The morning sun barely pierced the thick clouds hanging over the castle as the household prepared for Anabeth's funeral. A somber silence had settled over the estate, the only sounds the hushed whispers of servants and the soft footfalls of those attending to last-minute arrangements. The air was heavy with sorrow, and the scent of lilies, Anabeth's favorite flower, mingled with the lingering incense from the morning prayers.

Scarlett's heart felt like a stone, sinking deeper with each passing moment. Scarlett stood before her mirror, dressed in a simple black gown, her eyes hollow from sleepless night, devoid of any embellishments, her hair pulled back into a low, unadorned bun. The raw pain in her eyes spoke more than any words ever could. She reached up to touch the locket around her neck, a gift from Anabeth, feeling the cold metal against her skin as a painful reminder of her loss.

"Your Highness, it is time," Brimsley said softly from the doorway.

Scarlett turned to him, her expression one of resigned determination. She nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. "Thank you, Brimsley."

As she walked to the grand hall where the ceremony was to be held, Scarlett's mind drifted back to happier times with Anabeth. She remembered their laughter, their shared secrets, and the dreams they had woven together. Each memory was a dagger to her heart, but she held onto them, refusing to let her sister's spirit fade.

The hall was filled with mourners, their faces a blend of sorrow and respect. At the front, a beautiful casket adorned with white lilies stood as the centerpiece. Scarlett approached it, her steps heavy, feeling every eye on her. She reached the casket and placed her hand gently on the polished wood.

"We were supposed to dance under the stars," Scarlett whispered, her voice cracking. She leaned down, pressing her lips to the casket. "Goodbye, my Ana. I will love you always."

Scarlett stepped back, her eyes lingering on the casket for a moment longer before she turned to face the assembly. She took her place beside Henry and Daphne, Henry offered her a comforting hand. But instead, she grasped Daphnes tightly, drawing strength from her presence. Henry looked at her but back at the service when he realized she wasn't looking back at him but at the man across the garden standing with the rest of the Bridgertons, Anthony.

The service was a blur of words and prayers, but Scarlett barely heard them. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of Anabeth and the life they would never share. When the time came for the eulogy, Scarlett stepped forward, her heart pounding.

"My sister Anabeth was a light in all our lives," Scarlett began, her voice steady despite the tears that threatened to fall. "She was kind, compassionate, and full of life. She dreamed of a world filled with love and joy, and she brought those dreams to everyone she met. Today, we say goodbye, but we also remember and celebrate the beautiful soul she was."

Scarlett's voice broke on the last word, and she quickly returned to her seat, where Daphne enveloped her in a protective embrace. She buried her face in Daph's shoulder, allowing herself to finally release the tears she had been holding back.

After the funeral, the castle seemed to return to its normal rhythm, but for Scarlett, nothing felt the same. She wandered through the halls, feeling a deep emptiness where Anabeth's presence used to be. She tried to focus on her duties, but her mind kept drifting back to the pain of her loss.

It was during one of these aimless wanderings that Scarlett found herself in the Queen's private chambers. Aunt Charlotte, the Queen, was surrounded by papers and fabrics, her attention focused on the upcoming wedding plans.

"Scarlett, dear, come in," Aunt Charlotte said, her voice filled with forced cheerfulness. "We have much to discuss regarding your wedding to Henry."

Scarlett nodded, though her heart wasn't in it. She took a seat, trying to focus on the details the Queen was presenting. Dresses, flowers, menus—it all felt so trivial in the face of her grief.

"Of course, the ceremony must be grand, befitting your status," Aunt Charlotte continued. "And I think we should consider inviting dignitaries from all the neighboring kingdoms."

Scarlett nodded absently, her mind drifting to Anthony. She remembered their confrontation on the balcony, the pain in his eyes, and his heartfelt confession. Despite everything, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had made the wrong choice. She had chosen duty over love, and now, with Anabeth gone, the weight of that decision felt even heavier.

"Scarlett?" Aunt Charlotte's voice broke through her thoughts. "Are you even listening, dear?"

"I'm sorry, Aunt Charlotte," Scarlett replied, trying to refocus. "It's just... everything feels so overwhelming right now."

The Queen softened, reaching out to take Scarlett's hand. "I understand, my dear. This is a difficult time, but we must press on. Anabeth would want you to be happy and to fulfill your duties. And of course the wedding the two of you have dreamed of for years."

Scarlett nodded again, though her thoughts remained on Anthony and her sister. She wondered if she would ever be able to be with him, if she would ever have the chance to tell him how she truly felt. The future stretched out before her, uncertain and filled with responsibilities she wasn't sure she was ready to face.

