Love Story - Anthony Bridgerton x Princess Reader

When I First Saw You...

The pre-dawn stillness felt like a hidden promise, a fleeting respite from a life Yn hadn't chosen but was now bound to. The high walls of the palace had become her gilded cage since her father, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh, had passed. In the absence of her parents, her aunt, Queen Charlotte, had taken her in, overseeing every detail of her life as though Yn were another responsibility to manage, another piece in the royal puzzle.

But not this morning.

Yn slipped quietly from her bed, glancing toward the grand chamber doors, closed tight and silent. She picked up her book, a slim volume of poetry that she kept hidden beneath her pillow, and padded softly to the door, opening it just enough to peer into the corridor. Empty. The household would remain asleep for at least another hour.

She pulled her cloak around her and slipped into the hall, her movements graceful and swift as she made her way to the palace gardens, where a hidden gate led to a vast field beyond. This small freedom was one of her few comforts - an escape from the suffocating rules and expectations placed upon her as Princess Yn of Edinburgh. To the world, she was a royal in mourning; to herself, she was a young woman grasping at the remnants of her own identity.

Once through the gate, she ran, her cloak trailing behind her as she crossed the dew-dappled grass, letting herself be swept up in the thrill of being alone in the open air. Her destination was a massive, ancient tree at the edge of the field, its branches stretching wide as though to shelter her from the world. She dropped down onto the grass, leaning her back against the sturdy trunk and opening her book. Here, she could lose herself, if only for a little while.

But then, the familiar rhythm of hooves broke the morning silence. Yn looked up, her heart quickening as she saw a dark-haired man on horseback approaching in the early light. He was well-dressed, but something about his presence seemed casual, unassuming. She recognized him - Viscount Anthony Bridgerton. She had seen him at court, though they had never been introduced. For a fleeting moment, she hoped he wouldn't notice her, but it was already too late. His eyes were fixed on her, curiosity clear in his gaze.

Anthony slowed his horse as he neared, his expression shifting from mild surprise to concern. "Are you alright, miss?"

Yn's breath caught as she met his eyes, but she quickly masked her surprise, offering a calm nod. "Yes, I'm alright. Thank you."

Dismounting, Anthony studied her with a curious warmth. "Forgive me, but it's not often one finds a young lady alone in the fields at dawn. May I ask what brings you here?"

She hesitated, instinctively pressing her book closer to her chest. She couldn't reveal her title, not yet. "I... enjoy the quiet. The world feels different in the early hours, before everyone is awake."

His gaze softened, and he smiled. "I understand completely. The morning holds a certain peace, doesn't it?" His eyes fell on her book, his curiosity deepening. "A reader, then?"

Yn nodded, her voice a soft murmur. "Yes. It's something I cherish."

There was a pause as they held each other's gaze, the shared understanding between them deepening. Anthony's eyes held an intelligence, a warmth that made her feel less like a princess and more like an ordinary girl - a feeling she rarely experienced. But before they could say more, the first rays of sunlight began creeping over the horizon, casting a warm glow over the field. Yn's heart jolted. She had stayed too long.

"I'm afraid I must go," she said hastily, gathering her cloak and book. "Thank you... for your company."

Anthony looked at her with a hint of reluctance, as though he wasn't ready to let the moment end. "Of course. Perhaps I'll see you again?"

Yn hesitated, a small smile curving her lips. "Perhaps."

With that, she turned and hurried back toward the palace gate, glancing over her shoulder only once to see him watching her, his expression contemplative.

As she slipped back into the palace and made her way to her chambers, her pulse raced with a strange, unexpected exhilaration. In that field, with her book in hand and a stranger's kindness in his gaze, she had felt free. Little did he know who she truly was - and little did she know that this first encounter would lead to something far more complicated.

The gown was nothing short of ethereal. Yn ran her fingers over the delicate fabric, feeling the soft shimmer of the embroidered flowers woven into the lavender tulle. The off-the-shoulder design, with its floating sleeves and flowing skirt, made her feel like she'd stepped out of one of her beloved fairytales. It was beautiful, elegant, and undeniably regal - a reminder of her royal blood and the life she was bound to live under the watchful eyes of the court.

A gentle knock at the door broke her thoughts. One of the palace footmen entered, bowing slightly. "Her Majesty awaits you in the dining hall, Your Highness."

Yn took a steadying breath and followed him down the opulent corridors of the palace. Though she had lived here since her father's passing, the grandeur and the weight of her surroundings sometimes felt as foreign as the title she carried. Today, however, felt different. It was her debut to society, a step toward embracing the responsibilities that came with her family name.

As the doors to the dining hall opened, she saw Queen Charlotte seated at the head of the table, her posture impeccable as always, but there was a warmth in her gaze that softened her usual formality. Yn curtsied gracefully before taking her place beside her aunt.

Queen Charlotte offered a gentle smile, her gaze lingering on Yn's gown. "You look lovely, Yn. The dress suits you."

"Thank you, Aunt Charlotte," Yn replied, a hint of genuine warmth in her tone. The rare compliment felt like a balm, easing some of the nerves fluttering in her chest.

They began breakfast with quiet conversation, discussing light topics like the morning's weather and the flowers in the palace gardens. Queen Charlotte's demeanor was calm, and though Yn could feel the underlying expectations, her aunt's presence was somehow reassuring.

After a few moments, Queen Charlotte set her teacup down, looking at Yn thoughtfully. "Today, you shall accompany me to the Season's debutante ceremony. It is important for you to be seen and for society to understand your place among them."

Yn nodded, but Queen Charlotte reached over, placing a gentle hand over Yn's. "I know how overwhelming this may feel," she said softly, her eyes kind. "Your father was immensely proud of you, and he would want you to know that you're ready for this."

Yn felt her heart tighten at the mention of her father. The ache of his absence was something she carried each day, but hearing her aunt's quiet reassurance was comforting. "Thank you, Aunt Charlotte," she said softly, her voice almost a whisper. "I hope I can make him proud."

Queen Charlotte squeezed her hand gently, a rare gesture of affection. "You already do, Yn. Today is just the beginning. You'll be splendid, I have no doubt."

Yn offered her a small smile, feeling a glimmer of confidence replace her nervousness. Her aunt's encouragement, though understated, held the weight of sincerity. Yn knew that beneath Queen Charlotte's composed exterior was a woman who had seen her own share of challenges, a woman who understood both the burdens and privileges of their world.

As they finished breakfast, Queen Charlotte rose, signaling that it was time to prepare for the debutante ceremony. Yn followed, her gown trailing elegantly behind her as they made their way through the palace corridors.

Before they stepped out, Queen Charlotte paused, turning to Yn one last time. "Just remember, my dear," she said, her voice a soft murmur meant only for Yn. "You are not alone in this. You have me, and you have the strength your father instilled in you. Walk with your head held high, and the world will see you for the remarkable young woman you are."

Yn felt a warmth spread through her at her aunt's words, and she managed a soft, genuine smile. "Thank you, Aunt Charlotte. That means more to me than you know."

With a final nod of encouragement from her aunt, Yn straightened her shoulders, taking in a steadying breath. Today, she would step into her role, knowing she had the quiet, steadfast support of the queen herself.