Eternal Flame

Wrists Bound

Before Queen Charlotte could even see the two Bridgerton siblings being brought into her home, they were taken to a dark, dank room and chained to the floor. Henry was taken directly to the Queen.

"Mister Somerset," she said in a falsely sweet tone. "Does this mean you have finally gotten me Whistledown like I asked?"

Henry dipped into a full bow, humbling himself before her. "Yes, Your Majesty. The guards have them in your custody now."

"Them?" She clarified with a raise of her brow.

Henry nodded. "I believe she had an accomplice. I have brought them both to you."

The Queen narrowed her eyes, not sure if she should believe him. "I want to see them now," she said, and two guards immediately helped her to her feet, ushering both her and Henry through the corridor. Upon entering the room, Queen Charlotte was stunned, but above all, angry.

"Your Majesty!" Cried out the two siblings helplessly, but were quickly silenced by the look on her face.

"Do you think me a fool, Mister Somerset?" She asked.

Henry shook his head vigorously. "N-no, of course not, Your Majesty."

"I asked you to bring me Whistledown. I know for a fact that this young woman is not her. So again, do you believe your Queen to be a fool?" She demanded in a scarily calm tone.

"No, Your Majesty," Henry answered again.

She did not miss a beat. "Tell me where the woman is. The one you were ordered to bring back from the Featherington ball. I told you I wanted her alive."

"I do not know, Your Majesty," he lied.

"Do not lie to me," she warned. "I will ask you one more time, and if you lie to me again, I will have you chained in this room with them. Where. Is. Whistledown."

Henry's looked her dead in the eye, his voice unwavering. "I do not know, Your Majesty."

Her jaw clenched. "Then it is you who is the fool." The Queen then swished her skirts and turned out of the room. "Guards, set his chains."

After the guards left, Colin immediately lunged at Henry, but his own chains kept him restrained to the wall. He was absolutely seething. Eloise had never seen her brother in such a terrifying state. His nostrils were flared, beads of sweat collected on his forehead, and a new vein had emerged in the side of his neck. "You bastard!" He screamed, struggling to break free, despite knowing it was of no use. "What have you done?!"

Henry slinked against the wall, letting his head fall back. "I had to. They were going to take Penelope."

"You took Penelope!" Colin growled.

Henry spared him a glance, considering for a moment what she must mean to him. "Yes, but I didn't harm her. I care for her."

"You do not deserve to breathe the same air as her," Colin snarled.

Henry sighed, allowing himself to get comfortable. He knew they would be there for a while. "I will not apologize for what I had to do to protect those I care for. Surely you can understand that, Mister Bridgerton."

Colin bristled at the use of his name. This man knew far too much, he thought to himself. "When I get out of here and I make certain that Penelope is alright, I am going to kill you," he promised.

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"What is happening? Where am I?" Penelope asked, terrified as the bag was ripped off of her head to reveal a beautiful, spacious room draped in gold and other fineries.