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𝐓𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐏𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐒, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐔𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀'𝐒 𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐎𝐊𝐄. Since she had been formally introduced to the ton suitors truly had created a line that stretched from the castle doors the walls but all had been denied entry by the queen.

One glance over them from her window and she was displeased with them all but that did not stop her from accepting the most generous of gifts. Still in her dressing gown and slippers she evaded all the pollen and went to her mother.

"Mother, why have my chambers turned into a greenery?"

The Queen looked perfectly content as she held a copy of Lady Whisteldown in one hand and the other stroking one of her dogs that was nestled on her lap. "Morning dearest, those gifts are from suitors," she caught sight of the alarmed look on her daughters face, "all who have been refused."

A weight had been lifted and Anastasia crossed the threshold before slouching in the seat besides her mother. "Last night was quite excellent." She reached down for one of the small corgis and ran her hands through his fur.

Charlotte hummed as she read through Lady Whistledown with squinted eyes, "just wait for tonight, it will be the soirée of the season, I can promise you that."

Anastasia nodded along, in truth she wanted everyone to pretend she had never left but she knew how much joy it brought her mother to plan such events and played along. "Fireworks and cake?"

The queen looked over to her daughter, "as much as you desire."

She grinned brightly and looked at the paper in her hand, "what has she said this time?"

Her majesty rolled her eyes and scrunched the paper into a hall before throwing it down where the rest of the dogs tugged at it. "She claims I have lost my touch in choosing a diamond," a scoff left her as she pinched the teacup between her fingers, "but she also praises you."

Anastasia looked at her incredulously, "me?"

She hummed, "the way you conducted yourself yesterday spied an insight into how Whisitledown perceived you, which was apparently quite well."

Anastasia raised her eyebrows and threw her back against the cushions, "right," she shook her head slightly, "but do you have any idea as to whom will be your diamond?"

The Queen looked at her daughter quizzically, here she was asking a second time about an affair that she knew her daughter found no affection in. "Some, but I must say, why do you ask?"

"There was a lady who I would suggest to make a promising diamond," her mother urged her to continue, "Miss Eloise Bridgerton."

The Queen slurped on her tea almost patronisingly as she looked over the rim of her cup, "I know that girl rather well, what is your reasoning for this suggestion?"

Anastasia shrugged lightly and stood, already prepared to make a swift exit, "she is beautiful, there is no doubt about that." She thought back to how Eloise's face scrunched in annoyance, "and she appears to stick out more, unlike the other ladies," the vision of her running out of the doors in delight flashed across her mind. "I propose she be named something more endearing than a diamond, an emerald in fact."

"Your birth stone?" The Queen inquired to her daughter, something was afoot.

"A minor coincidence," Anastasia cursed herself in her head, she was acting a fool for petty revenge but it would taste sweeter than wine when she saw the look on Eloise would wear. "But an agreeable compromise, you name your diamond and I get to watch at how these Bridgeton's manage to charm their way out of any misconception."

Charlotte was quiet for a moment before nodding slowly, "alright, I will play along and I should like to see the outcome of your little game with Miss Eloise."

Anastasia laughed lightly as she was already walking back to her chambers, "her expression will be priceless."

The Queen shook her head with a small grin as she looked to the portrait of her and her husband, "such childish antics."

𝐀𝐍𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐀 𝐃𝐎𝐃𝐆𝐄𝐃 𝐀 𝐌𝐀𝐈𝐃𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐘 𝐖𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐀𝐁𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐀 𝐓𝐈𝐀𝐑𝐀 𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃.

"Mama! There is truly no need for this, must you have me looking like a cliche."

She stood in her corset on top of her bed whilst her mother was at the other side, Brimsley and the maids in waiting out of breath as they chased her round the room. "Anastasia, you are an extension of me which means my daughter must have a crown of her own, within these fair walls you are always the princess."

The said princess was not impressed as she wearily looked at one of the maids that was desperately holding the tiara at the bottom of the bed. "What will you do when you have to wear the crown at your coronation?" Anastasia threw her head back at her mothers constant need to remind her, "will you say no?"

"No," she mumbled.

"Splendid," The Queen grinned brightly, "your dress has been laid out so," she made a shooing motion with her hands and Anastasia jumped from the high bed before standing in front of the mirror.

Over her time abroad Anastasia found it less useful to wear corsets but since her return she found herself surrounded in them. The dress was exquisite, from no exotic country except the distinguished boutiques of England. Gold and white, the primary colours of the royal family and now you could not tell the two most powerful women in London apart as they seemed to match. Her dress was long and pooling at her feet whilst the Queen kept her Georgian style at any occasion, the white bodies the dress with gold embroidery throughout the dress making the most elegant designs and a pair of white gloves that finished at her elbows.

