Work Text
The royal palace of Silvermoor saw the night fall into the morning while Wizard Tony Stark continued to forgo sleep to create enhanced armor to better protect the Knights of the Realm. On a recent expedition a new Knight, one of Tony's favorites, was hurt during his attempt to save a little girl from a runaway horse. Knight Peter Parker was hurt when he tried to cushion the little girl's fall, as he fell on a sharp rock that penetrated the armor. The deep scrape required stitches and Tony knew that if Doctor Bruce Banner had to stitch up one more wound with sheep intestines he would get his anger issues back. He also really hated seeing Peter in the medical ward. Little did his sleepy tired mind realize that this night would forever alter Tony's destiny. As King James Barnes made his way down to Tony's still room, his mind filled with the confession he longed to make to Tony as well as a lot of anger that the little Wizard had yet again neglected his well-being for work. Finally, he found Tony alone in the still room completely engrossed in his latest contrivance. Bucky trembled with a mixture of anticipation and frustration as he mustered the courage to speak his truth. "Tony, you had been warned" The king began, his voice laced with a tinge of anger. "Let's make our way to your chambers, I have something to say to you "Tony, abruptly distracted from his tinkering, glanced up. "Ah, greetings Bucky! What's on your mind?" Tony asked knowing full well he was about to be told off. The king refused to let Tony's pretense continue and bodily lifted him off his workbench. Tony immediately leaned against Bucky who took a deep breath of Tony's hair, struggling to articulate the emotions swirling inside him. "Tony, I'm furious at you. But I've also fallen deeply in love with you. Your charm, intellect, and wit have bewitched my heart. If you would have me, I want to be by your side forever." Bucky confessed, his tone more angry and demanding than loving, as soon as they entered Tony's chambers. Tony blinked in surprise, his tinkering forgotten. Just as Bucky prepared himself for a response, Knight Steve Rogers burst into the room, wearing gleaming armor. Flustered and out of breath, the Knight knelt beside Tony. Bucky's anger flared upon the interruption and had it been any other Knight they would have lost their Knighthood. The King's anger shifted to amusement as he witnessed his closest friend and most trusted Knight righteously confess his love to the object of the King's every desire. "My heart is bursting with devotion for you, Tony," Steve declared, "I am the fiercest protector you will ever find! I'll battle any foe that dares to threaten even a single hair on your head!" He inched closer. Tony found himself sitting on his bed with the Knight on one side and the King on the other. The king held his hand and explained in a gruff tone "We don't want to fight over you Tony, we have been aware of each other's feelings for you for years and that has been one of the reasons we haven't confessed them to you. However before Steve left to make sure the outer villages were secure from bandits we spoke with Natasha, She told us that she is in a romantic relationship with both the Knight commander James Rhodes and his wife, Virginia. Steve and I have always been close friends and we would not like to pursue a relationship with each other but it did lead to us talking about letting you decide who you wanted, or if you wanted the both of us. I want you to know this decision may cause a period of awkwardness between us but it will never create distance. You will always have both our hearts, whatever you choose to do. We will always be together, the three of us. My loyal Knight and fierce friend, Steve will always be my right hand and you will always be my heart. Steve and I decided that upon the day of his return from the patrol, we would confess to you, just before I came to your still room he lost his nerve and I told him I would do this with or without him. It was amusing to see his righteous confession despite his nerves" Bucky ended with a lighter tone. "Bucky do shut your mouth and let our little wizard reply" The Knight snarked back.
Tony was far too tired for this and although the sun was up his mind was down. "Though your approaches differ, both of you fight for my happiness and safety. I couldn't ask for two more devoted men by my side. However, I want to give you an answer worthy of you and that will only come after I have had at least 4 hours of sleep. Is that okay, o-or am I being cru-cruel?" By the end of his answer, Tony decided he was horrible for imposing such anxiety on the two Knights. His eyes were large and watery once he felt too tired to understand much. His momentum of focus was interrupted by the King walking into his still room and his exhaustion took him by surprise. He felt like a deer caught in headlights. Swaying from exhaustion.
