THE SKY WAS DARK, and while she could listen to the hurried employees and excited cheers on the streets, Bellatrix's heartbeat was speeding with horror. There was the hanging suspense, the anxious moment she has been waiting for her whole life.

They say a lady lives until her marriage, and after it, a new life begins. But who was she before the wedding? And who would she be after it?

Viscountess Bridgerton. That title rolled down her tongue strangely. Could she ever get used to it? Could she even endure Anthony's distance yet warmness? A loveless marriage whole enduring the torturing wonder of what could've been when she looked at Benedict's eyes under the same roof.

Would she become pregnant soon? Or would she at least succeed in it? And how? Would she fulfillher duty of being a good wife, lady of the house, mother?

It was a stormy day for a wedding, but the real thunders echoed in the back of her mind.

"Oh, princess..." Yvette smiled softly, and even the sight of the young woman she took care of made her emotional. "You look absolutely marvellous."

Indeed, the dress, now fully adjusted, made justice to the princess' cruves. Her hair was adorned with jewels, and the veil delicately hung until the dress' tail. The image of sophistication, elegance and beauty.

And yet her lungs seemed to stop inside, heart burning and speeding, head unable to stop.

Yvette carefully held her hands, feeling jow sweaty and trembling they were. "It's your big day, princess." She tried to cheer her. "You did it. You made it."

A deep breath was needed so Bella could speak. "Yes...you are right...we made it." She nodded slowly.

"Easy...in...'They inhaled air together. "...and out..."They exhaled. The touch of the valet's hands managed to ease her tension a bit. "It will work out just fine." Yvette Soyet smiled softly. "Oh, goodness, I will miss serving you, your highness."

Bella chuckled. "I will miss you too." She said softly, apprciating the loyalty. "Thank you, Yvette. For being able to stand by my side, have so much patience and care for me."

"I wish I could've done more." She sighed. "So you wouldn't have to pass through all this hurricane-"

"It is not your fault." She shook her head. "No one could have known."

Yvette nodded slowly, trying to smile. "What matters is that we are here. That in some hours you'll walk down that asile and become the most beautiful bride that has ever existed." Bella smiled back. "I actually hav esonething for you, if you'd like." Yvette smiled sweetly.

"For me?" Bella asked curious. Yvette brought up a small velvet box with a pair of pearls earrings inside."Yvette...these are beautiful but-"

"They belonged to my mother." She said softly, Bella's lips parted in surprise. "My father said she used this at her wedding, a friend's gift." She smiled. "He said I should use on mine too, for good luck." She chuckled, with a hint of sadness. "But I believe you need most luck now."

"Yvette i-I can't accept this, it's yours-"

"You can just borrow it for today" She said excited while taking the earrings and putting on the princess. "And once you find a husband for me, I can use them." The teo laughed. "As If I actually want one." She rolled her etes. "Men are too much work." She finished putting the pair on and Bellatrix looked at the final result in the mirror. "A perfect fit."

"I...I...This is so kind and just so beautiful, Yvette...thank you." Bella said with most gratefulness. "Thank you."

Yvette held her hands and kindkly looked into her eyes. "Princess..." she gathere courage to speak "Through all the ups and downs I watched you endure and overcome, all I want to say is...I admire you, not as royalty, but as a person. Today, you won't be only a wife, but you'll be a woman." She squrezed her hands for reassurance. "And I'm very proud of the woman you have become."

Bella couldn't keep in her mask for too long, she pulled Yvette in her arms and hugged her tight, almost as if she had become a sister of her own that she'd carry inside her heart forever.

For a moment, in the turbulance, Bellatrix, felt truly appreciates and seen.

...

"Your letter was indeed a surprise." The man whispered as they met at the back of the catholic church. The arrangements for the wedding were getting almost done, beautifully displayed as the queen had ordered to be. "Tell me, what made you think I'd accept your invitation?"

The woman, holding a crucifix in her hand, muttered some prayers before she raised from the ground. She didn't look at him at first, for her, his presence was merely means to an ending.

"Because you and I seek the same." She turned around, her daring cold eyes staring into his. "Revenge."

