#prince george

The youngest siblings. Gregory, Hyacinth and Eloise. Playing in the garden a game of pall mall. Taking a peak at the book on your lap, your shoulders slouched. Gaze settling on the glass once more. Leaning in to leave your hot breath to it. Writing your initials with your finger between the damp of your breath. 

Watching as it slowly disappeared. Closing your book with a finger between it, curling your knees up to your chest. Head touching the glass. Cherishing the book against your chest for it barely gave you any comfort.

Comfort for the role you felt yourself slip in. After the successes of many of your siblings in marriage. Even Francesca surpassing you. Season after season you tried. Perhaps taken all the chances you had. For perhaps your life was meant to be your mother’s companion. 

Casually you strided into the drawing room. “Oh Y/n.” Hyacinth called out. Clinging onto your arm by the looks of surprise. Feet barely following, she dragged you over to mother. “Lady Danbury’s returned.” She announced. “I was going to say that!” Gregory responded annoyed, shooting her a glare. 

Hyacinth stuck her tongue out. As a response, you moved your arm over her mouth, pulling her close to your chest. Gesturing at your mother to speak. Violet nodded, laying the letter down. “Lady Danbury has indeed returned and is hosting a ball in honour of her return.” 

Hyacinth pulled your arm down. “Gregory and I are invited too.” Expressing delightfully. You quickly glanced at your mother to know if it was true. She nodded surely. Her gesture made you swallow hard. The youngest even old enough to attend. Another jab at the role you found yourself in. 

“I cannot believe it has been a year since she left.” Hyacinth spoke, letting herself fall down on the sofa. Plucking a bit at her hair.  “You will attend too, won’t you Y/n?” Your sister's sudden acknowledgment to you. Blinking startled from your daydream, you curled up a smile. “Of course.” Bowing slightly through your knees. 

“Anthony will attend too, mostly to oversee the youngest.” Violet spoke, getting up from her seat. Standing before you, she smiled sweetly. Touching your cheek for a moment, letting the touch be forgotten in a moment. Hyacinth babbled on about which dress she would choose to wear. With a soft roll of your eyes, you turned away. Leaving her to it. 

Within the fortnight Lady Danbury’s ball approached. Spirits lifted for the assistance of your siblings. Hyacinth and Gregory slightly panicked for their good impressions. Annoying Eloise to the bone.

She quickly escaped for the carriage to avoid Hyacinth’s eagerness for approval on anything. Chuckling quietly, you followed your siblings into the carriage. “Perhaps tonight we’ll find a match for you dear sister.” Anthony spoke barely leaving the driveway. 

“I’ve already come to terms with my role, dear brother.” You answered. Taking your mother’s hand in yours with a soft smile. “I already know what life has to offer for me.” Giving her hand a soft pat. Violet smiled sorrowfully in return.

Not that she wouldn’t mind having one of her daughters to keep her company. A deep part of her still wished you found love as your other siblings had. “Give it another chance?” Anthony offered. Nodding with a soft sigh, you agreed you would… if the offer presented itself. 

Lady Danbury had once again surpassed all wild expectations. Keeping the season’s stakes high for hosting. A ball many would be jealous of never being able to host. The most exquisite theme. Leaving Hyacinth breathless. Following your brother in step, you entered the estate.

Mother falling into Lady Danbury’s arms for a greeting. A mixture of heartful words and blissful tears. Your youngest sibling's eagerness couldn’t wait, making you hasten inside after the proper greetings. Very quickly, you spotted Queen Charlotte present. Of course she wouldn’t miss her dearest friends' return. 

The queen as most elegant as ever. Unable to look away from her majesty. Brows slightly furrowing at the arrival of a certain young gentleman. Holding two glasses. Bowing lightly, offering the queen one of the glasses. She accepted with a smile, placing a gloved hand against his cheek.

