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Benedict's Ending

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THE ARCHBISHOP walked away, leaving Benedict and Anthony facing the soon empty church. The episodes that happened before their eyes left the brothers still speechless, but Benedict didn't just remain silent, he ached, he burned, and he knew that if he didn't act in that moment, he'd lose Bellatrix forever.

Before Anthony could speak, his brother ran outside the church, stealing wat was supposed to be the married couple's carriage's horse. As his hair ran against the wind, and his heart palpitated he could finally spot the royal carriage at some distance, the princess still inside, in pure shock.

Some might call him crazy, and some might call him brave, because all Benedict remembered was finally reaching for the carriage, still in motion, and pulling open one of the doors, making Yvette Soyet scream.

"Mr.Bridgerton?!" She gasped, and at that moment, Bellatrix woke up from her shock.

The princess's eyes snapped open to face him, the dishelved best man, keeping up wuth the carriage's rythm, eager to stand his hand towards her without thinking twice.

"Benedict, what-" she tried to speak.

"There's not much time." He hushed, counting down the seconds until the rider discovered their plan. "Take my hand"

Bella looked down at his large hand and then at the proposal he had just made. "You mean-"

"Run away with me" He suddenly confessed, blossoming any doubt or feeling she fought so much against. "This might be our last chance, Bella, and I don't want to waste it. So I'll ask you one more time" He took in a deep breath "Run away with me, please."

The proposal was almost overwhelming, never in her life she expected to face such decision. To leave behind the ton, the duties and simply renegate into loving someone she wasn't supposed to. But there was Benedict, on that white horse, resembling the prince she dreamt of in so many stories, desperate and devoted to let it all go for her, to risk his life, his family, his career and his reputation only to become her home.

And even as reasonable as she attempted to be, she couldn't neglect her heart. SHe couldn't neglect her soul.

She looked at Yvette, who was completely in shock. "Princess, you can't be serious..."

"I'm sorry, Yvette." She whispered and squeezed her hand. "But I can't lie to myself anymore."

With those words said she immediatly took Benedict's hand and with a swiftly motion he managed to oull her out of the carriage and she hoped on the back of his horse, luckily she didn't fall on the road.

Yvette gasped at the reckless act and panicked. "Princess!" But she didn't shout, she didn't scream for help because when Bella's arms wrapped around her lover she knew...she knew that this was all she always seeked for, and she couldn't take that away from someone who had suffered so much.

All she could so was watch them both disappear in the horizon.

...

"Where is your brother?" Violet asked concerned.

Anthony faced the window with utter concern, and he feared that maybe, just maybe a hidden theory of his mind could be proven correct. That maybe his brother took a risky opportunity and left with his fiancé. But maybe it was only his imaginatuon.

"Probably at the pub, let's not dwell ourselces over nothing." The viscount couldly established before locking himself in his office, only to find his old friend whiskey to drown his problems into.

...

"Where is my daughter Miss Soyet?" Charlotte asked impatiently, walking side to side across the throne room, her dogs barking excitedly. "How could she have simply disappeared while inside the carriage with you?!"

"She..." Yvette swallowed dry, she didn't want to tell the truth, she didn't want to reveal Bella's plans. "She left." Was all she could say.

"She what?!" Charlotte shouted.

"She decided to run away, jumped from the carriage and disappeared."

"How is that possible? Didn't you shout to the driver?"

"I did, but when he stopped the princess wasn't there anymore-"

"She is obviously lying." Elizabeth, who listened at the corner of the room, nuttered under her breath with utter seriousness. "Bella could not have disappeared, she didn't even have a horse. Someone must've taken her. Stop lying, Miss Soyet."

Yvette felt herself nervous all over again, her palms sweating hidden behind her back, as she tried her best to remain loyal and keep herself together.

"I..."She tried to speak as Charlotte's eyes scanned her for every false testimony.

"How funny it is of you to speak about lies, sister." Ernest stepped forward with a smirk that could bother anyone in the room. "As if you have any credit to speak such things."

Elizabeth quickly snapped her eyes at her brother, instantly wishing for him to shut it. "Ernest if you have nothing else to do, please don't interrupt the interrogation to the maid" She corrected.

"First off, she's Trixie's Valet." He corrected, standing nezt to Yvette, who looked shy at his defense. "And second, I do have something better to do, which is reveal your machiavellian plans just for the sake of it."

Charlotte looked confused. "What do you mean by that?"

"Ignore him, mother." Elizabeth quickly suggested. "He must be over the use of opium again."

"Always tearing down others to succeed, sister " Ernest rolled his and tickled his tongue. "What a naughty thing to do, what would father say if he saw this?"

"Enough of this." Charlotte demanded as she waved to the guards. "Miss Soyet, you may leave, for now."

Yvette sighed in relief and bowed politely, and avoided Ernest sassy wink at her as she exited the room.

"Now, Ernest, explain your behavior" Charlotte ordered.

"It's very simple, your majesty." He spoke in that sarcastic mockery tone of his. "It was Elizabeth." He suddenly said it, Brismley, who fixed the queen's hair, widened his eyes at the words. "She hired the duke to tell bullshit at Trixie's wedding, and it was also her who spread the scandalous rumors."

The queen got up from her seat, trying to hide her surprised expression and looking deeply into her son's eyes to make sure he wasn't pulling a prank on her. "This a very serious accusation, Ernest. Are you certain?"

He crossed his arms. "Do you really think I' waste my time speaking to you, mother, if not necessary?"

Charlotte rolled her eyes at the rude remark, but that was actually true, she barely spoke to Ernest at all.

"What an atrocious accusation!" Elizabeth exclaimed, landing a hand above her chest as a dramatical addition. "You must be out of your mind, brother"

"Oh, just shut up bitch." Ernest exclaimed and Elizabeth gasped.

"How dare you?!"

Charlotte clenched her jaw thinking deeply in Ernest's words while ignoring the fight that developed in front of her eyes. "Do you have any proof regarding what you say, Ernest?"