...

The button just wouldn't fit in no matter what he'd do or much he tried. Truth was, his whole body trembled anxious, and he could barely face his reflection in the miror.

Anthony Bridgerton, who swallowed dry in his room with aprehension, barely counted down the minutes to marry the love of his life.

"May I help you?" Another voice awakened him from the trance.

"I'd rather fix it on my own." Anthony said, trying to keep in his seriousness.

Benedict Bridgerton sighed but still entered the chamber, getting in front of his brother and taking the buttons by force, putting them in place.

"Do you always have to be so stubborn?" He complained as his skillfull fingers finished. "Here."

He took a step back after finished, as Anthony still tried to overcome the grudges present between them. He finally glanced over Benedict, who was suited for the occasion. "So you're really going..."

"It would appear strange for the best man not to show up for a wedding veil occasion." He explained, hands behind his back.

"So you're being obligated."

"Mostly by mother, yes." His eyes landed on the floor, perfectly polished by the maids. "But also to support you, after all you're my brother."

"And you love my wife."

Benedict cleared his throat. "Technically she isn't your wife yet."

"As if your feelings would disappear as soon as she says 'I do'." Anthony side yed him. "Brother, just do me a favor, yes?" He lofted his eyebroes to him mockery. "Stand still by my side at the author and do not speak a word. That is the minimum you can do for me."

...

"Oh you look beautiful, Trixie!" Augusta clapped smiling and giving little jumps. "It almost makes me want to be a bride as well. But then I give up on that thought."

"Of course you do, no one would marry you if they had the choice, Augusta." Sophia rolled her eyes and crossed her arms above the soft blue gown she wore. "I like the dress, sister." She turned to Bella this time. "But what I'm really curious about who you've decided as yur bridesmaid, hence we're all wearing the same color, but one has to be by your side at the altar."

"Oh, she is coming soon." Bella gave a tiny smile. "You know who she is."

It didn't take long for Elizabeth to enter the room, faking a pleasent smile to her sister, when in fact she planned to ruin the occasion.

"You look stunning, sister." Bella held her hands and smiled softly to her, imagining that woman was still the one who understood her. Poor thing.

Elizabeth analyzed her sister up and down subtly, not managing to form a single tear or emotion of joy for her. "Thank you." She simply answered. "I am...honored to be your bridesmaid."

"Don't mention it, of course you should be the bridesmaid, you're my eldest sister after all, it is only fair." The word fair coming from Bellatrix's lips didn't settle for Elizabeth, who only looked away bothered.

"Your highness." Yvette came in fastly. "The Bridgerton dowager viscountess is here." She cleared her throat. "She said she wants to give you a present."

"Oh, of course, please do let her in." Bella nodded a bit nervous.

Elizabeth stepped out of the way as the guards allowed for Violet Bridgerton to enter the room. She was already dressed for her eldest son wedding, her natural beauty shining as the sun as she came in with a bouquet of purple flowers delicately wrapped on he rhands with a blue ribbon of the same color.

"Oh." Violet exclaimed amused and smiled so brightly that Bella almost melt. "How wonderful you are!" She giggled sweetly. "Wow...Anthony will be speechless for sure." The two chuckled. "Well I won't take too much of your time, I'm sure you have much to prepare." She smiled. "I'd just like to bring you a small gift." She offered the bouquet to her. "Hyacinths from our garden of Aubrey Hall. I remember you mentioned to like flowers."

"Lady Bridgerton...these are gorgeous, thank you!" She smiled gratefully, delicately holding the bride bouquet in her hands. "You didn't need to-"

"Those were Edmund's favorites." Violet smiled with nostalgia. "Oh, and to follow tradition." She chuckled. "A blue ribbon tied to the bouquet, now you've got something blue." She smiled. "I expect your mother already gave you the rest yes?"

But Bella remained quiet. No, in fact Charlotte did not even see her dressed as a bride yet. It did not surprise her, after all, in most important events if Bella's life she was never present, but deep down maybe she still wished she would.

