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𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐄𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐎𝐍 𝐖𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘, 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐇 𝐀𝐍 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐎𝐍𝐋𝐘 𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐘𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐒𝐄𝐄. Anastasia followed after her mother with her Ladies in waiting behind the two as they surveyed the decor and extravagant animals. The wedding was today and this was not the first time she had seen her mother so judgemental and rampant at the same time, during each and every one of her birthdays Charlotte made sure everything was perfect for her little heiress.

As guests filed in from every inch of the city, Anastasia was only truly interested in one family and one person but she was prompted to wait with the bride. Edwina Sharma was a bundle of nerves as she wiggled in the mirror in front of her as Anastasia placed a small tiara on her head.

"Oh, mama, Kate! Isn't it wondrous," she grinned brightly to the princess and to her family who watched her with adorned looks.

"It truly is, dearest."

"Most delightful, Bon," as Kate said these words Anastasia eyed her subtly. Her voice was taught, falsifying delight when she spotted wan undertone of sadness and as she watched her more carefully she saw her look to the floor with a dazed look.

"I cannot thank you and the Queen enough," Edwina clutched Anastasia's wrists more tightly than necessary as she buzzed with excitement.

"You can thank us by being the happiest bride the Arch Bishop has ever seen," Edwina's eyes shined with gratitude and reflected off of the white of Anastasia's teeth. "Who will be very angry if we are late," the women seemed to realise the time and rushed to their feet.

As Mary and Edwina filed down the hallway she watched Kate fiddle with the bracelets before meeting the princesses eyes and tightly smiling.

"Something the matter?" She used a voice that sounded condescending, she knew something was afoot and wondered why the woman besides her seemed disassociated.

Kate looped her arm through Anastasia's and sighed, "the simple jitters of a wedding, your Grace."

Anastasia hummed lowly as they strode through the all but quiet gardens that lead to the doorways where the wedding was being held. "I will entertain that idea for now but rest assured I shall know soon enough." Kate and her shared an amused smile before they took the flowers that awaited them by footmen and clasped their hands around the stems before peering through the white curtains.

The princess noted all the faces with her peripheral vision but until she found herself at the front of the row on the viscounts side she felt no need to look. Her eyes were set forwards aimlessly gazing at a white tile until her and Kate turned to where her mother was sat. They bowed accordingly and Anastasia shot her mother a wink to which she covered a humble laugh at.

Anastasia turned, stood on the brides side with Kate behind her and gave an enthusiastic grin to Anthony who gave his own back before staring over her shoulder. The cogs turned in her head and as she saw Kate also glance over to him a twist in her stomach unsettled her.

Black eyes traveled over the musicians before meeting the awed stare of Eloise Bridgerton. From the moment Anastasia set foot on the stoned path Eloise was unable to remove her eyes from her form, she was radiant, an utterly unattainable beauty with a unmatched grace. The princess but the bottom of her lip to stop the spread of a smile that threatened to outshine the entire event as the ton would rave as to who the Crowns Jewel was smiling so intently at.

However, the Bridgerton still stared, mouth slacked in an entirely unladylike manner that her mother would have frowned upon if she had seen her. To her she had never seen such a vision, the woman she looked at seemed to sparkle even without the shine of the sun through the stained glass windows. Her gown matched Kates but Eloise would admit under the hand of God that Anastasia wore it best, she would outshine any woman next to her.

"You may all be seated," the bishop told and the room fell into a hush. "We are gathered here today to celebrate the love shared between Miss Edwina Sharma and Lord Anthony Bridgerton," his words faded in through Anastasia's ear and out the other as she let her eyes flicker from Eloise to the floor.

She wanted to cross the threshold and as selfish as it may seem, replace Anthony and Edwina with herself and Eloise. It seemed radical, they had known each other only briefly and yet neither could get enough of the other, they wished to bathe in one another's presence and relinquish the outside world.

As Eloise sat she imagined her life with the princess and her heart only fluttered at the images her mind presented her. They would have an estate in the country, near Aubrey Hall yet far enough from the ton that they would think twice before entering. Yet, it would not end there as Anastasia would take her on journeys she only wished she could, across the narrow seas to the most extraordinary of countries. Possibly a home in Paris, the city of her dreams and the birthplace of many of her favourite biography's and novels.

Anastasia could take her with her but she was not certain how her family would react but if it come to it she would escape with the princess, one way or another.

The clang of jewellery falling broke their stare as Anastasia looked to see one of Kate's bracelets caught in the dress of Edwina. She hadn't even though of reaching down when the Viscount quickly kneeled and placed it on her wrist with utter delicacy.

Anastasia watched with her eyes wide at the two people who kneeled below her as she watched their faces reflect in an emotion she was familiar with, yearning. She looked back to see Eloise who just appeared confused if anything but then all eyes were back on the bride who was no longer blushing.