As the days passed, preparations for the wedding continued, each detail meticulously planned. Scarlett went through the motions, her heart heavy with grief and doubt. She knew she had to be strong, to fulfill her role as future queen, but inside, she felt lost and alone.

One evening, as the sun set over the castle, casting long shadows across the courtyard, Scarlett found herself standing on the balcony where she had last spoken with Anthony. She looked out over the gardens, remembering the way his eyes had pleaded with her, the way his voice had trembled with emotion.

"Anthony," she whispered into the twilight, her voice carried away by the gentle breeze. "I wish things could have been different."

As she stood there, lost in her thoughts, Scarlett felt a strange sense of peace. She knew the road ahead would be difficult, but she also knew she had the strength to face it. With Anabeth's memory in her heart and the support of those who loved her, Scarlett would find a way to navigate the challenges that lay before her.

The stars began to appear, twinkling in the darkening sky, and for a moment, Scarlett imagined she could see Anabeth's smiling face among them. She took a deep breath, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. She would honor her sister's memory by living her life to the fullest, by finding joy even in the midst of sorrow.

And so, with a heart heavy with grief but filled with determination, Scarlett turned away from the balcony and stepped back into the castle, Her wedding day was only two days away. Only two day till she would become a queen and a wife.

Unable to sleep, Scarlett sat at her writing desk, a single candle flickering beside her. She took a deep breath, steadying herself. She knew what she had to do, what had been burning inside her since that fateful night on the balcony. She needed to write to Anthony. She needed to tell him everything.

She dipped her quill in ink and began to write.

Dearest Anthony,

As I sit here, just days away from my wedding, my heart is heavy with thoughts of you. There are things I need to say, things I should have said long ago. This letter is my attempt to bare my soul to you, to offer the truth I have kept hidden.

I have always loved you, Anthony. From the days of our youth to the moment you stood before me on the balcony, declaring your love, my heart has been yours. I was angry, hurt, and scared when you finally confessed your feelings. I felt betrayed by the time we had lost, by the years spent in silence. But my anger was a mask for the deeper truth: I never stopped loving you.

Anabeth's death has changed me in ways I cannot fully express. It has made me realize how fleeting life is, how precious our time together truly is. She dreamed of a world filled with love and joy, and I want to honor her memory by finding that for myself. But the path I have chosen feels wrong, and my heart aches with the knowledge that we cannot be together.

Henry is a good man, and he will make a fine husband and king. But he is not you. My heart belongs to you, and it always will. I cannot stand before him, pledging my life and love without telling you how I feel, knowing that my soul cries out for you.

I do not know what the future holds, and I am terrified of the choices I must make. But I needed you to know the truth. I love you, Anthony. I always have, and I always will.

Yours forever,

Scarlett

---

Scarlett's hand trembled as she folded the letter and sealed it with her personal crest. She hesitated for a moment, contemplating the consequences of what she was about to do. But she knew in her heart that this was the right decision. Anthony deserved to know the truth, and she needed to free herself from the burden of her silence.

She called for Amelia, who entered quietly, her eyes filled with concern. "Amelia, please see that this letter reaches Anthony Bridgerton. It is of utmost importance."

Amelia took the letter, her expression one of understanding. "I will see to it personally, Your Highness."

"Thank you," Scarlett whispered, her voice barely audible. She watched as Amelia left, the letter clutched tightly in her hand. Scarlett knew there was no turning back now. All she could do was wait and hope that her words would reach Anthony in time.

The following days were filled with final preparations and endless distractions, but Scarlett's mind remained on the letter. She wondered how Anthony would react, what he would say, and whether he would come to her. The uncertainty gnawed at her, but she clung to the hope that, somehow, they could find a way to be together.

On the eve of her wedding, Scarlett stood by the window, gazing out at the stars. She remembered the dreams she and Anabeth had shared, the plans they had made. She felt a bittersweet mix of sorrow and determination. Whatever the outcome, she knew she had done what she could to honor her true feelings.

As she turned away from the window, she heard a soft knock on her door. Her heart leapt with anticipation. Had Anthony received her letter? Had he come to see her? She crossed the room, her pulse racing, and opened the door.

Standing there, looking solemn yet hopeful, was Amelia. "Your Highness," she said quietly, "He has received your letter." 

"And?" Scarlett asked nervous and impatiently.

"He didn't open it as far as I know."

"Thank you Amelia."

"Of course your highness."