Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 224: The Strangers Wave.

Chapter 224: The Strangers Wave.

The picnic.

*

As they rounded a corner, the mansion came into view, its grand silhouette standing majestically against the darkening sky. The stone walls seemed to hold the warmth and history of countless winters past, a sanctuary of comfort and tradition.

"I’m looking forward to the cozy evenings by the fireplace," Lydia said softly, leaning her head against Theodore’s shoulder. "And the winter feasts, and the festive decorations."

Theodore smiled, his heart full. "And I’m looking forward to spending each moment with you," he replied, his voice tender.

Instead of going inside, they sat on the bench facing the link, where they’d begun their first fight.

Abruptly, Lydia suggested, "We should take a walk," standing upright and vacating his arms she stretched her palm for him to take, he watched her outstretched hand for a while before taking it, Lydia frowned slightly confused if she had just noticed him holding back tears and she wondered why.

"Gooseberry, We just did that," He reminded her, just in case she’d forgotten.

"That was around the mansion, I mean outside" she reasoned with him and he could only sigh, "Where are you going?" he questioned.

"Anywhere" she whispered, met his eyes and added, "Take me anywhere, Theodore"

"I have just the right place," he assured her with a boyish grin.

Red darted inside, eager to find a warm spot to curl up.

"Let me grab a coat then," they said in unison before smiling like lunatics as they both jogged the stairs up to their room, they freshen up and as she took the coat from their first ever outing together, she slipped that small book on the dresser into the coat pockets incase she got bored and needed to read.

Theodore saw the gesture and it was on the tip of his tongue to tell her to drop the piece of evidence but then that’d remind her of all the secrets he keeps so he put a lid on his lip.

Then they left after he helped her wear gloves and kissed the inside of her wrist, they left a small row of waving maids behind while passing by Helena who just came back home with a frown. Conan noted it, he couldn’t go after her now but he will surely ask her when he returns.

Theodore rode himself and Lydia through the kingdom on a single horse, a majestic creature with a glossy coat. She loved the rhythmic beat of their horse’s hooves that provided a steady cadence to their journey, making her close her eyes and smile.

Lydia, unable to ride a horse herself, sat comfortably in front of Theodore, his strong arms securely around her waist. The horse’s powerful strides carried them effortlessly through the bustling streets and tranquil kingdom side.

They passed over an ancient stone bridge, its arches reflected in the shimmering river below.

Theodore, with a genuine smile, pointed it out to Lydia. "That bridge over there," he said, nodding towards a stone structure arching over a serene river, "is where the old traders would gather every morning. It’s one of the oldest in the kingdom." Lydia’s eyes sparkled with interest as she followed his gaze, appreciating the historical significance of the place.

The bridge was a marvel of the kingdom, a proof to the skill and craftsmanship of its builders. Lydia marveled at the view, her eyes wide with wonder as Theodore pointed out various landmarks along the way, his voice warm and filled with affection.

As they continued, they passed lively taverns where laughter and music spilled out into the streets.

Groups of people gathered around, sharing stories and drinks, their faces animated with joy.

Children played nearby, their carefree laughter ringing through the air. Lydia smiled warmly at them, her heart lightened by the simple pleasures of Critic Arley’s life. Theodore’s expression softened as he watched her, filled with love and pride.

Men and women paused in their activities to glance at the couple, their expressions a mix of admiration and curiosity.

"You must have been popular in ladies’ hearts" Lydia mumbled suddenly.

Theodore smirked, "I am popular in ladies heart" he corrected.

"You are married now" she replied sternly, frowning to herself as she caught both young and older women.

"Am I? I could have sworn we were merely roommates" Theodore teased her endlessly.

She pinched his thigh making him laugh and drawing more attention while she glared at them.

’This man is mine!’

’Look away and save your hearts!’

’He is married’

’My husband!’

She wanted to scream those words but instead she sighed, and slumping into his chest as they rode through the city, where women and girls seemed to dominate.

The lookers did not recognize Theodore and Lydia as the Lord and his wife, not as the figures they held misguided feelings of hate, trepidation, and disgust for. Instead, they saw a couple in love, enjoying a day together.

Theodore took delight in showing Lydia the various places that held significance to him. With each point of interest, he shared a story or a memory, his smile widening as he saw the joy in Lydia’s eyes. She leaned back against him, feeling safe and cherished, absorbing the history and beauty of their surroundings.

The book she had taken was long forgotten and unimportant at this point.

Conan and Hound followed at a respectful distance. They were ever vigilant, and ensured their lord and lady’s safety while allowing them to enjoy their time together.

The sun was beginning its slow descent.

Eventually, Theodore guided their horse towards a gentle hillside known for its breathtaking views of the sunset. EverHill, It was a popular spot for both nobles and commoners alike, a place where the boundaries of class and status blurred in the face of nature’s beauty.

They dismounted, their feet touching the soft grass as they handed their reins to Conan and Hound.

