce forgot about what he had written, but it was something that could've been written off on him being too busy to remember such a small detail. Either way, he thought it was odd. 

Before Steve could make his exit, the door was thrown open, "Father! I have some news fo--" Prince Rumlow. Just the person Steve was looking for. 

"Ah, I wasn't aware we were having. . . company." He said as he slowly walked around Steve on his way to stand at his father's side. 

"Yes, his brother will be here tomorrow. They are looking for something that was taken from them during that wedding I told you to go to." Pierce said, though the tone made Steve's brows furrow in confusion. It wasn't anything notable that was confusing, it was just his tone. Something about it being just a little too suggestive as he spoke with his son. Like it was a warning. But as Pierce side eyed Steve before looking back to his son, he wasn't sure who the warning was for. Him or Rumlow. 

"I was wondering if I could speak with you, your majesty," Steve gritted out, trying his best to remain civil. He knew Brock took you, he was sure of it. But without proof, he'd have to keep himself in check. "I only have a few questions about the morning of the accident." 

Brock straightened himself as he held his head higher, "I suppose, but could it wait till tomorrow? I have some business to attend to with my father and I plan on turning in for the night after that."  Steve breathed in sharply through his nose. He had no choice but to oblige to the request, this wasn't his kingdom. This wasn't his home, he was a guest. And regardless of the circumstances, he'd have to allow Brock Rumlow a night to put together a story to explain his whereabouts. He sighed. 

"Of course. It'll only be a couple questions, then we can move on with our day," Steve said, leaving out the part about the hounds. If Pierce wasn't going to tell his son about the search that was to be had, then he wouldn't either. Anything he could hide from the prince, the better. 

"Alright, then," Pierce said, standing from his throne, "If you'll excuse us, my son and I have some important matters to discuss. The servant outside will show you to your room for the evening." Steve bowed his head before taking his leave. 

