[2] The Queen Mother of Württemberg | A. Bridgerton

Chapter 17

I Love You

Buckingham House, London

The Prince and Princess of Württemberg entered their mother's chamber hand in hand, guided gently by their caretakers, Olivia and Evelyn. Anton's face lit up with uncontainable joy as he spotted his mother sitting upright in bed, a tender smile softening her features. Beside him, Amalia toddled along, her tiny hands clutching a beloved stuffed bear to her chest.

The Queen Mother of Württemberg greeted her children with open arms, her voice warm and inviting. Without hesitation, Anton scrambled onto the bed, his grin wide and infectious as he made himself comfortable at its foot. Amalia, not one to be left behind, reached up eagerly with small, insistent hands. Charlotte, her heart brimming with affection, scooped up her youngest with ease, cradling her close and pressing a gentle kiss to her golden curls.

"Wie fühlst du dich, Mama?" Anton asked earnestly, his small brows furrowed with concern. How are you feeling, Mummy?

"Viel besser, mein süßer Junge," Charlotte assured him, stroking Amalia's cheek as the little girl leaned into her touch. Much better, my sweet boy. "Danke, dass du fragst." Thank you for asking.

Anton tilted his head, studying her with the kind of seriousness only a child could muster.

"Mummy," he grinned. "Du siehst gar nicht mehr so müde aus." You don't look so tired anymore.

"Das freut mich zu hören. Ich fühle mich auch viel besser," she chuckled softly. I'm glad to hear that. I feel much better, too. "Aber Anton, wir müssen über etwas Wichtiges sprechen." But Anton, there is something important we must discuss.

"Habe ich etwas falsch gemacht?" His eyes grew wide, his lips parting slightly. Am I in trouble?

"Nein, überhaupt nicht. Du warst so ein braver Junge," Charlotte laughed gently, shaking her head as she reached forward, cupping his cheek. No, not at all. You've been such a good boy. "Das hier betrifft unsere Familie." This is about something very important for our family.

Anton's face turned serious again as he nodded.

"Du erinnerst dich, wo dein Papa ist, nicht wahr?" She asked. You remember where your Papa is, don't you?

"Papa ist im Himmel," Anton said with quiet confidence, his small voice steady. Papa is in Heaven.

"Ja, das ist er," Charlotte said softly, her voice catching ever so slightly. She blinked away the moisture gathering in her eyes, determined to stay strong for her children. Yes, he is. "Wir sehen ihn vielleicht nicht, aber er ist immer bei uns, hier," she placed a hand gently over her heart. We may not see him, but he is always with us, here. "Verstehst du das, mein Schatz?" Do you understand that, my love?

"Papa ist im Himmel und passt auf uns auf," Anton nodded solemnly. Papa is in Heaven watching over us.

"Das ist richtig," Charlotte said, her voice filled with warmth. She pressed a kiss to Amalia's temple, her youngest watching the conversation with curious eyes. That's right. "Er wird immer unser Schutzengel sein." He will always be our guardian angel.

"Für immer?" Anton asked in a whisper, as if afraid the answer might not be so. Always?

"Für immer," Charlotte promised, her tone firm. She paused, smoothing out the folds of Amalia's dress before continuing. Always. "Was denkst du über Anthony?" What do you think about Anthony?

"Anthony?" Anton repeated, his small lips pursing as he thought. Then he smiled. "Ich mag ihn. Er ist nett zu mir und Amalia." I like him. He's nice to me and Amalia.