Love Story - Anthony Bridgerton x Princess Reader

Invisible String Tying You To Me

The grand hall was filled with the whispers and rustling silks of the ton, all gathered to witness the queen's entrance and to welcome the young debutantes of the season. Every eye was drawn to the grand double doors at the back of the hall, waiting for the arrival of Her Majesty. The tension in the air was palpable, a blend of awe, excitement, and curiosity. Today was no ordinary debut.

When the doors finally opened, the court fell silent and then rose as one, a sweeping wave of respect that rippled through the room. Queen Charlotte entered first, her presence radiating authority and grace. But it was the young woman beside her who drew the collective gaze of the room.

Yn, adorned in her ethereal lavender gown, looked every inch the princess she was, but with a softness that set her apart from the other royals the court had seen. She kept her chin high, moving with practiced poise, but her eyes flickered with a quiet spark - a glimpse of the person she was beneath the titles and expectations.

As they walked down the length of the hall, Yn's gaze roamed over the crowd, taking in the noblemen and women who now stood in silent admiration. Then, her eyes met his.

Anthony Bridgerton was standing near the front of the crowd, his gaze unwavering and intense as he watched her approach. A flicker of recognition passed between them, a memory of their quiet, shared moment in the fields. Yn felt a warmth rise in her cheeks, but she held his gaze, allowing herself a hint of amusement, a slight smirk that danced on her lips for just a moment. She could see the subtle reaction in his eyes - surprise, perhaps, or curiosity. But before she could dwell on it, they reached the raised dais where their seats awaited them.

Queen Charlotte took her place first, her calm gaze sweeping over the crowd, and Yn followed suit, lowering herself into the seat beside her aunt, aware of every eye upon her.

The Queen raised a hand, commanding the attention of the room. Her voice rang clear, carrying an unmistakable authority. "It is my pleasure to introduce to you my niece, Princess Yn of Edinburgh, daughter of my dear departed brother, Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester and Edinburgh."

A murmur of awe rippled through the court, and the members of the ton, recognizing the significance of her presence, immediately curtsied and bowed. Yn kept her expression composed, her gaze moving slowly over the crowd. Each noble dipped in reverence, acknowledging her title and lineage.

When her gaze settled once more on Anthony, she watched as he bowed deeply, his posture respectful yet somehow different - a touch more sincere, perhaps, or perhaps a touch less formal, as though this bow was for her and not merely her title.

As he rose from his bow, their eyes met once more, and she saw a hint of a smile play at the corners of his mouth. Yn allowed herself a slight smirk in return, subtle enough not to draw attention, but enough that he would understand - a silent acknowledgment of the connection that lingered between them despite the formalities of court.

The Queen continued with a few more words, welcoming the ton, addressing the significance of the occasion, but Yn barely heard it. Her mind was captivated by the fleeting yet powerful exchange she'd shared with Anthony. In a room filled with hundreds of people, he was the only one who made her feel truly seen.

From beside her, Queen Charlotte's voice broke into her thoughts. "They are all quite enamored with you, my dear," she murmured softly, a touch of amusement in her tone. "I daresay half the gentlemen in this room are watching you instead of the ceremony."

Yn managed a polite smile, her expression carefully composed. "That is kind of you to say, Aunt Charlotte."

Queen Charlotte's eyes sparkled as she leaned in, her voice dropping even lower. "Though it seems there is one gentleman in particular who has quite captured your attention."

Yn's composure faltered, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she quickly looked down. "I... don't know what you mean, Auntie."

But Queen Charlotte only chuckled, a rare warmth in her gaze. "Don't think I haven't noticed. Viscount Bridgerton is a respectable man, but he is still a man. I suggest a bit more subtlety, unless you wish the entire court to take notice."

Yn swallowed, "Forgive me Auntie," forcing herself to look back toward the front, trying to focus on the ongoing introductions. But the pull of Anthony's gaze was magnetic, and soon enough, she felt her eyes drifting back to him.

Anthony was still watching her, a faint smirk playing on his lips, as though he'd overheard her conversation with the queen. Yn felt her pulse quicken as she held his gaze, allowing herself the tiniest of smiles, a private, fleeting moment shared across the crowded hall. He inclined his head just slightly, a subtle acknowledgment, a hint of something forbidden yet tantalizing.

As another debutante made her entrance, Benedict, standing beside Anthony, noticed his brother's focus and leaned over, whispering with a teasing grin. "You're staring againnn."

Anthony didn't look away, his voice a quiet murmur. "Am I?"

"Oh, you so very much are," Benedict chuckled, glancing over toward the back of the hall where Yn sat, the queen beside her. "Flirting with the princess from across the room? That's a bold move, even for you."

Anthony finally tore his gaze away from Yn, giving his brother a sidelong glance. "She's... intriguing, to say the least."

"Is that so?" Benedict's tone was playful. "Or is it just that you enjoy courting danger?"

Anthony suppressed a smile. "Perhaps a bit of both."

Benedict shook his head, amusement glinting in his eyes. "Well, I must say, I don't think I've ever seen you so taken with anyone, let alone a princess. Mother would be thrilled."

Anthony's gaze drifted back to Yn, her serene expression hiding the faintest glimmer of mischief. "I'm simply... appreciating the company of a kindred spirit of the ceremony, Benedict. Nothing more."

"Mm," Benedict hummed, clearly unconvinced. "Just be careful. You may find yourself in deeper waters than you realize."

But Anthony's attention was already back on Yn, who had caught his eye once more, a knowing smile curving her lips as though she, too, could sense the unspoken tension between them. It was a dance, subtle yet electric, a game played in glances and barely-there smiles.

And as the evening went on, Anthony found himself wondering just how far he was willing to go to uncover the secrets of the princess with the quiet fire in her eyes.