Love Story - Anthony Bridgerton x Princess Reader

No Sign of Soulmates

The first light of dawn was just beginning to spill across the fields, casting a soft, golden glow over the dew-laden grass. Yn moved quickly, keeping her footsteps light as she made her way through the garden gate and out into the open field. The stillness of the early morning brought her a sense of peace, a small rebellion against the rigid expectations that came with her title.

Her heart lifted as she neared the old oak tree, her favorite retreat, her hidden sanctuary. But as she approached, her steps slowed, and she felt her breath catch. There, leaning casually against the trunk with a knowing smirk, was Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, as though he had been waiting for her all along.

For a moment, Yn hesitated, unsure of what to make of his presence. The part of her that understood the weight of her aunt's warning told her to turn back, to retreat before she crossed yet another boundary. But another part of her, the part that longed for freedom, for connection, pushed her forward.

Anthony's smirk softened into a genuine smile as she approached, his eyes glinting with that familiar spark of mischief. "Good morning, Your Highness. Fancy meeting you here."

Yn offered a small, shy smile in return, though her mind was still spinning from her aunt's warning the night before. "Good morning, Viscount," she replied, her voice softer than she intended. She stopped a few feet away from him, clutching her book as though it might shield her from the questions she knew were coming.

Anthony's smile faded slightly as he studied her, his gaze turning more serious. "Are you alright, Yn? You seem... troubled."

Yn hesitated, glancing down at her book before taking a deep breath. "It's nothing," she started, but the words felt insincere even to her own ears. She looked up, meeting his eyes, the openness in his gaze giving her courage. "Actually, it's... it's not nothing."

He tilted his head, waiting patiently, his expression one of quiet understanding. "You can tell me," he encouraged gently.

Yn hesitated, but there was something in Anthony's presence, something solid and reassuring, that made her feel safe enough to speak her mind. "I... I wanted to get to know you more, Anthony," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've enjoyed these last two times we've met. But... my aunt, Queen Charlotte, she... she's advised me to keep my distance."

Anthony's gaze softened, and he looked down, as though he were contemplating her words. "I see," he said quietly, a hint of disappointment flickering in his eyes before he looked back at her. "And... do you plan to follow her advice?"

Yn looked down, feeling the weight of her aunt's expectations pressing upon her. "I know I should. I know it's what's expected of me. But..." She lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes with a mixture of longing and defiance. "But when I'm with you, it feels... different. I don't feel like a princess. I feel like myself."

Anthony's expression softened, and he took a small step closer to her, his voice low and sincere. "Then why not let that be enough, for now? We don't have to meet in the middle of ballrooms or under watchful eyes. We could... meet in secret."

Yn's heart skipped a beat, her pulse quickening at the suggestion. She knew it was reckless, even dangerous, but the idea of seeing him without the constraints of court, away from the weight of her title, was intoxicating.

"You mean... meet here?" she asked, her voice filled with a mixture of hope and caution.

Anthony nodded, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "Here, or anywhere else you wish to meet. No one needs to know. It will be our secret."

Yn felt her resolve weakening, her desire to live freely, if only for a few stolen moments, outweighing her sense of duty. "I... I would like that," she said softly, her cheeks tinged with color as she admitted her wish.