[1.5] The Duchess of Kent and Strathearn | B. Bridgerton

Chapter 12

A Matter of Trust

Auchterarder, Strathearn

After Charlotte, Benedict, Martin, James and Stephen went back to the town, people were gathered around the carriage, and four guards were there standing next to it, keeping it safe, just in case. As the five people arrived, their eyes grew wide at the many people that were there. Martin, who was riding on his horse behind all of them, immediately went to the Princess' side.

"Look at all these people," Benedict muttered and looked at his wife. "You have never been to Auchterarder. How do you think your people recognized you?"

"I think they recognized you all for the carriage, sir," Martin commented. "After all, the coat of arms of Her Royal Highness is on display."

"I will admit it is a bit amusing how they did not suspect it earlier," Benedict added with a nod and his wife looked at him.

"Well, I understand that people might not have recognized us immediately because it is our first time here, but I would like if I say I did not think the carriage or the royal guards walking around town were an obvious hint of our presence," a soft chuckle escaped her lips. "And remember, Benny, they are your people too! After all, you are the Duke of Strathearn as well."

"Somethings I still find it surreal...in a good way," he smiled.

"I think there is no more hiding who you are, Ma'am," Martin told her, and she sighed.

"It's alright," a small smile graced her face. "Shall we introduce ourselves once again?"

"Alright. But with all honesty, I do not think you need introduction at all, my love," Benedict told his wife with a smirk and hopped off Snow to help her.

One of the guards took care of Snow as the Duke of Strathearn went to help his Duchess. She leaned down on her side and placed her hands on his shoulders as he took a hold of her waist, and she hopped off the horse. Since they were standing so close, she boldly pecked his lips before letting go and taking a few steps back from him.

However, no matter of the happiness she felt within her, she remembered who she was, and everything around her changed. She suddenly became extremely aware of her behavior, and she repeated what she had to say over and over in Scottish Gaelic in her head to make sure she said it right.

"Ur Mòrachd Rìoghail," most of the people said, some bowed her heads and others simply stated at her in shock, trying to process that the daughter of their King was standing in front of them. Your Royal Highness.

"Feasgar math," she spoke with a wide smile, but deep down, she was slightly nervous to speak to them. Good afternoon. "Chì mi gu bheil fios agad mu thràth cò mise." I see that you already know who I am.

"Thu– Is tu a 'bhana-phrionnsa!" A woman exclaimed. You– You are the princess!

"Bana-phrionnsa na h-Alba," a man said with wide eyes. The princess of Scotland.

"Bana-phrionnsa?" A young girl asked with excitement. A princess?

And slowly, all people started murmuring amounts themselves who she was, what they thought of her, etc. As much smiley as she was, she felt something she has never felt before when she has been surrounded by people. Anxiousness. All of them spoke at the same time in a language she didn't fully understand, and the few words she hardly recognized were 'people', 'princess', 'prince', 'Scotland', 'beautiful', and 'King',