"Yes, yes she did, um...the shoes and the earrings." Bellatrix lied. "New and borrowed from my mother's wedding."

"Oh wow! They did have quite a journey until here, huh?" Violet chortled. "Well I'm glad, I believe you are ready then..."She noticed some anxiety in the girl's eyes. "Or not, which is fine too." The princess looked up at her. "I remember when Daphne got married last season...she was happy, but mostly anxious. Simon is the love of her life, and yet at the same moment she didn't feel completely sure. No one does." She continued. "After all to marry someone is to commit, devote and love for eternity. It isn't just a celebration, it's a promsie, a vow." She delicately held her shoulders. "I know how my son looks into your eyes, abd I can feel how happy you make him, how much you've changed him." Violet smiled tenderly. "I can assure you that Anthony will never disappoint or hurt you. There will he challenges? Yes, all marriages do, none of them are perfect. But I am sure that if you two commit, respect and love each other...nothing or anyone will get in your way after the I do's."

Bella looked into that woman's eyes. How could she be so entirely percect? For the first time she envied Anthony. Envied both him and Benedict, all their siblings for having a mother like her. If only she had someone by her side like her...well maybe she would have guidance at that moment. Maybe her wedding would be a happy occasion.

"Thank you, Lady Bridgerton." She smiled softly. "For...all the words and the support...I...I don't even know what to say-"

"You can start by just calling me Violet." She tapped her shoulder and chortled sweetly. "After all, you're the next Lady Bridgerton in just a matter of hours." She teased and Bella blushed but chuckled back.

Having someone as Violet next to her...well, maybe that was something to look forwars after the wedding. Maybe this is what it felt like to have someone looking out for you.

...

"What are you planning?" His voice followed her when she entered a room of the palace. "By the way baby blue looks terrible on you, just as any other color." Ernest rolled his eyes as he drank his tea.

"Would you please mind your own bussiness?" Elizabeth scoffed as she carried some papers in her hands he had never seen before. She then sniffed. "Starting by stopping drinking in the morning you smelling stupid fuck. You're not fooling anyone with that mixed tea."

He gasped in return but followed her hushed steps down the hallway. The servants could not even care for the conflict, nobody did since they were all so busy and excited for the occasion that day.

"Wow that was rude." He groaned as he tried to follow her, she was way too fast. "I know that face." He pointed to her. "That look, yes that horrible look."

"You're insane."

"I've known you my whole life sister, and I remember perfectly that expression when you destroyed my favorite train when I was 7."

"That's what you get for cutting my porcelain doll's hair."

"In my defense she looked better with short hair." Ernest shrugged his shoulders and continued to follow her. "But this isn't about toys now sister. It's Trixie's wedding today, please be on your best behavior."

Elizabeth scoffed and rolled her eyes at his words. "As if I would ever listen to you." Suddenly she felt a grip on her arm. She turned to hin annoyed, the humor in his face disappeared. "Get away from me." She hissed.

"Elizabeth can't you see what you're doing?" He looked at her intensely. "Hurting Trixie won't fix anything. This isn't you." His lips curled frustrated. "I can barely recognize you anymore."

She swiftly got away from his grip, clearing her throat, bothered by his attitude. "Do me a favor, Ernest." She looked at him clearly stubborn. "Stay out of my way before I make you."

Ernest didn't know what was happening or how far her sister would go so she could reach her goal. What he knew was that this would be a wedding to never forget.

...

"Wow, it looks stunning." Colin Bridgerton grinned as his family and the Featheringtons joined others in the church, his eyes reaching high decorations of flowers and ivies on the ceiling, along with a long red carpet where the bride would walk down in a few moments.

Penelope Featherington, with a sweet smile and fever dream high to in such a location with him, could only stare at the man she loved and mutter "Yes, it does...it's beautiful."

Daphne Bridgerton and Eloise om the other hand looked slightly worried. Not because of the large buffeg and party that followed, or by the grand ceremony that promised to be quite elegant as never seen before, but by the brown haired man who hesitated to enter the church so his nightmares wouldn't come true and reality wouldn't sink in.