With a tiny smile that he returned, he straightened his posture. Stepping aside. Hands moving behind his back, gaze settling on the crowd. Perhaps it was an illusion or misinterpretation but you swore his gaze had lingered on you for a moment. Fleetingly shifting to the side. 

A bump against your elbow, knocked you right out of the illusion. Pinning you back down into the here and now. Getting on the tips of your toes to see where your siblings had gone off to. Heading in their direction.

Anthony and mother had their hands full with Gregory and Hyacinth but mostly Hyacinth. Eager to dance with every young gentleman that glanced her way. With little to occupy yourself with, your eyes wandered many times to the Queen’s throne. Specially to the gentleman at her side. With a double-take you noticed Lady Danbury had joined your side. 

“The prince regent.” She said as if reading your mind. Surprised you fluttered your eyelashes at him from afar. “Prince George, the fourth.” Finishing with his name. You hummed softly in return. “I have not seen him much in public.” You answered.

“That is correct. The prince regent is here out of duty…for the queen.” Responding with a quick end of her sentence. Almost as if she pitied the boy’s decision to be here. Lady Danbury gasped loud, turning her posture more towards you. “Tell me, miss Bridgerton. How is your pursuit for marriage?” Asking with much interest. 

You exhaled soft, gaze drifting away. “I fear it might not be in my cards, Lady Danbury.” Answering with self-pity. Lady Danbury’s gaze caught her side. “I might not be so certain about that.” Leaving with a mysterious chuckle. Confused, you wandered further. Trying to catch glances of your sister’s dance with Hyacinth. Passing through the watchers, gaze glued onto the dancers. Smiling softly at the happiness of others. 

Whisked away from the meaning due to a sudden bump. Gasping rapidly at your own clumsiness. “My apologies.” You blurted out, eyes widening at the sight of him. Dropping into a curtsy. “Forgive me, prince regent.” Apologizing. Tossing yourself a glare for being so careless. The prince regent chuckled softly.

“No need for that.” Holding both his hands up. “You…you are a Bridgerton are you not?” He questioned with a slight point. “I am, prince regent.” Dipping into a curtsy once more. “George.” He spoke softly. You hummed loud for you hadn’t heard him correctly. Shyly he shook his head. Perhaps over-hasting himself. 

Noticing your surroundings, you saw many heads staring and whispering softly. Perhaps you were stalling the prince’s precious time. Curling up half a smile, you curtsied once more, ready to turn away. The prince regent choked quickly on his words.

“I…Is there a reason you are not dancing?” Asking with urgency to make you stay. “I…I…” caught off guard by his question. “I…have already dismissed myself of my card.” Speaking truthfully with a nervous tremble. “So soon?” The prince quirked his eyebrow up. 

Your eyes widened in fright, till he leaned in closer. Hands folded neatly on his back. “Wouldn’t blame you though.” Speaking plainly to you. His response made you laugh quietly. “I…I heard you are here for your duties, my prince.” You said with curiosity.

“That I am.” He replied with a sigh. Looking briefly over his shoulder to his mother. Flashing her a forced smile. “Will you entertain me from my duties, Miss Bridgerton?” He asked, having turned to you once more. His request made you laugh, moving a hand before your mouth. 

“The queen might disagree.” You laughed out, motioning in the direction of the queen. Seeing her whisper to Brimsley. “There are a lot of things, my mother disagrees on. One more couldn’t harm.” He responded with a chuckle. “So what do you suggest, miss Bridgerton?” Asking you the same question again. Humming soft, you thought deep. “Perhaps a…” George filled in, cut off. “Your highness.” He groaned loud at the interruption of Brimsley. “The queen requests you.” He spoke. 

“Can it wait, I am in a conversation.” The prince suggested with a subtle gesture at you. “It cannot.” Brimsley insisted. Suppressing your smile at the prince’s frustrations. With a sigh, he turned his posture to Brimsley. “Forgive me.” He said with his leave. You curtsied on his way. Watching him make his way up to the throne. Called back by his mother. A sudden touch on your shoulder, made you spin around. “There you are, mother, send me to fetch you.” Eloise spoke, nudging you to follow. 

