Love Story - Anthony Bridgerton x Princess Reader

Encounters Closer and Closer

After bidding Lady Danbury a polite farewell, Yn returned to the palace with barely a moment to catch her breath. Her heart pounded with excitement as she slipped through the quiet corridors, careful not to wake anyone who might question her late-night movements. Once in her chambers, she discarded her elegant ball gown and changed into something more practical - a dark riding habit that allowed her freedom of movement and provided some camouflage in the shadows of the night.

She draped a dark cloak over her shoulders, pulling the hood up to conceal her face, and made her way down to the stables as silently as possible. The stable was dim, lit only by a single lantern that cast long shadows across the stalls. The scent of hay and horses surrounded her as she stepped inside, glancing around for the young stable boy she had met earlier.

At the sound of her footsteps, the boy looked up, his eyes widening in surprise. Recognizing her, he quickly bowed, his voice a hushed murmur. "Your Highness."

Yn smiled softly, nodding in acknowledgment. "Good evening. I was told there is a horse prepared for me. Could you show me which one?"

The stable boy's face lit up, and he led her toward the far end of the stable, where a beautiful white mare with soft grey speckles stood waiting. The horse's mane was intricately braided, cascading down one side of her neck in an elegant style that highlighted her gentle yet strong features. Yn's breath caught as she took in the sight of the horse, feeling an immediate connection to the graceful creature.

"What's her name?" Yn asked, reaching out to gently stroke the mare's neck.

The boy shook his head. "She doesn't have one yet, Your Highness. We thought... you might like to name her yourself."

Yn smiled, considering for a moment. "Ivy," she murmured. "Her name shall be Ivy."

The boy nodded, grinning in approval. "A fine name, Your Highness."

Yn looked at him, her gaze turning serious. "Thank you. Now, I need to take her out for a ride. I trust you will keep my departure between us?"

The stable boy's expression turned solemn, and he nodded vigorously. "Of course, Your Highness. No one will know."

With a grateful smile, Yn mounted Ivy, feeling a thrill as the horse responded to her gentle nudge. Together, they rode out of the stable, the cool night air brushing against her face as they left the palace grounds behind. Ivy's hooves beat a steady rhythm on the path, and Yn felt a surge of freedom as they moved swiftly toward the old oak tree where she knew Anthony would be waiting.

When she reached the tree, she saw him, silhouetted against the soft glow of moonlight, his dark stallion standing patiently by his side. As she drew closer, he looked up, a smile spreading across his face as he took in the sight of her.

"Good evening, Your Highness," he greeted, his tone filled with warmth and a touch of mischief.

Yn returned his smile, dismounting gracefully. "Good evening, Viscount. I see you are as punctual as ever."

He stepped forward, his gaze flickering to Ivy with admiration. "And you have quite the companion tonight. She's a beautiful horse. What's her name?"

"Ivy," Yn replied, patting the mare affectionately. "She's new to me, but I think we'll get along splendidly."

Anthony chuckled, his eyes never leaving hers. "Then let's see just how well you two get along." He gestured toward the open fields beyond. "What do you say, Princess? Care to race?"

Yn's eyes sparkled with excitement, her competitive spirit flaring. "Oh, I think you'll find I'm more than up to the challenge, Viscount."

Without another word, she mounted Ivy, giving the mare a gentle nudge. Ivy took off eagerly, her hooves thundering against the ground as they launched into a gallop. Anthony was quick to follow, his stallion charging forward as the two raced side by side, their laughter echoing through the night as they sped across the fields and toward the distant line of trees marking the edge of the forest.