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captainsophiestark · 6 months

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Bad Timing

Benedict Bridgerton x Reader

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Written for Fictober 2023!

Fandom: Bridgerton

Day 25 Prompt: "Do I look like I knew that?"

Summary: When Eloise needs help with a problem, she knows she can count on her brother and his new wife for help.

Word Count: 1,047

Category: Fluff, Humor

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

"You know, lazy days like this are by far my favorite," I mused, curling into my husband's side as we laid in bed together. "No galas, no gossip from the Ton. Just the two of us."

"I certainly have to agree," said Benedict, my husband, as he traced patterns on the bare skin of my back. "Although, I do enjoy watching Colin wade through the swarm of Mamas every time we go out, now that he is the only unwed Bridgerton son. At least until Gregory gets a bit older."

"I'd say you were being mean, but he did ditch you and Anthony for quite a while in his travels."

"Yes, he did. So he deserves this."

I laughed, shaking my head a bit at my husband's antics. A moment later, he pulled me tighter to his side, rolling us so I laid completely on top of his chest. I rose up on my elbows to meet his eyes and found him looking at me with a mischevious smile.

"You know, it's just occurred to me," he started. "There are quite a few ways I can think of that our time would be better spent than talking about my brother."

"Oh really?" I asked, grinning and leaning down closer to Benedict. "And what might those ideas be?"

"Well for starters..."

With that, he brought his hand up to the back of my neck and pulled me into a searing kiss. I rested all my weight on him, kissing right back, until a knock at the door jarred us both out of the moment.

Reluctantly, I pulled away, and Benedict let me. We shared a look.

"Maybe whoever it is will go away if we ignore them," he whispered in suggestion. As if he'd willed it into happening, a voice from the other side of the door called out.

"Y/N! If you're in there, please, I need to talk to you."

Eloise. Benedict's little sister, who I'd become close with throughout the course of Benedict courting me. I gave Benedict an apologetic look.

"No," he whined as I rolled off of him, quickly wrapping a robe around myself and heading for the door.

"I have to," I replied. "I can't ignore her. Make yourself decent."

With that, I turned from my husband and went to open the door just wide enough to see Eloise on the other side, and for her to see me.

"Oh, thank goodness!" she cried, moving to push past me and into the room. I let her, just hoping that Benedict had done as I'd said. Eloise and I had done this a few times as we'd gotten closer, and whenever it happened, I knew she really, truly needed me.

I turned around to follow Eloise back into the room after shutting the door behind me, only to find her frozen just a few steps from where she'd come in. Benedict stood next to the bed, looking tired but resigned to our new morning activity as he laced up his shirt.

"Good morning, Eloise," he said, a little edge of teasing in his tone. "You know, I was trying to enjoy the morning with my wife-"

"Do I look like I knew that?" she cried. I fought back a laugh as I walked forward to wrap my arm around her shoulder.

"It's alright, Eloise," I said. "Benedict and I were about to get up for the morning, anyway."

Benedict shot me a look with his eyebrows almost into his hairline, and I glared right back, imploring him to go along with me. He cleared his throat.

"Right. That we were. What did you need help with, sister?"

She hesitated, so I walked around to face her, putting both of my hands on her shoulders and blocking her eyeline to Benedict. I gave her a small smile, so she'd know everything was alright, then spoke in a low voice that I knew Benedict wouldn't be able to hear.

"If this is a ladies' problem, or one you don't want your brother to know about, El, I'll throw him out of here right now and we can talk, alright? But if you're embarrassed about knocking when you did, then you truly don't need to be. We love you, and we'd both drop far more important things to help you whenever you need it."

Eloise sighed, nodding a little as she did. The bright red blush that had risen to her cheeks started to fade, and she at last met my eyes again.

"Thank you. I... suppose it wouldn't hurt to have Benedict's input as well," she said. I nodded, giving her a bright smile before turning around to face my husband.

"Put your problem-solving hat on, Benedict," I said. I started drifting for the couches by Benedict's turret window, one of my favorite features of his room. "We've got a family matter to deal with."

They both beamed at me as they started following me over to the couch. I'd considered a few of Benedict's siblings as good as family for a long time now, but it felt amazing to be able to say that and have it be completely true.

Benedict and Eloise settled into the couch on either side of me, Benedict resting his arm across my shoulders. Those kinds of casual touches would've been scandalous before we were married, but now we could do them whenever we wanted to, which also made my heart sing.

