Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 248: First Life, Alice. (15)

Chapter 248: First Life, Alice. (15)

Springton.

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Conrad hadn’t felt nice about ignoring his feeling ever since his conversation with Theodore, if a man could love his enemy’s daughter that fiercely and choose to stay why should he avoid the one who the society created no obvious restrictions for? So he marched with purpose towards a place he believed his heart laid.

"Harley," he called her name when he reached her.

She turned to him with widened eyes, "What are you doing here?" she whisper-yelled as she rushed to him.

She pulled him towards the the large tree in the courtyard as she told him, "I will no longer give you free treatment after you get wounded from whatever task you get yourself–" he cut her off, his hand reaching for her.

"Harley, I am not wounded, and might not be in a while" he said, making her frown, "Then why are you here? to see your girls?" she nodded as if in understanding.

He shook his head, "No, to see you,"

She held her glare firm and refused to entertain him so he turned to the crowd, his voice loud and clear he shouted, "Attention everyone!"

Maids paused in their actions, some rushing to the place he stood, Sir Conrad... it is him... is he... why... oh my..., Whispers filled the quarters as maids rushed to hear what the famous knight had to say.

"I have decided to court Miss Harley here and I would appreciate your blessings and help to make her fall for me!" he announced, shocking everyone of them, silence ensued for a moment before they began to disparse, everyone with varying emotions, anger, disappointment, jealousy and envy, while some just didn’t care.

Harley’s eyes widened as she exclaimed, "Conrad" he stepped closer and took both her arms drawing her closer.

"I love you, Harley, I always have, I come here for treatments, leaving the royal physician who would od anything so I can marry his daughter to your quarters so I can have you touch me and I can feel your skin" he confessed.

"Conrad" she could only whisper as he trailed hi fingers over cheeks, his eyes following the movement.

"It is your attention I want and not that of every other girl in the kingdom, I act arrogant and annoying if that is what keeps your attetion on me, but I no longer wish to continue that, be my woman, Harley" he pleaded.

She shuddered, taking a deep breath.

"And when you go to a ball with me, to our first ball together, there I shall tell every noble and prim Miss that you are my lady" he promised and despite the way butterflies danced in her belly and promised to take her heart she summoned a glare, she started, "You obnoxious piece of–"

He cut her off with a searing kiss, his lips pressed firmly on hers as he massaged her lips with his experienced thin lips.

She placed both her palms on his chest to push him away but they ended up gathering his shirt between her fingers and they kissed all the years of misunderstanding and miscommunication away.

Conrad embraced his love and Harley accepted it.

*

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Castle.

Firseria.

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Theodore rode back to Firseria with a sense of urgency and determination after his conversation with Conrad he knew he had to do something, the knight too had believed in him. His heart pounded with a mixture of anticipation and fear as he approached the grand castle that loomed against the dusky sky.

Dismounting his horse, he let the maids take care of him and he took a moment to straighten his noble attire, brushing off the dust from his journey. He needed to look every bit the prince he was, noble, composed, and ready to face his father.

As he entered the grand hall, the high ceilings and ornate tapestries seemed to close in on him. The echo of his polished boots against the marble floor announced his arrival. Servants bowed as he passed, their whispers of curiosity following in his wake.

Theodore’s mind raced with thoughts of Alice, her laughter, her courage, and the love that had blossomed between them amidst the turmoil of their warring kingdoms.

He found his father, King Reginald, in the council chamber, surrounded by advisors and generals discussing the ongoing conflict with Springton. It was almost the most important topic this days.

The king looked up, his piercing blue eyes, so like Theodore’s, locking onto his son with a mix of surprise and concern.

"Theodore, You finally come back home?" King Reginald’s voice was deep and commanding, filling the room with an air of authority.

Theodore took a deep breath, stepping forward with a bow. "Father, I need to speak with you. It’s urgent and pertains to the war with Springton."

King Reginald waved his hand, dismissing the advisors who left the room reluctantly, casting curious glances at the prince. When the door finally closed, sealing them in private, Theodore spoke.

"Father, I have seen the suffering this war has caused both our people and those of Springton. It has to end." Theodore’s voice was steady, filled with conviction.

"Theodore, tell me what happened at that forsaken kingdom" the king ordered.

Theodore shook his head, "Father let us call a truce" at the kings persistent frown, Theodore bowed, "I beg of you"

"Theodore, you would never beg, what could have possibly changed?" Reginald asked with eyes wide in shock.

"I fell in love father, support me" Theodore insisted, "I propose a truce. A marriage truce."

King Reginald raised an eyebrow, intrigue and skepticism mingling in his gaze. "A marriage truce? And who, pray tell, would be the bride and groom in this arrangement?"

"I would marry Princess Alice of Springton," Theodore declared, his eyes unwavering. "I love her, Father. She is brave, kind, and the very thought of being without her is unbearable."

The king’s expression softened slightly but remained guarded. "And how do you propose we convince her father, King Albert? He is as stubborn as they come."

Theodore took another step closer, his voice dropping to a more urgent tone. "I have spent time in Springton, Father. I know their weaknesses. Their fortifications are aging, their resources stretched thin. They cannot sustain this war much longer. If you offer King Albert a truce, with the promise of unity through marriage, he will have no choice but to consider it."

King Reginald stroked his beard thoughtfully, his eyes never leaving Theodore’s face. "You believe he would agree to this?"

"I do," Theodore nodded. "And if he does not, we can leverage their weaknesses. I have gathered enough information to negotiate from a position of strength. But I am confident that the love between Alice and me, combined with the prospect of peace, will sway him."

Theodore was hopeful.

The king remained silent for a moment, weighing his son’s words. The flickering torchlight cast shadows on his contemplative face. Finally, he spoke, his tone resolute. "Very well, Theodore. I will call for a meeting with King Albert. We will see if this love of yours can indeed bring an end to this war."

Theodore’s heart soared with hope. He bowed deeply. "Thank you, Father. You won’t regret this."

As Theodore left the council chamber, a sense of purpose and relief washed over him. He knew the road ahead would be challenging, but the thought of a future with Alice, a future where their kingdoms were united in peace, gave him the strength to face whatever obstacles lay ahead.

His Gooseberry would be safe with him, and away from thorns soon.