Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 234: The First Life. Alice. (1)

Chapter 234: The First Life. Alice. (1)

Noon.

Palace, Springton.

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Once, long before in a land that existed before Critic-Arley was ever dreamed of, in the sprawling gardens of the royal palace, bathed in the golden glow of a summer afternoon, a scene unfolded that danced between mischief and innocence.

Amidst the fragrant blossoms and the trimmed hedges was a young girl, adorned in a simple sundress that fluttered lightly in the warm breeze, she darted behind a large marble fountain dodging the scrutiny of the palace guards and maids with glee.

Her name was Princess Alice, and she possessed an energy that rivaled the lively dance of the fountain’s waters.

Her eyes, as deep and mesmerizing as the ocean itself, sparkled mischievously beneath her raven-black locks as she moved.

Alice was not one to abide strictly by the rules of royal decorum; rather, she relished in moments of playful defiance, especially when it involved evading the watchful eyes of her attendants. Nothing beats that joy.

The palace maids, tasked with ensuring her adherence to the rigorous schedule of a princess were upstairs, right now they’re in a relaxed mind assuming she was taking a nap but she knew soon they’d be in a mild frenzy trying to locate her. But she believed then she’d be long gone.

Unbeknownst to them, Alice had begun her escape plan, nestled in the shadows behind the fountain, she stifled a giggle as she peered around cautiously. She felt a rush of exhilaration at outwitting her guardians once more.

Another group of maids would be leaving the palace soon and she was ready to hop along, and go to town with them, because the palace can’t stop her, not today. She did successfully escape and soon they were in the midst of the bustling marketplace, where the air was alive with the mingling scents of ripe fruits and savory spices, Princess Alice found herself happier than she’d been in a few weeks because of this reckless game of evasion she alone played.

With care she slipped away out of the cart unnoticed from the group of palace attendants who were preoccupied with their negotiations and purchases, she was seeking a momentary escape from the strict confines of royal protocol.

As she was dressed in a simple sundress that swayed gently with each step it was easier to act normal, Alice moved with an agile grace through the labyrinthine stalls of the market. Her ocean-blue eyes, filled with a mixture of curiosity and mischief.

She scanned her surroundings as she ran to hide behind a stack of wooden crates filled with plump oranges. A soft giggle escaped her lips as she realized her impulsive decision would surely provoke a frantic search from her attendants but she shivered when she realized father too.

Peeking out cautiously from her hiding place, Alice noticed a figure nearby, a boy of similar age with golden locks and a demeanor that seemed aloof yet intriguing. His blue eyes were lighter than hers as they met hers briefly, his expression unreadable, before he ducked behind a nearby cart laden with colorful fabrics.

There was something about him, she narrowed her eyes, it was a quiet confidence mixed with an air of mystery that captured Alice’s attention.

A movement drew her attention and as she glanced that side she caught sight of the palace guards moving her way, this made her instantly panic, her eyes widening before she looked back to the boy.

"Hide me" she whispered to the boy softly as she cautiously approached the cart, her curiosity piqued by the presence of this unexpected companion in her escapade and the maids were a good reason to get closer to him.

The boy glanced up, startled by her approach, but made no move to flee. His gaze held a hint of wariness, as if unsure whether to trust this princess who had stumbled upon his solitary hideout. Yet, beneath his guarded exterior, Alice sensed a shared desire for freedom, albeit expressed in different ways.

She squatted beside him but didn’t bother watching her back as she watched him instead.

"You are so handsome, mother says papa is handsome too" she shook her head in disappointment. "Though I do not see it in him now," she said.

Silence.

"He grew out of handsomeness," she added.

The golden boy as she mentally referred to him merely watched her mesmerized by the whole of her. "Who are you?" she asked with narrowed eyes.

He frowned before settling for watching her face while she blushed and looked at the road where the maids could pass without seeing her.

"Why are you running away?" he asked, his first words to her, making her turn to him.

"Do not be boring" she warned him, her head cocked highlighting her small reddening nose.

He found the gesture cute, making him smile a bit.

"Where are you from? What princess are you?" he asked honestly.

Her eyes narrowed for a second before they widened. "Oh no, you have to be from the other kingdom if you do not know me" she whined, making him frown.

"I should not be seen with you" she mumbled quickly standing up to leave.

"Wait" he panicked, grabbing her wrist.

She turned to him, her short hair following her movement, while he let her go like her skin scalded him. "You are right," she said with a grin. "No one except the palace knows me."

"I am Alice," she introduced herself with a warm smile, hoping to ease the tension that hung in the air between them. "Why are you hiding?"

The boy hesitated for a moment, studying her with a mixture of surprise and intrigue. "I won’t harm you" he finally replied in a quiet voice making her frown a bit, who said anything about harm?. Maybe he did know her but she didn’t care, she found herself trusting him.

His gaze flickering towards the bustling market around them. "I– I just needed a break from everything."

Understanding flickered in Alice’s eyes as she nodded sympathetically. Despite their different backgrounds, they shared a common longing for respite from the expectations placed upon them.