"Ask the pathetic duke of Lockridge yourself, he will confirm my words." He spoke fearlessly.

"Liar. You could've bribed the duke into telling this myth you created, who guarantees he wasn't the one who spread rumors about Bellatrix?" Elizabeth interjected instead, trying to make her speech reach her mother's ears.

Ernest scoffed, shaking his head slightly. "What a manipulative scum you are, sister." He commented. "If only you could have even half of the manipulation you display here to convince your husband to actually lay you in bed-"

Before Elizabeth could jump into Ernest, Charlotte stood between them, shielding her son for the first time, almosg making him paralyze.

"That is enough, Elizabeth." Charlotte said in most seriousness as her daughter widened her eyes to her, watching as the floor crumbled beneath her feet. "Pack your bags." Charlotte suddenly said.

"For what?" Elizabeth furrowed her eyebrows confused.

"You're leaving tonight." The queen said without moving a muscle, Brimsley attempted to hide his surprise. "I must say, Elizabeth, I never expected such an immature behaviour from you."

"All I did was for the-"

"Don't waste your breath." Charlotte continued serious. "I  behalf of your conspiracy against the royal crown you are exhiled to your husband's lands in Germany." The queen declared fearless. "For 10 years."

"That is absurd-"

"Since we have an alliance with your husband, we won't make your attitudes or your exhile public, so it is best if you remaind your composure and simply accept the consequences." She spoke like a true polititian.

Elizaneth closed her fists, and looked straight into her mother's eyes. "How could you do this to your daughter?"

Charlotte took a deep breath and looked back at Ernest, who gave her a considerate glance. "I am doing what I should've done a long time. Give you proper attention and care as a mother should." She realized, and the princess turned quiet. "I hushed you into making a royal baby and did not care about your feelings, I was wrong." Elizabeth tried not to appear too vulnerable by the words. "But your choices are also your own, and I can not let this mistake ignored."

Without any words left, Elizabeth simply bowed as a subject of the crown and turned to her wardrobe. The maids grabbed her bags.

...

Bellatrix almost didn't believe that situation was actually real, after all she was there, arms wrapped around Benedict, still in her long white wedding dress, as the afternoon ended in the horizon and the moon approached the surface near.

The horse was fast, and Benedict didn't speak during the ride, he was incredibly fovused, determined, and he knew that if they stopped at any moment there was a chance they could be caught.

There was this speed, this anxiety inside Bella's chest that grew the further they got from London and the church she was supposed to marry in. For the first time, Bellatrix explicitly broke the rules, and she was breaking rules with him.

What would her family say? What would the ton say? ...What would Anthony say?

Anthony...it hurt her heart for him to not be warned about such decision, but how could she? She felt ashamed, after all, she was breaking their promise, but at the same time, she couldn't deny her heart.

She loved Benedict, adored that man with her soul, and if she aparted those feelings from him , all her days would be miserable.

She barely realized when the horse stopped, when she glanced at her side, there was it, the imponent Aubrey Hall and its' history perpetuating on its' tall walls. Benedict didn't speak, he only got off his horse and before any servant could actually come to help them, he offered his hand to Bella.

But when she was about to get off the horse normallly, his large skilfull hands gripped on her waist, carefully spinning and landing her on the ground. Once at almost his height, her eyes sunk into his, and a contagious, espontenous smile grew on his face. Her heart blossomed to his happiness and she jumped into his arms, as he kept her close, petting her hair, taking in her scent and the realization of what they had done.

"Oh, Bella..."He whispered completely dazzled by the woman. "...my, love..." He whispered, kissing softly her cheeks, holding her so tightly as if she could break into pieces at any moment.

His fingers brushed her cheeks as she faced him. "..is this real?" She asked smiling back, breathing fastly overwhelmed by the sensations. "Please tell me I'm not dreaming, Benedict."

He chortled softly and shook his head. "No, darling, it's not a dream." He grabbed her hand and settled it above his heart, letting the vibrations of his chest resonate on her palm. "I'm right here by your side." He whispered with mosy devotion. "And I won't leave you."

There was a moment of pure amusement between them both, small chuckles as little kids discovering a new world before their eyes, almosy oblivious to the consequences of their choices.

"Let's head inside so you may change-"

"Wait." She stopped him and the servants from approaching him. "Can we...talk first?" She asked delicately, and Benedict could not forbid her from such a request.

Heading to the worshipped Bridgerton gardens, the sky had already darkned in the horizon and the moon shined above, glistening the details of her white vision that kept him still stunned. At that moment, at that single moment, he could almsot believe she was dressed like that for him, for their day.

"I know what I did was...impulsive." He spoke first as Bella tried to gather the words to take courage. "And...there is no forgiveness for how I betrayed my family...the crown...my own heart." He swallowed dry. "But...but when I saw you at that altar, Bella...I couldn't keep it any longer, I...I love you." He confessed once again, as Bella's lips parted softly. "I've loved you for so long now and I don't think I'll ever stop loving you, because you are the woman I want to devote my existence for." He took a step forward, carefully holding her hand, the wedding ring still around her finger, his heart painfully reminding him of their forbidden passion. "I know I can not provide you the title you deserve...and I know that choosing me will most likely ruin both our lives...I want what's best for you, but..."He sighed giving a half smile. "...I would be so happy if you ruined my life."

