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𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀 𝐇𝐀𝐃 𝐀𝐖𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐋𝐘 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐒, 𝐖𝐇𝐎 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐘 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐄𝐄 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐇 𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐋𝐘 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒. She sat with the poem Eloise had written and the smitten look had not yet rid itself from her face. As her eyes trailed over the words once more they never failed in projecting a reaction from her, each time felt anew and she welcomed the tenderness of the locutions.

"Your Grace." Daphne greeted kindly which Anastasia returned, "may I?" She pointed to the seat across from her and Anastasia nodded eagerly.

It was quiet between them, the fluttering of birds and whispers of trees filled the silence between them. Out of the corner of her eye she could see Daphne turning to look at her before staring at the scenery and back to the princess.

"Do you need something, Miss Bridgerton?" Daphne appeared bashful as she was caught and sighed aloud before nodding slightly.

"How is it you and my sister became friends?"

Daphnes query made Anastasia arch an eyebrow, was this an interrogation or simply a wonder into her sisters private life.

"I only ask because well, my sister has only ever really had one friend and yet you appear to be even closer to her than Penelope."

This comment made Anastasia look to the paper in her hand with a smile that Daphne took note of. "Your sister is certainly a far cry from any of the other ladies I have ever met but that reason as such is why I find her so admirable." Daphne watched as a shine glazed over Anastasia's eyes and her mouth nearly dropped at how she spoke of her sister with such passion. "She is not afraid to speak her mind, that much I'm sure you know," a laugh was shared between the two, "she fears not for the opinions of other, her way thinking may be crass at times but she means well, she prefers biography's over any other book and I find that captivating, she sees the world in such a way that adverses all social standards, she's very-"

Anastasia abruptly stopped speaking as she realised the tangent she had gone on although Daphne was staring at her with such profound adoration. "I apologise, I appear to have drowned on."

The Bridgerton licked her lips to his the smile that threatened to spread, this princess was enraptured with her sister. "Nonsense, it is rare to hear someone speak so highly of my sister but alas, I am grateful that she had you as such a close companion."

Anastasia gave a nod to her, winning her approval mattered, although she had earned it the moment Eloise gushed to them about her.

"You truly are a remarkable woman, Daphne, I now thoroughly understand why my mother chose you to be the seasons diamond."

"I thank you, princess Anastasia."

"Please," she stood and came to sit besides her with a easy grin, "call me Anna."

The two fell into a eruptions laughter and discussed the season that Anastasia was not present for in length. Especially the idea that Daphne could have married her cousin and they would have been family in-laws. Though, as she talked of her husband, who had to stay home due to matters of business, Anastasia noted how Daphne would suddenly mention Eloise's name.

It left the girl thoroughly vulnerable as she was not there to defend her name when Daphne shared embarrassing childhood stories or rather most recent ones.

Their laughter seemed to sound throughout the home and both Violet and Lady Danbury soon joined after with the maids preparing tea and cakes. Soon after Kate Sharma had too settled down and the air around them was tender.

Eloise had been searching for Anastasia since she woke but as she, albeit barged into her room, she found the sheets cold and the bed made. A uneasiness clawed it's way up her throat as she thought the worst, perhaps she had been too forward and the princess was doing everything she could to avoid her presence. Perhaps she moved into another room or perhaps she left.

The thoughts made her ill and her pace quickened as she searched each room, nerves pricked at her once more until the sound of chatter reached her ears. The voice of royalty reached her and already she felt at ease but Eloise needed to see for herself that she was there and not a trick of her imagination.

She stepped through the doorway and Daphne waved her sister over, all eyes were on her form as she stood with a relief washing over her at the sight of Anastasia nursing a cake.

"Eloise, you must come join us, Anna has the most extraordinary tales of her adventures abroad, it is far more entertaining than Colin's incessant bragging of Greece."

All Eloise could think of was how Daphne had called her Anna, she thought that was a privilege given only to her. The light in her eyes darkened slightly, turning to one of sadness and Anastasia looked at her in woe.

"No, I wouldn't want to impose, please, enjoy your tea." She evaded their eyes and left as quick as she came but instead Anastasia politely excused herself before trailing after her. Daphne simply watching whilst sipping calmly on her tea with a tight lipped hum.

