Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 264: Second Lifetime, Freya. (10)

Chapter 264: Second Lifetime, Freya. (10)

Seconoria.

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"Prince Holland said I could go wherever I want" Freya’s voice interrupted Theodore’s calm as he had given her and the prince space to talk but it appears Holden as Holland would still not desire his Gooseberry even given the opportunity.

Theodore met her expressive eyes before asking, "What have you in mind?"

"My mind is pure" Freya retorted with a shrug.

Theodore nodded before leaning back on the wall with a dropped gaze, "You can be free with me, I am your pillow"

Pillow? She remembered something blurry. ’Bye pillow!’ ’Gooseberry’ ’Life safer... someone’

"Assume you are daydreaming aloud," Theodore narrowed his eyes teasingly.

She smiled resting on the wall next to him, "Pillow talk?"

He laughed and nodded, he caught the smile in her eyes and wondered how many days it’d take before she’d smile with her lips.

He was hopeful and would wait for his Gooseberry.

"I- I in fact have a list of the things I wish to do" she confessed with a blush, she has been jotting down the things that she’d like to do and this was the first person that knew about it, even Hannah didn’t know.

"A list," he mumbled, "Does drinking rum exist on the list?"

Freya gasped, "How did you know?"

"I missed you" he mumbled abruptly.

And when she looked at him warily as though he was spurting jargons, he added quickly, "Show me the list"

"No, I would tell it to you whenever I can do it" she countered firmly.

He grunted.,"Okay, but I am following you everywhere"

She glanced at him, "Do I have a choice?"

"I certainly hope not" Theodore whispered.

She smiled before grabbing his wrist and tugging him after her. He wondered why but he would always follow her except he thinks it harmful.

*

Freya stood in her chambers, excitement bubbling within her as she watched Theodore carefully assemble the pieces of her disguise. The thrill of sneaking out of the castle was intoxicating, a rare taste of freedom in her otherwise regimented life. Theodore, ever the loyal and resourceful knight, had agreed to help her, understanding her need for a break from the suffocating formality.

"Hold still, Princess," Theodore murmured, his fingers deftly tucking away the last few strands of her long, black hair into a simple cap. He stepped back to admire his work. She wore a plain dress of soft, brown wool, a far cry from her usual regal attire, and her face was lightly dusted with soot to further obscure her identity.

Freya twirled around, the loose skirts swirling around her legs. "How do I look?" she asked, a playful gleam in her eyes.

"Pretty" he breathed making her scoff, "Theodore," she warned.

"Like a commoner," Theodore replied with a grin. "No one would suspect you’re the princess."

With a final nod of approval, they slipped out of her chambers and navigated the winding corridors of the castle, avoiding the guards and the watchful eyes of the courtiers. They reached a side entrance, one that led to the less frequented parts of the castle grounds. Theodore opened the door, and they stepped out into the cool, crisp air of the early evening.

Freya inhaled deeply, the scent of earth and flowers filling her lungs. She felt a surge of exhilaration as they walked through the narrow streets of the town, blending in with the bustling crowd. Theodore stayed close by her side, his presence a comforting shield against any potential danger.

They wandered through the market, a lively place filled with the vibrant colors of stalls selling fruits, vegetables, and all manner of trinkets. Theodore bought her a small, carved wooden bird, which she accepted with a delighted smile. They shared a warm pastry from a street vendor, the sweet, flaky treat melting in their mouths.

As they continued their exploration, Theodore’s attention was suddenly drawn to a speeding cart barreling down the narrow street. He acted quickly, grabbing Freya and pulling her to safety just in time. The cart rattled past, the driver shouting apologies over his shoulder.

"Are you all right?" Theodore asked, his voice tinged with concern.

Freya nodded, her heart pounding from the close call. "Yes, thanks to you." She looked up at him, her eyes shining with gratitude and something more. "You are always there to protect me."

"Always, Gooseberry love, always" she shrug out of his arms quickly wondering what his arc was.

They resumed their walk, the incident quickly becoming a shared memory that brought them closer. As they strolled down a quieter lane, an old woman suddenly appeared in their path, her eyes twinkling with a mischievous light.

"You there," she called out to Theodore, her voice firm and commanding. "Something’s fallen off your shoulders."

Theodore frowned, puzzled, and started to protest. "I think you must be mistaken, mila—"

But before he could finish, the old woman pressed a familiar amulet into his hand. Theodore froze, the weight of the object sending a shock through him. It was the same amulet he had been given by that sorcerer and he had gifted Alice in his past life as a prince, a symbol of their love.

The wishkeeper.

He looked at the woman and the old woman winked at him knowingly and walked away, her figure soon lost in the crowd as Theodore stood confused and somewhat grateful.

Freya, having seen the interaction from a distance, hurried over. "What did she give you?" she asked, curiosity and concern mingling in her voice.

Theodore quickly tucked the amulet into his pocket, his mind racing. "Just a trinket," he said, forcing a smile. "Nothing to worry about."

Freya looked at him, her eyes searching his face for answers. She sensed there was more to the story, but she chose not to press him further. Instead, she slipped her hand into his, a silent gesture of trust and companionship.

Together, they continued their adventure, the bond between them growing stronger with each shared moment. Theodore’s mind, however, kept returning to the amulet and the old woman’s enigmatic smile. He knew their past was catching up with them, and he would need to confront it sooner or later.

For now, though, he was content to be by Freya’s side, helping her experience the simple joys of life outside the castle walls. The freedom, the laughter, and the unexpected encounters made this day one they would both remember fondly, a testament to their enduring connection until her father tries to destroy them again.

This outing was something Freya enjoyed and it stayed with her for days so whenever Holland came she would leave him seated in the garden to run off outside the castle with Theodore to have fun.

They ate different things, helped a few beggars and a blind woman, Freya suddenly loved her life.