"No." She let his hand go suddenly, making his eyes widen and his heart shake, the fear for an instant took over his whole bing until the touch of her hand on his cheek dosed him off to peace. "You don't know what's best for me, Bendict" she shook her head. "Not even I knew until now...not until I made that decision on that carriage." She continued. "I've been stuck inside a castke my whole life being told what to do of what to do...until I took my own chance and dabced with you at that ball. Until I realized what I wanted wasn't a duke or a Viscount." She smiled sweetly. "It was you." Benedict felt his cheeks blush. "And you were just this...second born unknown artist who just made it all seem so easy, you made my torturing season be the most I've ever been alive." She chuckled. "At each ball and event, I looked in a crowd full of faces looking for yours. I could be in a room filled with most eligilible bachelors of the ton, and I'd still be hoping to slightly bump against you while passing by." Bella put her whole heart out as the moon was their only witness. "I bought a seat for you ar the royal academy not for my feelings, but for yourvtalent, for your persona, for you, Benedict, because you..." she sighed. "God you underrate yourself so much, you raise and praise me so much when you're my muse." She declared. "You're the one who inspired me to get lose of the royal rules, to see a whole new world through your eyes, to be free for once." Bella let her fingers slide through his face delicately. "You're my poem, Benedict. The most forbidden, sweet and vicious poem ever created. The one I keep close to my chest and seen by my eyes for all eternity. The poem I should burn and tear apart, when insted want it printed all over me." The last statement made her a bit more breathless as both of them stared into each other's eyes. "Yes, I am promised to another man, I am the princess of the Brittish crown, but all I want in this moment is to be yours, and yours only." She said with a hidden agressive desire. "Because I love you." She simply let it out. "You're my first love and the only I shall have until my very last days, and no one will ever be able to change it."

Benedict sighed, his body trembled as only inches stood between them, tension increasing in the air. They wanted to give in, to let the flames consume them for once and for all.

"If we do this..."Benedict said, as he already imagined all the ways to get rid of the white fabric she wore. "...there's not turning back now. It'll be just you and me against the world." He explained, as his eyes wandered through all her face's feature that appeared even more bewitching by each second.

It wasn't warm, it was pure heat that lightned her being when she looked back at that man. Her connection was beyond desire, it was pure understanding, and that was more sexual than any fetish ever established in all humanity's history.

His nose almost touched her cheeks, hot breath against her skin, her hands lowering down his neck, pulling her closer. "Are you sure about this?" He whispered for one last time.

"I've never been so sure before." She barely let the sentence leave her lips when his own intertwined with hers. Fervent, passionate, insatiablex and in a matter of seconds she was breathless.

Benedict smiled, and it was such a divine smile that made both of them giggle to the tenderness of that moment. "It's getting a bit cold, don't you think, your highness?" He joked as he suddebly grabbed her in his arms bride style. "Let me take you inside so you can get warmer."

"I wonder how you'll do that." She chuckled as he fluttered her face with little kisses and praises. Before the servants could speak, Benedict alrsady hushed them off. "Privacy for me and my wife please!" Bella laughed at his words as he ran upstairs with her.

There was barely time for her to observe the guest room they entered, all she remembered was Benedict closing the door behind hin with his foot, then gently laying her down the bed as if she was a rare porcelain doll.

She smiled gently, her hair all spread against the mattress and the sofy sheets, what a vision to him, almost like a goddess herself. "Wow." He chuckled amused. "Are you truly real?" Bella laughed at his aloofness and pulled him by the arm so he  could fall on the bed by her side, causing a little squeak on the wood. "We should be careful, I don't know how old is this bed."

"What do you mean?" She laughed. "Oh, Benedict how old is this room?"

"I believe it's the oldest guest room in the house" He wrapped his arms around her as he giggled. "Do not worry, princess, the least that can happen is that we both break the bed and continue on the floor"

"...Continue?" She raised an eyebrow confused, as Benedict only replied with a mischievous smirk before sliding down to her knees.

"May I?" He politely asked as he started to spread her legs apart and she flushed.

"What for?" Bella asked naive, although she could already feel the heat igniting from her core.

"Just trust me, I promise it will be something enjoyable." He said gently as she slowly gave him permission.

Bella remembered the sensation at least, although her head was dizzy and all she felt was the overwhelming pleasure as her head spinned and she looked up at the ceiling. His tongue wandered on circles and wetness in an act she has never imagined before, and her legs clenched, trying to close around his head, before he hung them both on his shoulders and let out a sofy chuckle at her reactions.

The way she called out his name and how her hands tangled between his hair drived him completely mad, it was better than any fantasy or dream he ever had before.

The huge explosion that came over her made Bellatrix breathless, and Benedict came up again, cheeks flushed as he pampered her face with kisses, hands resting on her thighs. "Are you alright? Was it too much?" He whispered gently.

She looked at him surprsised, still melting. "That was..phenomenal..." he chuckled. "How did you do that?"

"I just have great talent in it, it's a gift and a curse." He joked slightly.

When she felt his thumbs caressing her cheeks, she could see a new world in his eyes, in Benedict's arms she felt loved, seen, desired. He pulled her body against him, letting a soft moan escape her lips as he kissed her more and more, taking little bites here and there on her skin.

"I know we aren't married yet but..."I sigh "In my heart, in my eyes, you're already my wife, Bella, and I...I just want to give my all to you." He confessed as his hands gently tried to get rid of her white dress. "You don't know how long I've veen waiting, and suffering and wondering about what we could be and what we could do..."

It would be a lie if she said she didn't enjoy his touch, the way his hands traveled down, removing the dress as if she was his new painting, his eyes sparkling at her side, pure devotion and dazzling to her sight.

"Benedict?" She chuckled as his smile curled up and the flush crossed his cheeks.

"A work of art..."He said breathless, his moving down the hills and valleys across her body, the patterns and traces hipnotizing him.  His hands traced down, holding her close to him, taking the sweet time to savour her curves and the smoothness of her skin, hair body shivering by the desire that grew between them. "You are so perfect" he whispered between kisses down her chest, little sighs escaping her lips. "Even your moans are sweet, god I can barely handle it" He smiled as he squeezed her against him for a minute.

And Bella felt eager to see what's underneath that cover of gentleness, her smaller hands finding the way to his shirt, buttons loosening little by little. "You're quite good with buttons, huh?" Benedict chortled wuth delight, comfortable to yeet his shirt across the room and let her hands massage all over his chest. The touch made his tone vibrate for a minute and  his body become even more excited and anxious like this was his first time all over again.

His eyes met hers through the darkness as 4 lonely stars in a dessert of thirst and desire. His hands slowly guiding hers lower at him, letting her explore and overcome all her doubts and curiosity, h carefully discovery hidden places she never dreamed of, realizing the power she had on that man.

