Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 169: Missing The Muckraker.

Chapter 169: Missing The Muckraker.

Currently.

Marketplace.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

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In the heart of Critic Arley’s bustling marketplace, where air hummed with the vibrant energy of a thousand conversations woven together by different voices.

People of all walks of life moved through the narrow aisles, their footsteps echoing against the cobblestone pavement.

Critic Arley as it has always appeared, alive and full.

Amidst the colorful stalls selling fruits, spices, and trinkets, one stall stood out among the rest, a small wooden booth adorned with banners that beared the emblem of the Muckraker, the renowned publisher of daring exposés and investigative journalism.

She has published another paper last night.

As the morning sun cast its warm glow over the scene, a sense of urgency swept through the crowd like a wave.

Word had spread like wildfire that the latest edition of the Muckrakers’ papers had arrived, promising scandalous revelations and gripping stories.

Everyone wanted a copy, it had never been enough and today wouldn’t be different.

With determination etched on their faces, people hurried towards the stall, their steps quickening as they jostled for position, it was about time, they thought, shw took too long to publish again.

Some waved Crits in the air, eager to secure their copy before it sold out, while others strained to catch a glimpse of the headlines displayed on the booth’s wooden sign.

It was a pleasant chaos.

Amidst the chaos, the stall owner worked tirelessly, his hands moving deftly as he handed out copies of the coveted papers to the eager throng. The old woman who delivered was no longer there and Helena wondered what must have happened to her.

Voices clamored in their for attention, and snippets of conversation blending into a cacophony of excitement and anticipation.

As the rays of noon rose through the canopy of trees overhead, the crowd began to disperse, each person clutching their copy of the Muckrakers’ papers tightly to their chest.

Soon, they went about their day, the echoes of the scandal and intrigue they had just read lingered in the air, a show to the power of the press in shaping the fabric of society.

Helena’s power in Critic Arley.

This was happening in Critic Arley while Conan sat looking at the bright sky at home wondering when he would be able to read the Muckraker’s papers again.

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Morning.

Bedroom Chambers, Citadel.

Critic Citadel, Critic-Ishire.

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Lydia stirred from slumber as the light of dawn filtered through the lace curtains in their bedchamber.

Her normally delicate features softened with the first rays of morning, her straight black locks cascading gently over the silk pillows.

Beside her, Lord Theodore laid in peaceful repose, his strong jawline softened by sleep.

With a tender smile, Lydia reached out to gently caress Theodore’s cheek, the urge unquenchable, he had such strong jaw, she could trace the line all day abd still love it.

The touch didn’t only fulfill her curiosity but it coaxed him awake.

He stirred, his eyes fluttering open to meet hers, her ocean blue eyes spoke of her admiration for him and his sky blue eyes held passion and so much desire she blushed.

In that tender moment, the soft glow of dawn painted their faces with warmth, casting a gentle radiance over the chamber.

Lydia’s touch was like a whisper of love that rose Theodore from his slumber with a gentleness that spoke volumes of their affection.

Theodore was still slightly sleepy and as his eyes slowly fluttered open, they met Lydia’s warm gaze, and in that silent exchange, a world of understanding passed between them.

Words became unnecessary as they watched each other in that moment of quiet intimacy for their connection transcended mere language.

Her palm flattened on his face as she drew closer to him, naked and fresh.

With a soft smile, Theodore reached out to take Lydia’s hand, his touch a reassurance of their bond.

"Good morning Gooseberry" he rasped.

"My lord husband" Lydia purred, her eyes blinking slowly.

He pressed a kiss to her lips with a smile. She reached in and kissed him back, a carefree giggle bursting out of her.

In the quiet stillness of that morning, they lingered together, savoring the simple pleasure of being in each other’s presence.

Outside their chamber, the world stirred to life, but within the sanctuary of their love, time seemed to stand still.

They thought of how they could laze around till tomorrow but no one spoke of it, they had responsibility and they knew it.

But they knew that as they laid there, tangled in each other’s arms that no matter what challenges the day may bring, they would face them together, united in their love and devotion.

And then they was a knock making them still in unison.

"Good morning your highness" the headmaid addressed politely from outside the chambers making Theodore roll his neck, they are insufferable.