Eloise gave us both one last look with a raised eyebrow, then launched into her explanation of the problem that had brought her to our doorstep, which had something to do with a boy of virtually no social status who'd caught her attention. Benedict and I spent the rest of the morning, helping her as best we could, in the way only we could.

Although I hated that Eloise had to deal with the problems she dealt with, a small part of me sang the entire morning as Benedict and I worked together, the perfect team, to help his little sister. This was going to be the rest of our lives, with Eloise and maybe someday with children of our own, and I couldn't be happier thinking about that future with Benedict. We made the perfect team.

****************

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury

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harmonyverendez · 9 days

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EVERMORE - PROLOGUE ( A Bridgerton Fanfic ) [ Kate Sheffield x Fem! OC ]

Good. Better. Best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best. -

St. Jerome

༶•┈┈⛧┈♛ ♛┈⛧┈┈•༶

From the moment Princess Hailey Royalblood was born, she was the star of Romania. Everywhere she went, all eyes were on her. She was cooed over and spoiled, but she never enjoyed the attention. She preferred solitude and staying away from the public eye.

As the years passed, Princess Hailey immersed herself in studying art, learning new languages, and mastering the piano and other musical instruments.

When she was five years old, she met the beautiful blue-eyed Katharine Sheffield and her mother, Charlotte Sheffield. The three quickly became friends, with Katharine preferring to be called Kate and Hailey favoring hazes, which was an unusual choice.

The girls spent countless hours playing and bonding until tragedy struck and Charlotte passed away. Princess Hailey was deeply affected by the loss and distraught when Katharine had to leave the country.

Queen Harmony and King Ethan allowed Katharine to depart temporarily, but their daughter was left heartbroken. She fell into a state of depression, but ultimately found the strength to move on and eventually forgot all about Katharine Sheffield.

However, fate had other plans. As time went on, Princess Hailey's life would take a different turn.

༶•┈┈⛧┈♛ ♛┈⛧┈┈•༶

A maid comes into a princess's royal room and opens the curtains. The maid waits for her mistress to rise and gets ready for her day.

Princess Hailey sat up, covered her eyes from the bright light, and took a deep breath as she got adjusted to the morning and prepared herself for sleepiness.

Here she was getting ready to go to London, Britain.

She hadn't been in such a long time, and it was time for her to come out.

She was ready to end a mother and have someone by her side.

But there was only one person she waited for, and that was ━━━

“ Miss, are you alright?” A soothing voice came from above her.

Lady Alisanne, her maid, looked at her with concern.

Princess Hailey shook her head and stood to her feet as her maid started to prepare her breakfast.

“ Yes, I am alright Alise, just excited to finally come out. I've waited for this all my life” the Princess stated.

Her maid smiles as she takes off her mistress clothes and the beautiful brown-skinned female is left naked.

No romantic feelings were shade, for they were used to this.

That was part of being royal, maids and servants saw their mistress or king or queen nude, and no feelings were shared.

After cleaning her mistress, the princess gets out of the bath and is placed in her royal gown.

Her other maids were there to apply makeup and skin care for her body.

Then her hair was styled, and finally, her shoes were placed on.

And later on, she was walking down the hall to her dining room for breakfast, there she was met by her mother and father, Queen and King Harmony and Ethan.

She respectfully kissed her mother's hand and her father's cheek.

“ Hello and good morning, mama and Papa,” she said pleasantly.

“ Good morning my dear” Her mother the queen replied.

“ Good morning, my love. How are you this morning” her father asked.

Princess Hailey started on her breakfast.

“ Wonderful, Father. I'm very excited for the opportunity to see London, I haven't seen it in such a long time” she responded.

King Ethan beamed with pride, he was happy that his daughter was excited to see her favorite place.

“ I'm happy you are happy my dear”.

Queen Harmony watched her husband and daughter talk and finished her breakfast.

Soon the three stood as the servants gathered their dishes and took them away to clean.

The carriages were ready, and their luggage was ready as well.

They got inside and the carriages were off as the horse took off.

༶•┈┈⛧┈♛ ♛┈⛧┈┈•༶

Britain, London 1814

The Gold carriage stops as the three Royal get out and walk inside the castle.

Princess Hailey follows her servants to her room and unpacks her luggage.

Her maid Alisanne giggles as she closes the door of her mistress' room and begins her care of her princess.

