Love Story - Anthony Bridgerton x Princess Reader

Thats The Thing About Illicit Affairs...

After returning from her secret meeting with Anthony, Yn guided Ivy back to the stables as quietly as possible. She slipped off her cloak and handed the reins to the stable boy, who waited patiently, his eyes wide with curiosity but well-trained to remain silent.

"Thank you," Yn whispered, pressing a small purse of coins into his hand. "And remember, not a word."

The boy nodded vigorously, his loyalty assured by the small reward and the unspoken trust between them. With a grateful smile, Yn hurried back to the palace, slipping into her chambers just in time to change back into her nightclothes. She barely had a moment to catch her breath before her maids entered, bright-eyed and ready to prepare her for the day.

Like clockwork, they dressed her with practiced hands, choosing a simple morning gown fit for her role as a princess. Yn composed herself, pushing aside the memory of her early morning escapade, and made her way to the dining hall where Queen Charlotte awaited her for breakfast.

Breakfast was as formal and routine as ever, Queen Charlotte discussing the day's schedule, nodding approvingly when Yn responded with polite, dutiful answers. After breakfast, she attended to her royal obligations - meetings with courtiers, exchanges with nobles, and a brief appearance in the gardens to greet visitors under the watchful eyes of the palace staff. The day passed in a blur of obligation and formalities, yet Yn held onto the quiet thrill of her morning, the memory of her meeting with Anthony carrying her through.

As evening approached, Yn returned to her chambers, her anticipation building as her maids entered with her gown for the night's ball. The dress they laid out was breathtaking - a stunning, pale seafoam green with a full, shimmering skirt and delicate puffed sleeves. The fabric caught the light with a subtle sheen, creating a soft, ethereal glow that complemented her complexion perfectly.

The maids helped her into the gown, carefully adjusting every detail until it fit as though it were made for her alone. Yn looked at herself in the mirror, feeling every inch the princess she was expected to be, though her mind lingered on thoughts of the night ahead, of the secret promise she had made to Anthony.

With one last adjustment, her maids stepped back, admiring their work with satisfied smiles. Yn took a deep breath, steadying herself for the evening ahead. She knew the ball would demand her attention, but her heart was already looking forward to the moment she could slip away, back to the world she shared with Anthony, a world just beyond the reach of her title and the expectations of the ton.

And with a final nod, she lifted her chin, prepared to face the evening, her secret safely hidden beneath the shimmering folds of her gown.

--

Yn entered the grand ballroom, her presence commanding every gaze as the seafoam green of her gown shimmered under the glow of chandeliers. The murmurs of admiration and curiosity swirled around her, but her eyes, though dutifully polite and composed, were searching for something else. Or rather, someone else.

As she scanned the room, trying to be subtle, a familiar face caught her attention. Lady Violet Bridgerton stood across the room, watching her with a warm, knowing look. When their eyes met, Violet gave her a small, discreet nod, signaling for Yn to come over. Yn took a steadying breath and glided through the crowd with practiced grace, her movements elegant but purposeful.

"Lady Bridgerton," Yn greeted, offering a polite curtsey and a warm smile.

"Your Highness," Violet responded with a bow of her head, her smile kind and familiar. But there was a glint in her eye that held more than the usual courtly pleasantries. "You look radiant tonight."

"Thank you, Lady Bridgerton," Yn replied, unable to hide the slight tension in her voice. "It's a lovely evening, though I must admit..." She trailed off, hoping to appear casual, though her curiosity was nearly unbearable.

Violet leaned in slightly, her voice low and conspiratorial. "If you're searching for my son, I'm afraid he'll be a bit late this evening."

Yn's composure wavered, surprise flickering across her face. She opened her mouth to respond, but Violet continued, her expression gentle yet amused. "Don't worry, Your Highness. He will be here. And your secret..." She paused, her gaze softening with understanding. "Is safe with me."

For a moment, Yn was too stunned to speak, caught off guard by Violet's calm acceptance and quiet support. She hadn't anticipated that anyone, let alone Anthony's mother, would know about the connection between them. But there was no judgment in Violet's expression, only a mother's understanding and perhaps a hint of encouragement.

As Violet moved away, Yn stood frozen for a moment, her mind reeling. She barely had time to process the conversation before a line of suitors began to approach, each one eager for a dance. Smiling politely, she endured the parade of introductions, twirls, and conversations that blurred into one tedious routine. Though she tried her best to engage, her thoughts continued to drift, wondering when Anthony would arrive, wondering what had delayed him.

After what felt like an eternity of mindless pleasantries and carefully composed smiles, she finally saw him enter the ballroom. Anthony Bridgerton stood at the entrance, his eyes scanning the crowd until they found hers. Yn felt her breath catch, the sight of him setting her heart alight despite the restraint she tried to impose on herself.

He made his way over to her with that easy, confident stride, bowing slightly as he extended a hand. "Your Highness, may I have this dance?"

She took his hand, feeling a warmth spread through her at his touch. "You may," she replied, allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor. As the music began, she looked up at him, arching an eyebrow with a playful glint. "Where have you been?"

Anthony's smile turned mysterious, his gaze twinkling with mischief. "That," he said softly, "is a surprise. You'll find out soon enough."

Her cheeks warmed, and she struggled to keep her composure, feeling the weight of curious glances around them. He was being purposefully elusive, and it only made her more eager to know what he was hiding. She met his gaze, matching his teasing smile with a smirk of her own.

"Well, I hope it's worth all this suspense," she murmured, trying to keep her voice steady.

"Oh, I assure you, Princess, it will be," he replied, his tone low enough that only she could hear.

As the dance came to an end, he held her hand just a moment longer than was necessary, his eyes meeting hers with a promise. Leaning close, he whispered, his breath warm against her ear, "See you later, Yn/n. Don't be late this time, Your Highness ."

Before she could respond, he straightened, giving her a final, meaningful look before disappearing into the crowd, leaving her with a pounding heart and a barely contained smile.

She watched him go, feeling the thrill of anticipation building within her, his words lingering in her mind. Whatever surprise he had planned, she couldn't wait to find out.

And as the evening wore on, Yn knew that, no matter how many dances or conversations she had to endure, her mind and heart were already set on the secret meeting that awaited them, and the promise of another stolen night together.