Love Story - Anthony Bridgerton x Princess Reader

And You Knew What It Was

That night, Yn slipped back into the palace, her heart still fluttering from the magic of the evening. She moved quietly through the darkened halls, her mind replaying every moment she had shared with Anthony - the dance, the gentle touch of his hand on her waist, the look in his eyes as they swayed together beneath the stars.

Once in her chambers, she quickly changed out of her dress, folding it carefully and setting it aside as if preserving the memory within its fabric. She slipped into her nightgown, the soft fabric cool against her skin, a contrast to the warmth that still lingered from Anthony's embrace. With a contented sigh, she climbed into bed, pulling the covers up and settling back against the pillows.

Staring up at the canopy above her, Yn's mind drifted through every detail of the evening. She could still feel the way his hand had held hers, his touch lingering long after they had parted. She remembered the way he had looked at her, as though she were the only person in the world, as though he saw not just a princess, but her true self.

A smile spread across her face as she thought of the dance, their shared laughter, the gentle way he had brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. It had been so different from the formal, practiced dances they shared at balls, where they were surrounded by onlookers and bound by duty. Tonight, it had been just them, dancing freely, unburdened by titles or expectations.

She sighed, her thoughts drifting to the way he had pulled her close, his thumb brushing against her cheek as he looked at her with that soft, tender gaze. In those moments, she had felt more alive, more cherished than ever before. And even though they had returned to their separate worlds, she knew that the memory of this night would stay with her forever.

As she lay there, her eyes growing heavy, Yn felt a quiet happiness settle over her. She knew the challenges and expectations that awaited her in the morning, but tonight, in the solitude of her room, she allowed herself to simply savor the memory of her time with Anthony.

With a soft, contented smile, she closed her eyes, letting the warmth of the evening carry her into sleep, her heart filled with dreams of the one person who made her feel truly free.

The night was quiet as Anthony returned home, the memories of his evening with Yn vivid in his mind. The world seemed to have fallen away when they were together, leaving only the two of them dancing beneath the stars, sharing whispered secrets and unspoken promises. But as he entered Bridgerton House, the soft glow of a lamp illuminated the sitting room, and he realized he was not alone.

His mother, Violet, sat there waiting, her expression calm yet knowing. She looked up as he entered, her gaze soft but tinged with concern.

"Out rather late, aren't we?" she remarked, her tone gentle but carrying a weight that made him pause.

Anthony closed the door behind him, feeling a faint flush of embarrassment but unwilling to hide the truth from her. He nodded, taking a few steps toward her. "Yes, Mother. I... lost track of time."

Violet patted the seat next to her, her eyes never leaving his. "Sit with me, dear."

He took the offered seat, feeling the quiet wisdom in her gaze. Violet had always been perceptive, and he knew that she must have noticed the change in him, the way his demeanor softened when Yn was near. She had even caught him that morning, watching Yn ride away, her knowing glance saying more than words could.

After a moment of silence, Violet spoke, her tone careful but steady. "Anthony, I've noticed that you and the princess have grown close." She paused, her gaze gentle yet serious. "She is... lovely, truly. And it's easy to see why you are so taken with her."

Anthony felt a surge of protectiveness rise within him, instinctively defensive of what he shared with Yn. "Mother, Yn is... she's unlike anyone I've ever known. With her, I feel... free." He looked away, almost embarrassed to admit it, but Violet's hand on his shoulder was grounding, her presence warm and reassuring.

"I understand, my dear," Violet said softly. "And I can see how much she means to you." She sighed, her gaze turning serious, and he sensed the worry that lay beneath her calm words. "But, Anthony, I need you to understand the weight of this... of her station, of the responsibilities that come with it. She is the princess, and there are many eyes on her, on her every move. Her future is not entirely her own."

Anthony clenched his jaw, knowing she was right but unwilling to let that thought cloud his memories of tonight. "I know she's a princess, Mother. But when we're together... it's as though none of that matters. It's just... us."

Violet's expression softened, but her concern remained. "I know that love can make us feel as though the rest of the world disappears. But, Anthony, I must warn you to be careful. As much as I want to see you happy, I don't want to see you hurt." She took his hand, squeezing it gently. "And I would hate for Yn to be hurt as well. If others found out, if her family knew... it could be difficult for both of you."

He looked down, processing her words, the reality of their situation settling over him. "I... I know it won't be easy. But, Mother, I can't ignore how I feel. Yn deserves someone who sees her for who she truly is, not just the princess."

Violet's eyes softened, and she reached out to cup his cheek, her voice gentle. "Anthony, I don't doubt the sincerity of your feelings. But be cautious. There is a fine line between love and heartache, and I want to protect you from the latter."

He gave her a small nod, appreciating her concern even as a part of him wanted to brush it aside, to believe that love could conquer any boundary. "I know, Mother. I'll be careful."

Violet smiled, her gaze warm but resolute. "That's all I ask. Just remember that I'm here for you - for both of you, should you ever need it."

As she stood, pressing a soft kiss to his forehead, Anthony felt a surge of gratitude for his mother's wisdom and understanding. He knew she was right to caution him, to remind him of the delicate path he and Yn were treading.

After she left, Anthony sat alone for a moment, contemplating her words, his heart and mind at odds. He knew that what he and Yn shared was rare, precious, but he also knew that their connection was fragile, vulnerable to the expectations of society and the watchful eyes that surrounded her.

But as he thought of her, of her laughter, her warmth, and the way she made him feel truly alive, he resolved to protect this bond they had built, no matter how difficult it might become.

Back at the palace, all was quiet as the night settled over the grand halls and chambers. Yn was fast asleep, curled up beneath her blankets, her face softened with a contented smile as she drifted through dreams filled with memories of the evening she'd spent with Anthony.

But just down the corridor, Queen Charlotte walked with a quiet purpose. She had heard whispers from one of the guards, a discreet report that her niece had been seen riding out late into the night. Concern flickered in her mind, but she chose to investigate for herself rather than jump to conclusions.

Reaching Yn's chamber, she gently opened the door, her gaze softening as she peered inside. In the faint moonlight streaming through the window, she saw Yn fast asleep, her expression peaceful, almost radiant. The sight brought a small smile to Charlotte's lips, and any lingering worry melted away.

Though she was aware of Yn's spirited nature, and the whispers of her niece seeking moments of freedom, Charlotte felt a quiet trust in her. She knew that Yn carried herself with dignity and care, even when she craved a taste of independence beyond the palace walls. In that moment, she realized that perhaps her niece was simply finding her own way to balance the weight of her duties with the desires of her heart.

With a soft exhale, Queen Charlotte pulled the door closed, choosing to leave Yn undisturbed. Whatever secrets her niece held, Charlotte sensed that they were part of Yn's journey to understand herself - a journey the queen herself understood well.

As she walked away, she resolved to trust her niece's judgment and give her the space she needed to navigate her own path. Yn was growing up, after all, and Charlotte knew that sometimes, even princesses needed a taste of freedom.

And so, she left the hallway in silence, allowing her niece to continue sleeping, cradling the memories of a night that would stay close to her heart.