Chapter 29: Bridget feels the weight of her royal responsibilities growing as she strives to balance her public life with the increasingly complex nature of her secret relationship with Rhys. Following a successful goodwill tour, Bridget’s reputation in Athenberg continues to soar, further elevating her stature among the citizens. However, this growing public adoration contrasts sharply with the decline in the approval ratings of the Speaker, Erhall, who has become increasingly unpopular. Despite the fleeting pleasures of their covert meetings, Bridget is pulled away by the ongoing demands of her royal duties, which continue to call her attention, especially when it comes to representing the interests of Eldorra’s citizens. Her engagements with Erhall and the King, while necessary for her political endeavors, also bring her into direct conflict with her own desires and personal life, highlighting the delicate balance she must maintain between duty and passion.

In an effort to address the concerns of her people, Bridget introduces the Citizen Letters program, hoping it will provide an outlet for the voices that often go unheard. With this initiative, she aims to bring to light the many issues facing the citizens of Eldorra, such as poverty, inequality, and disenfranchisement, but she is under no illusions about the likely inaction from the Speaker. Erhall’s dismissive attitude toward these concerns only exacerbates the obstacles Bridget faces, and the challenge is compounded by her political rivals, particularly Andreas. His smug demeanor and cynical remarks make it clear that he doesn’t take her advocacy seriously, adding another layer of frustration to Bridget’s already difficult task of pushing for change. While Bridget’s efforts are genuine, the political climate remains hostile, and she is faced with constant reminders that personal ambition often trumps the needs of the people.

Amidst these political pressures, Rhys’s role in Bridget’s life becomes more pivotal, especially as they navigate the intensity of their physical connection. Rhys adds an element of excitement to their relationship, pulling Bridget deeper into their private world with an unexpected and bold move during one of their meetings. The vibrator, which Rhys secretly places in her possession during a conversation, introduces a thrilling layer of intimacy, testing Bridget’s ability to maintain control in a room full of people, including her grandfather, Erhall, and the ever-watchful Andreas. This scene marks a moment where the boundaries between their secret relationship and their royal duties blur, creating a heady mixture of passion and risk. Bridget’s efforts to maintain her composure during this moment of heightened tension reveal just how deeply she is affected by Rhys, both physically and emotionally. Despite the brief interruption by Mikaela, their connection continues to grow stronger, and the power dynamics between them shift as they both realize the depth of their feelings.

After Mikaela interrupts their stolen moment, Bridget quickly shifts her focus back to the tasks at hand, dealing with her assistant’s concerns and sorting through her royal duties. However, internally, Bridget relishes the exhilaration and freedom her relationship with Rhys provides, knowing how rare these moments of joy are in her controlled and often restrictive world. Rhys’s presence in her life offers a sense of liberation that she rarely experiences, and it stands in stark contrast to the weight of royal expectations. The chapter underscores the complexity of their relationship as Bridget grapples with the realities of her position and the growing intensity of her feelings for Rhys. Each meeting, each stolen moment together, deepens their bond, creating a complex web of personal and political stakes. Bridget knows that every decision she makes—whether it is related to her duties as a royal or her love for Rhys—will have consequences, but for the first time, she feels a sense of freedom in choosing her own path, even if that means defying the expectations placed upon her.

As the chapter draws to a close, Bridget’s emotional journey is illuminated further, revealing the internal battle between her obligations to Eldorra and her desire for a life with Rhys. Her genuine affection for him, tempered by the ever-present knowledge of the risks they both face, highlights the delicate nature of their connection. The chapter leaves readers with a sense of anticipation, as Bridget’s resolve to move forward with Rhys grows stronger, despite the mounting pressures from her royal life. Their relationship, while filled with passion and intimacy, is also marked by the weight of political and societal expectations, and the tension between these forces promises to shape the chapters to come. Bridget’s journey toward reconciling her duty and her love will undoubtedly bring about further challenges, but it also shows her strength and determination in finding a path that honors both her heart and her role as a leader.