Princess Hailey Happily sat as she was taking care of, she felt spoiled.

The princess then stood as she got ready for tonight's ball.

Lady Danbury would be hosting the first season ball.

Something she did every season.

The Royalblood family was ready and excited indeed.

Especially Princess Hailey.

So when the doors of the ball opened, the Royalblood family stepped into the room.

The king and Queen watched from afar as they didn't want to be a part of the crowd, but Princess Hailey?

She wanted to be a part of the crowd.

She watches as everyone around her looks in awe at her, bowed showing respect.

The Princess kept a smile on her face, whether she liked it or not.

She walks to the corner and stands as everyone begins to dance.

Many males came to her aid trying to get a dance out of her, but she politely declined.

Princess Hailey looks around finally catching the eyes of Miss Katharine Sheffield.

Her eyes widened slightly but she fixed it immediately.

The princess smiled, but on the inside, she felt like a small child once more.

Her friend was finally here!

Her Kate was here, the princess walked over to her as many around her bowed respectfully.

Miss Edwina Sheffield bowed. Princess Hailey smiled and nodded at her respectful, and polite aura.

She looked to her left to see an average-sized woman.

She knew she wasn't her friend's mother, but more like a mother figure or stepmother.

But the woman was still her mother all the same.

“ Your Majesty,” they bowed.

“ Thank you, you may stand,” Princess Hailey said. She looked to see her friend Kate smiling at her. “ And Miss Katharine Sheffield, how pleasant it is to see you, my dear”.

Lady Danbury watches with curiosity and contusion.

“ Apologies for speaking out of turn your Majesty, but how do you know my sister Kate?” Edwina speaks up kindly.

The Princess turned to the smaller female. She was beautiful, with long blonde hair and blue eyes.

A beauty

A jewel indeed.

“ Ah, none taken my dear. Your sister Kate and I have met before, we were childhood friends, but a strange event happened and she left my side and we haven't seen each other since. This is the first time in the year we have seen each other” The princess spoke.

“ I see, well it is so nice to meet you, your Majesty and I hope you are enjoying your stay so far” Edwina replied.

The Princess smiled.

Edwina was such a beautiful soul, young and naive, but a respectful young lady.

She would make a good wife.

“ I am my dear, and I hope you are enjoying your stay as well. Well if you excuse me, I must take my leave ” The princess states.

The princess leaves the four.

༶•┈┈⛧┈♛ ♛┈⛧┈┈•༶

The Queen of Britain finally announced her diamond of the season.

Miss Edwina Sheffield.

Princess Hailey was excited, she clapped and watched as others lined up to dance with the young lady.

She sighs softly and lifts her finger to beckon Kate over.

Lady Danbury nudges the tall woman, and with a heavy sight, the beautiful woman comes over to her former friend.

The princess waited and finally, the woman stood next to her friend.

The princess moves close so that she can whisper to the female.

“ So you just ignore me? We haven't spoken in such a long time. No letter or anything?! And then you pretend like you don't know me!” The princess hissed/whispered, but she kept her posture straight, even her face was natural as she kept a smile on her face.

Kate was nervous, she never felt nervous before.

She was a strong, sharp tongue, and was not afraid to speak her mind, but her former friend brought out that version of herself from many years ago.

“ Am sorry, you must know I was saddened by my mother's death, my father wasn't the same. I took matters into my own hands, my father remarried and met Mary, and she became a mother to me, I still took responsibility for everything and for that, I am sorry I had to leave you. We can bond once more if you like. But we must be careful since you are a princess now and I am just an ordinary female and a spinster” Kate finished.

The Princess took in the information and nodded with respect. “ I see, and my apologies I haven't realized. I do wish for us to catch up on everything. And I would like to officially meet your mother and sister, I see we haven't met” the princess responded.

The two smiled at each other and began to talk more, as the ball ended they went Their separate ways.

The princess met up with her mother and father as they wanted to know how her first night in Britain went.

“ it was wonderful mama and Papa. I met my childhood Katharine Sheffield, you do remember her do you? She has a younger sister now? And I've met her mother as well. I feel we should have them over for dinner and get to know them do we not?”.

The king and Queen smiled at her daughter.

They were happy for her indeed.

And they were looking forward to meeting the Sheffields.

Since it seemed this Katharine woman had taken an interest in their daughter's life.

This was the time for celebration.