Anastasia followed after her and listened for the steps of her stomping heels, Colin appeared before her with one of his genteel smiles.

"Princess, would you allow me to-

"My sincerest apologies, my lord, I am simply far too occupied," she slipped past his form throwing a wild excuse as she trailed after Eloise. She found her on a balcony as well except this one was without any family and certainly fair quieter.

She watched as she clenched the book tight in her hands and her eyes were moving too fast for her to be consuming the information of the page.

"Eloise," she called out softly but no response was given to her and she sighed lightly before kneeling in front of her as she sat on the couch and placed her hand on the novels page. "Eloise."

She would still not meet her eye and it pained her that she would not give in to Anastasia's pleading gaze. She removed the book from her hands and gently replaced it with her own, "Eloise, please look at me," she begged.

The Bridgerton did, peering down at her with a frown upon her lips that fretted Anastasia considerably.

"What have I done?"

Eloise looked to the ceiling, "she called you, Anna."

Anastasia stared blankly at her but she still gazed to the roof and the princess couldn't entirely hold back the laugh that nearly erupted from her.

"Do not laugh."

"I'm not."

"You are."
 
Anastasia chuckled lightly, "I'm sorry but Eloise you must understand," she stood and came to sit besides the girl who had her head resting on the back of the chair. "You are most winsome."

Eloise let a dry laugh past her lips before she tilted her head so her eyes could meet Anastasia's face. A calming silence fell between them, simply gazing at one another with the softest of looks.

"I do not know why I am like this around you," yes you do, her heart sung in her mind, "so easily vexed by such small things but I apologise for my behaviour."

Anastasia simply shook her head slightly, "it doesn't matter but the poem you wrote," she took it from her breast and unfolded the paper. "It was amiable, how ever did you think of it?" 

"I thought of the stars and," she paused for a moment, the words coming out quieter than intended, like she was speaking a heinous secret, "of you."

Anastasia had not thought she would admit that factor, "me?"

"Yes, you," the seemingly permanent blush returned, "because Anna, I find you striking and to finally find someone who shares the same values as me is more revivifying than anything I have ever read."

Anastasia awed at her words, they were so dead and near to her heart that comforted her dearly. "And you are most invigorating, Miss Eloise." Eloise trailed her eyes over to the grounds before them with a twinkle in her eye, "I hope you are not planning on tackling me in the dirt once more."

Eloise let a laugh breathe from her lips before she stood and held a hand out for Anastasia to take which she did instantaneously. "No, we are going to pay someone a visit."

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝐀 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐎𝐋𝐃, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐍 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐋 𝐄𝐋𝐎𝐈𝐒𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐌 𝐓𝐎 𝐀 𝐂𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆. Two benches, that appeared worn and ready to give way sat opposite one another with a large grave stone at the end.

EDMUND BRIDGERTON

Anastasia looked at Eloise who had not swayed her eyes away from the grey, "when I found out my father died I don't think I truly believed anyone. I expected his arms to embrace me from behind and hear his laugh as my brothers played another trick on me until I saw Anthony's face and heard my mothers wails."

The princess watched her jaw clenched, willing herself not to shed tears as she unveiled a precious truth to Anastasia.

"I couldn't breathe, my hands started to shake and I felt my vision fail me but the only word that made it past my sobs was papa." At last, she finally turned to Anastasia who was looking at her with a new found admiration and an even greater appreciation, "and now, you know something about me that nobody else does- besides my family of course."

"Who was there for you?"

Eloise let the corners of her mouth quirk up, "Daphne, she sang a lullaby, she was always perfect, even when our father had died and our mother was inches away from death herself." She looked to the floor and Anastasia now understood why Eloise had doubted herself the first night they met.

"You were a child who did not deserve what fate had installed for them but you must heed me when I say that," she placed a finger under Eloise's chin. "You are flawless to me."

Eloise laughed like it was the most disbelieving thing anyone had ever said, "you jest." Her necklace hanging in the princesses eyes that made her mood lighten all the more, she hadn't took it off since it had been gifted to her.

"I do not, you may have a different perspective than others but that is what excites me so, if you do not like something you change it, that takes courage to speak your mind without worrying for the judgment of others." Anastasia looked at her with so much pride, "to me, that not only makes you a rare soul but an inspiration for society to only wish they could follow."