"Benedict." Eloise whispered as she noticed her brother take a very deep breath as he glanced at the altar ahead. "You need to move."

But he was stuck as an anchor, as if he had seen a ghost in front of him. No matter what he'd say or act in that situation, he was broken inside and no time, no words, or no hug could heal his injuries.

He simply felt dead inside, and he hasn't even seen her kiss her brother by the end of their vows yet.

Daphne intertwined of his hands in his, noticing how sweaty and nervous he was, and Eloise did the same at the other side. He gave a grateful fragile smile, almost whispering a thank you as they helped him step forward until his place at the altar, not the groom, but the best man.

Not the husband, but the lover.

...

"It is time." Charlotte announced as she entered the room where Bellatrix was alone now.

It was almost as if she had waited ages to listen to that single sentence, and even now at that moment it made her breathless. She turned to her mother, indicating she was ready.

Charlotte took in a deep breath, trying to think of what to say as she softly rubbed her shoulders. "It was...challenging to come all this way until here, I know." She spoke. "But..."She lifted the girls chin to look properly look in her eyes. "You've done an excellent job, and...I'm very impressed."

Even if she said those words, Bellatrix still mourned the slap on her face and the hard speech she gave her yesterday. She couldn't feel any better, and Charlotte knew that very well.

"I believe...you may mot be the happiest of the brides and that I am not the person you most wish to see at this moment but..."She sighed. "...all I've done...is to protect the kingdom. And once you'll have your child and notice this legacy, you'll understand the responsability you have on your shoulders. How heavy is the crown."

"Does taking care of the kingdom means mistreating me?" Charlotte almost jumped by her daughter's sudden words. It felt as if something had crashed on the floor, finally broken after ages falling in pure bliss. "Does not believing me also means taking care of the kingdom?" Bellatrix had enough. The corset was tight, her throat was sore and her mind raced. "Is the crown's weight the same as a slap on my face?"

Charlotte containes her gasp by her attitude, and felt Bella take a step back, refusing her touch. "I may have...overreacted yesterday." She only muttered without admitting her mistake. "But you must understand it was an urgent matter-"

"I've done all you asked for." She pondered. "I'm still doing." She swallowed the tears from coming up. "Don't you think I know how much this legacy means? Don't you think I respect and honor my father's legacy?" She said frustrated. "I am sacrificing my youth, my happiness, and my freedom for it." She whispered. "So no, someone who's been suffering and giving her all wouldn't enjoy being punished for something she hasn't done." She shook her head angry. "I am walking down that aisle, I am marrying Anthony Bridgerton." She said with conviction, raising her head high. "I will do as I am told, as I've always been...I don't have a wall to go over, mother." Those words made Charlotte tremble. "...I don't have the choice." She pursed her lips givibg a bitter smile. "But you had the choice to be a good mother."

Before the queen could say anything, the bride had already called her maids and stepped out of the room.

The church bells began to ring.

...

Counting down to 500 didn't help Anthony to avoid his anxious thoughts or either imagine how deadly mesmerizing his bride could be jist across those huge doors. No, he was just standing at the altar now, with many guests having tgeir eyes stuck on him.

The priest preparing the final arrangements behind him, and a little further, by his side, Benedict attempted not to fall down to his knees.

It was strange honestely, to find himself that way. When the season begun, Anthony was certain to marry a stranger, get over it quick, impregnate her at thr honeymoon and then never look at her face again. But bt now he was shaking, cheeks red and heated, fidgeting his fingers behind his back as he waited for the woman who crumbled all his defenses to come through thsoe doors.

She managed to destroy all he standed up for, to go against any morals and promises he made to himself. He could've hated for eternity...but couldn't help but love her.

No, Anthony Bridgerton didn not expect to be in that situation, after all...

...he couldn't wait to marry the woman he loved.

...

It took a moment for her to notice he was there, smiling sweetly as he standed up with all his might and grace, tearing up at her sight, recalling the past as recalling stars' names in the sky.

King Geoge, or better, only George, watched his little girl dressed in white for the first time, and he couldn't help but cry by how happy hr felt.

