Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 245: First Life, Alice. (12)

Chapter 245: First Life, Alice. (12)

Study room, Castle.

Springton.

**********

The castle’s study room was bathed in the golden light of late morning, the sun streaming through tall, arched windows. Dust motes danced in the beams, creating a lazy, almost dreamlike atmosphere that only served to deepen Alice’s sense of restlessness.

She sat at an ornate wooden desk, her quill poised over a parchment filled with neatly penned lines of historical facts and dates. Across from her stood Lady Tammy, her governess, a stern but kind woman who was intent on Alice mastering her lessons.

"And so, the Treaty of Belswick was signed in the year 1307," Lady Tammy recited, her voice calm and measured. "It marked the end of the twenty-year conflict between the Northern and Southern provinces."

Alice’s hand moved automatically, transcribing the information, but her mind was elsewhere. She glanced longingly at the window, her thoughts drifting to the waterfall on the edge of the forest. The memory of her last meeting with Theodore lingered like a sweet fragrance, making the days since their parting feel interminably long. She ached to see him again, to share stories and dreams by their secret sanctuary.

She would see her attire today, she had tried imagining what it’d look like but nothing came and─

"Alice," Lady Tammy’s voice cut through her daydreams, pulling her back to the present. "Can you tell me the significance of the Treaty of Belswick?"

Alice blinked, her thoughts scrambling to catch up. "Uh, yes... it ended the conflict between the Northern and Southern provinces," she replied, her voice lacking conviction.

Lady Tammy’s sharp eyes narrowed slightly. "And what were the key terms of the treaty?"

Alice bit her lip, her mind blanking as she struggled to recall the details. "It... um... it established trade agreements and... and ensured mutual defense?" she ventured, hoping she was close.

Her governess sighed, setting down her own quill. "Alice, you must focus. These lessons are important. The knowledge you gain here will serve you well in your future duties."

Alice nodded dutifully, but her heart wasn’t in it. "Yes, Lady Tammy. I am sorry."

Lady Tammy studied her for a moment, her expression softening slightly. "I understand that your thoughts may be elsewhere, especially on such a beautiful day. But you must discipline your mind. Now, let us continue. What do you know about the economic impact of the treaty on the Southern provinces?"

Alice tried to concentrate, but her thoughts kept slipping back to Theodore. She imagined him waiting by the waterfall, his blue eyes scanning the forest for her arrival. She could almost hear the rush of water, feel the cool mist on her face, and see the playful smile that would light up his face when he saw her.

He said he liked her very much but he was an enemy prince, what does this mean?

"Alice," Lady Tammy’s voice brought her back once again. "If you can not focus, we won’t make any progress today."

"I apologize, Lady Tammy," Alice repeated, feeling a flush of guilt. She knew her governess meant well, but the weight of her longing for Theodore was almost unbearable.

Lady Tammy gave her a sympathetic look. "Perhaps we should take a short break. A few minutes to clear your mind might help you concentrate better."

Alice’s heart leaped at the unexpected reprieve. "Thank you, Lady Tammy."

As she stepped out into the corridor, Alice felt a surge of excitement. She couldn’t leave the castle yet, but even a brief moment of freedom was a taste of the liberty she craved. She walked briskly down the hall, her mind already racing ahead to the moment she could slip away and meet Theodore.

The minutes felt like hours, but eventually, the lesson resumed. Alice tried harder to focus, answering Lady Tammy’s questions with more attention, but the longing to be with Theodore was a constant undercurrent.

She glanced at the clock, willing the hands to move faster.

Finally, the lesson drew to a close. "That will be all for today, Alice," Lady Tammy said, closing her book. "I expect you to review today’s material and be prepared for tomorrow."

"Of course, Lady Tammy. Thank you," Alice said, her voice barely containing her relief.

As soon as she was dismissed, Alice practically flew down the corridors, her heart pounding with anticipation. She reached the edge of the castle grounds and slipped through a hidden gate, her feet carrying her swiftly towards the forest. Each step brought her closer to Theodore, the waterfall, and the freedom she so desperately longed for.

She burst through the trees, her breath coming in excited gasps, and there he was. Theodore stood by the waterfall, his face breaking into a wide grin as he saw her. All the waiting and longing melted away as she ran to him, their embrace a balm for her restless spirit.

Theodore was already there, her back to him as she gazed at the cascading water, her long chestnut hair catching the light in a halo of gold.

"Theodore!" she called softly, and he turned, his face lighting up with a smile as he saw her.

"You are here!," she exclaimed, rushing over to him, her voice filled with joy.

"Alice, I have missed you," Theodore replied, holding her close. "Every moment felt like an eternity."

He smiled back, his heart lifting at her excitement. "I have something for you," he said, holding out a neatly wrapped package. "The seamstress finished it."

Alice’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she took the package, her fingers deftly unwrapping it. Inside was a beautifully crafted dungaree, the fabric a deep, rich indigo.