Over your shoulder you saw the royals take their departure. Having to admit you were rather sad, your conversation with the prince ended so quickly. He had quite the charming smile. 

George groaned loud when his mother followed his steps in the halls. “What were you doing with the Bridgerton girl?” She asked. “Conversating, dearest mother.” George responded with whimsical sarcasm. “And your intentions?” She forced out.

Making George groan loud. “Conversating, mother!” Insisting upon it once more. She was about to throw another question at him as George stopped in his tracks. “Is my life suddenly important to you? It is not that you cared before to get to know me. Why would you now?” His words harsh but full of emotions. 

The queen was slightly taken back by his words. Swinging her back to reality where she had to admit, she never cared much. Not really to get to know her children. Their interests, their passions, their fears. All that mattered to her were duties. Duties they were obliged to follow. Duties her eldest son followed blindly. With a shrug, he brushed her off. Walking down the hallway alone. 

Lady Danbury’s ball had been a week ago. Fleeting memories that still held some grasp in your mind. Leaning back, the grass tickled underneath your touch. Head back, you let the sun bath on your face. Book in the folds of your dress.

A finger held between as a bookmark. A moment of solitude whilst your siblings were taking a boat ride along the lake. Slightly turning your head at sudden loud giggles. Girlish squeals tracking in a pack. Eyes widening at the troop of girls following a certain gentleman. Squinting your eyes, it took you a moment to recognize the prince regent. 

Doing all in his might to increase the distance between them. The sight alone made you chuckle softly. Prince George constantly looking over his shoulder. Flapping his hand down to urge them away. Royal guards around with no intention to step in the matter.

Moving your book up, you hid your laughter behind it. Book lowering with a loud gasp. The prince regent making his way over…to you. Almost hastening himself to escape the desperate ladies. Huffing and puffing when he neared. “May…may I join you?” Asking out of breath. Gesturing at the place beside you. 

Shyly you nodded. Not wanting to refuse a prince. Prince George dropped down beside you. Wiping his brow and forehead with a handkerchief. That seemed to disappoint the ladies as they separated with loud mutters. Royal guards remained close.

“I thank you for saving.” George spoke. “I barely did anything.” You responded that it was true. “Your presence is well enough.” He responded with half a smile. In return you felt yourself curl up a smile as well. Prince George’s gaze fell on the book on your lap. Scratching the back of his head nervously. “What…what are you reading?” 

“Hmm?” You responded slightly distracted. Looking down at the book, picking it up. “Oh uhm…Aristoteles." Continuing. “I…I…am looking into the question….” Feeling a bit shy to admit it. “of happiness.” Clearing your throat afterwards. “Happiness?” George repeated. “Yes…” Turning away. Curling up half a smile up to the lake where your family was still enjoying their boat ride. “How…how one may find it…” 

George turned his head briefly away too. Taking in a deep breath. “Do…do you have an answer?” Turning his posture more towards you. “I…I uhm…” Opening to a few pages. “I’m not certain.” Letting your finger move down the sentences. “It…it seems to suggest…” You began, noticing his gaze was on you.

Making you shyly look down. “only through self-knowledge that genuine happiness is experienced.” Showing him the pages a bit. “Self-knowledge…” George whispered out. “What I believe I understand is…is that only when we have taken a glance and understanding at our weaknesses and strengths, and been honest enough about what we truly desire in life, only then we are able to achieve true happiness.” 

“So…so what Aristoteles was saying…” The prince filled in. “Is our happiness is in our own hands?” Giving you an understanding smile. “I…I believe so…” Answering nervously, fidgeting with your fingers. George hummed deep, setting his hands behind him.

“That would be most pleasant to experience…” His words hid a sadness. Moving your arms around your knees, you silently agreed. “Miss Bridgerton…” George started, wiping his hands clear of grass and ground. “Your highness.” A royal guard cut through. “Ha!” George gasped out with annoyance at the disturbance. “Your highness, your presence is required.” The guard went on. 