Then finally a tiara, littered in what it appeared to only be made out of Englands treasure. She looked ethereal and as Charlotte stood behind her daughter she placed her head on her shoulder and kissed her cheek, "flawless."

Anastasia held her mothers hand and smiled at her through the mirror, would she say the same if she new of how she managed herself when she was abroad. 

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐎𝐌 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍, 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐄𝐑. Anastasia gave no suitor the time of day as one by one they approach, each sweatier than the other with shaky legs, wanting a dance.

All the girl had to do was turn her head and her majesty had them swatted away, heinous creatures. Until a suitor, more dashing than the rest approached them with a childish grin.

"Excuse me princess, but may I have this dance?" Anastasia awed that the little boy before her but also wondered how he managed to attend this ball. She looked to her mother who was nodding approvingly with a toothless smile.

"You may, Lord," she let him take her hand but had to bed slightly.

"Duke Of Wessex, princess." The dance was about to begin but the young boy looked slightly perplexed as he held both of her hands.

"You can stand on my feet if you like," she whispered to him, not wanting to embarrass the Duke. He did so sheepishly and grinned up at her brightly, "what is your name?"

"Malcom." He was copper skinned with short black hair, a dashing suit with chubby cheeks.

"A strong name for a boy, did your father name you?"

They weren't really following the steps but rather swaying and moving a few steps every so often, in truth she didn't want to dance herself. "My father died," his cheerful voice was quieter now and Anastasia now realised how he had managed to acquire an invitation, he was the man of the house.

"I'm so sorry," she stopped them dancing and stroked his cheek with her thumb, "I lost a sister too, her name was Emily, but they're always around, watching over us. Anytime you feel a chill run down your spine it means they're near, your father hasn't left."

Malcom had never smiled so brightly and as the music progressed he seemed to be more comfortable with himself and Anastasia did the same. Two children simply having fun.

A few feet in front stood the Bridgerton's in attendance with the queen, "I nearly forgot you were making your debut this season, after your sisters triumph perhaps good fortune might run in the family."

Eloise stood, completely besides herself as she took in the Queens words, "It is- it is a delightful ball your majesty, very diamondy though I must admit I am more of an emerald person myself." Her brothers and mother looked at her with worry, was she trying to self sabotage herself.

Instead, the queen let out a hearty laugh and Eloise looked at her with her eyes wide, had she truly just made the queen laugh? "My favourite necklace is one of emeralds, in fact it's also my daughters birth stone, how thoughtful of you to know that." Eloise awkwardly chuckled but clutched her gloves hands tighter, "my daughter was right about you."

The Bridgerton clenched her jaw at the very mention of her, she had been speaking to her mother about her. Her majesty nodded to behind her and they turned to see Anastasia twirling the little Duke round who let out giggle at every spin and a softness overtook Eloise's features.

She looked so carefree, it was refreshing, Eloise had no desire to bare children but as she witnessed Anastasia it seemed to be a skill she was natural at.

The princess sensed eyes on her and looked over to see nearly every member of the Bridgeton family looking at her. Although, all of her attention remained centred on Eloise Bridgerton whom she flashed a small smirk to, she'd already looked away too quickly to notice the awed look Eloise wore.

"She truly is radiant, your majesty," Violet said to the queen who hummed.

"Wouldn't you agree, miss Eloise?" Charlotte asked the Bridgerton girl who hadn't taken her eyes off of Anastasia since she turned.

"Truly." Was all she said before she excused herself and ventured farther into the room. She couldn't look anymore as Anastasia knelt in front of the little Duke and pressed a kiss to hush cheek.

The queen excused the rest of the Bridgerton's and followed her daughters line of sight and spotted it to be locked on Eloise and a hmm left her throat.

"I shall hope to see you at the next ball, Duke of Wessex."

Malcom nodded eagerly before bowing low, "as do I,"even though his speech was formal his appearance gave that of a delighted child. Anastasia curtsied before she was swallowed in the crowd, her feet taking her where the scent of strawberries and cream filled her senses.

She smiled politely at the men and women that looked her way but a sight of bright yellow caught her notice. A girl with red hair and a yellow dress had been watching her from the side lines but as the two made eye contact she abruptly looked away.

Anastasia furrowed her eyebrows and went to step forward when a presence was felt from behind her back.

"Princess." It was Lady Danbury and behind her, three women, "may I introduce you to the Sharma's."

They bowed their heads to her and Anastasia smiled as the youngest tried not to grin too brightly at her. "Yes, please do not take my mothers words to heart, she carries a grudge but all will be well soon."

"Me and my daughters are great full for your words and delighted for your return." The mother spoke with a pleasant smile, she was charmed at how calming the princesses presence was, her nerves were eased.