"Oh, darling..."Benedict trembled as she let her hand beneath his pants without notice, the contact against his skin made him gasp. "Bella, please-" He held his breath for a minute as her touch made his eyes close tight and let out a soft whimper. "Bloody hell-"

Her soft chuckles only indicated her enjoyment by all of this, and Benedict wasted no time to get all fabrics out the way. Her eyes stopped for a minute at his new location just revealed to her eyes, but he didn't stop her, instead, he lied down, encouraging her to climb above him, adjusting her comfortably.

"It's okay, no need to be afraid." He whispered gently, as he noticed her hesitation.

"I'm not sure how I'm supposed to do this, I...they don't teach us-"

"I'll teach you everything you know." He kissed her cheeks, hands caressing her hair. "Do not worry darling, I'll be here with you, there is no rush." He instructed calmly, as he helped her lower her hips to meet his. "Just like that..."He lowered his tone to a warm one, as she felt the wetness and the heat increase by the contact. "Slowly...tell me if it hurts..."His right hand massaged her easily, easing any concern away until she sat completely above him, they both exhaled in complete ecstasy. "...right there...yes, perfect, just perfect, love."

The sensation sent her immediatly to heaven, and Benedict was sweet and patient, giving her soft directions of what to do and how to move. She wondered if that managed to nore him somehow, but instesd, at each pace she increased and how she moved above him, she could see his face flushing, sweat running down his temples, as his hands helped move her hips further.

The room was now hot as oven, and she could barely feel her breath on her lungs by the speed. The bed made noises, and even soft giggles were let out as she looked down at her lover beneath her, completely submissive to her touch, adoring the image in front of him. It was the definition of pure delight.

"Yes, Bella...don't stop, please.." He begged softly, as his hips also moved up as they bumped against each other. "Oh, fuck that feels so good-"He gasped moaning loudly enough to show how much he pleasured himself at that moment with her. The wait was completeky worth it, and the sex itself was better than anything he had ever experienced. He thought he'd never love someone so much as he did to Bellatrix, and that love only increased even more at that moment. He could never allow someone to have her, no, he'd die if he let other man be satisfied by her like this, to make her moan she was now. No, she wanted to claim her his, and to be completely hers, forever.

And Bella? It was her first time and it was nothing as she imagined. She loved his touch, his words, and it felt so sweet and yet strong. She felt everything so intensely at once, the love, the lust, the concretization of both. And when she looked into his eyes, he could feel the caring he held for her.

"I love you" He whispered as she continued, the bed trembling by her movements as she moaned at each thrust. "I love you" he moaned out loud, as his hands caressed her thighs and she leaned forward, pausing slightly to kiss. She could only mumble the same promises, barely had strentgh to speak, her head was so light that it didn't even feel real.

All she wanted was to be in his arms, the arms of the man she loved.

The artist that loved her.

...

The moonlight seemed brighter in the sky, and even the gloom that came through the window had a magical tonality as it reflected in his light blue eyes. Her smile reflected upon his, and that pure, sublime happiness felt like the peace they've craved for since that first ballroom dance together.

Benedict watched their fingers intertwine as they held hands. He had removed the engagement ring from her hands, she was solely a woman now, no strings attached to arrangements in the past or ceremonies they ran off from. She was free.

"I want to marry you." Bella suddenly broke the silence, he looked at her a bit surprised. "I...I don't want to hide what I feel, Benedict, I want to be your wife, officially. Because I want to show the world that I love you, that you're the one I want."

Benedict sighed, pulling a hair strand from her hair behind her ear. "I want that too." He whispered back. "That's all I want, Bella, but..."He looked at her with sadness. "The royal crown will never approve me as your husband, you're...you're a princess, love, and I'm just...me."

The words upset her to the core. He was enough for her, then why couldn't that be enough? The crown only caused her problems and stood between her happiness, sometimes, she wished she had never born that way at all.

"You're you, Ben." She said tenderly. "And I wouldn't wish you to be any other way." Their foreheads touched softly, as he smiled briefly. "I'm so glad you dragged me away from that church today, my prince" He chuckled at the nickname. "Let's not worry tonight, hence this is the best night of my life, and the first I feel truly alive." She smiled. "My first night as your woman."

"And my first night as your man." He whispered back with the same respect and compromise. "Until the rest of my days, and after it."

"For always." She smiled and kissed him, letting the soft touch of her lips remind him of that promise.

"Always."

...

Charlotte was nervous, the first glimpse of the dawn warned her that her second son hasn't still returned home. Anthony hasn't given much thought into it until now, starting to become troubled by the lack of response from his brother, he was so upset with the wedding, what could've happened to him?

"When are you going to send people after him?" Eloise asked impatient. "He's missing and you'll just sit around and do nothing?"

"Can you be quiet for once, Eloise? I'm trying to think." Anthony groaned, hands running throuhh his hface tiredly. "This day has been pure hell." He sighed.

Eloise then stopped, watching as her eldest brother also suffered with the situation. Both of her brothers had conflicts within their hearts, watched the woman they loved suffer and cry to heavens above earlier, and now one of them was missing. The situation couldn't get worse.

"Mail from Aubrey Hall!" Gregory ran into the living room with a smile.

Violet exchanged glances with Anthony and the viscount quickly took the letter in his hands. His mother ran to his side, trying to read above his shoulder, failing miserably because of her height.

"It's from the servants." Anthony said, his eyes widening by the news. "Benedict...is in Aubrey Hall."

Eloise got up from her seat, surprised. "What is he doing there?" She asked.

"He's..."Anthony read the last lines and then gave up. With his right hand he crumbked the paper in his hands and sighed, keeping in a neutral expression as he walked back to his office, throwing the paper on the ground.

His siblings didn't understand the situation, while Violet grabbed the paper, and read it, it was a simple line bit she already knew the effect it caused on her son. Elpise approached her, impatiently, waiting for a response.