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electricboogaloosstuff · 1 year

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I am fascinated by how, in the Bridgerton Extanded Universe, everyone is in a period drama EXCEPT the Bridgerton family, who is in a romantic comedy.

#bridgerton #everyone is fighting for the status of their family except Violet and co who marry for love #the tone dissonance is fabulous #queen charlotte #violet bridgerton #lady danbury

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mydairpercabeth · 1 year

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The transition of Brimsley and Reynolds dancing together to Brimsley dancing alone broke something in me

#THEY WERE ALSO A LOVE MATCH #BRIMSLEY DID HAVE FAMILY AND IT WAS REYNOLDS #brimsleyreynolds #brimsley x reynolds #queen charlotte #bridgerton #mlm #queer romance

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3cheerlinding-zebras · 1 year

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Wow they made the British monarchy from Bridgerton into a real thing? Netflix really went all out on marketing this year…

#there’s a coronation like in queen charlotte!#and they also built a replica of buckingham house!#bridgerton #Netflix #queen charlotte #King Charles #coronation #King Charles iii #king charles coronation #uk #uk politics #United Kingdom #British monarchy #Charles iii #british royal family #royals

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kat-rose-griffith · 18 days

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I hope that Kate recognizes Colin gazing at Penelope with that horny bridgerton look and hits him with a book for going about it like such a bridgerton

#bridgerton #kate bridgerton #colin bridgerton #penelope featherington #polin #ideally she would spray him with water but tech wasn’t there yet #I want someone in the bridgerton family to get after him just for fun

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broadwayfan92 · 24 days

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Colin giving Penelope lessons to find a suitor

The rest of the Bridgerton family:

#bridgerton #bridgerton season 3 #polin #colin bridgerton #penelope featherington #bridgerton family #violet bridgerton #anthony bridgerton #kate bridgerton #benedict bridgerton #eloise bridgerton #francesca bridgerton #gregory bridgerton #hyacinth bridgerton

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funemployed-fangirl · 2 months

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Bridgerton proposals rated by level of chaos

Anthony - While courting her sister, Anthony panics when Kate is stung by a bee, proceeds to attempt to suck out the poison from her clavicle, and is caught by their mothers and Lady Featherington. Lady F says they'll have to marry and Anthony announces they'll be married next week. No proposal, Kate is never consulted. Anthony then ravishes her in the gazebo. 10/10. Complete Chaos.

Benedict - After repeatedly propositioning Sophie to be his live-in mistress, Benedict finds out she has been arrested for theft, shows up at the jail, punches the warden, and demands to know why his fiancé is being held prisoner. No proposal. Lady B almost punches Sophie's evil stepmother. 12/10. Utter Chaos.

Colin - Like a day after realizing that he finds Penelope incredibly attractive, Colin chases her through London, discovers she's Lady Whistledown, throws her in his carriage, lectures her, ravishes her, then they arrive back at her house and he hops out of the carriage and says, "well are you going to marry me or not?" Technically a proposal. 7/10. Chaos compounded by Lady F somehow thinking he's proposing to Pen's little sister.

Daphne - Daphne disrupts a duel for her honor, punches Simon in the eye, and insists he marry her because their garden makeout session was seen. Simon say he cannot have children, omitting that it's a personal choice and not a medical condition, and Daphne says good to know not a problem we're doing this. No real proposal. No one's happy with the outcome. Pistols and bickering big brothers in attendance for added chaos. 8/10

Eloise - Phillip proposes in a letter before they ever meet, failing to mention he has two children. Eloise packs a bag and leaves for his house without telling anyone. Phillip is shocked to discover her on his doorstep. The brothers are forced to ride after to her to defend her honor. Eloise doesn't understand why everyone's making such a fuss. Colin grumbles he's meant to be on his honeymoon. Beautiful Eloise-brand chaos abounds. 7/10

Francesca - Michael pines for a decade. He proposes. Franny says no. They have sex. He proposes. She says maybe. They have more sex. He nearly dies of malaria. Eventually they get married. By any other family's standards, it would be legendary chaos, but we're talking about the Bridgertons. 5/10

Gregory - HOO BOY. Gregory proposes/propositions Lucy despite her being engaged to someone else. She agrees but then is threatened by her treasonous uncle and goes through with the original marriage. Gregory interrupts the wedding. Lucy turns him down in front of the whole Ton. At the reception Gregory kidnaps her, then gets into a shootout with her uncle. Her now-husband agrees to annul the marriage. Absolute freaking chaos. No notes. 27/10

Hyacinth - Despite midnight rendezvous, breaking and entering, and a treasure hunt, Hyancinth's proposal is shockingly normal. Gareth formally asks Anthony's permission, then gets down on one knee and proposes properly. 2/10. Mildly disappointing, considering H's chaotic personality.

