𝐁𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐝; 𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙮 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙤𝙣

𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟓

    𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐋𝐀 𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐙𝐄𝐍, 𝐇𝐄𝐑 mouth slightly open, as she gazed at the Queen. The applause around her seemed to fade away as her shock took over. Feeling a gentle nudge from her older sister, she cleared her throat and tried to regain her composure. With a blink of her eyes, she intertwined her arm with Brimley's, who guided her towards the Queen.

      Clenching her shaky hand that laid limp on her side, the brunette flashed the older man a faint smile as he stepped to the side. Gracefully turning towards the Queen, she fell into a perfect curtsy. The not so new sensation of the gloved hand lifting her chin up, enabling her to stand, did not surprise her, but what truly did was the royal's acknowledgement. "Viscount Bridgerton. Have you met my new incomparable?"

      She turned around gradually, anticipating the sight of the man responsible for her annoyance, only to find herself locking eyes with a pair of soothing, warm eyes, their brown hue inviting. 

"I am most grateful for the introduction, Your Majesty." Anthony said, bowing politely. "I only hope I shall be afforded the pleasure of a dance."  In a brief lull, Adila found herself lost in the earl's gaze, completely oblivious to the hand extended towards her until he gave a subtle nod, a teasing smile gracing his face as he leaned on a pillar with his arms crossed.

"Oh." Emerging out of her daze, she found herself locking eyes with the oldest Bridgerton son, and all warmth she had felt before instantly dissipating, replaced with the overwhelming desire to roll her eyes. "Please lead the way, my lord." She hummed, putting her bare hand into his gloved one.

"This is quite humorous, is it not?" Adila said, although no amusement was shown on her face as they gracefully moved on the dance floor.

"Does this imply that you bestow upon me the ability to court you?" His eyebrows shot up in question as he glanced at the shorter girl, elegantly twirling her around before joining their hands and gracefully swirling in a waltzing circle.

        "Naturally, that is out of the question. Nevertheless, for the sake of pretending our waltz was beneficial, I will simply make matters easy for you." With a disdainful look, she released his hands and retreated a few paces before placing them back on his shoulders. "What it is that I wish for is to be left alone by you."

      "It is a shame that I cannot let that happen." Anthony's said, face holding determination, as they gracefully glided across the dance floor.

      "Well you must make it happen. Anything else?" With a subtle nod of her head, she tilted her head to the side as his eyes wandered away from her.

        "What qualities do you desire in a man?" He cleared his throat after a moment of silence, returning his eyes to meet her own. "Perhaps wealth?"

         "Do you desire what it is you already have?" Adila rhetorically asked, staring up at him. "I am not seeking wealth, my lord. Simply a man who desires my companionship. An observation you have made yourself."

       "Yes, indeed." Nodding his head as they slowed to a stop. He bowed as she curtsied and once they returned to their full height, they shared a look. "Is your father in attendance? I would like to speak to him."

      Adila was about to respond when she caught sight of Henry making his way towards them from behind the Viscount. "My lady." He said once he stood beside the man. With a gentle smile, he looked at her and gracefully bowed before taking her hand in his and planting a soft kiss on it.

      "Henry Lendorr." Anthony said, giving the man a smile as they shared a firm handshake. "I must say, it is quite the unexpected pleasure to see you."