DIAMOND OF THE SEASON, 2.

"MASQUERADE."

"DEAREST GENTLE READER, There is nothing quite like the sweet-scented smell of success. But after taking in the scene from last night's festivities, it is clear the season won't be quite so fragrant for everyone. The Viscount Bridgerton's own mama may have loudly declared her eldest son's lofty intentions to marry, yet I cannot be the only one wondering if this former Capital-R-Rake is, indeed, ready to flourish. Perhaps the viscount, like the rest of us, is simply waiting for the queen to finally name her diamond. Or perhaps this author should take matters into her own hands.

   But lo and behold, amidst the glittering throng of society's elite, whispers abound of a most unexpected turn of events. Princess Aphrodite, known for her graceful reserve and aversion to public courtship, was sighted twirling upon the dance floor in the arms of none other than Benedict Bridgerton himself. A curious spectacle indeed, for the princess has long shunned such public displays.

   Could this be a subtle hint of her readiness to entertain suitors and embrace the responsibilities of her station? It seems the queen's naming of her diamond is not the only eagerly anticipated event of the season. Will Princess Aphrodite finally open the doors to courtship and invite others to seek her favor? Only time will reveal the true intentions behind this enchanting duet."

   Aphrodite sat in the castle's library, poring over every inch of the paper, reading it repeatedly. There was no denying the slight twitch in her eye with each passing second. Her? To be courted? To be seen as someone worthy of courtship, when it wasn't something she had ever planned? All because she had momentarily let down her walls.

   She closed the miniature paper, handing it to her nearby maiden. "Dispose of it," she commanded in an almost brutal voice, prompting the woman to swiftly rush out of the room to discard the paper. Aphrodite didn't harbor any dislike toward Lady Whistledown; in fact, she had found herself amused by her writings on multiple occasions. Watching others squirm at the thought of being featured in the papers was an entertainment in itself. However, it wasn't until her own name was brought up that she found herself harboring more ill will toward the woman behind the quill than she should have.

Off the woman went, strolling throughout the castle once again to find her mother. "Mama!" she called out, catching the attention of the surrounding workers.

   "I assume you've gotten hold of Lady Whistledown's papers," Charlotte said, not making much eye contact with her daughter.

   "It's preposterous," Aphrodite explained, her frustration evident.

   "In what way is it? 'Tis good to spread the word," her mother replied casually. Aphrodite went to respond, only to stall at her mother's words.

   "What word? There's no word, mother. I am not to be married or looking to marry," Aphrodite declared firmly.

   "You should really think it over," the queen continued. "You cannot hide beneath the castle walls forever, waiting until I am no longer here. You shall create a family of your own. You may not allow Benedict Bridgerton to court you, but there are other suitable suitors, such as Prince Edward. I have been considering him for you since you came of age to marry—"

   "Mother, don't you understand? I will not marry. Not Benedict Bridgerton, nor Prince Edward," she stated confidently. "Mama, I am not one of your diamonds; I shall not be arranged to marry a man I do not know."

Her mother finally looked up, fixing her with a stern gaze. "You are no longer a child. You must blossom into your proper place in society, as your brothers and sisters have done. Whether it be for love or for advantage, you shall marry," she declared with a tone that brooked no argument.

   The young woman looked at her mother in complete disbelief, unsure of how to proceed. Taking a deep breath, she mustered the courage to speak up. "I am not to rule over the ton; you are. Mother, this is your country, your people. I shall not be treated as if I am in such a position. I understand your responsibilities, but will you not try to understand mine? I will only ever marry for love, but I will not be paraded as the diamond of the season. I refuse to be picked over like ripe, sweet strawberries in a garden by the men."

The silence thickened around the two before she broke it again, "I will take my leave." The girl pulled at her long dress, quickly making her way out of the room.

. . .

Forced against her will once more, the girl found herself at a ball hosted by her mother. She wore a gown crafted from rose-tinted lace, featuring a modest scoop neckline and short puffed sleeves adorned with gentle ruffles. The empire waist was cinched with a satin ribbon, and as she walked, the flowing skirt cascaded to the floor in intricate patterns. Though the dress was undeniably lovely, it was not lovely enough to make her endure another ball willingly.