"Benedict is in Aubrey Hall, he arrived there last night." Violet explained, taking a deep breath. "...and the princess is with him."

...

"WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER?" Charlotte was panicking, covering her concerns with rage as she yelled to the skies and the employees of the palace. "FIND HER!"

"Your majesty-" Brimsley tried to speak as she walked fastly through the hallways, her dogs follwing her quick pace

"ERNEST!" He yelled at his eldest son who relied on a wall trying to charm Yvette Soyet "ERNEST!" He almost jumped frightned. "Where is your sister?!"

"Why the hell would I know?!" He said, adjusting the collar of his suit to appear more handsome. "It's not like our minds are connected" he rolled his eyes at her. "Why?" His smile then faded. "She hasn't returned yet?" His last sentence tried to hide his worries.

"Miss Soyet." Charlotte ignored him and turned to the maid by his side, who swallowed dry. "This is your last chance to say it: where is my daughter?" She gave her an ultimatum.

Yvette swallowed dry a bit nervous, when then a miracle came from above  or better, behind the queen. "Your majesty, there are news from Kew, the princess has arrived and she is in the company of the king and the second born Bridgerton son."

Charlotte blinked twice, trying to understand if she got the news correctely, she turned around to her servant, lips apart. "She's...in Kew?" She asked and Brimsley nodded. "Since when?"

"She has arrived this morning, the news come from the king's Valet himself." Brimsley says, trying to hide his smile as he mentioned Reynolds.

"Then what are we waiting for?!" She ecllaimed. "Take me to my daughter!"

"Can I come too?" Ernest asked but his mother walked away. "Damnit." He sighed then gripped onto Yvette's hand.

"What the-" she tried to object.

"Come on, valet, there's no time to waste, we can still reach the carriages!" He said as they ran to the same direction eager to know the ending of that story.

...

Earlier that morning

"I remember passing by Kew's palace with my father...I thought it was so huge and majestic..." Benedict said as he looked up to observe the big construction while Bella wrapped his arms around him, both still on the horse. "I still have the same reaction, now just more nervous"

She kissed his cheek softly, whispering in his ear "Don't be, it'll be just fine, I promise." She attempted to reassure him, and then they got off the horse, slowly walking to the gates as all the servants bowed to her, Benedict was slightly surprised to witness that new world where she was so respected and so idolized.

"I knew you'd show up here."

"Missed me?" 

Reynolds chuckled, showing his sparkling teeth. "Yeah." He nodded. "Yes, your highness, come in." He glanced at Benedict who greeted him politely, then slightly shot a smirk at Bella. "Mr.Bridgerton, please feel welcome" Reynolds hid his mischievousness and Bella chuckled.

Once the pair entered the palace of Kew. Bella felt immediately at home, it was so much more quiet than Buckingham, and being there already managed to calm her senses instantly.

"Follow me, your father is already awake." He explained. "It was an intense episode, but he is fully conscious now, although he is in the observatory still... He wished to be alone, so I'm not sure about his condition currently."

"That's relieving to hear." She sighed, and Reynolds gave her a comforting gaze. "Do you believe I can see him now?"

"If I didn't allow you to, he'd scold me." He chuckled and opened the door to the observatory "Go easy on him, all right?"

She nodded. "Thank you, Reynolds."

"No problem, princess." He smiled tenderly. "Glad to see you safe."

Once she entered the room, the valet closed the doors and Bella finally managed to see her father looking through his telescope, his semblant distant, reserved. Benedict hesitated to enter, knowing this was the king's personal space, but Bellatrix insisted, taking his hand and allowing him in. His mouth opened wide amused to the many drawings and prototypes resembling the astros, the golden room was more unique than anything he had ever seen.

"Papa." She called him, but when he turned to her he didn't recognize her, instead he turned again to the telescope. "Father?" She touched his shoulder gently, and when he looked at her, his eyebrows furrowed

"Who are you?" He asked, and Bella's heart broke again, still lost in the haze of his ideas.

Benedict watched her smile tilt slightly but then admired her determination and change of behavior fully incremented with patience. "It's me, Bellatrix, from the Orion constellation," She said sweetly and George turned to her now radiant. "Remember me now, farmer George?"]

He nodded promptly and hugged her tight, as Bella sighed relieved, petting his back. "I was so worried about you." She whispered, letting the warmth of his arms take away all the troubles from yesterday.

When George departed, his first attitude was to glance at Benedict by her side, and already become protective of his little star, holding her hand and pulling her away from him. "What is that?" He asked huskily "A black hole?"He widened his eyes terrified.

"What? No, no he is..."She tried to come up with something.

"I'm a painter." Benedict suddenly said with simplicity. "And...an admirer of the sky, just like you." He replied, and George felt a bit more calm about that sentence. "I constantly paint images of Bellatrix, trying to show her beauty to people on earth." He eased the tension between them and George released his grip to Bella's hand. Benedict smiled softly. "Because I love her." 

Bella felt her won smile grow on her face, and George looked at them both still a bit amused, yet curious. "You paint stars?"

Benedict nodded promptly. "Yes, I do." He took off a paper from one of his suit pockets, his last sketch of Bellatrix made by memory the night before the wedding. The image of the princess was surrounded by stars as George looked at it for longer and longer, processing the information.

"It's not completely accurate..."He whispered and Benedict chuckled. "Neither the most appropriate"

"I'm still learning" The artist replied

"But I can see you're just as dedicated to the stars as I am" He said, and almost as if he got away from a spell, he turned to his daughter. "Is this the man you love?"

Bella's eyes filled with tears a bit emotional, and it took Benedict a moment to realize George had turned into his average self. "Yes, papa." She answered in a fragile tone, "This is the man I love."

George turned to him, the same man he recognized as the groom's best man at the wedding. "Aren't you the viscount's brother?" He asked.

Benedict nodded, in a mix of embarrassment an slight shame. "Yes, Your Majesty." He responded in a whisper. "I am Benedict Bridgerton, the second born of my family."