"We are here to ready Miss Lydia for the day" they announced making Lydia shudder.

Silence answered the maids as the couple comtemplated what to do.

"Your highness?"

"Theodore" Lydia whispered to him and there was a mischievousness in her voice that he loved.

He dropped a kiss on her lip before exiting the bed. He draped a coat over his shoulders before reaching for the door.

As he swung it open so did their faces "Leave and never show your faces here again" he snarled.

"But the Lady-"

He decided to ignore the fact that they referred to her as lady now as he cut her off. "Tell Sandra we shall help ourselves" he instructed her sharply.

She appeared hurt as she whined. "Your highness"

He met her gaze with a glare which straightened her spine. "Of course your highness" she bowed.

"Good" he bellowed as she turned around.

Theodore went back inside to find Lydia standing in front of the mirror, "They left?" She asked.

"Yes, why are you out of bed?" He asked back ignoring her question.

"Theodore, because we do have to start getting ready, look at the sun" she mumbled with a smile that made him draw her into his arms.

"Let us get this over with" he agreed.

"Yes!" Her response became a squeal as Theodore raised her off the ground.

After helping eachother bathe and hoped for a better day, the noble couple began their morning ritual with an air of affection and camaraderie. Theodore wished he hadn’t left her early yesterday but he had thought he could get something out of Salvadore but the vixens had instead taking something out of his wife.

Lydia, with her cascading locks of midnight black hair, she moved gracefully about the room, her movements fluid and elegant after Theodore helped dry and brush her hait.

Theodore, with his golden locks that shimmered in the soft morning light, stood by her side with a tender smile, his gaze filled with adoration and something more.

"If I start selling horses I shall make tons of money" Lydia announced out of the blue.

Theodore stifled his laughter but as he tried to reply his laughter came out. "You are yet to sell one piece of jewellery, you have instead been giving them out" he couldn’t complete his sentence as he watched her sashaying angry towards her next destination.

"That is not a good business strategy" he spoke through his laughter making her smile.

"I feel like I am going to be a really successful woman" Lydia announced matter factly.

Theodore nodded. "And that is not a lie, but you need a good plan" he pointed out.

Lydia narrowed her eyes at him. "You talk as though you know about business than I do, but you do not!" she accused.

Theodore started into a fit of laughter because he couldn’t explain.

"Why are you laughing? Tell me you do!" she prompted, her fingers absentmindedly reaching for his arm.

He cleared his throat before bringing out his boyish charm. "I own 70% of the businesses in Critic Arley" he claimed.

She shrugged. "I know the dukeship is- what did you say?" her eyes wide she asked as she registered what he had said.

"Yes, Gooseberry, Critic Arley is really mine, now come on" he tugged at her arm.

"You are rich" she whispered.

Theodore shook his head with a smile. "You sound so materialistic, I wished you actually were, you deserve everything" he claimed.

"We are rich" she corrected herself with a smile he hoped woul never leave her face.

As they prepared for the day ahead, their laughter filled the air it mingled with the rustle of luxurious fabrics and the gentle clink of jewelry.

Lydia selected a gown of deep sapphire blue, its rich hue complemented the darkness of her hair, while Theodore picked a doublet of royal crimson, its meticulous embroidery proclaiming his status.

They assisted each other in donning their attire along with gentle touches and whispered words of affection, each gesture was infused with a deep sense of intimacy and trust. Lydia felt happy.

She adjusted the folds of his cloak with practiced ease, her fingers lingering briefly on the fine fabric, while he fastened the clasps of her gown with a careful exactitude that bespoke his respect for her.

"Let us see" Lydia invited pulling him towards the mirror.

As they stood before the mirror, their reflections interweaved in a dance of light and shadow, they shared a moment of quiet reflection, their eyes meeting in a silent exchange of understanding and devotion. They appreciate each other and their eyes said so.

Because in that fleeting instant, they were not just a noble couple bound by duty and tradition, but old spirits united by a love that transcended through different lifetimes and hope.

And so, with laughter in their hearts and he in their eyes, they embarked forth into the royal world, their hands clasped tightly together as they embarked on another day filled with adventure, challenges, and the unwavering support of one another.

Theodore knew he would go to the ends of the work for her and Lydia would wait till the end of the world for him.

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