Eyes followed her as she moved, disturbing her peace with unsettling ease. "Princess," one of the men acknowledged, gracing her with a bow. She nodded at him with a forced smile before hastily walking away. As she continued to survey the room, her gaze fell upon Anthony and Benedict Bridgerton standing directly in her path.

"Princess," Anthony called, "'Tis an honor to meet your eyes after so long." He eyed her intently, as though he were trying to take in every detail, almost as if he were assessing her as a potential candidate for marriage. But then again, he would be taking a very high-stakes shot, one that could either result in a resounding success or a significant failure, with little room for middle ground.

   "And to you as well," the princess replied with a small smile. Her gaze almost immediately shifted to Benedict. "How surprising it is to be blessed with the sight of you again," she remarked, her sarcasm evident.

   "I am indeed quite a sight for sore eyes," Benedict responded with a hint of amusement. The girl let a giggle fall from her mouth before covering it gently. "You seem to be enjoying yourself?"

   "Would I ever dare to," she groaned slightly, casting an exaggerated look of "delight" around the room. Benedict smiled in response before the two continued their exchange. Meanwhile, Anthony observed them closely, analyzing every interaction between the two with keen interest. As the conversation progressed, the sound of fanfare playing caught their attention. An announcement drew the girl's attention, along with the boys'. They turned their focus toward her.

   "Your presence is noted." The queen says, "And your queen most appreciative. Allow it to now be my honor to present to you the season's diamond." All of the girls looked between each other. The queen looked through the crowd as if she'd been searching for someone before her eyes stopped on Edwina, "Miss Edwina Sharma." The sounds of the attendees gasping and the music playing caught on.

   The princess smiled at the sight, seeing the shock upon the girl's face, "The queen knows a diamond when she sees one." She muttered. The people around her clapped, including Aphrodite as she was brought to the queen, Anthony's eyes following her every move.

   "You look at her the way I look at a finished painting, Brother," Benedict murmured over to Anthony.

   "Every man needs a muse, does he not?" Anthony was soon walking forward, ahead of the other man who'd been quick to surround the woman.

   "Viscount Bridgerton." The queen said, "Have you yet met my new incomparable?" She asked as the man bowed his head.

   "I am most grateful for the introduction, Your Majesty. I only hope I shall be afforded the pleasure of a dance," Anthony spoke, bringing his hand out for her to take. The girl looked at the queen for a sort of reassurance before accepting his hand. Not long after did people start to dance.

The princess looked to Benedict, "If it weren't for my undying hatred of being seen I would've offered you a dance."

"Aphrodite, I did not mean to cause you any harm," Benedict reassured as he looked at the woman, the same grin as usual.

"No harm was done. By you. But I am not this season's diamond, I would rather not be treated as such." Aphrodite responded.

. . .

   During morning one shall hide beneath their perfectly tailored clothing, yet during the night one should reveal what's under it. Through a revealing gown and a black mask, the girl hid perfectly amongst the common people and the noble who'd like to be seen as such. She moves with an effortless grace, a vision of intrigue amidst the sea of faces while sipping from her cup until it becomes empty.

Aphrodite, who wasn't one for formal balls, was intrigued by the informality of the masquerade. Sitting on a plush couch, she observed the lively scene, her gaze drawn to a man exuding confidence amidst the crowd. As he approached, her curiosity piqued. "You're the first to sit down in such a calm manner."

"Sometimes "In chaos, calm finds its place." She sat up on the couch, "I must take your interest though, as you've found such reason to approach me."

   "It would be hard not to." The man spoke a familiar grin being pulled across his face, "You stand out amid the crowd."

   "I would say the same about you." She spoke in a calm tone, "You are not to go unrecognized, yourself." The man seemed amused with himself, his expression somewhat brightening before he glanced behind him and put his hand out.

   "Come, join me. I believe you'll find my company enjoyable." He offered. She stared at his hand in silence, contemplating it before allowing her hand to gently reach for his.

"I believe so."

authors note:

this one's kind of shorter than my last. the last was more than 2k words and this one is only 1.6k but it's definitely getting very interesting, through the plot.

who do you guys think the guy is? take a wild guess. 😋😋😋

love u guys <3