X. TEARS & MATCHES

CHAPTER 10. TEARS AND MATCHES

"The incomparable who captured the prince's eye."

"A mere wisp of a young lady, and a commoner at that."

Whispers flow through the room, as Mama, Daphne and I make our way through the court.

"Everyone seems to have quite an opinion." Mama comments, as we stop by the refreshments table.

"Everyone always has an opinion." I reply.

"How long do you think it will be before Her Majesty arrives?" Mama questions. "I may very well faint from hunger."

She looks around, and grabs a piece of food.

"Mama!" Daphne lets out, in disbelief, as I just smile at her. "We are at court!"

"No one is looking at me, dearest." Mama tells her. "That's quite delicious."

"Really?" I ask, grabbing another piece. "Oh, yes, they sure are."

Mama beams at me, but her smile dims a little, as she sees Daphne's worried face.

"My darling, you seem a little strained." She tells Daphne.

"You have been that way for the past few days." I add.

"I have much on my mind." She tells us.

"You do, indeed." I reply.

"Her Majesty Queen Charlotte and her esteemed nephew, Prince Friedrich of Prussia." The doorman announces.

"Miss Bridgerton, I find myself in raptures over your acceptance of my invitation to the palace." The Prince tells her.

"You flatter me, Your Highness." Daphne replies, as she stands in front of him, and Mama and I stand to the side.

"I cannot help it." He tells her. "You are perfection itself."

"Offer her your gift." The Queen tells him.

"I have brought you a gift." The Prince says, and turns around, opening a box, pulling out a gorgeous necklace.

He walks around Daphne, gently clasping the necklace around her neck, as she gasps, and turns around sharply.

"Miss Bridgerton, are you unwell?" The Prince asks, confused.

"I am perfectly well. Of course." She replies, with a strained smile, touching the necklace. "This necklace is... quite well too."

"She will make a lovely princess, will she not?" The Queen asks, with a smirk.

"Of course, Your Majesty." Someone replies.

"Now, that this matter is done, allow me to introduce you all to our royal guests." The Queen tells us, and points towards the door. "I assure you all, it will come as a pleasant surprise."

"Her Majesty Queen Amelia, and her son, Prince Louis of the United Kingdom." The doorman, announces, as the doors open, we all turn towards the door.

My heart stops, as I sharply take a breath, after seeing who was walking in.

"Queen Charlotte." Queen Amelia greets with a warm smile.

"Queen Charlotte." Prince Louis greets.

"Queen Amelia. Prince Louis" Queen Charlotte replies, and turns to us. "Let me introduce you to this season's incomparables." Mama and Daphne share confused looks, as they find Prince Louis painfully familiar, as I just stand there, not knowing what to think. "Miss Daphne and Miss Diana Bridgerton, accompanied by their Mother Lady Violet Bridgerton."

Mama looks at her, and bows. As my eyes remain on Prince Louis, who was looking back at me, apologetically.

"Your Highness, it is a pleasure to be acquainted with you" Mama greets, and turns to Daphne, who stammers.

"Uh- Your Highness, I'm honored." Daphne tells them, and everyone turn to me, but my eyes were still on Prince Louis.

I break out of my haze, as I figure out what was going on. It all made sense, his disappearing, his apology.

"Your Majesty." I say, bowing, in a monotone.

"It is indeed very pleasant to meet you all." Queen Amelia tell her, her warm smile still on her face, as she turns to Daphne. "I do believe you are the incomparable who caught Prince Fredrick's eye. You are exceedingly beautiful."

"You are too kind, Your Highness." Daphne replies, grinning.

"And you are Diana." She turns to me. "Absolutely beautiful, you are."

"I do believe Daphne is Right, Your Highness." I tell her, as I muster a smile, not looking at Prince Louis. "You are indeed too kind."

"You both need to receive compliments better." Queen Amelia jokes, kindly, and turns to her son. "Do you not think so, Louis?"

"Indeed, Mother." He replies, but I still avoid his face. "Miss Diana is an exceptionally gorgeous lady, and needs to be told so."

"I do hope we will see you at tonight's events." Queen Amelia tells us. "We will surely be attending. It is about time Louis started looking to marry."

"We will certainly attend, Your Highness." Mama replies.

"I look foreword to seeing all of you there." Queen Amelia tells us, as she walk off.