#Bridgerton #bridgerton siblings #bridgerton family #bridgerton books #romance #kanthony #polin #benophie

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daughterofyore · 11 months

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How would George behave while you were pregnant?

a/n;; a little headcannon about how George would act while you, his queen were pregnant. summary;; George caring for you and how I believe he would treat you throughout your queenly pregnancy.

contents;; sickening amount of fluff, almost smothering amount of love, pregnancy, birth, !!W!!;; vomiting

wc;; 566 music inspo;; falling in love

In the early stages of your pregnancy he would be an excited mess. Constantly asking if you were sure you were pregnant, just because he wanted to make sure he was being blessed with a little baby.

When a doctor would arrive to confirm the pregnancy, he would be at your side. Peppering your knuckles and cheek with kisses. Whispering sweet nothings into your ear, only loud enough for you to hear.

He would demand you move to his room so that he may take care of you. He wouldn’t trust the staff to care for you and would adopt the jobs of helping you dress, get baths etc. Nothing would stop him caring for his wife and the mother of his child.

The morning sickness would break his heart, seeing you convulsing above a toilet bowl. He would be by your side in moments, in fact if he was busy and heard you weren’t feeling well he’d sprint to be by your side.

He’d hold your hair back as you are sick, rubbing soothing circles into the small of your back. Giving you gentle encouragement.

“That’s it dearest, you’ll be okay.”

“I am here my love.”

“Once this has passed I’ll wrap you up and lay with you.”

He’d be an absolute fiend when it came to baths. He’d be so doting, carefully filling the bath with warm water and topping it off with different (safe) dried flowers.

He’d wash you, allowing you to just relax.

He’d constantly be touching your growing belly, speaking to the baby growing inside.

“Hello my little darling. I am so excited to meet you.”

At night he’d hold you close, even in his sleep he’d be reaching for you and pulling you to be flush with him. His hand would almost always be splayed across your stomach.

He’d pay special attention to foods which made you sick and the cravings. He’d take it upon himself to go and retrieve your cravings from the kitchen, even going as far as too learn how to make them. He’d take lessons with the chef to make sure they tasted great.

Anything you wanted, whenever you wanted you can be sure he’d be making it happen.

He’d set up a comfy nook in the observatory, as the pair of you lay down he’d point to different stars and tell you their names. He’d trace constellations with his index finger.

When it came time to give birth he’d race to your side, probably coming from a meeting or a kingly duty.

If anyone tried to stop him from entering the room he’d diminish them to nothing, ripping into them. How dare they try to prevent him from being by your side, he’d push by them and deal with them later.

As you would be in labour he’d be on the bed at your side, holding you and brushing your hair out of your face. He would encourage you to no end.

He’d be nervous, but extremely excited to see his little family grow together.

He would be so proud of you, pressing little kisses to your forehead. His heart would break at seeing you in pain, though.

When it would be all said and done and the baby would cry, he’d cradle it as he lay beside you. His heart swelling with love at seeing his perfect child and beautiful wife at his side.

#bridgerton #bridgerton series #bridgerton smut #bridgerton spoilers #king george bridgerton #king george iii #king george x f!reader #king george x reader #queen charlotte #bridgerton fanfiction #bridgerton imagine #bridgerton men #bridgerton fic #bridgerton x reader #bridgerton family

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xamala · 2 years

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Aveva trovato difficile non perdere la testa quando le labbra di lui l’avevano baciata. Per un magnifico istante non aveva sentito più nulla, tranne la squisita sensazione di essere apprezzata e desiderata e l’effetto era stato davvero inebriante

#bridgerton #book #anthony bridgerton #kate sharma #kate sheffield #kanthony #kanthony love story #romance #daily bridgerton #daily kanthony #Netflix #love story #book lovers #quote #bridgerton 2 #the bridgerton family #book quotes #love quotes

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grantmercies · 1 year

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it’s annoying me that i’m trying to look at beautiful gifs and posts about queen charlotte the tv series and actual uk monarchy stuff pops up in the tags. the worst jumpscare. the british royal family?? you mean from the steamy netflix period dramas?

