Chapter 1
After the demise of King Eugene Strange and Queen Beverly Strange, the kingdom of Kamar Taj was captured by the evil sorcerer Kaecilius, a former member of the kingdom's Sorcerers. The entire kingdom knows that Kaecilius killed the king, queen, and their younger children to gain power. He left the crown prince, Stephen Strange, alive because he wanted to marry him and become the legal heir to the crown.
The Stark family and the Rogers family were dukes and personal knights of the royal family. After the fall of the king, they left the kingdom and joined the rebels. The main goal of the rebels was to rescue the crown prince from the palace and kill Kaecilius.
"This is our only opportunity to save the prince. Kaecilius and his men are busy with the wedding preparations. Some of our people have managed to get into the palace. They will find a way to let us in," Captain Steve Rogers said.
"Do you think the prince will voluntarily come with us? Does he know about the rebel movement?" Natasha asked.
"No, the prince is not aware of us. But his personal bodyguard, Wong, is one of us. He will help us," Steve replied.
"Alright, who will be leading the team?" Clint asked.
"It should be Tony. I have to go to Asgard and meet the king for help," Steve said.
"Where is Tony?" Bruce asked, frowning.
"I don't know. He must be drinking in the bar or messing around with whores," Natasha said.
"Can't he be serious for one moment?" Steve asked, rubbing his forehead.
Tony was drinking wine and telling a funny story while some of the boys and girls swarmed around him.
"That's how I defeated the crown prince of Asgard in the middle of the woods," Tony said.
"Wow, Tony. You're really a knight in shining armor. I'd like to know how you are without this armor," a girl said, leaning toward him.
"Oh really? I'll show you whatever you want," Tony said and pulled her in for a kiss.
Steve, Natasha, Clint, and Bruce approached them. Steve grabbed Tony's arm and dragged him to a secluded spot.
"Tony, what the hell are you doing here?" Steve asked angrily.
"Steve, why do you always have to spoil the fun?" Tony asked, groaning.
"Tony, we're working for a greater good. You can't act like this," Steve said.
"Steve, I'm telling you for the 100th time: your glorious purpose is never going to happen. Kaecilius is stronger, and that crown prince has accepted his fate and is going to marry him. Not even the subjects of Kamar Taj will support us once they are married. What's the point of losing our lives for such a country?" Tony slurred.
"That's why we have to save the prince before the wedding. Tony, remember the oath our fathers took before they died. We should fulfill it," Steve said.
"Our fathers were stupid to do that. I don't want to die for a prince who is ready to marry the killer of his family," Tony scoffed.
"Tony, you're the only Stark left. It's your duty to save the prince," Steve insisted.
"Alright, alright. What am I supposed to do?" Tony asked, rolling his eyes.
"You, Natasha, and Clint should go to the palace and save the prince. Wong and the others will help you get in. The prince might not come with you voluntarily," Steve explained.
"I can knock him out," Tony said.
"No, you should not. The prince must not have a single scratch on his body," Steve warned.
"It would be easier the other way," Tony scoffed.
"Get sober, and you have to lead the team," Steve said before leaving.
Tony didn't have a choice. He followed Steve.
Tony, Natasha, and Clint were riding their horses toward the palace. They had two nights to reach it.
"Guys, don't you think we're wasting our time saving the prince? We could just attack Kaecilius now and kill him instead," Tony said.
"Tony, we're supposed to obey the captain's orders," Natasha replied.
"I'm the captain in charge right now," Tony argued.
"No, you're just leading the team. And your ideas suck," Natasha retorted.
"Yeah, Nat is right. That's why your own father appointed Steve as the next leader," Clint added.
"No, it was my choice not to take up the position," Tony said, frowning.
"Of course," Clint said, scoffing.
Tony just glared at his friends.
They reached the north side of the palace.
"How are we going to get inside?" Clint asked.
"Steve said there is a secret passage to the prince's chamber that Kaecilius and his men don't know about," Natasha said.
"I'll go. You guys stay here," Tony said.
"Tony, don't hurt the prince," Natasha reminded him.
"I know," Tony rolled his eyes and walked through the tunnel.
The path was too dark. Tony lit a torch and walked forward. The path ended at a big door. Tony pushed the door, which opened into a dimly lit room.
Tony entered the chamber and saw a figure standing on a chair with a rope hanging from the ceiling. It took Tony a moment to realize what was happening: the figure was trying to hang himself. Tony rushed to the figure and caught him before he could hang.
Tony stood on the chair and removed the rope from around the figure's neck. He looked at the figure—it was a boy, a beautiful boy, who began to cough.
"Are you okay?" Tony asked, tapping his cheek.
The boy opened his eyes and started squirming, causing both of them to fall.
"Leave me alone," he croaked.
"Hey, shh..." Tony said, putting a hand over his mouth.
But Stephen kicked him, making Tony fall back.
"Ouch," Tony groaned.
"Who are you? I'll call the guards," Stephen said, still coughing.
"See, this is why I told you to shut up," Tony said, groaning.
He gently moved closer to the boy, who grabbed a vase from the side and was ready to strike.
"You're not scared of death but of me?" Tony asked.
"Who are you?" Stephen asked in a small voice.
"Maybe your savior. I saved you from death, didn't I?" Tony said.
"No, you didn't. I'd rather die than live this life," Stephen said, his eyes welling up with tears.
"I know you want to escape from Kaecilius. I'm here to help you," Tony said softly.
"Why do you want to help me?" Stephen asked, doubtful.
"It's a Stark's duty to save the crown prince," Tony replied.
"Stark?" Stephen asked.
"You don't remember me, your highness? I was your personal knight when we were kids," Tony said.
"Tony?" Stephen asked, emotionally.
"Yes, Stephen," Tony said, slowly moving toward Stephen.
Stephen leaned in and hugged Tony, sobbing on his shoulder. Tony was surprised by this but hugged him back.
"Your highness, we need to escape from here before Kaecilius and his men find us," Tony said.
"How are we going to escape? There are guards out there," Stephen asked.
"The same way I came. Come with me," Tony said.
"I need to tell Wong," Stephen said.
"Wong knows. He'll be blocking everyone from entering the chamber," Tony assured him.
Stephen followed Tony through the secret chamber.