Love Story - Anthony Bridgerton x Princess Reader

Now I See Daylight

Yn awoke to the faint sound of commotion echoing down the hallway. Disoriented, she sat up, trying to make sense of the voices. Then, realization dawned on her. Her uncle. King George. She slipped out of bed quickly, heart pounding, and hurried into the corridor, following the sounds until she reached the grand hall.

There he was, her uncle, the king, dressed in his nightclothes and standing before one of the large walls, drawing with a piece of chalk he must have found. His movements were erratic, his focus intense as he scrawled shapes and lines that made sense only in his own mind. Others saw him as mad, a king lost in a fog of illness and confusion. But Yn had always understood that he wasn't mad - merely lost, trapped somewhere within himself, reaching out in ways others couldn't understand.

She took a deep breath and approached him slowly, her footsteps soft so as not to startle him. When she was close enough, she spoke gently, her voice soothing and filled with respect. "Uncle... George," she murmured, her tone kind. "Shall we go somewhere more comfortable?"

The king turned to her, his eyes unfocused but warm as he looked at her. He seemed to recognize her, if only for a fleeting moment, his expression softening. Yn took his hand, guiding him gently away from the wall, her voice a soft murmur as she spoke to him, reassuring him, making the journey back to his chambers seem like a calm, familiar path.

Just as they neared his chambers, Queen Charlotte appeared behind them. She approached them quietly, her gaze lingering on her niece with a rare softness and gratitude. "Thank you, Yn," she said quietly, her voice carrying a depth of feeling usually hidden beneath her regal exterior. "I'll take it from here."

Yn nodded, gently passing her uncle's hand into Charlotte's. She watched as her aunt led him carefully toward his chambers, their roles as monarchs set aside for a moment as husband and wife. Just as they disappeared from view, Yn caught sight of the first rays of sunlight streaming through the palace windows, a reminder of her own promise - her morning meeting with Anthony.

"Oh no," she whispered, realizing the time. Without another moment's hesitation, she turned and hurried back to her chambers, changing quickly into her riding clothes. She threw her cloak over her shoulders, adjusting it as she moved, and slipped down to the stables, where Ivy was waiting.

The stable boy looked up in surprise as she entered, but Yn only offered him a quick smile before mounting her horse. "Thank you," she called, and then, with a swift nudge, Ivy took off, her hooves thundering against the ground as they raced toward the edge of the palace grounds and out into the open fields.

The dawn was breaking, casting a soft glow over the horizon, and Yn urged Ivy onward, her heart racing as she thought of Anthony waiting for her at their meeting place. She had made a promise, and she wouldn't break it. Not for anything.

As she approached the tree she saw nothing, no Anthony, nothing, but that didn't stop her.

Anthony sat on the edge of his bed, his hands resting on his knees, his gaze distant. Worry gnawed at him, each minute that had passed this morning only making the knot in his stomach tighter. Yn hadn't shown up at the tree, something completely unlike her. He knew she led a life of obligations and royal duties, but still, she had never missed one of their meetings without a word. He ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing with possibilities, though none brought him any comfort.

Pat. Pat. Pat.

A soft tapping sound jolted him from his thoughts. He looked up, his brow furrowing in confusion. The sound came again, insistent, and he realized it was coming from his window. Rising from the bed, he crossed the room and opened the window, squinting into the morning light.

There, just below, was Yn. She stood close to the wall, glancing around the grounds as if ensuring no one had spotted her. Relief flooded through him as he took in her face, a mix of concern and apology in her expression.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice carrying softly through the open window.

Anthony raised a finger to his lips, signaling her to wait. He closed the window quietly, glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one was in the hall before slipping down the staircase and out the side door, making his way to her as swiftly and discreetly as possible.

As he approached, he saw the relief in her eyes, mingled with a faint worry. She opened her mouth to speak, but he reached out, placing a hand on her shoulder in silent reassurance.

"Something happened this morning," she said, her voice low and filled with regret. "I tried to get away, truly I did. But I wasn't fast enough."

Anthony's hand slipped from her shoulder, but he gave her a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Yn. You're here now, and that's what matters."

She exhaled softly, a smile of relief spreading across her face. "Thank you. I was so worried you'd think I'd... that I'd forgotten or didn't want to come."

"Not for a moment," he replied, his voice gentle. "I know you'd be there if you could."

Yn's gaze softened, a flicker of gratitude passing between them. "There's a ball tonight," she whispered, glancing around before looking back at him. "I'll be there, but... do you think we could meet afterward? Just for a while?"

Anthony's face lit up with a quiet smile. "Of course. I'll wait for you, wherever you choose."

A spark of excitement flashed in her eyes, and without thinking, she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a quick, warm hug. He stiffened for a moment, surprised, but then relaxed into the embrace, holding her gently, feeling the sincerity and warmth in her gesture.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice soft against his shoulder. "I have to go back now, but... I'll see you tonight."

He nodded, helping her onto Ivy with a practiced grace, his hand lingering a moment on hers as she settled into the saddle. She gave him a final, grateful smile, waving as she turned Ivy around and rode off into the distance.

As he watched her go, a smile still on his lips, he turned back toward the house, his heart light with anticipation for the evening to come. But as he reached the door, something made him pause.

Through the sitting room window, he saw a figure - his mother, Violet Bridgerton, standing just beyond the glass, her gaze fixed on him with a look that spoke of understanding and quiet amusement. She didn't say a word, merely raising an eyebrow as their eyes met, a knowing smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

Anthony felt a blush rise to his cheeks, but he held his mother's gaze, seeing no judgment there, only a mother's watchful curiosity. He gave her a small nod before slipping back inside, wondering just how much she had seen - and just how much she might already know.