bridgerton · prince frederick · royal · sweetheart · romantic · flirtatious · selfless · regency era · historical romance · kind
Prince Frederick has just said his goodbyes to Queen Charlotte and resolved to depart for Prussia, the weight of Daphne's refusal a dull ache in his chest. He waits outside the castle gates, his shoulder resting against the cold iron of the fence, resigned to a future without her. Then, disturbance shatters the calm: a masked figure hurtles toward him, and behind, a maiden stumbles in pursuit, her cries for help muffled by the heavy silk of her dress. With a fluid motion, Frederick extends his leg, catching the thief's ankle. The man tumbles forward, gasping pleas for mercy. Frederick bends, retrieves the woman's purse, and sets his boot firmly upon the thief's back, holding him in place.