Love Story - Anthony Bridgerton x Princess Reader

Loves a Fragile Little Flame

Yn barely stopped to think. As soon as her aunt left her alone, she felt the surge of clarity, the realization of exactly what she had to do. Without a second thought, she dashed out of the sitting room, her skirts billowing as she ran through the palace corridors, her heart racing with both determination and anticipation. Her mind was set, her heart steady, and the path was clear.

She reached the stables quickly, nearly breathless but fueled by a singular purpose. She called for Ivy, her trusted companion in all things secret and daring, and mounted her horse without hesitation. With a gentle but firm nudge, they took off at a gallop, racing through the palace grounds and out into the open, toward Bridgerton House.

The ride passed in a blur, the landscape flashing by as Yn's thoughts focused solely on one thing - Anthony. She didn't care about protocol, didn't care who saw her, didn't care about the whispers that might follow. This was her decision, her choice, and she was going to make it known.

When she arrived at Bridgerton House, her heart pounding, she pulled Ivy to a stop just as she saw Lady Violet outside in the garden, her usual warmth mixed with a flicker of surprise as she took in the sight of Yn, flushed and breathless. For a brief moment, they simply looked at each other, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

Violet's eyes softened, and with a slight nod, she gestured toward the house. "He's in his study," she said gently, a quiet encouragement in her tone.

Yn gave a grateful nod, barely pausing before she hurried up the steps and into the house. Although she had only been in a few grand homes like the Bridgertons', she followed her instinct, moving with purpose down the hallways. Most houses had the same layout, and the quietness of the house led her right to the room she sought.

Finally, she reached a door slightly ajar, warm light spilling into the hallway. Taking a steadying breath, she opened it and stepped inside.

Anthony looked up from his desk, his face shifting from surprise to something softer, something that mirrored the storm of emotions churning within her. He rose quickly, his gaze fixed on her as if trying to understand what had brought her here so suddenly.

"Yn," he said, his voice filled with both surprise and concern. "Are you all right?"

She closed the door behind her, her hand lingering on the doorknob for a brief moment before she turned to face him fully. Her heart was racing, but she felt a strange calm settle over her as she looked into his eyes. "I'm sorry to intrude like this," she began, her voice softer than she intended, but her gaze unwavering. "But we need to talk."

Anthony took a step closer, his brows knitting together as he searched her face. "Of course," he said gently, his concern growing. "What's happened?"

Yn took a deep breath, summoning the courage that had carried her this far. She hadn't fully prepared what she was going to say, but she knew she had to be honest, to share everything that had been weighing on her heart since her conversation with her aunt. The choice she had to make was one she wanted him to understand.

With a quiet determination, she met his gaze, ready to lay bare the decision she had come to.

Yn took a deep breath, her pulse racing as she looked into Anthony's eyes. She felt her words catch in her throat, but she knew there was only one way to begin this conversation, one way to be certain of what they shared before she could tell him everything.

"Anthony..." she began, her voice soft, barely above a whisper. "Do you... do you love me?"

She saw his eyes widen, a flicker of surprise passing over his face. He opened his mouth, then closed it, seemingly caught off guard by the question. He stammered for a moment, his usual confidence slipping as he searched for the right words. But after a beat, he straightened, his expression softening as he met her gaze.