She looked unsteady and panicked as her chest rose and fell at an unnatural pace, Anastasia eyes her wearily.

"Miss Edwina, are you-

"I need a minute!" She snapped amongst the white and her voice echoed loudly, shocking the ton who anxiously waited in their seats. Edwina seemed to realise what she had done and a frightened look fell on her face before she picked up the hem of her dress and bolted for the door.

Her mother was quick to follow after her and Kate gave a hard stare to Anthony before chasing after the two. Anastasia thought on wether or not to go after her but as her mother stood in a fury she sought best to stay put.

"What just happened to my wedding?" She appeared to look for answers between Brimsley and her daughter whilst the girl simply flickered her eyes to the groom next to her whom the Queen narrowed her gaze at.

Fireworks were set ablaze and the ton didn't know wether to be applauding or dismiss themselves, Anastasia subtly signalled for Eloise to follow her as she slipped out through the back archways. Eloise watched as her brothers and sisters followed Anthony back into the palace and she saw her opportunity to sneak away.

Eloise followed her to what looked to be a greenery with few glass windows and plants sprouting from the roof. Except, as she let her eyes roam the interior she found it was not a greenhouse but in fact a shrine to astronomy. Telescopes, books and star maps littered the landscape around her and a rooftop that was entirely made out of glass.

She jumped lightly when the door was shut behind her and turned to see Anastasia resting her back on the wood.

"This place is a triumph," Eloise said as she still admired the scenery whilst Anastasia smiled softly at her, gently pushing off of the door and walking to the girl.

"You should see it at night," Anastasia murmured in the air of solace between them. Eloise couldn't help but be captivated by the girl that held so much aura around her and a grin was poised to her lips.

"That would only work if I stayed," she lowly replied back with her feet pulling her forwards till they were within a hands distance from one another.

"That can be arranged," Anastasia also leaned in until there was no space left in between there chests. Eloise was prepared to lean in and kiss her forcefully without hesitation until two fingers were pressed to her lips and she opened her eyes to see Anastasia grinning toothily at her with amusement dancing in her eyes. "Eloise, as much as I would love to kiss you the entirety of the ton is practically a few feet away."

They were in a relatively secluded area but all it took was a curious couple to wonder off and they would be exposed.

Eloise groaned loudly and Anastasia chuckled before stroking her arm as she walked round her and to the couch with books on the table. "It is not fair, if I was a man then we could be married already," Eloise subconsciously followed the princess till she slouched in the seat next to her.

Anastasia rested her elbow on the head of the couch as she perched her head in her hand whilst looking to the girl. "Yes, that is true but if you were a man then I would not want to marry you," laughs erupted between the two and Eloise shuffled closer and matched the way Anastasia sat. "What are you thinking about?" She inquired with squinted eyes as Eloise trailed her gaze over the featured of her face, retracing every detail in her mind.

"I am thinking on how I am going to marry you, one day," Eloise boldly said and much unlike herself Anastasia felt at a loss for words as she gulped thickly, hairs on the back of her neck standing up and cheeks flushing a deep red.

Eloise watched all of this with a soft and cocky grin, "you do?" Was all she could say, too hazed as she truly took in what Eloise said to her.

"I do," Eloise mused to her, "before I met you the possibility of marriage irked me, it seemed volatile that a woman should marry a man just because society says so. Although now, as you entered my life I find my views flipped entirely and I for one cannot wait to marry you."

Her words stuck deep in Anastasia's heart as it swelled with love for the girl in front of her and she reached forwards, grabbing the back of Eloise's neck and pulling her into a kiss. She felt the girl smile against her lips, "what?" Anastasia asked with a light giggle and Eloise felt herself wanting to jump at the sound.

"Simply moments ago you said we should not kiss and yet here we are."

The princess let out an 'ah' before standing up and held a hand out for Eloise to take which she did so with a perplexed look. "Well, I suppose we should go somewhere with a little more," she tilted her head down and let their lips brush, "privacy."

Eloise swallowed harshly and felt her knees nearly give out as she held Anastasia's hand tightly whilst trailing after her with stunned look in her eyes. Their was haste in their steps as they ran past the unsuspecting eyes of the ton with giddy feet they ran through the castle and up the many stairs, eager for one another's touch.

"Halt!"

Came Brimsley's voice from behind her and Anastasia winced as they skidded on their feet before she turned to him, hands still linked and both looking breathless and hot.

"Yes, Brimsley?" She might have appeared more ruthless than anything as she was irritated that she had been stopped before taking the girl of her dreams to her room.

"Her Majesty, wishes to speak with you." He arched a brow at their interlocked hands and breathy figures.

"Can you tell my mother that-

"Now." Was all he said before turning on his heel.

Anastasia groaned loudly and it was Eloise's turn to laugh before she pulled their hands away from one another. "Duty calls you, your grace," Eloise prompted and if it wasn't for the guards positioned at the hall she would have kissed her. Though Anastasia gave her an odd look, "what?"