Her words plagued Eloise's mind and a teary smile showed upon her face, they embraced in a hug and Eloise dug her head in Anna's shoulder. Her scent of lemons invading her nose as she breathed in deeply to calm herself but also melt in her arms.

No one had ever said such tender words to her that soothed her aching spirit which had been plundered with many scars and bruises. Though, Anastasia appeared with a compassion that mended her ethos and soothed her pain.

Not even her mother had indulged her true self and divine hatred to marry, it seemed only when she was named an Emerald did she see fit to treat her much like their precious diamond. Though, she was not a diamond and even if her mother would never see her as a prestigious lady like her sister then, she would seek relief with her princess who had taken her far away from the rampant responsibilities and into the realm of spoils.

Anastasia had no intention of letting Eloise go, purposefully that is.

𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐍𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐍𝐎𝐓 𝐀𝐓 𝐀𝐋𝐋 𝐇𝐎𝐖 𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐄 𝐒𝐎. The table was filled with the most delicious and appetising foods that the city had to offer along with the chatter amongst them seemingly never ending.

Eloise and Anastasia sat opposite each other though, occasionally one would find the others foot wandering and they would rest their legs against the others. Benedict was seated next to Anastasia whilst he muttered nonsense about how well lit the room was until he looked at the princesses side profile.

"Are you an angel?"

Anastasia looked to Colin who was sat next to his brother, "how much did you give him?"

"He had the entirety."

Anastasia widened her eyes and sipped on her wine with Benedict staring up at her divinity.

"I would say so," Eloise added from across them and Anastasia felt herself turning pink.

"It's as if, we sit amongst the stars!"

"What is wrong with you?"

Colin stuttered and fumbled an excuses, "I was simply telling him of how brilliant the stars in Greece are." This deterred her as she instantly appeared bored by cutting up her stake roughly.

Through the dinner glances were shared between Eloise and Anastasia that rendered the other smiling down at their food. Daphnes eyes flickered between the two as she watch Colin parade about Greece whilst the two women were none the wiser.

A clinking of a glass was heard and heads turned to Lady Danbury, "it is time for a toast."

"To cheer our guests."

"Or to tend to other pressing matters," Eloise's eyes met with Anastasia's again who had widen. A silence followed as the room awkwardly looked between each other and to the viscount who had her to say anything. Benedict peered up at Anastasia once more with pith of his hands resting under his chin as he wistfully murmured, "Venus has visited me."

Anastasia felt her breath catch in her throat and her grip on the wine glass tighten, the world fell dead to her ears as the viscount praised her for her generosity which was replied to with a blank stare at the food in front of her. A nauseous feeling twisted in her stomach and suddenly the room began to slowly hear till the point it drew sweat to her forehead.

"Excuse me," she stood up and swayed to get to the door with the family's eyes trailing after her form. As Benedict turned round he saw many women glaring angry daggers into his head.

"What?"

Eloise pointed her knife at him, "what did you say to her?"

"I simply called her Venus because she is as beautiful as she is radiant," even though Edwina had not been proposed to as she hoped she awed at Benedict's character. It appeared she was the only one who saw it as thoughtful because Lady Danbury all but narrowed her eyes into spears from across the table.

"Stupid boy," she went to stand and started to leave the way Anastasia did before throwing the napkin at the back of his head. He pulled at his hair with a saddened frown, even in his state he felt drear, Eloise could have followed after Lady Danbury but she supposed a familiar face in this situation would have been preferred, even if it irked her to stay in her seat.

"Why is the princess upset?" Haycinth asked whilst fiddling with the tiara on her head.

Eyes shifted to their mother who took rather large gulps of wine before sighing, "the king liked astronomy." Recognition trailed around the room and Benedict found himself stumbling up whilst Colin and Anthony tried to settle him down.

"No." He shrugged his shoulders, "I should like to apologise, excuse me." He tried to remain not as ill footed as the tea had rendered him but he managed to steer his way through the halls.

"Little princess," Lady Danbury came to stand besides Anastasia who was trying to control her breathing with her hands holding the railing in front of her.