#queen charlotte #bridgerton #uk politics #royal family

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captainsophiestark · 6 months

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A Perfect Match

Anthony Bridgerton x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for Fictober 2023!

Fandom: Bridgerton

Day 19 Prompt: "What if we're wrong?"

Summary: Anthony and Y/N have been dancing around each other for far too long. Benedict and Colin decide to do something about that.

Word Count: 1,726

Category: Fluff, minor angst

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

Benedict's POV

"Colin!" I hissed, poking my head into the study where my brother sat journaling about his travels. He looked up at me like he had no idea why I could be bothering him. "Lady Y/N is here."

"Oh!"

He shot out of his seat, and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. We'd only been putting together our plan to get her and my brother together for a week. How he could've forgotten was beyond me.

"Alright, she's having tea with Eloise in the drawing room. I'm going to go get her and bring her to Anthony's study," I said as Colin and I walked through the halls. "You just be ready to come give me a reason to leave once we're in there."

Colin nodded, then paused.

"Benedict? What if we're wrong? About their feelings?"

I sighed. Anthony and Y/N truly did butt heads at every opportunity as if they hated each other. But it was hard to miss the longing looks and the way one of them got distracted just by the other walking into the room. I shrugged.

"Well, I suppose if we're wrong, they'll probably kill us."

Colin gave me a look, but I completely ignored it as I marched into the drawing room.

****************

Y/N's POV

"Y/N!"

I turned from my tea and the book spread between me and Eloise at the sound of Benedict's voice, giving him a friendly smile as he entered the room.

"Hello, Benedict. Lovely to see you."

"Likewise. Actually, I was wondering if you could spare a moment to accompany me upstairs? Anthony mentioned needing to see you for something, and I told him that since I was on my way down, I'd bring you back up."

"Anthony wanted to see me?" I asked, working very hard to keep my tone neutral. Benedict nodded.

"Yes, if you don't mind."

"Actually, we do mind," Eloise chimed in. "Tell Anthony he can get his own friend."

"Eloise, Mother wanted to see you as well," Benedict responded smoothly. "She's in the garden."

Eloise narrowed her eyes, and I watched the staring contest develop like a tennis match. Finally, after a few moments, Eloise gave in and stood with a sigh.

"Fine. I shall go find her. But if this is a ruse, Benedict-"

"For what purpose? You are entirely too suspiscious sister."

I hid a laugh behind my hand as Eloise glared at Benedict on her way out of the room. I truly loved the Bridgertons, and watching them interact was more entertaining than the most competitive horse race.

"Lady Y/N," said Benedict, offering his arm to me with a smile. I took it, my mind racing as Benedict and I made our way upstairs. Anthony and I had a rather unusual relationship, and although I'd never admit it, I had developed strong feelings for the Viscount over the course of knowing him. The curiosity over why he wanted to see me was eating me alive.

"Did Anthony mention what he wished to discuss?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual.

"No, he only asked me to hurry," Benedict responded. We reached the door, and Benedict held it open for me. "After you."

I stepped inside, feeling a bit nervous. Anthony was hard at work, scribbling away at papers on his desk, but he looked up when he saw me.

"Lady Y/N! Hello, uh..." He cleared his throat and shuffled some of the papers into a neater pile absentmindedly.

"Here she is, brother, like you asked," said Benedict as he came to stand beside me. Anthony's brow furrowed like he was confused, but Colin poked his head into the study before Anthony could say anything.

"Benedict!" said Colin. "Mother sent me, she needs to see you immediately."

Now it was my turn to be a bit confused, especially as Benedict grimaced like Colin had some something wrong. Before I could say anything, however, Benedict was moving quickly towards the door.

"Right, well, then I'd better not keep her waiting."

With that, he and Colin ducked into the hall, closing the door behind them. A moment later I heard the door lock, and then a sound like something heavy being pushed against it from the other side.

"Did they just..."

I stared in shock at the door for a few moments, whirled around to look at Anthony, then turned back to the door again. Benedict and Colin had just locked me in here, with Anthony, who looked as surprised as I did.

After a long moment of inaction, Anthony pushed back from his desk and quickly crossed the room. I watched as he tried the door and it didn't budge, then tried it again. Finally, he shoved it a bit with his shoulder as if it were stuck, and still nothing worked.