"I've never seen a star shine so brightly." He mumbled through the tears and his smile was wider than the universe. Bella ran into his arms, hugging him tight.

His embrace was so comforting, so warm, and for a moment she felt all her fears run away, as she only felt at home.

"I'm so glad you could make it, papa." She whispered, burying her face in the soace between her neck and right his shoulder. "I've missed you so much."

"So did I, dear." He said softly.

Reynolds smiled at Bella behind the king a little far, standing there to make sure George was okay while muttering an excited "you're stunning!" To her as she guggled softly.

Father and daughter cleaned the tears in a hapoy exchange of glances as he quickly brought up a box in gis hands. "I've got sonething for you." George announced.

"Oh dad, you didn't need to-"

"Ot course I had!" He insisted. "It's a tradition isn't it? I don't knoe if yoy have all you need, maybe your mother already helped you in that...but I wanted to contribute." He chuckled as he gave her a small box. "Open up."

Bella smiled at the necklace with a small pengeant on it. Unlike all the royal necklaces she was used to see, this one was handmade, all created from copper wire, where in the end was a very well crafted little star shining with a small white opal stone inside.

"Oh my- Papa this is-"

"I feel like just buying some necklace wouldn't be so special for such a meaningful day." He said tenderly. "But I'm not sure it's adequate enough." He chuckled. "After all for a king to give such a cheap present to his daughter-"

Bella hugged him again excitedly. "It's perfect!" She said warmingly and she quickly turned her back so he could put it on. George chuckled and did as she said.

Surprisingly, it did a delicate and sweet match to her dress.

"Thank you so much, father." Bella said, she could notice and imagine the amount of time he spent trying to produce such a work, bending the wire to make the shape and fit the jewel inside.

He caressed he rcheek softly, a bit of sadness to see his daughter leave home so fastly. It was almost as if he could see her growing up on front of his eyes again.

"Bella I will ask you a question and I want you to be compleyely honest to me, all right?" He suddenly said.

"Why-"

"Just answer me." He insisted and took a pause to finally say it. "Bellatrix, are you happy?"

The question made her astonished for a moment.

"What?" She asked back.

"Are you happy?"

"With the present? Of course-"

"With your wedding." He corrected her. "With your new life."

Her father's eyes meant seriousness, and she tried her best to keep calm in front of them.

"I am." She responded. "I am perfectly happy, I will continue your legacy, father."

"I don't care about my legacy, Bella. I care about you." He reassured her, holding her shoulders. "I care for your life, for your future, your happiness. So tell me: will you be happy after you marry this man?"

It was strange to be seen, to be completely seen without any layer or lie. But her father always managed to do that. It was harder to hide the truth from him. He didn't care aboyt a legacy, a throen or the crown, in fact, George neber wanted any of it. If he had the choice, he'd only be a simple farm man, and he'd do all within his reach to let her daughter have the choice about what she wanted.

"I will." She replied, but did not smile. "Anthony is a good man." And he indeed was, her stomach had butterflies when thinking of him, but what about Benedict? Her soul also ached for him...and if only she did not have the duty on her shoulders.. "He respects me and we get along very well."

"But do you love him?" George asked.

Bella hesited to answer, and in that minute of hesitation, George feared for her future.

The bells rang and the orchestra started playing. It was time.

"Bella-"

The doors opened, and the sight of the altar almost gave her a heartache. The crowded church turned to her and her father, and she could barely breathe at that moment. George shared the same discomfort.

"Shall we?" He stood his arm for her, as she intertwined in his and they walked slowly down the aisle together.

One step in front of the other. Bla knew the feeling of being the center of the attention very well, but at that moment she has never felt so nervous.

Because when she looked up, she met Anthony's eyes. And the look of devotion, admiration, and complete passion in them eas somethinv she has never seen before. He couldn't take his eyes from her, abd she hoped no ome would be able to see the red across her cheeks.

But George noticed something else while walking his angrl down the aisle. He notoced the man by the groom's side staring at his daughter. And that gaze almost reminded him of the way he saw Charlotte in their wedding. And George caught Bella staring at him, but sharing a conflicted longing gaze, he was certain.