"I apologise for my sudden leave but I needed air," she was hushed instantly.

"Do not fret child, it was simply a dinner but I will ask you, are you alright?"

Anastasia nodded as she looked up into the sky with hear eyes shinning as she noticed Venus in the sky, her father would take her to his telescope that had been built to see the heavens. He'd claimed it as his own and gifted it to her, the telescope was always planted on the planet with a bow round it until one day they stopped visiting altogether. Doors were locked and windows bared with iron whilst the time she spent with her father seemed to lessen all the more.

"Yes, Lady Danbury it was but a small comment, my fault entirely for reacting in such a way, no one could have known." It was not as if the Queen informed the ton of every move their King made so, no one spoke of his illness or his madness.

"It is not your fault at all, Princess Anastasia," Benedict's voice sounded from behind them and as they turned to his figure he looked ashamed. "I am dreadfully disappointed in myself and I can only hope to win your favour back."

Anastasia shook her head softly, "there is nothing to be won back, truly Benedict, you are a good man," she rubbed her thumb over his hand and he let out a lethargic grin.

"That is a relief, to lift your spirits would you like to enjoy painting with me?"

Anastasia looked over her shoulder to Lady Danbury who shrugged her shoulders and the princess nodded, "of course I would, sir." Lady Danbury smiled softly at the lightheartedness of the princess, she remembered the wails she would let out at the sight of her father in such distress and when her mother was not able to care for her, Aunt Agatha was always there.

𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀 𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐇𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐖𝐇𝐈𝐋𝐒𝐓 𝐍𝐔𝐑𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀 𝐆𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐖𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓 𝐏𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐓. It reminded her of fireworks, the splashes of paint were so vibrant and arranged in a organised chaos that could have been compared to any famous artist.

"Wow." 

Benedict let out a joyous and giddy giggle at her words whilst he leaned back to admire it, sweat glistening him and breathing heavy like he'd ran up several flights of stairs.

"Are you two still up?" Colin came through in a hurry and Anastasia raised her glass to him with reddened cheeks and a wooziness to her sitting figure. Benedict had given her a canvas herself but all she's manage to do was spill the red wine, staining half the white and herself along with drawing a stick man.

"It's magical, brother!" He grabbed Colin by the face and kissed him harshly on the cheek. "You were right, I've allowed my doubts plague me for too long. The Royal Academy Schools are not the arbiters of taste. The world is!"

"You are a fat wit."

Eloise soon followed with a letter addressed to Benedict though as she looked over at Anastasia she sat on the couch besides her. "What has he done to you?"

Anastasia lazily beamed in her direction with the glass in her hand, "the wine holds the power," she went to drink more but Eloise placed a hand over the rim of the glass.

"I think that's enough for you," she pulled it back and placed it on the table behind her, Anastasia stared at her hands before looking back at Eloise.

"Where did it go?"

The Bridgerton snorted, "now it is difficult to believe that you are the crowns jewel."

"I got in!" Benedict shouts and Eloise's smile for her brother soon morphed into disgruntled as he ran to the window and shouted out into the night. "You shall all bear witness to my talent!"

Anastasia found herself gasping for breath as she laughed at his state, he looked to be crying and laughing all the same whilst staring up at the night. Eloise and Colin looked to one another before Colin went to haul Benedict to his feet and Eloise gently coaxed Anastasia in coming to her room.

They bumped into many things and ended up tumbling herself onto the bed which left Eloise to try and shuffle her under the covers whilst taking off her shoes. "That's all you'll be getting off me, tonight you rude woman."

Eloise felt her ears turn red, even when intoxicated she was still a flirt, "goodnight, princess." She went to turn when her hand grabbed at her wrist and she was pulled into the bed with a yelp. "Anast-

"Shh, the princess is asleep," Anastasia slurred with her head buried in Eloise's neck and arms wrapped around her middle whilst having a leg over her too, trapping her from escaping. The Bridgerton tried to sit up but she was not superior to Anastasia's strength, even when drunk and huffed loudly before laying back, her head touching the pillow and turning it till she faced Anastasia.

The beauty in front of her, her constellation in the stars, it was blatantly obvious she was her muse in the poem and now, as she fell closer to the princes she realised that the novels she read were all true.