For Alice, it was the weight of royalty and duty and she wondered what it was for the quiet yet starting golden boy. It seemed to be a desire for solitude amidst what she didn’t know.

Together, they remained hidden for a while longer, observing the lively dance of market vendors and customers around them. Alice felt a sense of camaraderie with the golden boy, a bond forged in the simple act of seeking sanctuary amidst the marketplace’s vibrant energy.

The aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the salty tang of sea air, created a sensory backdrop that both exhilarated and unnerved her.

They spent each moment exploring the market’s vibrant self and it felt like a stolen breath of freedom, yet beneath Alice’s playful facade, a knot of worry tightened in her stomach.

As she peeked behind a stack of crates filled with ripe fruits, a soft giggle escaping her lips, He grabbed some fruits for them and they ate in silence.

"Alice!" Alice.

Her eyes widened at the sound of her name as she wondered how the guards had already heard about her trip too. "Alice, where are you?" another palace guard called out his voice louder, they were trying to keep her title hidden for fear of enemies around.

"Princess Alice please come out" a guard growled, disappointed. "It is dangerous out here, let us go back" he added but she didn’t want to yet.

As the sun began its descent towards the horizon, casting a warm glow over the market square, Alice reluctantly broke the silence that had settled between them. "We should probably return," she murmured regretfully, knowing that her absence would soon lead to a frantic search and a more serious punishment.

The golden boy nodded in agreement, though a hint of reluctance lingered in his expression. Alone, she emerged from their hiding place and made her way back towards the group of attendants, who were still scanning the market anxiously for the missing princess.

The boy watched her from the side, his growing broad shoulders rising and falling as he anticipated running after her.

When she rejoined the group, Alice’s attendants greeted her with a mixture of relief and concern. "Your Highness, we were worried," one of them exclaimed softly, her eyes filled with maternal concern. They had come along with the guards after hearing that the princess had snuck out.

Alice smiled warmly at them, her heart lighter for having shared a fleeting moment of freedom with a certain boy amidst the bustling marketplace. She knew she was going home to get scolded, worst punished yet she was fine with it. And as they continued their journey through the market, she couldn’t help but steal a glance back at the golden boy, a silent acknowledgement passing between them, a shared memory of a brief encounter that had brought unexpected joy amidst the restrictions their worlds brought.

She wishes she’d known his name.

As they rode on, Alice no longer felt only curiosity, now she was dangling on the edge of trepidation. She knew well the consequences of her impulsive actions, her father, King John, was known for his stern demeanor and unwavering commitment to tradition.

Alice couldn’t shake the impending dread of facing her father’s inevitable disappointment. She imagined his stern gaze and the weight of his disapproval, it was a heavy burden for a spirited princess who longed for his approval despite her rebellious tendencies.

Her playful escapade had taken on a bittersweet undertone as she encountered a boy of golden locks and guarded demeanor, Their brief exchange had offered her a momentary distraction from her mounting anxiety, but now Alice couldn’t shake the nagging fear of the consequences awaiting her upon her return to the palace.

As the group reached and offloaded the palace grounds. Alice reluctantly made her way back towards the castle of fire.

The vibrant energy that had possessed her spirits earlier was now ebbed, replaced by a heavy sense of resignation.

Her father wouldn’t be happy.

When Alice finally reappeared before her father, King John, his expression was a mask of stern disappointment.

The palace attendants stood nearby, their gazes filled with a mix of sympathy and apprehension. "Princess Alice," the king’s voice rang out, commanding yet tinged with paternal concern. "Where were you?" he asked.

"Father," she acknowledged with a smile.

"You say your majesty" he hollered despite them being alone, he wanted the right courtesy.

She nodded quickly, "Your majesty, I had stepped out with the vegetable maids"

He narrowed his eyes. "To do what, Princess Alice?"

"To get vegetables" she lied even though she’d snuck into their cart.

He barrelled her with questions.

"Why then were they back before you?"

They’d been back? She wondered, grimacing mentally.

"Where did you go off to?" he asked again.

It was just for a mere moment, she mauled but dared not speak.

"Why did the shield team deliver you instead?" his somhow lowly barked questions unnerved her.

Alice swallowed hard, meeting her father’s gaze with a mixture of remorse and defiance. She knew her actions had consequences, not just for herself but for those who cared for her but she needed a look. The weight of her father’s disappointment bore down upon her, a reminder of the expectations she struggled to meet as a princess.

"I’m sorry, Father," Alice whispered softly, her voice barely audible above the hum of the palace halls. "I didn’t mean to cause concern."

"Oh, Your Majesty, go easy on the princess" her mother advised, a warm smile like that of Alice plastered on her face.

"Mother!" Alice squealed and rushed to the queen’s side.

"Come back here, Alice, you need to know how to uphold the dignity and responsibilities of a princess" she held his gaze while he continued.

"You will stop leaving the palace unprotected" his words.

"Yes father!" she agreed with a stern voice, her mother soothed her back.

And she actually listened, she only left the palace under the guards’ scrutiny while hoping she found her golden boy again.