The servant that was waiting for him, took him to his room and bid him a goodnight. He shed his armor, pulling on a hooded cloak. He was going to survey the grounds before they searched them. And besides, it wasn't like Pierce told him he couldn't check out the city a little before they left. 

~~~

"What is so important you had to barge into one of my meetings? Don't you remember me teaching you time and time again that when that door is shut, you are to wait until I open it again?" Brock's father snapped. 

"Ah, well, now that certain events are in light, it's not that important." He stumbled through his explanation. He was going to tell his father about you, about his plan to take you as his wife to end the war. But now, the princes who have sworn their loyalty to you, were here to search for you. As long as he kept you in the dungeon, hidden from their prying eyes, there shouldn't be a problem.

"I have one question for you, son," Pierce said as he stood, coming eye to eye with his heir. 

"Yes, father?" There was only one man Brock was fearful of. His father was ruthless, even in raising him. He was strict and allowed for no less than perfect. Taking you was a risk, but it seemed like a risk his father would've agreed to if he had a moment to explain the thought process behind it. But now that would have to wait until your fiance and his brother left. 

"Tell me the truth," He rested a heavy hand on Brock's shoulder, "Do you have that poor girl?" 

Brock opened his mouth to respond, but his father held up a hand, silencing whatever words were about to come out of his mouth, "Because if you do," He gave Brock's shoulder a tight squeeze, "and if you took her without talking to me first, the consequences will be detrimental not only to you, but to our family and our kingdom." Brock's mouth slammed shut as anxiety took over. 

"No, father, I don't have her." His voice shook as he denied the claims. Suddenly, everything that he'd done up to this point was replaying in his head. Not only did he take you, he tortured you, brought you to his home to try to marry you. And his father wasn't on board with it like he thought he would be. Things were going downhill, and quickly. He had to find a way to fix it. 

"Good," His father gave him a tight lipped smile, "I don't want you going anywhere until they're done searching tomorrow." 

"Yes, father," He muttered before his father gave him a pat on his back and took his leave, retiring for the evening, leaving Brock alone in the throne room. His worries and anxieties over his actions flooded his head. He had to figure something out.

He could take you to the border, send you on your way on foot. They'd find you on their way back and everything would be fine. But, you would tell them he'd taken you. He hadn't hidden his face from you, you knew who your captor was - that wasn't an option. He could get rid of you, they'd never find you once he deposited the body in the large waterfall at the ocean border. Even if they did find you, they would never know who did it. He wouldn't leave a trace. 

Straightening his overcoat, he took a calming breath. It was his only choice. He just needed you to be quiet for the remainder of the prince's stay. And he needed them to stay out of the dungeons. 

Before he got the chance to leave, his father stepped back into the room, "Oh, and they brought hounds. So if she's here," His eyes narrowed on his son, "They will find her." Brock nodded to his father in understanding. He didn't have time to wait till they left. He had to move you fast. 

He made his way out of the throne room, dismissing the guard that was there to escort him to his chambers. Something about keeping him safe with enemies under their roof, but he waved him off. He knew that if the man had followed him to the dungeons and caught sight of you, he'd report back to the king. 

Once he was no longer being followed, he made his way down the back spiral staircase to the dungeons, finding Rollins who stood guard in front of the hall leading to your cell. He shushed the man before he could greet him. 

"Get the carriage ready, we need to get her out of here. Now." He demanded, shoving Rollins towards the stairs. He watched as the man all but ran his way out, obeying the prince, the one he was most loyal to in the royal family. 

Brock took a breath before entering your cell, seeing you staring at the wall, dark circles under your eyes and blood stained into the creases of your skin, your elbows, your knees, and your fingers. Something about seeing you in that state, hardly registering he was even there seemed to solidify how much trouble he was about to be in if he didn't get you out of there. 

"C'mon Princess, we're leaving," You looked at him, void of emotion and he rushed forward, pulling you to your feet, "I said, come on." He dragged you up from the ground where you sat and led you through the twists and turns of the dungeons. There was a back door, the one he'd brought you through when you arrived. Rollins should be there with a carriage by the time you two open the door. If he hurries, he can get rid of you before sunrise and make it back before they start the search. 

~~~

Steve was making his way back from the small inn down the road from the castle, he'd stopped and asked a few people their thoughts on the royal family, all varying in opinion. Some loved the royal family, they'd been around when they took over the city, loving the change. But some of the younger crowd weren't as sure. They mentioned the strictness of the king, the ruthlessness of his punishments for those who went against him. Punishment made sense, but public execution often seemed overstepping, at least that's what the commoners told him. 

He was walking around the castle, trying to stick to the shadows as he passed certain guards. He wasn't breaking any laws that he knew of, but the less attention brought to himself the better. Rounding the corner, he had to stop himself as he heard a few voices. He peaked around the cobblestone wall to see Brock Rumlow holding the door of a carriage as he shoved another man to the drivers box. 

"Quit dragging your feet, Rollins," He grunted as he climbed into the carriage box, "We gotta go and be back before midday." The door shut, but not before Steve got a glimpse of a familiar looking nightgown and his heart dropped. Rollins climbed into the driver's box, giving the reins a good snap to get the horses trotting, and the carriage took off down the road. 

Steve didn't waste any time as he ran to the stables where Dugan, Sawyer, and Pinkerton were standing about to remove their saddles. 

"Stop!" Steve shouted, "Get the hounds. She's in that carriage." He explained as he took the reins from Sawyer's hands, "You have that fabric still right?" Sawyer nodded as he released the horse. "Good, ride with Pinkerton. You'll both fit since you've shed your armor. I'm gonna ride ahead so we don't lose them, and don't take too long getting the hounds." 

He didn't stay long to see if they acknowledged him, he knew they did. They always would. Now, it was just a matter of getting to you before you got to wherever Rumlow was trying to take you. He just hoped he could get there in time.

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