The dungaree had sturdy straps with brass buckles, a front bib pocket embroidered with delicate floral patterns, and side pockets that were both functional and stylish. The seams were reinforced, promising durability, and the overall design was simple yet elegant, perfectly blending practicality with a touch of femininity.

"It is perfect!" Alice breathed, holding the garment up to admire it. "I never expected something so... beautiful."

Theodore’s smile widened. "The seamstress really outdid herself. I thought you might like it. Now you can climb that tree you wanted to without any trouble."

Alice beamed at him, her gratitude shining in her eyes. "Thank you, Theodore. This means so much to me."

Theodore glanced around, then back at Alice. "I’ll turn around so you can change."

She blushed.

He closed his eyes and turned his back to her, giving her privacy. Alice darted behind a large tree, the thick trunk providing ample cover as she quickly changed into the dungaree. The soft fabric felt comfortable against her skin, and she marveled at the fit, it was as if it had been made just for her.

"I am ready," she called after a moment, stepping out from behind the tree. Theodore opened his eyes and turned to face her, his breath catching at the sight. The dungaree suited her perfectly, the practical yet stylish garment highlighting her natural grace and beauty.

"You look... amazing," he said, his voice filled with admiration after awkwardly clearing his throat.

Alice smiled, a blush coloring her cheeks. "Thank you. Now, let us go and climb that tree!"

They made their way to the large, wide tree Alice had spotted the other day. Its branches stretched out like welcoming arms, and the trunk was thick and sturdy, with plenty of footholds for climbing. Theodore went first, showing her where to place her hands and feet.

"Just take it slow," he advised, looking down at her as he climbed. "And don’t worry if you slip. I will get you."

Alice nodded, determination shining in her eyes. She followed Theodore up the tree, her movements tentative at first. The bark was rough under her fingers, and her heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She slipped once, her foot losing its grip, but Theodore was quick to steady her, his reassuring presence giving her confidence.

"You are doing great," he encouraged, his voice steady and calm.

Alice smiled up at him, her fear melting away. With each step, she grew more confident, her movements becoming more fluid. They climbed higher and higher, the ground receding below them.

The view from the top was breathtaking, the forest spreading out in a sea of green, the waterfall glistening like a jewel in the distance.

Her arms and feet were safe as she climbed because of the clothing.

"We made it," Alice said, breathless with exhilaration as she settled on a sturdy branch beside Theodore.

He nodded, his eyes bright with pride. "You did it, Alice. I knew you could."

He ate some of the gooseberries with her after much persuasion.

They sat there for a while, side by side, taking in the beauty of the world around them. The wind rustled the leaves, birds flitted through the branches, and the sound of the waterfall created a soothing symphony. In that moment, high above the ground, surrounded by nature and each other, they felt a profound sense of connection and contentment.

Alice looked at Theodore, her heart full. "Thank you for everything," she said softly. "For the dungaree, for gooseberries, for... being you."

Theodore reached out, taking her hand in his, he kissed the inside of her wrist. "And thank you, Alice, for sharing these moments with me. For being brave, for being wonderful, for... being you."

They sat there, hand in hand, the world below them fading away as they shared a moment of pure, unspoken understanding and blossoming love.

*

* *

*

Evening.

Queen chambers.

Springton.

**********

Alice didn’t wait for her father to come offer to take her to the queen or expect a chaperone as she strutted to her mothers chamber right after changing into a dress and a smile, "Mother?" she called after the maid let her in, the queen was sitting today and she looked a bit healthier but the royals knew.

"My Alice, come" Esther invited as she turned her stiff neck.

Alice rushed to her, "How are you mother?"

Esther smiled through the bones that her skin now tried desperately to clung, "I am alive, how are you, you look─alive" she said after contemplation.

"I am okay, mother, I ate a gooseberry today," she announced chirpily.

Esther was very surprised, Alice wouldn’t take a berry even if promised something she liked, "My word, who influenced you?" she asked, her mood lifting at the sight and presence of her daughter, before Alice could come up with a lie, the queen raised a hand stopping her daughter, "No, does your father approve?"

Alice frowned, "Approve of what?"

"The boy," she replied with a knowing smile.

Alice appeared flabbergasted, "Mother, this is not good for your health, you must not think too much" she squeaked.

"He should at least be handsome," Esther argued.

"He is non-existent mother, do you want a taste of the berries?" Alice asked leaning in towards her mother and offering the fruit but Esther smiled suddenly as she commented, "He smells nice, you could have someone paint him, so I could see him before I die" she said vibrantly.

"How do you know if he smells nice?" Alice asked shocked, her mind had skipped the death part out of shock.

"You brought his smell along, also bring me the knife, will you?" Esther said and Alice was in shock and auto-pilot as she did all the things her mother asked.

They ate the remaining gooseberry as her mother told her about her younger days, the day was well spent to Alice and as she laid that night her mind brought back all the conversation she had throughout the day and when she remembered her mother talked about dying, about leaving her here, Alice started to cry, she cried for hours before bending into herself and cried to sleep.