[2] The Queen Mother of Württemberg | A. Bridgerton

Chapter 8

The Storm Within

Aubrey Hall, Kent

The Prince of Württemberg walked through the grand hallways of Aubrey Hall early that morning, the soft rays of the sun filtering through the curtains. His small feet padded against the wooden floors as he made his way to his mother's bedroom, holding his caretaker's hand tightly since he didn't know the way. When they reached the door, he found it slightly ajar. He peeked inside, and there she was—standing by the window, gazing out over the garden where preparations for the day were underway. Her figure was bathed in the soft morning light, but something about the way she stood made Anton pause.

"Mummy?" He called softly, stepping into the room, letting go of his caretaker's hand.

The Queen Mother of Württemberg turned to him, startled out of her thoughts. A faint smile played on her lips, but her eyes still carried a trace of sadness.

"Was ist los, Mummy?" He asked as he reached her side. What's wrong, Mummy? "Du siehst traurig aus, und ich mag es nicht, wenn du traurig bist." You seem sad, and I don't like it when you're sad.

Charlotte let out a soft sigh, kneeling down to her son's height and pressing a gentle kiss to his cheek. She pulled him into a warm embrace, her arms wrapping tightly around him.

"Ach, mein süßer Junge," she lightly sighed as she inhaled her son's scent. Oh, my sweet boy. "Ich habe nur an deinen Papa gedacht." I was just thinking about your Papa.

"Warum macht es dich traurig, an Papa zu denken?" Anton looked up at her, his brow furrowed in concern. Why does thinking of Papa make you sad?

The Queen Mother of Württemberg didn't answer immediately. Instead, she held him a little tighter, as if his warmth could shield her from the thoughts that troubled her. Anton melted into her embrace, his small hands wrapping around her as best as they could.

"Ich mag es hier," he said softly. I like it here. "Ich wünschte, Papa wäre hier." I wish Papa were here.

"Ja, Papa hätte diesen Ort auch gemocht," she smiled weakly, releasing a quiet sigh as she pulled back to look at him. Yes, Papa would have loved this place too. "Obwohl ich denke, er hätte es vorgezogen, im Ludwigsburger Schloss zu bleiben." Though I think he would have preferred to stay in Ludwigsburg Palace.

Anton nodded, seemingly content with her answer, and Charlotte ruffled his hair affectionately.

"Wie war dein Spiel mit den Bridgertons?" She asked. How has your playtime been with the Bridgertons?

"Ich liebe es, mit Gregory und Hyacinth zu spielen, auch wenn sie mich nicht immer verstehen," his face lit up with excitement. I love playing with Gregory and Hyacinth, even though they don't always understand me.

"Das ist der Grund, warum du deine Englischstunden mit Olivia fortsetzen solltest," she chuckled softly. That's why you should continue your English lessons with Olivia. "So, with time, you could speak as fluently as me. Ja?"

"Ja, ich werde es tun," he nodded with a smile. After a brief pause, his eyes flickered down to her chest, noticing the redness on her skin. Yes, I will. "Mummy, was ist mit deiner Brust passiert? Es sieht rot aus." Mummy, what happened to your chest? It looks red.

"Oh, das war nicht," she glanced down, her hand instinctively moving to touch the affected area. Oh, it's nothing. "Ich wurde heute Morgen von einer Biene gestochen, als ich mit Winter auf dem Gelände geritten bin." Oh, it's nothing. I was stung by a bee this morning while I was out riding with Winter on the grounds.