CHAPTER 13. TRUST AND DECENCY

The diamond of the season has made her match, officially betrothed to the Duke of Hastings. Has something happened? The bride, undoubtedly, is giddy with anticipation over the impending nuptials... an event that will apparently take place sooner rather than later. Of course, there are only two reasons to procure a special license and race to the altar, true love, or concealing a scandal.

, sister, to be in love?" Hyacinth asks, as all of the girls of the household, make our way down the stairs.

I had a terrible headache from the night before, and I press my head in my palm.

"Imagine leaping off a cliff and shattering on the ground." Eloise comments. "A fair analogy?"

"How would you know what love feels like?" I ask her, and she gives me a fake smile.

"How would you?" She questions back.

"I am afraid I cannot find the words, dear Hyacinth." Daphne answers, as we reach the bottom. "Though, Diana, I believe you will know what love feels like soon enough." She tells me, and I roll my eyes. "And, Eloise, next season."

"You think I am to follow in your footsteps?" Eloise asks. "Can there be a more dreadful fate?"

"You do know that I am setting the standard for your future matches, yes?" Daphne asks her, annoyed. "You should be grateful."

"The only thing I am grateful for is that I am not you, nor will I ever be." Eloise replies.

"Can you both not talk so loud?" I ask them. "It hurts my head."

"Miss Daphne, His Royal Highness Prince Friedrich is here for you." The doorman announces.

room, reading my book at my window seat. I was very much indulged in it, but I get disturbed by the sound of a rock hitting the widow I was sitting next to.

I ignore it, thinking it was just the wind, but it happens again, so I put my book down, and look down.

There, standing with a couple of rocks in his hand, was not other than the Prince of the United Kingdom. I scoff in disbelief, and I open the window.

"Whatever do you think you are doing here in the middle of the night?!" I whisper-shout.

"Come down." He whispers, smiling.

"No!" I tell him.

"Yes!" He replies.

"No!" I say.

"Yes!" He says. "You realize I could stand here all night and do this?"

I roll my eyes, shutting the with, and making my way out of the room, slowly waling out of the servants exit.

I see him standing a few feet away, and walk towards him.

"With all due respect, Your Highness, have you entirely lost your mind?" I whisper at him.

"Just yesterday, you were drunk out of your mind." He replies. "Do not tell me you are scared of sneaking out at night."

"If anyone is to see us—" I try to say.

"I assure you, Miss Bridgerton, no one shall see us." He tells me.

"I still do not know whatever it is that you want, at this ungodly hour, Your Highness." I tell him.

"Your Highness?" He asks, amused. "I thought you were to call me by my name."

"You called me Miss Bridgerton." I point out.

"Very well, Diana." He tells me, a huge smile on his face, as he offers me his hand. "Are you ready for an adventure?"

"No." I answer immediately.

"I came all this way." He tells me.

"Then you can go all the way back, I do not care." I reply.

"Let us look at this another way." He tells me. "Last night, I saved you from the temper of you family, and some might say you owe me a favor."

"Oh, do I now?" I ask him, in disbelief.

"I seem to think so." He tells me.

"Fine." I give in, and he beams, as I start to walk towards his carriage. "But, if anyone shall see you, I shall blame it on you, Louis."

I look back at him, to see him grinning.

"What are you grinning like an idiot for?" I ask him, as he follows me.

"That was the first time you have ever called me Louis." He replies.

the Buckingham Palace?" I question, confused.

"You will see." He tells me, simply, smiling.

"I am really confused." I tell him, as he steps out of the carriage, and offers me his hand. I hesitate.

"Don't you trust me?" He asks me, and I slowly take his hand.

"Do you really want an honest answer to that?" I ask him, while stepping down, but my shoe slips, and loose my balance.

I grab onto Louis's shoulders, as he balances me, his hand on my waist, holding me close. I look at him, letting out a nervous breath.

"Yes." he tells me, softly, barely above a whisper, still holding me. "Yes, I do, Diana."

I'm speechless, and I awkward step away from him, and nervously look around.

"Shall we?" He asks, smiling softly, offering me his hand once again.

I take his hand, and he lead me towards the big building.

wanted come here." I tell him, as I turn to take a better look.

"I had guessed that much." He replies, as I let out a small laugh.

"No, truly." I say, turning to him, with a big grin on my face. "I have wished to see the Buckingham Palace Library since I knew how to read."

"Then, it is an honor to have helped you realize your wish." He tells me, as I spin to look at everything.

I walk into an aisle, and Louis follows me, leaning against the entrance of the aisle, as I explore the books. I take out a book, as I delicately touch the cover.

"You can take it if you like." He tells me, walking towards me.

"Would they not realize that it is gone?" I ask him.

"We will put it back before that." He replies. "I do hope this is not the last time you visit."

I look down, to the book, to hide my smile.

"Louis?" Queen Amelia's voice comes, and both our eyes widen, as I rush to hide in the next aisle. "Is that you, dear?"

"Yes, Mother." Louis replies, as he walks out of the row.

"Whatever are you doing here in the middle of the night, dear son?" The Queen questions him.

"Oh, you know me, Mother." He replies, nervously, as he awkwardly pick up a book near him. "I love the library."

"Of course." Queen Amelia agrees, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Well, I just came here to pick up the next volume of the book I am reading, but you enjoy reading about Gaius Caligula." Louis looks down at the book he was holding and slowly puts it down, giving his Mother a smile. The Queen picks up a book on the reception. "I had already told the librarian to pull it out for me, so I shall leave and enjoy my book. I do hope Miss Bridgerton found a book to her liking."

My eyes widen, as my hand flies up to cover my mouth. Louis rubs his neck innocently, avoiding her gaze.

"I-I did, Your Highness." I speak out, as I shyly walk into her view.

"Good." She tells me, a kind smile on her face. "I do wish to see you visiting again." She says to me, then turns to Louis. "Although, I do hope, next time, Louis has the decency to bring you in daylight, and through the front door."

"Of course, Mother." Louis tells her, clearly embarrassed, as I hide my smile.

"Well, I trust you will return Miss Bridgerton safely to her house?" She asks him.

"Surely." Louis answers, and she gives us a last smile, walking away.

Louis turn to look at me, and we look at each other for a moment, and the I start to laugh, while he gives me an unamused look.

"Oh, I think your Mother would be fantastic company." I tell him, still laughing.

"For you, she might be." He replies, shaking his head, finally cracking a small smile.

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