Assembly, Care, & Feeding of a Queen's Court - rated R [Maria, ensemble] - MASTERPOST
The Hydra came out of nowhere. They moved through the Territory of SHIELD, killing the Queens of the Blood - the heart of the land - and destroying their courts. For twenty-five years, the land has lain locked in a cold, dark winter, waiting for a Queen to rise up and bring them into day. But when Warlord Prince Nick Fury answers the call of a trusted friend, he discovers a young Queen living alone in the forest, spirited and unbroken, surviving by her wits.
Maria Hill was brought up in a Queen's court, and learned the laws and protocols of the Blood at an early age. But she's been living solitary for the last three years and she likes it - she doesn't want a court, or to rule. She may not have a choice.
The Hydra are making their final push across the land, and if Maria cannot draw a strong court around her to fight them, none of them may survive the onslaught.
Introduction To The Realms
Jewel Ranks and Blood Castes
Chapter 1: Nick Fury
Meant To Serve
Until this moment, he'd never met the Queen he was meant to serve.
Chapter 2: Natasha Romanov
The Widow's Question
She wasn't sure whether to offer - the girl hardly knew her, would be well within her rights to refuse.
Chapter 3: Clint Barton
No Solutions
As long as the Hydra attacked the land, they'd never have peace.
Graphic by hiddencait
Chapter 4: Phil Coulson
Stomping On Sleeping Dragons
Maria was his Queen, and if she wanted some time to herself, then he would do whatever he had to do to get her that time.
Chapter 5: Jane Foster
Underestimated
Jane had never enjoyed the social gatherings in Aer Gerulus, even when her father was alive.
Chapter 6: James Rhodes
Trust And Service
Rhodey wouldn't let himself think about that. Wouldn't let himself remember failure.
Chapter 7: Tony Stark
Branded By Her Hand
Sometimes, in the deep of winter and the dark of the night, Tony remembered what it felt like to be shattered.
Chapter 8: Pepper Potts
Pushing Back
Knowing when to hold ground and when to give it was always crucial when dealing with Warlord Princes.
Drawing by neptune47
Chapter 9: Thor of Asgard
The Price Of Protection
But he was unable to protect as his instincts demanded, unable to fight with the strength of his Jewels, unable to do anything but watch.
Chapter 10: Bruce Banner
Dichotomous
At that moment Bruce felt whole. As though he wasn't two people in one body, but just one man. And he shuddered with the pleasure of it.
Chapter 11: Darcy Lewis
Dying Of Curiosity
Darcy wondered if she'd been a little bit too emphatic, but the truth was that she was curious.
Chapter 12: Steve Rogers
Strength In Service
No fault to Lady Hill that she wasn't the Queen he wanted, and this wasn't the court he remembered.
Drawing by neptune47
Chapter 13: Maria Hill
Hers
They were hers. Her responsibility, her duty, her court.