Benedict Bridgerton felt the crowd disappear at that moment, he could imagine she was walking to him, as his eyes begun to tear up and he tried not to smile.

Anthony otherwise crashed a smirk as she finally reached the altar, and felt slightly sentimental at the sight of his father's fabroite flowers in her hands. He bowed to the king, who sat by Charlotte's side at their exclusive seats, and within the mad lovr he felt, he teased in a whisper "not bad, princess" he whispered and she held a laugh as they turned to the princess.

The churcu had mixed emotions, and as the preache started to speak, Bella felt the moment finally real. She was there, this was her wedding, that was her groom.

And there was Benedict, the man she swore and confessed her love to so many times. She touched the necklace she wore in a nervous act, looking away and at him again, over and over, almost making it a bit too obvious.

It hurt, it painfully hurt to seem him there, to feel all thosr things and not being able to run into hid arms. And it hurt to feel all of thst in front of Anthony, it hurt to have her heart split since Bella couldn't take the giscount off her mind and the sight of him as her future viscount became appealing and cherished by her.

It was heaven and hell at the same time and her mother smiled proud, her siblings did too...except for Elizabeth behind her, although Bella couldn't see her face.

The archbishop continued, and his words seemed to never end, and the suspense, the waiting, all of it summoned into a crescent anxiety she barely could hide.

The motone priest dressed in golden and white, finally came up with the part all of the guests waited for "Viscount Bridgerton" she felt her beart stop at those words, the eyes widneed as she turned to the Anthony, who still looked at her. "Do you take Princess Bellatrix to be your lawfully wedded wife from this day forward - whether times are good or bad, rich or poor, healthy or ill; will you love, honor, and cherish her, and hold her up in faith long as you both shall live?"

"I do." He didn't even hesitate.

The word stabbed his brother as the archbishop continued and the whole church watched satisfied.

"Princess Bellatrix." Bella felt the air escape her lungs, that was it, the moment she waited for her whole life. It happened right in fromt of her eyes. "Do you take The Viscount Anthony Bridgerton to be your lawfully wedded husband from this day forward - whether times are good or bad, rich or poor, healthy or ill; will you love, honor, and cherish him, and hold him up in faith long as you both shall live?"

Before she could speak, she could only feel the pain she shared with Benedict before the words "I do."

The artist closed his eyes for a moment, watching as his soul shattered into pieces and Anthony opened up a relieved smile, his heart speeding as lightning.

The vows were said and repeated, the ceremony slowly walked to its ending, and Anthony felt his hand burn as he removed Brllatrix glove and they exchanged rings. The eye contact meaning a future lifetime to each other, and she felt her soul flutter and surrender to that delicate moment shared between them both.

It was almost done, just a few more words and a kiss so Bellatrix could become the next Viscountess Bridgerton, so far so good. Or not.

"Before I proceed..."The archbishop said, as Anthony still held Bellatrix's hands in his as if that was his most prized treasure gatheted in many past lives. "...should anyone here present know of any reason why these two should not be married?" The sudden phrase made her heart speed, and it was clear that bpth the brothers had the same reaction. "If so, speak now or forever hold your peace."

She instinctively looked at Benedict, almost as if a flash of hope was witnessed before her eyes, but the pnly flash came from the loud noise of the church doors suddenly opened and the heavy footsteps coming in.

"I have an objection!" The crowd gasped and turned their heads, surprised at the sudden appearance.

At the sudden sight of the image, Anthony held tight to Bellatrix's trembling hands, clenching his jaw with anger as the figure stepped foward, preposterous.

"Please introduce yourself, and explain hat you may have against the union of this couple...?" The archbishop said.

"Absurd!" Charlotte stood up. "Take this man out of here immediatly!" Sge shouted to the guards but the archbishop stood a hand in the air.

"It is a right of anyone, presented by God, to offer their sincere testimony before a union is created." The archbishop said instead, silencing the queen. George, by her side, couldn't be more confused.

By Bellatrix side at the Altar, Elizabeth finally saw her plan come into action, and she smiled in the middle of the chaos.

