Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 157: The Citadel.

Chapter 157: The Citadel.

Evening.

Bedroom, Theodore Mansion.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

******************

Helena’s heart skipped a beat as she realized what it was, her beloved cat, the one she had thought she had lost forever, as she had abandoned it in the chaos of life’s uncertainties.

Tears welled in her eyes as she reached out to cradle Ebony in her arms, feeling the comforting weight of its presence against her chest.

Gratitude flooded her as she gazed down at the furry bundle, she was overwhelmed by the unexpected gesture of kindness from her Conan.

She would’ve thought he would kill if she had been asked. But here he sent it to her instead.

In that moment, all her doubts and fears melted away, and was just like that replaced by a warm glow of happiness and contentment.

As she held her precious Ebony close, a flicker of hope ignited within her heart.

Perhaps, she thought, this simple act of kindness was more than just a gesture, perhaps it was a sign of something deeper, a glimmer of affection from the one she watched whenever he slept.

Perhaps Conan looks at me too, she thought.

With a soft smile playing at the corners of her lips, she whispered a silent prayer for her Conan’s safe return from this travels, her heart was now brimming with newfound hope and optimism.

For in the simple gift of her beloved cat, she found solace and reassurance that maybe, just maybe, he cared for her as deeply as she cared for him.

She glanced at the carton and that was when her eyes caught a tiny envelope.

Dear Former Lady Clingy,

It is I Conan...,

She smiled, I know, she mused before she continued to read.

...By the time you get this fluffy trouble of yours I’d be on my way to the Citadel with the lord, I had intended to keep him as a reminder of you in my Bungalow, my home now because of you but then I would hate myself if it died so I resigned.

I shall use this medium to apologise for my behaviour towards a pet, I do not mind animals I just especially hate attachment but I confess that attachment is no longer my fear anymore.

I shall be back soon, take care of the guy.

I wish I knew his name...

’Ebony’ she whispered the answer to herself, her mind taken away from the well written letter, Conan was elegant in all ways.

... I had also forgotten to thank you for the wonderful birthday gift, I wonder when I get to use it.

With you perhaps? Mind you, I am not saying your hair is all tangled by now, but I could be of help.

Yours Sincerely,

Sir Obnoxious.

*

* *

*

Evening.

Outside, Statham Estate.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

****************

In the dimly lit evening, Hound stood beneath the looming shadows of the Statham’s grand estate, his gaze was fixated on Shi’Enz’s balcony where he knew she might be resting now.

The moonlight casted a soft glow on him, and it also accentuated the intricate details of the ornate architecture, but Hound’s focus remained solely on that one window, a beacon of hope in the darkness.

His heart ached with longing, a bittersweet melody of desire and resignation.

For he knew all too well the vast Societal difference that separated them, he, a mere commoner, a nobody, and she. Shi’Enz, the daughter of a marquis destined for a life predetermined by societal expectations.

Yet, love knows no boundaries, and his affection for her has transcended the rigid constraints of class and status.

With each passing moment, his yearning intensified, fueled by memories of stolen glances and little whispered promises.

He longed to catch a glimpse of her, to drink in the sight of her delicate features illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight.

But the weight of reality weighed down on him, reminding him of the futility of his desires.

Conflict waged within him, he was torn between the pull of his heart and the harsh realities of their circumstances.

Should he risk it all for a fleeting moment of connection, or should he resign himself to the cruel fate that awaited them both?

Uncertainty gnawed at him, a relentless opposer in the battle for his heart, mind and his soul completely.

In the end, he made his choice, he swallowed back the overflow of emotions threatening to consume him.

With a heavy heart, and one last long look, he turned away from the balcony window, a silent farewell to the love that could never be.

A love he never gave a chance.

Though his longing remained, he knew that some desires were best left unfulfilled, lest they bring only pain and regret and he would never want that for Shi’Enz.

Regret.

And so, with measured steps, Hound disappeared into the night, his love a silent shade haunting the shadows of his soul.

Unbeknowest to him, Shi’Enz’s too.

Meanwhile,

Under thesame veil of twilight, Shi’Enz stood on the balcony of her second-floor chamber.

With a gentle push, she opened the intricately carved doors, revealing a panoramic view, a picture of the tranquil woods bathed in the soft hues of dusk.

The evening air was crisp, carrying whispers of the day’s warmth and was mingled with the cool embrace of approaching night, as she stepped out onto the balcony, the wooden floor was cool beneath her feet but she didn’t intend to wear shoes.

Shi’Enz’s heart stirred with anticipation, a familiar ache pulsing in the recesses of her being.

She had known he would come some day, because he was drawn to her like a moth to the flame of their forbidden love. Despite both of them never pronouncing what was happening with them.

So, she had waited, her eyes scanning the fading landscape before her, searching for any sign of his presence.

And then, she saw him, a solitary figure disappearing into the depths of the forest, his silhouette was fading against the backdrop of encroaching darkness.

She recognised him immediately, and a fragile blossom of hope settled in her.

It was him, Zachary.

He had come, finally.

For a fleeting moment, she mauled with the idea of calling out to him, of shattering the stillness of the evening with the sound of her voice. Because perhaps he is leaving after not seeing her since he couldn’t and she didn’t know.

But then, doubt clawed at her resolve, whispering tales of uncertainty and fear.

What if he wished not to talk to her?

What if his reasons for leaving were ones she dared not confront?

And so, Shi’Enz remained silent, her words swallowed by the weight of her emotions.

With a heavy sigh, she pushed back the feeling of longing that had been threatening to overwhelm her, she turned away from the balcony and retreated into the sanctuary of her chamber.

With a resolute motion, she closed the doors behind her, the sound reverberated through the quiet of the evening like a solemn proclamation of how much the Statham’s were weakening.

She believed shutting her balcony doors was an act of finality, it was her creating a barrier one that is erected to shield her fragile heart from the storm raging within her.

And yet, as she stood alone in the dimness, the echo of her actions ringing in her ears, she knew that some wounds ran too deep to be so easily healed.

He gave up first and she would not force or hold on.

*

* *

*

Evening.

Gates, Royal Citadel.

Critic Citadel, Critic-Ishire.

*****************

Lydia was a nervous bundle coupled with curiosity, trust and apprehension.

The travel had been easy and safe for the three nights and two days helping them arrive right before evening today.

The couple had had been everywhere and allover them self throughout the journey.

As they arrived at the gates, Lydia did a quick job at fixing her hair and dress but that would’ve been an easy job if Theodore’s hands had been by his side before this arrival.

She sighed.

"You look exquisite" Theodore assured when he noticed how fidgety she was.

"Let us hope the royals think so" Lydia let out, resigned.

Theodore groaned. "Nobody cares what those-"

"Let me the fuck in!" a male voice interrupted his sentence.

"Conan" Lydia gasped, she glances back to see if she could decipher what was happening but Theodore interrupted her.

"Do not worry, he will be fine" Theodore assured her, his attention back to the front and soon the carriage paused. Lydia’s heart thundered.

The door to the carriage swung open after a knock, after Theodore got out, he helped his darling Lydia out. She clutched his fingers a little too tight before releasing it and picking a smile.

"Welcome to the Citadel," a soft calculative voice.

Lydia met her gaze quickly, doing an elegant bow. "Thank you for inviting us to the Citadel"

Sandra pressed her lips together, completely ignoring Lydia she said to Theodore. "I hope she stays on her best behavior" her eyes judging and dark.

"Sandra" Theodore drawled, a warning.

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