"I thank you and you are?"

"Miss Mary Sharma and my eldest, Kate Sharma and my youngest, Miss Edwina Sharma."

"Didn't you happen to visit India on your travels?" Edwina asked eagerly and Anastasia couldn't help but coo at her stature, everything about her exposed innocence.

"Yes, we have heard of your lengthy trip and would be delighted to hear more," Kate added, her words weren't as eager but it was clear she was interested as she leant forward.

"Well, in that case would you two care to take a turn about the room with me," Anastasia held both of her arms out and Edwina all but latched on.

As they walked on Lady Danbury chucked at Miss Sharps expression, "quite lovely, isn't she?"

"She certainly is."

Anastasia thought she had been talking an awful lot but based on both women's expressions it was clear they did not mind. "What about you two? Are you both here to find a match or simply visiting?"

"I am simply here to make sure my sister finds the most suitable husband," Kate replied with a coolness about her that Anastasia admired.

"That should come easy, you are a gem, Edwina," from the princesses words she blushed.

"I thank you, princess but my beauty couldn't half match yours, how come you are not married yourself?"

"Bon," her sister warned and Edwina realised she might just have overstepped but that's what happened when you were around Anastasia. An easiness would fill you to the point where you could feel free to share all of your secrets.

"It is quite alright," she assured quickly, "in truth, I do not need a man, nor at this time do I want one, in the future or now."  Kate seemed rather surprised, Edwina the most but did not ask anymore questions, she thought they had began a friendship. "I take it you feel the same, Kate?"

"I do, my estate back in India requires no more than myself and I am fine with that but my sister would love nothing more than a love match."

"Oh? And what would be your ideal match?" She noticed as they walked the numerous amount of eyes lock onto their figures but none approached, the queen had made it quite clear that if any suitors would want to dance with her daughter they would need to speak with her, no one was given permission.

A dreamy look overtook Edwina's features, "he will be handsome, of course but also as beautiful on the inside as he is on the outside." 

Anastasia smiled, "it would appear you have come to the wrong country then," giggles left the three.

Eloise all but snarled at the sight of the princess laughing with such company and Penelope wearily looked at her friend.

"Just look at her, so friendly, if only they knew how smug she really were," Eloise bitterly scoffed her lemonade down.

"I do not understand, it appeared she spoke well about you to the queen, why is it you do not like her?" Penelope had been watching since the moment Anastasia attended the first ball, listened to the gossip of the Ton and the only 'flaw' she could find was that she had no eye on any suitor but many had flocked to the door. Was she truly perfection?

"Just look at her," Eloise exasperated, "look at how she smiles isn't it just enraging." Penelope looked at her like she was ill, "and that laugh, doesn't it just make you despise being happy and her face, stupid face."

Penelope simply remained silent and Eloise looked down at her, "what?"

"I think you should have another lemonade, you appear to be slightly hot." Eloise felt her cheeks and they were indeed rather pink in colour, with a huff she turned and snatched another lemonade from the table.

"Pardon me, Miss Sharma," a tall man with blonde hair and a rather handsome face approached, his eyes wandered over the three before setting on Edwina. The princess knew of this Lord, at least her first dance would be with someone gentle like this one. "Would you care for a dance?"

Edwina looked to her sister who nodded and Edwina took his hand, "you are a good sister."

"I am simply making sure she gets the best because she deserves it, I'm sure you have your fair share of responsibilities when it comes to siblings."

A dry scoff left the princesses lips, "rather the opposite, ever since my mother named me heir none of them will speak to me." A great deal of her was great full to her mother but the loss of all her siblings made her teeth chatter. "I suppose I cannot blame them, I practically cheated my way to the top."

Kate looked at her like she had grown three heads, "I understand that jealously plays a part between siblings, that much is normal but if not even the eldest can congratulate you then the queen was right to choose you as the heiress. I find myself inclined to agree with her," Anastasia and her shared a soft smile, their gloved hands becoming linked as they leant in to one another whilst watching Edwina.

Eloise, whom still looked from across the room, stared daggers into their backs whilst reaching for another cup.

Trumpets were blown and the room fell into a quiet, all attention solely on the queen and Anastasia glided to her mothers side. "Your presence is noted and your Queen most appreciative of your acceptance for my daughters return. But allow it to now be my honour to present to you not only a diamond but your emerald of the season."

Flutters of chatter instantly filled the hall and Anastasia bit back a smirk, her eyes had already found Eloise. She had found her a long time ago but kept her looks brief, it appeared the Bridgerton girl could not accomplish that as her besotted stares managed to always find the princess.