Still holding his hand Bucky bellowed "Tony! You are ridiculous, how many days were you awake for this time, you can't neglect yourself like this - You are making it difficult for us to do our duties when you neglect yourself - I had to meet with King Arthur about his issues with his half-sister and Steve had to patrol the villages, how are we to leave you alone in the future if you behave this way?!". Both the Knights immediately felt guilty for not noticing sooner and Bucky resorted to Anger while Steve decided to just tuck Tony into bed and pet his hair.
The knights were not the only ones feeling guilty and Tony was feeling a pit just as deep in his stomach "I promise I will Bucky, please, I am sorry! Please" Tony whimpered. All three were placated when the King kissed Tony's hand and nodded and Tony smiled at both the Knights before falling asleep to the soothing feeling of Steve playing with his hair.
Four hours of sleep turned to six while Steve and Bucky waited just outside Tony's bed chamber in his parlor. They both heard the Wizard draw a bath with magic and patted each other on the back to convey support. Both were too nervous to speak.
As soon as Tony came out to his parlor, the Knights snapped their focus to his face, causing a blush to rise up the back of his neck. He knew to speak before the other two had the chance to be any more anxious than they already were. "You both saved me from my father and believed me over every official on his council. When my father's Knight commander Obadiah grabbed me and the two of you were so shocked I knew that abuse was not rampant under Bucky's father's leadership. As soon as you saw me alone you came and talked to me, you got me out, then you allowed me to enter your father's council and trusted me to help plan the attack. The freeing of my people and the combination of our kingdoms was only possible because of the two of you. Once my father was killed by Bucky's father, Obadiah tried to kill me and the King lost his life taking the sword meant for me, killing Obadiah in the process. I thought for sure you would want me banished, the two of you loved the King fiercely. That night as I packed my belongings, you both came into my chambers and said you accepted me, knew about my magic, and would protect me forever as long as I promised to remain on the council. You told me you valued me outside of my position as a prince, outside of the advantage I provided in terms of loyalty from my people by remaining in your castle. You made it clear that it was Tony you needed and not Prince Stark. That day, I fell in love with you both. Maybe even before that, when you helped my people fiercely and never showed violence outside the battlefield. I was just a young boy of sixteen and you were both only eighteen. We all had so much responsibility thrown at us that year. I told Natasha and she asked me to wait to make sure I was not being affectionate because of your heroics. And now, years later, I save you both and protect you right back constantly, I still love you, even more fiercely. Even after I witnessed Bucky's most fierce anger and Steve's most disgusting farts. She always tells me to confess to you and I am sorry I didn't. I will always pick you both fiercely and equally. Bucky... Steve...I love yooOooU" Bucky had lifted him up in a hug by the end of his speech and Steve had his face stuck in Tony's neck.
"I love you Tony" They both replied. "But only Steve, if anyone else looks at you I will have Steve kill them" The King added. "Don't worry, I will" Steve murmured into Tony's neck.