"The second born...no titles, no own properties or means....stealing his brother's bride."

"Father-"

"It's true," Benedict replied, now throwing the fear away.  "I am not a viscount, not even a near title that could be suitable enough to your daughter's level, my king. But as I've said,  I am only a painter." He took in a deep breath. "I am a man who had the luckiest misfortune of finding his best friend and his lover in places he shouldn't. I am a man who falls in love more and more by each second in her presence, a man who writes and sketches and paints day and night to get rid of the wish to only marry the woman he loves, hence he is not allowed to because of his birth." George only listened attentively. "I am not perfect, I am not...eloquent, elegant,  articulated as my brother, I could never be like him, and I don't wish to be." He declared. "I never craved the spotlight, yet I delight in watching Bellatrix shine. I never wished for money, yet I want all the comfort she is used to and that I can never reach. But I always wished to be great, to be known, recognized by my talents...what I didn't know is that I only wanted that praise from one person" He looked at the woman he admired. "...and only her is all I've wished for. To be by her side...it became the most forbidden of the blessings and the guiltiest of the pleasures hence I am seen, known, and free only with her." There was a slight pause with hanging tension in the room before Benedict kneeled, looking up at the king. "I would never know how to behave as a royal member of the crown, or the father of an heir. I would never fit into her world, never wished to, but in this moment, if I do so need to, I will do anything if possible to be with her." He spoke determined. "I ask you, Your Majesty, to please, give me your blessing and allow me to marry your daughter, and please make her mine and to worship hee to my very last days and beyond." Bella felt her breath escape her lungs, George remained neutral. "And within all due respect, I know the rules, I know the chances, but if you do reject my proposal in this moment, I won't back down from what we feel." Bella surprised herself with the boldness of that sentence, yet George remained the same. "Your rejection won't erase my feelings for your daughter, neither any rule or tradition, so I ask you, my king, will you give me your daughter's hand in marriage?"

George remained quiet for  a solid minute, making his daughter and the man before him almost faint from the anxiety gathered in their chests. "As the king of the British crown, I must reject such a disrespectful and unthinkable proposal." Benedict felt his legs weaken to the words, his face turned pale and Bella was on the verge of tears, about to protest and beg when the king continued "But as a father...as..George..."His gaze softened and his hand landed on the man's head, closing his eyes. "I grant you the blessing and the duty to love and serve my daughter, to honor the words you said to me on this very day in all the days you are married, blessed with happiness, fertility, and friendship." Benedict widened his eyes and his smile grew up, not able to hold in his joy, just like Bella. "But if you do hurt her..."His gaze altered to a rather darker one. "...your head shall be impaled on a stick-"

"Alright, I understand!" Benedict exclaimed and George chuckled, helping the young man stand up. "Thank you, your majesty..oh thank you so...oh, sorry!"Unable to contain his excitement, Benedict hugged George tightly making the king gasp surprised, only to have his daughter hug them as well, filling the observatory with laughter.

"Thank you father" Bella said gently as Benedict stepped back and she held the king's hands. "Thank you so much.."

"Bella...my blessing doesn't mean this will be easy." He whispered. "You know that your true permission to marry comes from the council...and they are sided with your mother-"

"Excuse me, your majesty and your highness."Reynolds carefully interrupted. "My apologies but...the queen is here."

...

Once Bella, her father, and Benedict entered the main room of the palace, Charlotte's eyes widened, immediately overreacting to the scene "What is the meaning of this?"

"Lottie, please calm down." George tried to tell his wife but she remained furious.

"Calm down? George, your daughter escaped her wedding with this man, how do you expect me to be calm? The whole kingdom will talk about this!" She shot Bella a very annoyed gaze, "I hope you weren't reckless, we might need to find you another suitor after-"

That's when it happened, Bellatrix took off her tiara and offered it to here mother again, her face cold as a stone, to moving a muscle. "Take it." She said in a fierce tone.

Reynolds and Brimsley by her side watched the scene amused, hands holding behind their backs as the royal family broke itself at that instant.

"What?" Charlotte asked suddenly. George immediately knew what his daughter meant.

"I abdicate my title as the princess of the British crown." She suddenly declared. Ernest and Yvette gasped instantly, and Benedict approached his fiancé.

"Bella, no-"He tried to speak, his hand touching her shoulder gently, as she caressed it for an instant.

"It's okay, I know what I'm doing..and it's something I've always wanted but never had the courage to." She took in a deep breath and faced her parents. "I gave my blood, sweat, and tears to follow this legacy, but now..."She looked at her father's fragile gaze and smile of understanding, she knew that if he could he would have made the same choice and that deep inside he was insanely proud of her decision. "...now I know that this is not what I want. But what you want, mother, and I can't do this any longer."

"Don't be impulsive, Bellatrix-"Charlotte tried to speak.

"And I am not doing this because of a man or simply to run away from an arranged marriage" She justified. "I've seen what this power and pressure do to people and the scars it keeps on us...I don't want those scares, I want to live and not just survive." She confessed, landing the crown in her mother's hands. "I am sure there are more adequate siblings to take over my responsibility. Please don't see me as an ungrateful daughter, but I need to take over the control of my life, or else I'll lose it forever."Bella established, taking a step back. "I was born for the public, known to the public, but I love this secrecy, this liberty in hidden moments only known to myself." She glanced at Benedict and they changed smiles. "It took someone to find me to show me the colors of a black and white world to realize it." She sighed. "So forgive, me, mother, father, but I rather wish to be a nobody, than somebody."

George smiled and nodded, but Charlotte was still incredulous, quiet, and shocked over the news. Yvette smiled tenderly, and Ernest chuckled at her reaction. "Get them, sister" He cheered in a mutter.

"If that is your wish, Bellatrix, the I grant it to you." The king said gently, unable to hold his happiness.

