Chapter Text
Steve was terrified, actually terrified was understating it. He shouldn't have been put in charge of anything, he was an indentured servant for fuck's sake. Sure, he was the only one who knew Hawkanin due to whatever reason he had given his master. That didn't mean they should choose him. He had begged not to, but that just led to him being slapped across the face.
"Stand up straight boy!" Lord Creel whispered towards him, "Unless you want another lashing."
Steve quickly fixed his posture and looked onwards towards the two figures at the lead of the group approaching on the horizon. He had to do this right, one bad move and everything would go completely wrong. He could see them as they rode in, though he knew his master and his associates did not see them as actual people. As they grew ever closer one could see why. In simple words, they were hybrids, but in complicated terms? They were the most powerful people in the world. They were the only two who could take over the entire world by themselves if they tried.
The one in the lead was known as King Edward the Dark, and anyone could see that he was a bat hybrid. His two pitch black wings were on full display, unlike most hybrids, and his eyes were pitch black. It gave him a dark demeanor that stood together with the burgundy of the country he stood for. He bore a simple circlet of gold on his head and it suited his nature in a way. Legend said before rising to the throne King Edward was a well known bard who went by Eddie. Due to this, the king was said to have a sharp tongue and the skills and wit to back it up. Though it was also said that when you crossed him he would crush you as easily as a bug. As they grew closer you could tell he was gesturing and talking his companion's ear off.
His companion's ear was a bit different than usual, a lion ear to be precise. Her face was human enough, if you ignored the small fangs that protruded from her mouth. Where there should be feet there were paws, and perhaps that is why Steve's master viewed them as less than human. Robin Buckley, the king's trusted advisor, was said to be absolutely deadly both on and off the battlefield. She moved with the strength of ten men and cut down her foes quickly and efficiently. Theal advisor was apparently a genius in all that the word meant, she usually thought first before moving. This easily contrasted her king's talk first temperament.
At least that's what Steve thought. He couldn't be sure as all of this he had heard through rumors and the quick overview his lord had given him for the men he would be translating for. There had been no time to ask questions. He doubted they would've been answered even if he had. Steve had just been put into fancier clothing and forced to use a skill that reminded him of his past. As the king and his men climbed off their horses, his lordship pushed him forward.
"Go ahead and greet the beasts, boy!"
Steve took a deep breath and turned to the men, one of whom had quirked a brow his way as if waiting for him to explain.
"My Lordship Creel of Downian greets and welcomes you to our lands. He hopes that with your cooperation we can both profit from this exchange," As he spoke he bowed as low as he could." My name is Steve and I am here to translate for your highnesses and provide any assistance you may need."
The two exchanged a glance before Edward turned and smiled.
"Ah, a translator! Excellent. I was quite worried we would have trouble communicating, but I can see that it won't be an issue. We gladly receive your welcomes and also look forward to the exchange. We would love to talk longer, but our trip has been rather long and we are quite tired. Is there any way we can be shown our rooms and resume the pleasantries at dinner?"
As Steve translated, his master scoffed.
"So the beasts are tired. Fine. They may run off in a very unbecoming way, but don't think we haven't noticed how animalistic they act. No manners at all. Well? Go on,show them to their rooms. With their knowledge I'm sure they won't even notice it's suited for merchants, not royals."
Steve really hoped they didn't, because if they did the fault would fall on him. He turned back to the hybrids and made sure his eyes were trained to the ground as he spoke.
"My master understands. The road is long and hard. He has made sure to provide the two of you with the finest rooms we can provide. If you follow me I will show you to them your highness.”
"Ah excellent, lead away."
After translating Steve began to lead the men to the big door into the castle. As he passed, his master stuck out his foot causing him to fall. His hands stung as he hit the gravel and he winced.
"That's for not bowing low enough boy. Now get up and do your job!" Creel laughed as Wilbur stumbled while trying to stand up. A second later he felt a hand on his arm help to steady him. As he looked up he saw the face of King Edward. He quickly leapt back and bowed.
"My apologies sir. I mean your majesty." And then he quickly led them into the castle. Wilbur would have been happy to lead them in silence, but it seemed like the king's advisor had other ideas.
"Your palms are all scratched up." Steve quickly tucked his hands in front of him. That would explain the sting. "Does that usually happen?"
"I'm not sure what you mean, your ladyship.”
“It's Robin, and you fell pretty hard.”
“ I was simply in need of correcting your ladyship,” Steve hoped their conversation would change soon.
Behind the fast walking boy the two monarchs exchanged a glance at that phrasing.
"So are you the only translator in the castle?” Eddie asked.
"Oh, I'm not the royal translator, I just happen to be the only one who speaks Hawkanin. I'm just an indentured servant, your majesty."
"Well I don't think anyone is just anything. And it does make me wonder. How does one so smart become indentured?"
The line of questioning was making Steve nervous. Nobody that he had previously waited on wanted to know so much about him. He was relieved to see that they had arrived at their room before he had to answer.
"This would be your highness's room. It is connected through a common room to your ladyships's room. I must go grab your bags, but I will be back as soon as possible to help you settle in." And he quickly ran off.
***
As the man left Eddie turned to Robin as soon as he heard the steps fade away.
"What was that!?" He furiously whispered, "Hitting their servants? Insulting us in a language every royal with some worth knows? Putting us in a room below our stature? So far these people seem to be insistent on insulting us! Why should we even stay here!?"
Robin sighed at her friend's outburst. "Eddie, you can't let them get to you. You know how important these talks are. If we ever want to give hybrids the freedoms we deserve we have to do things like this. Now I know you are angry, but we have more important things to focus on right now."
Eddie sighed.
“You're right. The talks are important, but so far I don't like this one bit.”