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As they traversed Slivermoor, they clung to each other, moving in perfect harmony, rejoicing in their newfound affection and pure joy. Knights Peter, Rhodes, and Samuel whistled at them while the blacksmith Happy Hogan exasperated "Finally, only took these two morons five years to confess to our little wizard". Tony left the embrace of his lovers to discuss with Happy what he needed for the new armor. As the seamstress, he would have Natasha look over it too, and not just because she loved anything weapon or armor-related. Growing up she protected Tony alongside Rhodey. They kept telling him that Steve and Bucky loved him back and he had spent years not believing them - he owed them many apologies. He looked over to Natasha's fabric shop after his conversation with Happy, he let out a giggle at the faces his lovers had as Natasha and Rhodey threatened them. Tony knew that they would never hurt him so he knew his friends would never actually have to harm his lovers. The other Knights had heard Tony giggle and looked over, following his line of sight. As soon as they saw their fierce King wide-eyed and their resolute trainer nodding desperately to appease Tony's other protectors they broke out in laughter. it was contagious and spread through the market. However, even in this paradise, danger lurked in the shadows. Rumors spread about Tony's new invention, a device that concentrated the power of elements by combining and condensing them to add to the strength of every spell. When news of this device reached Morgana, a wicked sorceress who was trying to take over her brother's kingdom, she set out to steal it by any means necessary. Cloaked in darkness, Morgana crept into Tony's still room, eyes blazing with malice and desire for the prized invention. Just as her fingers closed around the metal frame of the box that held the device, King Bucky stormed into the room, his fury palpable. His possessiveness flared as he lunged at Morgana, his grip unyielding and powerful. "You will pay dearly for your audacity! No one messes with Tony's inventions!"
Tony and Steve, pulled in by the commotion, rushed in and Tony looked fearfully at Bucky, who held Morgana tightly. "Bucky, what is happening?" Bucky stood strong, never wavering in his gaze. "This treacherous sorceress sought to harm you and steal what's rightfully yours. I won't allow it. "Morgana's eyes begged for mercy as she pleaded, "Please, King James, spare me! I only wanted power and meant no harm!" But Bucky's grip remained firm. Tony was held securely in Steve's embrace, his armor reflecting the dim light of the laboratory. Bucky, still snarling, tightened his grip on Morgana as he spat, "You will pay for your transgressions!" Tony's heart ached witnessing the violence, and he stretched his arm, and gently touched Bucky's silently urging him to release Morgana. After a moment, Bucky reluctantly complied, and Morgana stumbled sideways in fear. "I will not let anyone threaten Tony under my watch," he snarled, his voice filled with pure fury. With a fierce determination, he led Morgana by the throat to the dungeon, Steve right beside him, ready to protect Tony and the King.
The room ahead was enveloped in a dark haze, filled with menacing figures cloaked in shadows. With a ferocious call to battle, Bucky and Steve charged forward, lashing out at the intruders, their swords swinging through the air with deadly precision.
Tony watched in awe and relentless determination, reciting incantations to aid their knights in this perilous fight. Sparks ignited beneath Tony's fingertips, casting bolts of lightning that struck the attackers with stunning force. Together, they fought back wave after wave of adversaries, their unity and love forging an impenetrable shield. As the last attacker fell, gasping for mercy, a chilling laughter filled the room. Morgana, her eyes gleaming with malice, stepped forward from the shadows. "You may have defeated my minions, but your little magical tricks won't save you, Tony Stark. Your invention will be mine," she sneered. At that moment, Bucky's anger reached its peak. His grip tightened around his sword, his knuckles turning white. With a primal roar, he lunged towards Morgana, his rage fueling every muscle in his body. Steve, matching his fury blow for blow, fought valiantly by Bucky's side. Tony, consumed by a surge of determination, summoned the full force of their powers. The air crackled with energy as their magic intertwined, creating an otherworldly storm that encircled them. Bolts of lightning cascaded from the heavens, crashing into Morgana's dark magic, shattering it into nothingness. With each strike, Bucky's fury intensified, his sword slicing through Morgana's defenses with unwavering accuracy. Steve's shield soon joined the assault, deflecting every malicious spell Morgana threw their way. They fought with a single purpose, to protect Tony with everything they had. Finally, as the last remnants of Morgana's power dwindled, Bucky and Steve cornered her, their swords pressed against her throat. Fear etched deep into her eyes as Bucky growled, "You will never touch Tony or threaten our kingdom again, witch. "In a swift motion, Steve disarmed Morgana, forcing her to her knees. The once treacherous sorceress had been conquered, her power stripped away by the very device she tried to steal. Bucky's anger subsided, replaced with a cold determination. "You will face the consequences of your actions," he declared, his voice echoing through the room.