"I am the duke Sebastian Lockridge." The man introduced himself, glancing over the bride with a smirk that gave her chills. "And as a previous suitor of the princess, I'd like to warn the church about who she truly is and confess her sins."

Bella felt the ground beneath her feet shake, for a mkment she felt like falling if Anthony did not hold onto her. "This isn't necessary." The groom told the archbishop. "This man is a liar, he has no honor to say such things-"

"Please continue, your grace." The archbiship ignored the viscount.

Sebastian Lockridge stepped forward, and Benedict, noticing the feat in Bella's eyes, already despised the figure he has seen now for the first time. The duke was dressed for the occasion elegantly in fully black, almost as in a funeral, and he held in his hands many papers he'd use in the future to prove his statements.

"As I've said, I previously courted the princess earlier this season, but when I got to know her true nature, I was terrified by it." He explained to the church. "You see, your excellancy, the princess has succumbed to her most primal urgencies, and no longer is pure." The church gasped.

"You're lying!" Bellatrix yelled at the top of her lungs, the fear had taken control over her. "He is lying, your excellancy!"

"Of course she will deny, after all the royal crown needs this wedding so they can continue their desperate lineage to the throne." Charlotte groaned at his words, and Ernest immediatly looked over at Elizabeth, who had a victorious look on her face.

"Duke of Lockridge, do you have any proof regarding what you accuse?" The archbishop asked.

"I am witnessed of her salacious behavior once in a previous soireé when the princess approached me in the royal gardens and attempted to commit carnal acts before marriage"

The chruch became completely shocked over the news, the gossips, the mutterings. The royal family was completely disgusted by Sebastian along with Anthont who were the ones aware of the truth.

"That is not true!" Bellatrix snapped back. "This man attacked me-"

"She threatned me to tell this lie and I refused. But you see, your excellency, I am a man devoted to God and his values, I am a gentleman, and I'd never be tempted to sin as she claims-"

"Liar!" Edmund shouted along with the other brothers. "You're a rat, I'm going to kill you bastard!"

"I feel like I'm going to faint" Augusta whispered to her sisters and set a hand on her forehead dramatically while waving herself to catch more breeze.

The disaster continued as Sebastian followed the next statements. "You don't eant to believe me? Fine. This woman is a maneater and I wasn't her last target" he suddenly shouted and pointed to another man that made the crowd even more startled. "She has sinned with the groom's brother, Benedict bridgerton!"

A loud unanimous exclamation came from the guests's mouth as Bellatrix couldn't wait for that nightmare to be over. Benedixt felt his heart stop suddenly when he realized what just happened.

"This man has lied with this woman before the wedding, they have been meeting in secret." Sebastian continued. "A sordid affair that may follow once she marru the viscount."

"Take back what you've said immediatly." Benedict threatned hissing through hus teeth. "Do not dare doubt her honor-"

"You see how protective he is of her? There is clearly passion and lust reflected in his eyes." The duke made a show for the whole church to witness. The archbishop remained silent. "And she is protective of him too, hence she has granted him priviledges and I have proof of them!"

Sebastian stepped forward, delivering a document to the Archbishop, who analyzed carefully with his old tired green eyes.

"Blinded by her forbidden romance, the princess has bought a seat to Benedict Bridgerton in the royal academy, violating any justice in the admissional process." He suddenly shouted and Brllatrix lost balance for a moment.

Benedict's eyes widened and glanced at her, praying for those words not to be true, but Bella avoided his stare, her breathing deepened.

"Bellatrix?" Anthony whispered and she took her hands away from his. He realized. "You...did this?"

She couldn't deny. And when she saw the hurt and betrayal reflected in Benedict's syes she wanted to die. The looks of disappointment from the guests, all of them summoned into a suffocating feeling she could barely handle.

"This was found in the princess' chambers." He showed the church sketches, drawings. "All of them signed with Benedict Bridgerton's initials and artistic signatures!" He threw the papers in the air, and Bella caught glimpse of her star sketch within them, her hurt ached and bleeded in front of that crowd.