The prince groaned frustrated at not being able to have one moment for himself. Apologizing, he got up. You went up too, dipping into a curtsy. “Your highness.” Calling out. “Yes, Miss Bridgerton.” He spoke with an instant turn back to you. With a sheepish smile you offered him your book.

Making him blink confused. “May you find your happiness too.” Saying with a curtsy. The prince accepted your book, holding it close to his chest. “I’ll keep you close in mind, Miss Bridgerton.” Bowing his head lightly. Taking his leave with the royal guards. 

He had barely left when a presence bumped hard onto you. Looking over your shoulder, you saw it was Hyacinth. “Was that the queen’s son?” Violet asked upon her arrival. Hyacinth’s eyes widening with delight. “The prince regent?” Anthony filled in with quite the shock. Immediately he tugged you closer to him by your elbow.

“Why was I not aware of this? How is he acquainted with you?” Demanding answers. “It was just a conversation… nothing more.” You responded. Looking back, you settled with a tiny smile. Feeling like he was perhaps too searching for the meaning of true happiness. You could tell in his eyes, he hadn't experienced much. 

“You could be a princess, Y/n.” Hyacinth let out, making you laugh loud. You pinched her cheek sweetly. “I do not believe we share that interest. There is merely an understanding between two people.” Explaining to her. “You could still give it a chance?” Violet said, making you frown.

“Love.” She cleared up. “It is not too late sister.” Anthony added, moving an arm around you. Swept with emotions, you threw his arm off. “I have given it a chance. Many trials!” Outing in a loud voice. “Sister…” Anthony said pitifully. 

“We may have been raised under the same roof, but we do not experience love the same. You’ve found someone to love whilst I am met with constant disappointment. Light interest that never settles because there is always someone richer, more beautiful or more talented. It hurts…and in the end you simply come to terms.” Wiping the back of your hand against your cheek. Turning on your heel, you rushed off. Not wanting to be faced with their pity. 

Prince George rubbed his finger against his lip. Reading the words of Aristotle. Curling up a smile. Shutting the book abruptly closed at the sudden come of the queen. “Mother.” He called out, jumping up to drop into a bow.

The queen waved the gesture away with a hand motion. “To…to what do I owe the pleasure?” George asked. Queen Charlotte sucked in a breath before speaking. “I’ve learned you sought out the Bridgerton girl once more.” Eyes slightly narrowed with seriousness. “You’ve never been to the park of the public.” 

“What is it that you require, mother?” George sighed out. The queen plucked at one of the sofas to occupy her mind. “I am merely curious about the sudden interest of my son.” She began. George patted the desk with the book’s back. “I am curious mother, why the sudden interest? It is not interfering with my duties. Not that you want to learn more about me, simply my intentions towards Miss Bridgerton.” George responded. The queen chuckled amusingly. “But I am, my son.” Opening her hands with a welcoming gesture. 

George took a deep breath, disagreeing. “You were never fond of my happiness. I always choose my duties for you. I am still doing so. Perhaps…perhaps now it is time I take it in my own hands.” He went on, tapping the book against his palm. Queen Charlotte raising her eyebrows. “Aristoteles” He breathed out with a smile. 

Bowing his head, he took his leave. Leaving the queen speechless. Calling for a carriage in the midst of the day. Riding with one purpose. To chase happiness. Earthy path making way for cobble stone. Hiding from the business of the streets. Taking a deep breath when the carriage came to a stop.

Stepping out to announce himself to the Bridgerton house. Your family nearly fainting at the sight of the prince regent at their doorstep. Asking for an audience with their daughter. Y/n Bridgerton. Sitting nervously beside each other. He handed you back the book with a smile.

Smiling back, perhaps it wasn’t too late. For the prince promised to learn every bit of you there and then. Taking the time to get acquainted with each other. For love could have another chance.

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