Theodore took Lydia’s hand, intertwining his fingers with hers, and together they walked to the top of the hill. The panoramic view of the Critic Arley spread out below them, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

As they reached the top, they joined a few other visitors who had come to witness the sunset. The sky was a canvas of vibrant colors, the sun slowly descending in a blaze of orange and pink hues. Theodore and Lydia found a quiet spot, standing close together as they watched the breathtaking view unfold before them.

"Welcome to EverHill," Theodore bellowed, a small smile gracing his lips.

Other visitors on the hill gave them respectful space, sensing the intimate connection between the couple. Some recognized the emblem on Conan and Hound’s attire and whispered among themselves, but none dared to intrude. The moment was too serene, too sacred to be disturbed.

Theodore turned to Lydia, his eyes filled with love and devotion. "Here, This, Gooseberry, is where I find my solace," he said softly. "With you, in these moments of peace and beauty."

Lydia leaned into him, her heart swelling with affection. "And I, with you, Theodore," she replied, her voice equally soft.

Theodore wrapped an arm around Lydia, pulling her close. "Do you like it?" he asked, his voice a soft murmur in her ear.

"It’s beautiful," Lydia replied, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Thank you for bringing me here."

They stood in companionable silence, the warmth of the setting sun washing over them. Lydia felt a sense of peace and contentment, a momentary escape from the complexities of their lives.

The presence of Conan and Hound, standing a respectful distance away, provided a reassuring sense of security.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky darkened, and stars began to appear, twinkling like diamonds against the velvet night. Theodore and Lydia lingered a while longer, savoring the tranquility of the moment.

"Theodore?"

"Mmm my love?" he answered absentmindedly.

She stopped in her tracks, "My love?" she glanced at him, "You never called me that, what were you pondering about?─ Come and fix the neck for me" she pointed at the button of his cloak that was threatening to fall off her shoulder.

"Yes, Gooseberry love" he said sweetly and she giggled while he approached and did it, skillfully.

"That is a lot more like it" she mumbled, smooching his neck.

"Why did you choose me?" she asked, her palm pressing the chest above his heart.

"You are love," he whispered as he dropped a kiss on her forehead.

The answer was vague but her heart felt full at this moment so she closed her eyes.

It was night and they still relished each other’s company, counting stars and smiling.

Theodore and Lydia held each other close, their bond strengthened by the shared experience. Theodore and Lydia remained on the hill, savoring the tranquility. They knew that soon they would return to their duties, to the mansion, and to the complexities of their lives.

They knew the challenges that awaited them, but for now, they were simply a couple in love, enjoying the beauty of their kingdom and the warmth of each other’s company.

Suddenly Lydia felt a gaze on the side of her face, so she sat straighter, a chilling bass down her spine, she looked to her left, where the city lights tried to cover, the moonlight was also helpful and she saw him, her former smile vanished.

The man whom she had met the last time she was at the marketplace and she wondered why he was here again, she had told him to leave.

He moved further into the light and she forgot where she was completely, not Theodore or the guards or herself, it was just the man and a version of herself that craved and feared him.

He waved at her, dramatically with a smirk while she paled, her heart accelerating.

Theodore, who had been watching her leisurely, rose to his elbow to see a tall man walking away. "Who is that?"

"Where do you know him?" he asked but silence met him while he narrowed his eyes at her countenance.

She stood up abruptly instead of answering, her palm dusting off her dress frantically.

"Lydia? what happened?" Theodore asked concerned.

"Let us go home," she muttered, trembling. "Please" she added clutching his arm, her eyes frantic yet she refused to look at that side where the man had just vacated.

"Conan!"

The knight moved stealthily, "Are we leaving now, Lord Theodore?"

"Yes," he confirmed.

His eyes met Hound’s who was patiently waiting for orders, Theodore nudged his chin towards the area the man had waved at them and Hound was already hopping up on his horse and riding away after the mysterious man.

As Theodore hopped on his horse and pulled Lydia up in front of him, her head stayed muddled and so she easily relaxed onto him, he pressed a kiss to the side of her temple before he yanked the reins of the horse and their horse ride began, Lydia got distracted from her emotions by the veins protruding on his arm, it stretched from under his folded sleeves disappearing before his wrist, she watched the length of it and felt the uncontrollable urge to trail, his sharp intake of breathe is her confirmation that she indeed trailed the strong vein, he clutched the reins tighter and added speed to their ride, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the ride without the burden she started to feel settle on her.

Conan didn’t waste any second as he rushed after the couple. Critic Arley was getting dangerous and they shouldn’t ride this openly but they knew not to advise a man in love to not make love.

The weather turned gloomy before they reached home that day.

Rain, now that they thought it would snow soon.

They reached the mansion’s entrance, and without pausing to take in the beauty of their home as usual. Lydia and Theodore rode in while her trembling reduced.

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