The whole room turned silent at that moment, she coukd only see the expressions, the gossips, the circus displayed to her own misery. Her hands covered her ears and when Bellatrix barely realized the archbishop called her "Princess?" The old man continued to ask. "Princess, do you have anything to say on your behalf?"

But Brllatrix seemed numb, unable to speak, as if all her voice died at that moment along with her consciouness. She worked so hard to reach tgat moment, to finally achieve that single thread of her destiny, and now it eas cut right in front of her eyes.

All she sacrificed herself for, all the feelings she killed and demolished, all the yrars spent in learning, dedicating and perfectioning the art of being percfection.

They were all gone.

"Bellatrix?" Anthony asked concerned.

"Bella-" Benedict moved forward, now careless of what anyone would think.

Her knees dropped to the cold ground, her tears broke from their crystalline filed, sour as poison when they met her mouth. The hands covering her ears as she shaked her head, begging for it to be over, to be a lie. Her chest moved in a rapid speed of breathing, the surroundings felt dizzy, and no one could understand the struggle she felt at that instant.

Elizabeth widened her eyes at her sister's reaction, but couldn't approach her. She had realized the hurt she caused too late, and she dared taht if she attempted to lie or comfort her, maybe God himself would take her miserable traitor lie at that instant.

"Motherfucker!" Ernest yelled as he gripped Sebastian by the collar of his shirt and punched him one, two times.

The wedding has turned into a purgatory, and while the Archbishop tried to stop the panuc from the vuests and the upcoming viokence as more of the Queen's sons surrounded and kicked the duke, Charlotte felt her heart stop by catching sight of her daughter.

"Bellatrix!" Anthony and Benedict kneeled on the ground, both touching her shoulders, trying to bring her back to reality. "Bellatrix, look at me." Anthony called but she seemed in a trance.

"Bella, you are safe with us, I promise." Benedict tries to reassure her in a comforting voice but he couldn't keep it.

While the duke bleeded, the bride cried and the secrets were unleashed in daylight, the panic triggered the King's mind to see his daughter suffer. And while Charlotte ran to her daughter, calling her name, feeling that same pain she used to feel with her husband, her world had been burned when she heard "LOOK AT THE SKY!" George's voice reverbered through the church. "A METEOR SHOWER! FALLING RIGHT UPON US! HOW GLORIOUS!"

Charlotte turned around, watcging as George got up from his seat and standed his arms to the sky as a comolete maniac shouting to the ceiling, while the ton watched it amused.

She had failed to protect her husband. Fauled to protect this legacy. And now failed to prtect her daughter.

Many rumoured that day the queen was seen to drop a tear for the first time in public.

"VENUS! VENUS YOU MUST SEE IT!" George shouted.

"Oh, no." Sophia covered her mouth, and the church became speechless to the scene. Even the angry brothers stopped their attacks to witness the king's madness.

"Father, please-" Mary tried to call him.

"THE LIGHT! THEIR LIGHT IS SO BRIGHT AND SO NEAR!" George shouted at the top of his lungs. He turned suddenly to the bridge at the altar "BELLATRIX!"

The girl widendd her eyes, finally awakening to reality, seeing farmer George call her.

"Bellatrix!" He called with a hint of sadness. "Why aren't you glowing anymore?"

"Papa..."She mumbled and escaped the two Bridgerton's arms and ran to his.

He did not embrace her back, hence he was too lost into his own universe, but she still did it, cried on his chest, and once Charlotte witness that scene, she knew what to do.

"LEAVE!" She shouted. "THE WEDDING IS CANCELED, GO HOME! NOW!" The guests mutered to one another startled. "GUARDS, I SAID NOW! AND TAKE THE DUKE!"

It all happened before the Archbishop's eyes. The gusts leaving frightned, the duke of Lockridge all beaten and injured, being taken by the guards, and father and daughter being carefully taken away from the church.

All that was left in the room were the grown and his best man, still speechless over all that happened.

"I will pray for you both. May God have mercy upon you." The archbishop made the sign symbol with his hands to the two brothers and left horrified.