Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 229: Anonymous Invitation.

Chapter 229: Anonymous Invitation.

Theodore Mansion.

Critic Arley, Critic-Ishire.

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

Lydia sat on the edge of the bed, the soft glow of a single candle casting flickering shadows on the walls. She was engrossed in a thick economy book, its dense text a temporary distraction from her longing for Theodore. He had left suddenly from his office and when she went to check on him, Tom told her he left for work.

The evening had stretched into night, and though she knew he had important matters to attend to, she couldn’t help but wish for his presence. The warmth of his arms, the comfort of his embrace—these thoughts filled her mind as she turned each page, her eyes scanning the words but not truly absorbing them and the conversation they had last night still haunted her.

The candlelight danced across her face, highlighting the subtle lines of worry and the faint trace of hope that lingered in her eyes. She glanced at the clock, noting the late hour. The bed felt vast and empty without him, and she pulled the covers closer, a poor substitute for his warmth. Eventually, her eyelids grew heavy, and despite her best efforts to stay awake, sleep claimed her. The book slipped from her hands, landing softly on the bed beside her.

*

Dusk, Bedroom Chambers.

*

Morning light filtered through the curtains, gently rousing Lydia from her slumber. She blinked awake, the unfamiliar emptiness beside her a stark reminder of Theodore’s absence. A wave of loneliness washed over her, and she lay still for a moment, feeling the weight of the solitude. She sighed, a soft, resigned sound, and pushed herself up from the bed. Why did he not come back home?

A knock resounded on the door and Lydia knew it was time to start the day, she decided today would be the day she takes the monthly bathing routine, because she didn’t think it was right to miss it completely.

The maids moved about silently, their presence a quiet reassurance. Lydia went through the motions of her morning routine, the familiar tasks feeling oddly hollow. She bathed later on, the warm water is a small comfort as it cleansed away the remnants of sleep. Her mind wandered back to Theodore, wondering where he was and when he would return.

After the bath, she allowed the maids to attend to her. They applied her makeup with careful precision, the soft brushes and powders transforming her into the picture of elegance. Her thoughts were distant, her responses to their gentle inquiries minimal. She wore a silver lace dress, its intricate patterns and flowing fabric chosen specifically for the day. It was the first day after her monthly ritual bath, an extra cleansing she observed every month. Though it was technically the third day of the month, she had decided today was the day to perform this ritual.

The dress felt luxurious against her skin, a reminder of the care she took in presenting herself. The maids combed her hair with meticulous attention, each stroke soothing yet bittersweet. She couldn’t shake the emptiness that had settled in her chest, the absence of Theodore a constant ache. As though the maids knew she didn’t want to talk, they stayed silent.

The dress was a stunning masterpiece of craftsmanship and elegance, fashioned from the finest silver-white lace that shimmered softly in the light. The high neck was adorned with intricate lace patterns, creating a delicate yet regal look that framed the wearer’s face with a touch of Critic Arley charm. Tiny pearls and sparkling sequins were meticulously sewn into the lace, adding a subtle sparkle that caught the eye.

The bodice fit snugly, accentuating the wearer’s silhouette while providing a sense of grace and poise. The lace overlay featured elaborate floral motifs, each petal and leaf intricately detailed, showcasing the skill of the artisans who created it. The back of the bodice was fastened with a row of small, fabric-covered buttons that ran from the nape of the neck to the waist, adding a classic and elegant touch.

The long sleeves were a marvel of design, fitting closely to the arms before flaring out slightly at the wrists. The cuffs were adorned with delicate lace ruffles that cascaded gently over the hands, giving the sleeves a romantic and ethereal quality. Tiny, glistening beads were scattered throughout the lace of the sleeves, catching the light with every movement.

The skirt of the dress was nothing short of magnificent, flowing out from the waist in voluminous layers of lace and tulle. Each layer was edged with fine lace trim, creating a rich, textured look that moved gracefully with every step. The skirt was full and sweeping, perfect for making a grand entrance or twirling elegantly in a dance.

A long, flowing train extended from the back of the dress, its lace surface continuing the intricate patterns of the bodice and sleeves. The train added a touch of drama and sophistication, trailing behind the wearer like a cloud of silver mist. She refused to wear the leg chain as Theodore had already said he would be the one to put it on for her. The gem gleamed there on the table as the maids agreed.

The overall effect of the dress she was wearing was one of timeless beauty and grace. It combined the delicate intricacy of lace with the grandeur of a full, sweeping skirt, creating a look that was both regal and enchanting. This dress was not just a garment; it was a work of art, designed to make the wearer feel like royalty. Ms Janet was a wonderful dressmaker, Lydia acknowledged mentally.

As she looked at herself in the mirror, Lydia couldn’t help but hope that Theodore would return early today. She wanted him to see her, to appreciate the effort she had put into her appearance. She wanted him to hold her, to chase away the lingering loneliness. The maids, attuned to her moods, exchanged glances but remained silent, their concern evident in their careful movements.

Lydia took a deep breath, trying to gather her strength for the day ahead. She stood, smoothing the dress and offering a small, determined smile to her reflection. The day awaited her, and despite the emptiness, she would face it with grace. But in her heart, she held onto the hope that Theodore would return soon, that his presence would fill the void and bring warmth back into her world.

