In her chambers, Scarlett stood before the mirror, dressed in an elaborate wedding gown. The dress, though beautiful, felt like a shroud. Her eyes were hollow from sleepless nights, and her hair, adorned with a delicate veil, was pulled back into an intricate style. 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. You look beautiful." 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 guests, their faces a blend of anticipation and respect. At the front, Henry stood tall and handsome, his expression serious but tender as he watched Scarlett approach. Scarlett's steps were heavy, feeling every eye on her. She reached the altar and took Henry's hand, his grip warm and reassuring.

Henry's eyes searched hers for comfort. "You look beautiful, Scarlett," he whispered.

"Thank you, Henry," she replied, forcing a smile. She glanced briefly at Daphne, who gave her an encouraging nod. Henry looked at Scarlett, his expression filled with hope, but she barely met his gaze, her thoughts elsewhere. Across the garden, standing with the rest of the Bridgertons, was Anthony.

The priest began the ceremony, his words echoing through the grand hall, but Scarlett barely heard them. Her mind was consumed with thoughts of Anthony and the letter she had sent. Had he read it? Would he come to her? The uncertainty gnawed at her, but she clung to the hope that, somehow, they could find a way to be together.

The moment came for the vows. Henry took Scarlett's hands in his, his eyes filled with sincerity and love. "Scarlett, I promise to be by your side through all the challenges and joys of life. To honor and cherish you, to support you in all your endeavors. I love you, and I am honored to become your husband."

Scarlett's heart ached with guilt and confusion. She took a deep breath, ready to recite her vows, when a commotion at the back of the hall drew everyone's attention. The doors swung open with a resounding bang, and there stood Anthony, his face determined and eyes blazing with emotion.

"Stop!" Anthony's voice rang out, commanding the room. "I cannot let this wedding happen."

Gasps and whispers filled the hall as all eyes turned to Anthony. Henry's grip tightened on Scarlett's hands, his expression shifting from confusion to anger. "What is this?! What do you think you're doing?!" Henry demanded.

Anthony stepped forward, his gaze locked on Scarlett. "I love you, Scarlett. I have loved you for as long as I can remember, and I cannot stand by while you marry someone else. You deserve to be with someone who truly loves you, not out of duty, but out of genuine, unending love."

Scarlett's heart pounded in her chest, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. She glanced at Henry, whose face was a mask of betrayal and hurt. "Henry, I..."

Henry released her hands, stepping back. "Scarlett? Do you love him?"

Tears welled in Scarlett's eyes as she looked between Henry and Anthony. The weight of her decisions pressed down on her, but in that moment, she knew what she had to do. "Henry, you are a good man, and you will make a wonderful king. But I love Anthony. I always have."

The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Henry's face softened, a mix of resignation and understanding. "Then go to him," he said quietly. "I will not stand in the way of your happiness."

Scarlett's tears flowed freely as she stepped away from the altar, moving toward Anthony. As she reached him, he took her hands in his, his eyes filled with relief and love. "I was afraid I had lost you," he whispered.

"You never lost me," Scarlett replied, her voice trembling. "I love you, Anthony. I always have."

In that moment, the world seemed to fall away, leaving only the two of them. As they embraced, the guests began to murmur, some in shock, others in quiet approval. Henry stepped forward, addressing the assembly.

"This wedding is not to be," he announced. 

The hall erupted in applause, and as Scarlett looked around, she saw smiles and nods of approval. Her heart swelled with gratitude and love as she turned back to Anthony. "What happens now?" she asked softly.

"We get married before the Queen tries to kill me," Anthony replied, his voice filled with a bit of fear. Scarlett chuckled softly, the sound a rare moment of lightness in the midst of their tumultuous circumstances. She took his hand and pulled him gently toward the altar, where they were to exchange their vows in the presence of their families and closest friends.

The chapel was adorned with flowers, their fragrance mingling with the soft strains of music that filled the air. Scarlett glanced around at the gathered guests, seeing familiar faces filled with hope and a touch of apprehension. It was not the grand affair that had been planned for Henry and Scarlett, but it felt right—intimate, honest, and deeply personal.

As they reached the altar, Scarlett turned to Anthony, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of love and determination. "We're doing this, Anthony," she whispered, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her heart.

Anthony nodded, his expression softening as he squeezed her hand gently. "Yes, Scarlett. We're doing this."

The ceremony began, officiated by a trusted clergyman who had known them both since childhood. He spoke of love, commitment, and the strength found in unity. Scarlett and Anthony exchanged vows they had written themselves, words that spoke of forgiveness, resilience, and the enduring bond they had forged through years of friendship and unspoken longing.

"I promise to stand by your side, to cherish you in times of joy and support you in times of sorrow," Anthony said, his voice unwavering as he looked into Scarlett's eyes.

"And I promise to love you fiercely, to be your confidant and your partner in all things," Scarlett replied, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.

They exchanged rings—a symbol of their commitment—and the clergyman pronounced them husband and wife. The small gathering erupted into applause and heartfelt congratulations as Scarlett and Anthony shared their first kiss as a married couple.

The moment was interrupted by the sound of footsteps echoing in the chapel. Scarlett pulled back slightly, her heart skipping a beat as she turned to see Aunt Charlotte, the Queen, standing at the entrance, her expression a mixture of shock.

"What is the meaning of this? I go to the ladies room for ten minutes! And this happens!?" Aunt Charlotte demanded, her voice cutting through the celebratory atmosphere.

Scarlett stepped forward, her hand still clasped in Anthony's. "Aunt Charlotte, please—"

"Scarlett?" Aunt Charlotte's voice rose with indignation. "You have betrayed your duty, your family, and your kingdom!"

Scarlett's heart raced, torn between her loyalty to her aunt and her love for Anthony. She glanced at Anthony, silently pleading for understanding and support.

Anthony stepped forward, his posture firm yet respectful. "Your Majesty, we did not intend to cause any disrespect. Our love—"

"Love?" Aunt Charlotte scoffed, her eyes flashing with fury. "Love has no place in matters of state! You have jeopardized everything for your selfish desires!"

The tension in the chapel was palpable, the air thick with unspoken words and unfulfilled expectations. Scarlett felt tears welling in her eyes as she struggled to find the right words to appease her aunt, to make her understand.

"Aunt Charlotte, please," Scarlett began, her voice trembling. "I love Anthony with all my heart. He is my partner, my soulmate."

"And you would forsake your duty for him?" Aunt Charlotte's voice softened slightly, a trace of sadness underlying her anger.

"I am a queen, but I am also a woman," Scarlett replied, her voice gaining strength. "I cannot ignore my heart, nor can I ignore the responsibility I have to myself. I mean you didn't."

Aunt Charlotte looked Scarlett for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Finally, she sighed heavily, her shoulders sagging with defeat. "Very well, Scarlett. If this is your choice, then so be it. But remember I warned you."

With that, Aunt Charlotte turned and left the chapel, her footsteps echoing in the silence that followed. Scarlett felt a mixture of relief and sadness wash over her. She knew there would be challenges ahead, but in that moment, she also felt a sense of freedom—a freedom to live her life on her own terms, alongside the man she loved.

The guests gathered around Scarlett and Anthony, offering their congratulations and support. Amidst the turmoil, there was also joy, a sense of celebration for the union of two souls who had overcome obstacles to find each other.