Chapter Text
Warning: action violence, and threats of violence
Clint went to the archery tournament knowing it was likely a trap. His right hand man, Phil, and all his other loyal SHIELD agents had tried to warn him. Even Dr. Banner, the physician/Buddhist monk the group of agents turned to for shelter and advisement, had told him not to go. But Clint was the best archer there was! He never missed! He couldn't turn down an opportunity to show his prowess with a bow. Especially not when the hand of Lady Natasha hung in the balance.
Clint had long admired the fiery redhead. Since he had first met her while in the court of King Thor during one of their victory feasts, he couldn't get her off his mind. The thought that another could win her hand was unbearable. He had to compete. He had to win. He had no other choice. Even if the whole tournament was a trap created by Prince Loki and Sheriff Stane. All the more reason, if they were vile enough to use the fair Natasha as bait. He couldn't let her stay under their control.
So Clint walked into the arena disguised as an old man. He signed the register under a false name, and took his mark. Then he waited for the gong, and fired his arrow at the target in front of him.
After the first shot the field of contenders was reduced for twenty to ten. Then remaining competitors prepared their next shot, and then fired once more when the gong sounded again. This time five more were eliminated, and five remained.
After the next round, only Clint and one other competitor remained. Both of them had shot a perfect Bull's-eye each time. Clint wondered who the other could be. As far as he knew, there was no other marksman who matched his skill. Still, he pushed the thought out of his head as they cast lots to see who would go first.
Clint was picked to go first, so he stepped up to the line, and loosed an arrow at the target. It flew true and hit in the center of the Bull's-eye. The crowd cheered, and Clint took a bow.
Then Clint's competitor took his mark. As he moved, Clint heard the telltale rattle of gears. Of course! Dr. Banner had warned him that there was talk of Sheriff Stane kidnapping the town inventor and threatening to cut out his heart if he didn't build him a robot. He must have built him an archery robot. One that couldn't miss!
Sure enough, the other loosed his arrow and it split Clint's clean down the shaft. Now Clint needed to do the near impossible to win. He needed to split the robot's arrow.
Clint took his mark, and took a deep breath. Then he let his arrow fly, and with a crack! it split the other arrow down the middle. Clint was declared victor, and all of the people cheered!
But their cheers were cut short, when Stane stood and cried, "That old man is the villainous Clint Barton! He's a thief and enemy to the crown!"
"Who is this Clint Barton?" Clint tried to dismiss, but Stane walked over and removed his disguise.
The crowd gasped.
"Guards, seize him!" ordered Prince Loki.
Several armed guards ran towards Clint. He did his best to hold them off, but there were too many of them. They restrained him by his arms and took his bow.
"That's enough!" called Lady Natasha.
Suddenly, the maid sprung into action. She lashed out with arms and legs in graceful combat until all of the guards were on the ground. Then she grabbed Clint's hand and the pair ran from the tournament field as fast as they could.
"What was that?!?" Clint asked as they ran.
"Did you ever think I was really a damsel in distress?!?" Natasha asked raising an eyebrow at him.
"Well . . No, but I didn't know you were that badass," he said in surprised.
"Well, now you know," she said with a smirk. "And I'm perfectly capable of choosing my own husband."
"Of course," Clint agreed, trying to hide his disappointment, but apparently failing based on the look on Natasha's face.
"I choose you, you idiot," she said rolling her eyes. "Why else would I take out the entire royal guard?"
"Oh," Clint said dumbly.
Then she grabbed him, and pulled him into a passionate kiss. There was no doubt. She was the most amazing woman in all of the land.