As soon as she completed her steps down the stairs, Gabriel approached her with a respectful bow. "Greetings, Lady Theodore" his bow made her eyes meet with the low cut he had on now.

Her face bloomed into a genuine smile at the boys neat hair cut, "Tom, how are you?" she asked, mixing their names but it was no big deal for the boys.

"Lady Theodore there was an emergency Lord Theodore left for the Citadel" he informed her, last afternoon when he readied the horse for the lord instead of Tom, he had been told to tell the lady of the house this information only when it was morning.

"Thank you, did he go alone?" she questioned, moving to sit on a cushion in the parlour, Red ran into her thigh while Ebony settled on the hassock, the cat was always around this beastly one.

Gabriel who didn’t know shook his head, "No, I think Sir Conan went along with him,"

"You may go, sending my regards to Gabriel, it has been awhile" she said to the twin, while stroking Red.

The twin smiles and with an ’Of course, lady Theodore’ he left as Joyous walked in with a tray. "Lady Theodore, breakfast is ready" she informed the lady but she only shook her head and dismissed her with a flick of her wrist.

"Someone is at the gates" Shade announced abruptly, startling Lydia who was sipping .

"Perdon?!" she asked, irritated.

Helena rushed downstairs, holding the staircase, "Nobody should leave the mansion" she wailed.

The hairy Shade moved closer to Helena, observing her, "You can see me?"

She looked at him like she was looking through him, "Do not report any presence unless it is of someone who lives in the mansion" she instructed him sternly but she looked too unstable despite having let the maids help her dress up because her mind was too muddled.

Lydia glanced at her, "Lena calm down" she advised, wondering what got her so agitated.

"No," Helena gasped, her eyes unfocused, "No, we should leave"

"We could catch up with the lord and think of a ─" a sharp voice cut her off.

"Witch, I suggest that you go back upstairs and try to stay calm before you destroy all the vases in the mansion." Hound advised in a neutral tone.

"You know nothing, Zachary" she accused and instead of doing as he said, she walked past him and to her friend, her mumbles are the next thing that permeates the atmosphere as Hound turned, leaving the two women as he recalled the conversation he had with the lord this morning before he left.

It was late afternoon yesterday and he’d been sharing a drink with Theodore when Shade came inside and drew their attention, "Hello Shade," Theodore had said whilst he watched and listened to their conversation.

"There is a letter for you," Shade said, bringing out a sealed envelope from his pocket. Why he pocketed it when he was only teleporting from the gate house to this office directly baffled Hound but his shock changed when Theodore asked a question and Shade answered.

"Where is it from?" Theodore asked.

Shade shifted on his feet,"The citadel" he said, the guard had been eager to leave after dropping it off with Blanc who wasn’t in the mood to walk back to the mansion.

Theodore’s darkened gaze explained what he felt about this letter, "Hand it over" he ordered.

Theodore opened it hastily, removing the seal, and as he read the details, his eyes began to narrow as his hand shook slightly. Without a word he stood up, grabbed a coat, he glanced at his watch but decided against carrying it.

"Where are you going?" Hound asked with an unconscious frown.

Theodore glanced at him as he wrote a small message on a paper for his wife, in case she enters the office in his absence. "Stay with Lydia." he instructed Hound. "I have to be at the Citadel," he added, reaching the door hastily.

Hound clenched his jaw before starting, "It is not safe, Theo-"

He cut him off. "Zachary please" he pleaded but it was more of an order because Houdnwas a loyal and stubborn person and if he wanted to follow Theodore to the citadel, he would.

"Of course, be safe," he said instead.

Hound headed for the gates with a frown and a sigh, something was coming and he hated that he understood the restlessness that Helena was feeling too. Something was about to go wrong.

Meanwhile,

Shade simply wishes to know how Helena could see him when she had never wondered out loud or acknowledged him, he had thought she must be a dormant witch somewhere to not sense him but all this while she could see him?

He was impressed yet suspicious. How did she pretend so well?

"How did the witch pretend to not see me all this time?" he was a curious one.

Helena scowled. "The witch is here, and you never spoke to me so why should I speak to you?"

"You never assumed that I was invisible?" he asked with narrowed eyes.

Helena’s lips pressed, "I was not aware you were a shadow, now I know why you are always by the wall"

He shuddered, pointing a finger at her. "Do not study me, witch"

She rolled her eyes, "Oh shut it, you should be by the gates and preventing evil, which if I am being honest I sense in the mansion now" she has slowly become calm and distracted by their argument.

"Your senses must be getting rusty, old witch" he taunted.

"I am fortunately a young witch and not quarter as old as you are" she retorted with an elegant smirk.

Shade scoffs,"Child, I would─"

"Stop!" Lydia screeched, cutting him off.

"Please be somewhere else, both of you, I need space to wallow" she complained, her voice barely above a whisper.

Helena flushed before giving Shade a pointed look, "Do not let anyone in" she said with a frown one last time before leaving for her bedroom.

Shade smiled like a proud father before vanishing when Matilda came into the parlour to have a word with Lydia.