"George-"

"Lottie." He looked at her. "Have you ever seen your daughter this joyful before?" He asked, as Bella hushed to hold Benedict's hand, ready to set away to their own future. Charlotte sighed. "We can't keep them close forever...but they might come around if we let them choose." She nodded subtly, and with those last few words, both the parents kissed their daughter's forehead in a blessing. "Bellatrix." George lastly established. "Risk yourself, make mistakes, learn, and do it all over again" He grinned. "Live."

...

"Are you sure?" She whispered as He hesitated to knock on the door.

"I wouldn't be able to start anew if I turned my back on them."Benedict sighed, and with gathered strength, he knocked on the house and the servants quickly hushed him in.

Once inside, the youngest siblings hushed to hug him, exclaiming his arrival, as Violet ran over to her son, tears down her face as she jumped into his arms. The aroma of the Bridgerton home was the same, and yet he wasn't, not completely. And Bella was there, in the home she almost turned the viscountess to, watching as Eloise shot them both a huge smile as if the love story she truly wished for had finally come true.

Well, the smile faded when she threw her book at her brother. "Ouch" He groaned.

"Don't you dare disappear without telling me again?" She managed to later hug her best friend.

"What is all this noise-"Anthony came forward into the room when time stopped while looking at her, in the most simple of the dresses yet the widest of the smiles, radiant as the sun, making his heart speed. "Bellatrix..." He reached for her, almost as if he crossed an endless sea of longing. "How are you feeling? I couldn't see you after the wedding, how..."He hesitated to touch her, but just his eyes could tell how desperate he was to see her. But then he realized when he looked at his brother, and then at the new ring on her finger. "You're.."

"I came to make an announcement," Benedict said although he couldn't help but feel extremely nervous. "Bellatrix and I...we married this morning, at a capel near Kew. Just the two of us."

Anthony's mouth opened in surprise, unable to speak, and god forbid if someone could feel what he felt at that moment. Heartbreak, pain, and endless wave of emotions that devastated him into nothing. "You're married?" Violet asked. 

"I'm sorry it was done in secret mother, both within the scandals and the gossip, Bella and I decided to do this on our own...we didn't want to wait anymore." He said cautiously. "I know what I've done is...haed to accept and...and O betrayes your trust but..."He sighs. "I love Bellatrix...I love her more than anything and..."Charlotte gave him and understanding smile. "I am sorry, I'm truly sorry." Anthony remained rigid, in place, jaw clenching slightly as he looked over at his supposed to be wife. "Brother, I...I understand if you won't forgive me, but just know that...I never meant to hurt you-"

"For the first time you spoke up." He suddenly talked to him. "You didn't just...accept whatever was given to you, or remained silent, so no ome would notice your presence. You made your needs shown and was determiend after them." He let it out gently, hiding the sadness and trying to be supportive. "I wish things weren't doing in secrecy but...I am proud of you, for finally pursuing your dreams, brother." Benedict looked at him in a mix of surrpise and gratefulness, shaking the hand his brother stood to him.

"Thank you, Anthony..."He sighed and puleld him into a hug, wrapping his brother's rigid body in warmth.

Once apart, Anthony looked down for a minute, then delicately asked "...may I speak to..."He gulped. "...your wife, for an instant, please?"

Benedict looked at Bella and she nodded, as the Viscount and her headed to his office, where the sounds of the main room were dissipated.

The silence of the room made her hands sweat bit, and she tried to look distracted, observing the books, although she knew his eyes were fixated on her. It was strange how the day before they were almost committed to be in each other's lives for eternity, to elope in marriage once and for all, and now they were barely connected by a name.

"I-" They both tried to speak at the same time.

"You first." He allowed gently.

Bella inhaled deeply before continuing. "I am sorry I...I broke our arrangement and...destroyed the trust we had...I understand if you never wish to see me again-"

"It would only make it worse." He replied. "To never see you, and yet wonder what happened to you, if you're happy." He took a steo forward, trying to remain cold. "I'd rather endure the happiness on your face caused by my brother, than an unhappy marriage by my side."

She shook her head. "You wouldn't make me unhappy-"

"If not, then why did you choose him?" The sentenve made her quiet.

The two ghosts of what they used to feel remained in the room, haunting them with memories and promises.

"Marriage life looks good on you." He whispered. "You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you." She didn't how how to respond. "May I ask how did you convince the queen-"

"I abdicated my title." She suddenly let it out, Anthony raised his eyebrows.

"You..."He pursed his lips, hands buried in his pockets. "Abdicated the throne...for him?"

"I did it for myself." She corrected. "I...didn't want to carry that burden over my shoulders anymore."

He gave a half smile to those words. "I am glad then." He nodded. "You deserve to make your own path." Anthony sighed, looking away. "...My apologies, I thought this conversation would be easier, but I feel as if I sunk into the ocean." He chuckled bitterly, her heart broke to see him so hurt. "I'm not so...kind hearted and sweet as Benedict, of course I'd be terrible in showing support to you like this. I want to be happy but...the fact that he makes you happier..."He pursed his lips shaking his head, and in this tiny second. "Makes me appear to be the most selfish man in the world, innit?"

"Anthony..."She shook her head, almost able to sense his sadness.

"It is not often I let someone take down mh defenses as you did, that is why I ask you to understand it might take some time for me to fully...accept your engagement." He declared, wondering the endless of possibilities of what they could've been if only he managed to have married her instead.

"I...I understand." She nodded, hands glued, humbly hearing to his words as a child who had done a mistake.

Anthony thought about all the days be could've spent by her sjde  the happiness they could've shared instead. "Benedict..."he scoffed. "He's one lucky bastard." He tried to smile while looking at  her, unable to contain the fire ignited on his heart whenever that happened.

Her chestnut brown eyes, the soft lips he once had the pleasure to kiss, the hourglass silhouette hidden behind that dress. To think that he'd never be allowed to experiment, to touch what he fantasized so long, to show her how much he adored, loved that woman. Now would only be  a past reminsicing of what they could've been, of what he wished to be.

"We were still...something, don't you agree?" He asked, for one last time wishing not to have his feelings completely denied.

She nodded gently. "I...I did love you, Anthony, at some moment, I truly did." She let out softly and that feeling blossomed in his chest. "But Benedict...he's the one my heart beats for."