"The seasons diamond is Miss Edwina Sharma," an applause rang and Anastasia clapped loudly for her newfound friend who looked as shocked as the next.

"But the emerald is," a pregnant pause followed, "Miss Eloise Bridgerton."

Loud gasps followed but the hall had erupted into applause seconds later and Anastasia covered her mouth with her hand to stop herself from snorting at Eloise's face. She looked appalled, her mouth dropping open and her eyes wide but her mother the most excited as she continued to clap.

Anastasia clicked her fingers together and a glass of champagne was brought over to her, a call for celebration.

Brimsley retrieved the two girls and Eloise was presented to stop in front of Anastasia who was looking down at her with the most devious expression. Her lips around the rim of the glass with her eyes shinning in mirth and Eloise was left powerless.

Perhaps now she would realise that the farther you wonder into the lions den the quicker you are to be eaten.

The two bowed, though the Bridgerton turned to look at the queen in a huff, she made her disdain only on display for the pinches and nothing could have upturned Anastasia's night.

A flock of men turned up behind the diamond and emerald, including the Viscount who whisked away Edwina. It was just Eloise who seemed to not want to leave the hole she had rooted herself in.

"Who will it be, Miss Bridgerton?" The Queen asked from behind her but in truth Eloise had no interest in any of the men before her.

"May I have this dance?"

A velvety voice from behind her spoke and Eloise turned to see the princess with her palm open, an endearing look in her eye. To the Ton it would have seemed innocent, the princess and the first emerald sharing a dance, how kind of the princess, they'd think but to the two women a crueler game had been played and Eloise left checkmated.

Eloise looked besotted but as she looked up at the Queen with an arched brow, waiting but not giving her an option of refusing. Wearily, she took her hand, Eloise wanted the ground to swallow her up as the amount of eyes on her seemed to strangle her lungs.

"Look at me." She knew of the pressures of living up to expectations and she did put Eloise in this situation.

"I'd rather look towards a horses hind," Eloise all but glanced up at the princess with anger, her hands gripping tightly onto Anastasia's as the musicians readied to play.

"Eloise, look at me," Anastasia's voice was laced with command but it was infused with an unsettling softness.

Ocean met land and as the violin sung its tune the two danced underneath the spotlights, amongst all the others who's hearts swelled with jealousy or adoration as they looked amongst the emerald and diamond of the season.

Anastasia and Eloise remained an intense eye contact, neither willing to back down, the fleeting bird was unable to succumb to the pride of the lion. Though, as the dance commenced Anastasia found her to be an excellent dancer and if she did not break the ice, she was sure Eloise would not

"You appear to be a regal dancer, my emerald," Anastasia mused as she walked round Eloise who stood in the centre, prowling round her prey. A grunt left her lips as Eloise stepped harshly on her foot, "perhaps you could use a few more lessons."

As their hands rejoined, Eloise held no trace of appreciation for the title or belittlement,"you truly are cruel."

"Something only you seem to think," Anastasia stood as Eloise circled her.

"Because they do not know you as I do," the Bridgeton quipped back.

Anastasia looked at her through her eyelashes and Eloise thought her stomach had fell through, "you must understand that I did not persuade my mother in making you an emerald out of spite." As their shoulders brushed Eloise fumed up at her and she shook her head, "possibly, out of spite but nonetheless, I simply wanted you to understand what it means to be desired and what it means to be wrong."

Eloise peered up at her, a small crack being made in the wall she formed to specifically avoid this kind of behaviour. "What?"

Anastasia could have barked a laugh at the Bridgeton's lucid face. "You talk of how you do not think yourself beautiful but now, you will have a line of suitors to persuade your mind altogether. I know none of them will meet your standards but just know that I do not want us to be against one another."

Eloise looked entranced as she followed every step perfectly and listened intently to every word she spoke. All she could think of was how Anastasia had the queen name her the emerald all to let herself know that she was beautiful.

"Do you agree?"

A silence followed, the music slowed, "I do, I find our conversations refreshing." Eloise pinched herself at how she had quite literally used any opposite word to refreshing.

"And I, you."

The music thinned but the blood rushing to Eloise's cheeks had not as the only thought that ran through her mind was that she had called her beautiful.

"Her Majesty, would like you to all move outside for a firework display."

The crowds instantly rushed out, yet Eloise and Anastasia remained, eyes shinning and one another burning from the touch of the other.

It was Anastasia who cleared her throat and stepped back, "I shall call on you tomorrow," she walked away and stopped at the doors. Eloise still had her feet entrapped in the floorboards as she stared at Anastasia, her gaze hot.

The princess looked over her shoulder with a smirk that Eloise didn't find entirely repulsing, "enjoy the fireworks, my emerald."