"Benedict! Colin!" he shouted through the door. No response.

"Anthony?" He whirled around to face me, eyes a little wild. "Did you actually ask Benedict to bring me up here to talk about something?"

"What? No, I haven't seen Benedict all morning."

I crossed my arms and shook my head, turning away from Anthony.

"I can't believe those two. I can't believe them."

"What are you talking about?"

I huffed an irritated sigh, then answered without turning around.

"Benedict dragged me away from tea with Eloise, telling me you'd asked to see me, right away. I don't know what on earth he and Colin were thinking, but now I'm stuck in here with you-"

I stopped abruptly, not trusting myself to continue speaking. Anthony and I butted heads plenty, but there was no denying how much I enjoyed spending time with him. Sparring with him when we disagreed and never feeling angry, just excited. Laughing as he complained about having to participate in the season but feeling jealous when one of the other girls or Mamas got their hands on him... I loved him. But I wasn't sure I wanted to admit it.

"Is it really so awful?"

Anthony's voice was thick, more vulnerable than I'd really ever heard it before. I turned around to fix him with a questioning look, and he held my eyes, although he looked ready to run at a moment's notice. Unfortunately for him, we had nowhere to go.

"Is it really so awful to be stuck in here with me?" Anthony continued when I didn't answer him. "Do you really hate me so much?"

My heart shattered in my chest, especially at the tentative sadness in his voice. My answer didn't come right away, and after a second or two of silence, Anthony turned away.

"I'm sorry. Forget I said anything-"

"Anthony no I- I'm sorry." I started crossing the room to him, but stopped halfway, thinking better of it. "I have fun giving you a hard time and arguing over silly things with you. But if I've done that to the point that you feel I truly hate you... then I'm sorry, I should never have let it go that far."

Anthony turned to face me again, a guarded expression on his face.

"So you do not hate me?"

"No. Quite the opposite, actually."

I took a deep breath, steeling myself to say what I needed to say next. I trusted Benedict and Colin not to do this to me unless they had some idea that my feelings for Anthony were mutual. Hopefully, that trust wasn't misplaced, but even if it was, denying my feelings had only hurt Anthony and I both. It had to end.

"Anthony, I'm sure this will be considered entirely too forward for me to say as a lady, but... I rather think I love you. You challenge me in a way no other man ever has, and when we are aligned, our teamwork knows no equal. There may be other men who would treat me well, and there may even be other men who would respect me as a partner, but none of them would be you. You, Anthony... you are my perfect match. And if I've led you to believe I hated you, then I am truly sorry. I assure you I do not."

Anthony just stared back at me, not taking his eyes off me the entire time I spoke. He didn't respond right away after I finished, still just staring, his expression unreadable. I started to sweat and fidget, immediately regretting my words and wishing I could take them back.

"You know, Anthony, actually-"

Before I could finish the thought, Anthony rushed to close the rest of the distance between us, sweeping me off my feet and spinning me around in his arms. I yelped, but when he set me down, we both had massive smiles on our faces.

"I apologize. That was rather improper of me," he said, not sounding the least bit sorry. I smiled back and leaned into him a little more.

"No more improper than my confession, or your brothers locking us in this room together."

Anthony hummed, leaning into me and pulling me close to him again, one hand tangling in my hair as he murmured into my ear.

"I feel the same, you know. I have for some time. I just never imagined that you would care for me as much as I cared for you."

I smiled, wrapping my arms tight around Anthony and holding him close. After a few seconds, we pulled apart, and although I wanted to kiss him, badly, I held back. We'd already crossed quite a few scandalous lines, after all. And now that I knew he felt the same way as I did, I didn't think I'd have to wait long for our courtship to make quite a few more things I wanted to do 'acceptable'.

"I suppose we owe your brothers a thank you for getting us to confess our feelings to each other," I said with a sigh. Anthony scoffed.

"Absolutely not. They still tricked us and physically locked us in a room. No matter how happy I am with the results, they deserve some payback."

I grinned. "I was hoping you'd say that."

Anthony led me back over to his desk where the two of us sat shoulder to shoulder, plotting and planning the downfall of his brothers. I had no idea how long they intended to leave us in this room, but every additional minute meant more time to plan revenge.

Happily, it also meant more time with Anthony. And with any luck, the rest of my life would be filled with more time with Anthony.

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Everything Taglist: @rosecentury

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