He nodded gently...only a step apart, and if he had nerves to, he could've taken her by the waist, envolving her into ghe mkst passionate kiss of his life to change her mind. But he had to respect her choice, even if that meant to destroy his dreams.

He was willing to break all his dogmas and promises for her, and make her his own he put faith into...guess he didn't have enough faith.

"May I at least hold your hand?" He asked softly, and she allowed. Once he touched her skin, that same electrifying touch of that very first rainy day came back to his mind. "Even if I could return to the moment we met, I wouldn't change a thing." He spoke, making her speechless. "Perhaps i would, only to make you love me more." He smiled gently. "What I said about family, still continues...you are part of my family  no matter how, Bellatrix...and if you ever need me, I'll be here for you."

"Thank you, Anthony." She said back, feeling her whole being melt as he kissed the back of her hand, his lips longing a bit much before departing.

"No, I thank you." He smiled. "Because with you, I became a better version of myself, a version that felt true love." He whispered gently. "Although I can't help but wonder what else you'd improve in me, if we got to the end of the " I do's" ".

"You'll find someone who will." She whispered  although she couldn't help but feel that slight discomfort of saying goodbye "thank you for neber giving up on me, Anthony Bridgerton, the most obnoxious suitor and fiancé ever known" he chuckled, trying hard not to cry. "Maybe it was for the best, if we married I would've probably killed you in the first week."

"It would've been fun, isn't it? Us?" They both nodded. "I will never understand it, I'm sure." He sighed. "But I will respect it, if that's what you wish." She nodded, a d finally having the chance to leave, before she could leave, she turned to Anthony "and Bella?" A small dropping from his face discretely, so fast that was almost unoticeable. "I love you." His words echoed in the air crystal clear, until he brushed away the sadness and turned her back to her, trying to fake being busy while scanning the bookshelves "Close the door when you leave, please."

...

EPILOGUE

T

he doors to the cottage opened, revealing an enthusiastic figure holding a canvas in his arms, he giggled at his wife's image bathed by sunlight, highlightning her wide belly that served as shelf for their future child.

"You're back" She exclaimed as her husband hushed to pamper her with kisses. "..and also covered in ink" Bellatrix chuckled.

"Sorry for taking so long, an Earl stopped me on the way, he was requesting some portriats for his three sons." Benedict said sweetly, as he pulled a chair to sit by her side, she was focused on the piano, her newest between the many hobbies she started now. Bella was always active, but the pregnancy slowed down her horse rides to more calm ways to spend her time. "How is that simphony going? Will you be the next Mozart?"

"More or less...I liked playing the harmony better." She joked and rest her head on her shoulder.

"How are you feeling?" He asked gently, eyes lowering to her stomach.

"Like a watermelon is part of me." Benedict laughed, and it was simplt the sweetest laugh in thos world. Life itself was sweet, he eas the greates, most gentle husband possibke, prativally woshipping the ground Bella stepped on, honoring every single word he swore when they married. And he was so happy, so joyful with her, and she inspired every portrait, encouraged each of his days at the academy. "Want to touch it?"

"May I?" He asked softly and she allowed, holding his hand above her belly, feeling the small kicks of their naby and giggling like a little boy. "Oh she's strong"

"She?"

"Of course, my little doll Aurora." He smiled. "I am sure she is a girl." Bella laughed "but if it's a boy I'll love him just the same, our dear George"

"Maybe both?"

"I'd like both." He grinned. "Maybe more?"

"You say that cause you don't have  a gigantic belly." She furrowed her eyebrows.

"You're right...but I do love producing them." He chortled dropping more fervent kisses on her neck. "Oh I've brought the newest Whistledown issue for you" he gave the pamphlet to her. "Seems like the Cowpers have been making themselves the clowns of the ton again"

"As usual" she laughed. "At least whistledown isn't talking about us anymore, remember at the beginning?"

"How couldn't I?" He rolled his eyes "artist and ex princess on the run, vouple isolate themslves in fairy cottage in the countryside gifted bt the king" he recalled. "We still are the talk of the ton whenever we visit London though"

"Let the call it whatever you want" she squeezed his cheek "I don't miss the life at the castle not even a single bit."

"Really? Not even the foods, the dresses, the jewerly-"

She interrupted his sentence with a passionate, ardent kiss to remind him of their promise, and Benedict melt, flushed, and even moaned completely surrended.  "A-alright, I understand it now." He stuttered flushed and chuckled.

"I love this simplicity, of being able to ride my horse to the sun, coming back and picking flowers, preparing dinner, I learned how to cook!" They chuckled. "Not the best, but it's fun." She tilted her head "I feel...in peace." She said and Benedict smiled back, wrapping her arms around her. "Thank you, for dancing with me that night at that ball."

"Thank you for inviting me." He kissed her cheek, getting lost in the love haze of her essence.

Benedict finally had his muse, and Bella had her prince, and it wasn't the most conventional, traditional, or wished of the endings, but it was hers.

And life felt finally hers.

THE END

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AUTHOR'S NOTE
(BENEDICT'S VERSION)
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This is it, you made it to the end! This was supposed to be the "real" ending of the book, but since Anthony also gained the readers' love, I did one for him too.

I love this ending because Bella is finally free of the chains of the castle and takes her life into her own hands. She chooses what she wants for once instead of being ordered, finding the sweetness of her life. Her child won't be obligated to follow that path, and she is free to be herself.

I like to think that each ending has its' owm importance and own changes to Bella's life. Nothing can ever be perfect, but I do believe that each of them for a dufferent version of our princess, learned by the love she chooses.

It wasn' ideal to make 2 endings, but the loved you showed to this book made it all possible and I simply could not deny it from you. Thank you then, for the support and the faith put on me and this story, you lightned up my days and I am so happy to finally conclude this journey with you, so thank you.

With that being said, this is the end of our story...or not, you can also read the other one (hehe), maybe wonder what different path could've been? See you!<3

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