Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 266: Second Lifetime, Freya. (12)

Chapter 266: Second Lifetime, Freya. (12)

Seconoria.

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It was a rare and welcome reprieve as today the night sky was speckled with stars that twinkled like distant jewels and the moon was full different from the relentless rain that had besieged the kingdom for months, and the crisp, clean air was a refreshing change.

Nestled in a secluded corner of the camp, away from the flickering flames of the main fire, Theodore and his best friend, Connor, sat together at a small, wooden table. The table was cluttered with half-empty mugs and a bottle of dark, rich ale. The wooden surface was worn and polished from years of use, and the gentle clinking of their mugs punctuated their conversation.

The pair leaned back in their chairs, their faces illuminated by the soft moonlight and the occasional flicker of a nearby lantern.

Theodore, his usual armor replaced by a simple tunic, looked relaxed and contemplative. His dark hair, tousled by the wind, fell across his brow, and his eyes, usually so intense, were softened by the ease of the evening. Connor, his loyal friend, was in a similar state of comfort, his once neatly trimmed beard now a bit disheveled from the long days on the road.

Connor took a swig from his mug, the rich ale warming his insides. He leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "You know, Theo, things are getting a bit dicey back home. There is talk of a small war brewing between our kingdom and the one to the east. Seems like tensions are rising every day."

Theodore nodded, his gaze drifting toward the horizon, where the moonlight mingled with the shadows of the night. "I have heard the rumors. It is been a while since we had a decent peace, has it not? What is the cause this time?"

Connor shrugged, his eyes flickering with a mix of concern and exasperation. "From what I gather, it is over some disputed territories." he sighed, "Nothing new, really. But the way things are going, it might escalate into something more serious. The nobles are already up in arms."

The conversation shifted as Connor took another gulp of ale, his tone lightening. "Enough about politics. Let’s talk about something more enjoyable." he held Theodore’s gaze with his light brown ones, "Have you met any interesting girls lately?"

Theodore chuckled, a hint of a smile playing at his lips. "Actually, yes. There is this girl I have been spending some time with." he licked his lips, "Mysterious, beautiful, and she is all I have ever wanted. But, of course, I can not say much more about her."

Connor’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he shifted closer to Theodore. "A mystery girl, huh? You are keeping secrets from me now. Who is she?"

Theodore’s smile grew more enigmatic. "I simply can not reveal too much. It is complicated." his voice dropped, his shoulders slumping, "She’s not someone you would expect me to be involved with." but Connor was still keeping his pressing gaze, "Let’s just say she’s from a different world altogether." Theodore added.

Connor raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Different world? Now you have truly piqued my interest. She must be something special if she has managed to capture your attention like that."

As the conversation continued, the two friends relaxed and joked about their past adventures and future aspirations. The moonlight bathed them in a soft, serene glow, creating a stark contrast to the turmoil that was about to unfold. The night was filled with laughter and camaraderie, a brief respite from the encroaching shadows of conflict and personal dilemmas.

Unbeknownst to Connor, the girl he spoke of was none other than Princess Freya, his princess and the very heart of the kingdom’s strife. Connor, on the other hand, was in a relationship with Hannah, the princess’s closest confidante and maid. The irony of their conversation, their mutual ignorance of each other’s significant connections, added a layer of poignancy to their camaraderie.

As the evening wore on, the moon continued its silent vigil, casting its soft light over the two friends. Their laughter and chatter created a cocoon of warmth and familiarity amidst the chill of the night. The quiet night, free of rain and turmoil, was a fleeting moment of peace before the storm of destiny swept in.

*

* *

*

Night.

Bungalow.

Seconoria.

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

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow over the quaint bungalow nestled at the edge of the kingdom. Inside, a soft fire crackled in the hearth, filling the room with a cozy warmth. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and roasted meat, mingling with the scent of pine from the surrounding woods.

Connor and Hannah sat on a simple but sturdy wooden table, their plates filled with a hearty meal. They were dressed in comfortable, simple clothes; Connor in a loose linen shirt and trousers, and Hannah in a modest yet charming dress. They ate slowly, savoring not just the food but the precious time they had together.

Connor reached across the table, taking Hannah’s hand in his. His eyes, a deep blue, met her warm brown gaze. "I have something for you," he said softly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Hannah’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Oh? What is it?"

Connor stood up and walked over to a small wooden chest in the corner of the room. He opened it and took out a delicate white cat. Returning to the table, he handed it to Hannah, who accepted it with trembling hands.

She cradled it with gentle hands. The feline meowed, it was tiny and cute, Tears welled up in Hannah’s eyes as she looked up at Connor.

"It is beautiful," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you, Connor."

He leaned in, brushing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "I wanted you to have something to remind you of us, no matter where we are and keep you company."

Hannah smiled, wiping away a tear. "I have something for you too," she said, reaching into her pocket. She pulled out a small, neatly folded piece of parchment. "It is not as beautiful as your gift, but I hope you will like it."

Connor unfolded the parchment to reveal a poem, written in Hannah’s elegant handwriting. It spoke of love and dreams, of a future they would build together. As he read the words, his heart swelled with love for the woman sitting across from him.

"I love it," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you, Hannah."

They finished their meal and moved to the cozy sitting area near the fire. They sat close together on a plush, worn-out sofa, their legs intertwined. Connor picked up a book from the side table and began to read aloud, his deep voice filling the room with warmth.

Hannah listened, her head resting on his shoulder. She felt a sense of peace and contentment she had never known before. They spent the next hour like this, reading, talking, and sharing their dreams for the future.

Eventually, the book was set aside, and they turned their attention back to each other. Connor cupped Hannah’s face in his hands, his thumbs gently caressing her cheeks. "I love you, Hannah," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you."

Hannah’s heart fluttered. "I love you too, Connor. More than words can say."

They leaned in, their lips meeting in a tender, passionate kiss. The world outside seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them in their bubble of love and warmth. They pulled back slightly, their foreheads resting against each other.

"Marry me," Connor whispered, his breath warm against her skin.

Hannah’s eyes shone with joy. "Yes," she replied, her voice steady and filled with love. "Yes, I will marry you."

They kissed again, this time with a promise of a future together. As the fire crackled in the hearth and the night grew darker, they held each other close, their hearts beating as one. The world outside could wait; for now, all that mattered was the love they shared and the dreams they would build together.

Later, they shared a simple drink of spiced cider, laughing and talking about their future. They dreamed of a little cottage by the sea, children playing in the garden, and a life filled with love and happiness.

As the night wore on, they curled up together under a warm blanket, falling asleep in each other’s arms. The fire slowly died down, but the warmth of their love kept the chill at bay. In the quiet of the night, surrounded by the simple beauty of their home, Connor and Hannah dreamed of a future where they would always be together, no matter what.