"You think I am going alone?" Anastasia took hold of her wrist whilst dragging a spluttering Eloise behind her. "Oh, calm yourself my mother does not mind you."

The Bridgerton knew that to be true and remembered how the Queen had told her not to tell Anastasia of their encounter. In truth, having met with the queen on personal matters and a common enemy they found a balance and Eloise would have been fine with it being just the three of them if there was not such a franticness about the day, the queen would not be happy.

"Ah, daughter," Charlotte cheered before raising a brow at the company behind her, "daughter and Miss Bridgerton, a surprise but not unwelcome."

A flash of recognition went over Charlottes eyes as Eloise curtsied before her, more like small bow than anything.

"I thank you, your Majesty." Eloise looked to her mother who looked baffled by her attendance but as she saw Edwina, still in her bridal gown but a very blank look across her face she knew nothing good would come of it.

"So, child tell me, are you going to tell me if you wish to marry him or not?" A silence filled the room, tense and waiting as they all stilled whilst Edwina looked undecided.

Until the doors behind them were once again burst open, "did you see them?" The king shouted in glee as he strode in without a care for formalities, "the fireworks, they were brilliant!"

"George."

"My king," the ladies bowed accordingly apart from Anastasia who stared at her father with wide eyes, it took Eloise a moment longer than the others to lower her head to him. She had never seen the king before, king George was resided only in the castle and never, ever left, she thought he might've been quite lonely.

"Forgive me to keep you waiting Lottie, my bride, my beautiful bride," Anastasia felt tears brim at her eyes as her father spoke so devotedly to her mother.

"Can- can someone come and assist please?"

Anastasia watched as her father kicked and broke free from the two men that tried to drag him back to his room.

"Lottie?" He asked, stood upright like a scared child in need of his mothers reassurance. The queen seemed baffled, she stuttered and looked between George and her daughter who appeared pale in her step.

"Father," she said carefully, not wanting to frighten the man into an episode in front of so many. "May I suggest you wait in the drawing room, there will be more fireworks."

Her voice seemed to entrap the king in a memory as he smiled dolefully and walked till he stood in front of her, eyes shining with nothing but the happiness of a memory. "Oh, my little princess, my precious Venus," the princess willed herself not to cry and chewed on her tongue. "You always did like the fireworks."

Anastasia laughed lightly and quickly wiped a tear that fell, "that's right, you used to sit me up on your shoulders and we would watch them together."

George didn't even realise that their arms had been looped together and she was walking them back to his chamber, the queen had unshed tears clouding her eyes.

Eloise watched their retreating figures and without knowing what came over her went to follow when she felt her mothers hand reach for her arm, tugging her back. She looked up at her in desperation to follow and Violet nearly caved as she had never seen her daughter look at her in such plea.

"Just don't be late for your lessons, Anastasia," he said in an authoritative voice that was false as he clamoured back into bed and the covers were pulled up.

She smiled down at him and gently pressed a kiss to his forehead, "of course, father." Her heart sank that he didn't remember what her lessons were for, he had forgotten her 'illness' but she would never forget his, George's was a constant reminder. "Goodnight."

Amidst the clicks of her heels on the wood floor she heard a faint, "goodnight, my dear," and her footing missed as step. The king had returned for a moment, it was quick and fleeting but for that second all of him had truly been there, in his same deep voice that was sullen and gentle at the same time.

Eloise hid round the corner of the four walls whilst peeking behind a large body of armour and jumped back when Anastasia looked up, the armour wobbling on its stand. The princess pushed her inner turmoil with her father away and hid a laugh at Eloise's lack of stealth.

"Don't hide from me Eloise, your princess commands it," Anastasia mused as she stepped towards the girls form.

Eloise looked to the floor as she stepped into clear view with her head down, looking through her lashes with embarrassment at being caught on her cheeks.

"And I always do what my princess commands of me," Eloise mumbled to the floor as Anastasia looked down at the auburn hair with a soft look.

A finger was hooked under underneath her chin and Anastasia's heart swelled at the sight of her eyes gleaming up at her in the perfect, blue form. She leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips, small and sweet but it still left the Bridgerton unable to speak as she stared up at her.

"Aye," she whispered, "you do."

Eloise let out a pensive sigh as they walked, hand in hand through the empty castle walls as all had either left or the guards were escorting the ton. "My family will be the talk of the century, a failed wedding that had been watched under every single member of the ton, all because my brothers lewdness."

Anastasia snorted at her emeralds look of disgust Eloise wore, "you mustn't fret my diamond, you a free to hide in the castle any time for as long as you so wish."

Eloise squealed in delight as she held onto her arm and Anastasia laughed loudly with a blinding smile on both of their lips, not an ounce of care or concern for the utter carnage of the wedding.