Tony approached Morgana, their eyes filled with a mix of compassion and strength. "You had the chance to change, to seek redemption, but you chose darkness instead. Now you must face the consequences of your choices," Tony stated firmly, his voice laced with a commanding authority. He always got to decide what happened in a magic-related situation. Now no longer a witch and severely injured, Morgana's spells lost power and all the knights that were put to sleep woke up. Peter escorted her the rest of the way to the dungeons as Rhodey felt Tony's forehead, knowing he would be drained after conquering such a fierce witch. Surprisingly Tony was not warm to the touch, to his relief. His eyes warned the King and Steve to still monitor the little wizard. Together, the three lovers returned to the solace of their private quarters, they had moved into the King's bed chambers, Steve's bed connected to Bucky's by magic making a larger bed that wouldn't bring discomfort to Tony as he slept in the middle.
Sensing Tony's lingering distress, Bucky, his every instinct attuned to his lover's emotions, walked towards him with a fierce expression etched on his face. "Tony, my heart, we will not allow Morgana to tarnish the safety of our home! I swear on my life that I will protect you from any further harm," Bucky declared, his voice filled with unwavering conviction. Tony met his gaze with desperate eyes, a mixture of relief and lingering fear. "I know you'll both do everything you can, Bucky. But the thought of her finding her way here still terrifies me. I can't seem to shake this feeling of vulnerability. There was another energy present in that room and I am not sure where, or who it came from. We have to meet with King Arthur and have him decide the fate of his half-sister. All that aside, I know I am the only one who knows how to use the device but maybe I should destroy it. I am not sure what that energy was and it was far too strong for me to ignore" Steve was listening keenly "I have an idea. Bucky, why don't you and I carry Tony around the castle until he feels more secure? Let him see for himself that we will safeguard every corner of our realm." Bucky looked at Tony with determination, taking his hand firmly in his own. Leading Tony into a protective embrace, Bucky responded, "If it brings you comfort, my love, I shall carry you without hesitation. Feel my unwavering strength beneath your chest, and know that I will shield you from any harm." Finally giggling Tony responded " Thank you both but no, I happen to have some sense of pride. Your courage and loyalty always make me feel cherished and secure, but this would be too much even for you." Bucky sealed their moment with a passionate kiss with Tony, a tender gesture that affirmed his love and commitment - Steve followed soon after with a softer kiss.
Marching through the castle with heightened alertness and Tony safely held close in his embrace, Bucky displayed an unwavering resolve to protect their wizard. Steve followed closely, his presence a reassuring reminder that they were never alone in this battle against the forces of darkness. Tony rolled his eyes at his dramatic protectors. The two knights caught their lover in another tinkering session, almost overworking himself again. Bucky huffed and Tony immediately went to his side trying to quell the anger in him before it turned to a lecture, "Thank you both so much. This tranquil moment is just what I needed to find some peace amidst the turmoil." Bucky sweetly kissed Tony's temple, his eyes sparkling with unwavering love. "We'll do whatever it takes to ease your worries, my love." Steve stood close by, a pillar of support and unwavering devotion. "You, Tony, are the heart of this realm. Your protection and joyfulness are our number one concern." Bathing in the warmth of their words, Tony felt a soothing balm settling over his soul. Inhaling the crisp night air, Tony absorbed the serenity of the scene unfolding within the castle's protective walls. Bucky carried Tony back to their living quarters, their overwhelming love enfolding them in a cocoon of safety and tenderness. They were confident that together they could face any challenge that presented itself. In this sanctuary of unwavering devotion, they discovered a newfound contentment, a fierce determination, and a passion that transcended all malevolent intentions. Just before he fell asleep he saw his King and his Knight look at each other. The look was far from platonic and Tony would enjoy the process of them figuring this out themselves.