Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 268: Second Lifetime, Freya. (14)

Chapter 268: Second Lifetime, Freya. (14)

Night.

Seconoria.

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

Theodore sat on the edge of his bed, a single candle flickering on the bedside table casting a warm, golden glow around the room. The soft, inviting warmth of the room contrasted with the cool evening air outside. A smile played on his lips as he carefully penned the words of a love letter, each stroke of the quill imbued with his deep affection for Freya. His heart felt full, almost bursting with the emotions he struggled to contain.

"My dearest Freya," he wrote, the ink flowing smoothly on the parchment, "Every moment with you is a treasure I hold dear. But every moment without you is like..."

As he continued, Theodore’s smile broadened. He imagined the look on Freya’s face when she read his words, her eyes lighting up with the same love and affection he felt for her. The thought filled him with joy and hope for their future.

Yet, as he wrote, a shadow crossed his mind. The smile faded, replaced by a furrowed brow as his thoughts wandered. What if history repeated itself? The specter of their past loomed large in his mind. He remembered all too well the pain and tragedy that had befallen them before. Freya’s father had been a catalyst for their suffering, his actions leading to a fate Theodore was desperate to avoid this time around.

The quill paused mid-stroke, and Theodore’s gaze grew distant, lost in the dark corridors of his memories. The vivid image of Freya’s lifeless body haunted him, a stark reminder of the cruelty and dangers that lay ahead if he did not act wisely. He clenched his jaw, his resolve hardening. He couldn’t let that happen again. He couldn’t lose her, not when they had been given a second chance.

"I will not let her father be the cause of her death again," he vowed silently, the weight of his promise settling heavily on his shoulders. His hand trembled slightly as he set the quill down, his mind racing with strategies and plans to ensure her safety.

The candle flickered, its light dancing across the walls as if mirroring the tumultuous storm inside Theodore’s heart. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. He had to find a way to change their fate, to break free from the chains of their past and forge a new path for them both. It wasn’t just about love anymore; it was about survival, about defying a destiny that seemed determined to tear them apart.

He picked up the quill again, his determination renewing his strength. He finished the letter with a heartfelt flourish, "... I would hate that ending." then he sealed it with wax and set it aside. His mind was now focused on the next steps. He needed a plan, a way to protect Freya from the dangers that lurked both within and outside the castle walls.

Theodore blew out the candle, plunging the room into darkness. Yet, within that darkness, his resolve shone brightly. He lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling, thoughts of Freya’s smile and their future mingling with the somber reality of their situation.

"We will find a way," he whispered into the night, a promise to himself and to Freya. No matter what it took, he would ensure that this time, their story would have a different ending. With that, he closed his eyes, letting sleep take him, his dreams filled with hope and determination for the battles yet to come.

*

* *

*

Afternoon.

Seconoria.

***********

Theodore led Freya through the winding paths of the forest, the dense canopy overhead casting dappled shadows on the ground. They walked in comfortable silence, the sounds of the forest creating a soothing backdrop. After a while, they arrived at a small, rustic hut nestled among the trees. Theodore pushed open the wooden door and gestured for Freya to enter.

Inside, the hut was cozy and inviting. A small fireplace crackled in the corner, casting a warm glow over the simple furnishings. A large, weathered table occupied the center of the room, and shelves lined the walls, filled with an eclectic collection of books and trinkets. The air was filled with the scent of wood smoke and something delicious cooking.

Freya looked around in amazement. "This place is lovely, Theodore," she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Theodore smiled, pleased by her reaction. "Thank you. It’s a place where I come to find peace and solitude. I thought you might like it."

He led her to the table, where a simple but hearty meal awaited them. "Gooseberry, I made fish and chips," he said, placing a plate in front of her. "It is a traditional dish. I thought you might enjoy trying something new."

Freya eyed the plate with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism. She picked up a piece of the crispy fish and took a tentative bite. Her eyes widened in surprise and delight. "This is delicious, Theodore!" she exclaimed, reaching for another piece. "I have never had anything like it."

They ate together, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed the meal. Theodore watched Freya with a sense of contentment, glad to see her so relaxed and happy.

After they had finished eating, Freya wandered over to the shelves, her fingers trailing over the spines of the books. "You have quite the collection here," she said, pulling out a volume and flipping through its pages. "Hannah would love to see this. She is always looking for new books to read."

Theodore chuckled. "You are welcome to borrow any you like. And tell Hannah she is welcome to visit as well."

Freya smiled, tucking the book under her arm. "I will do that, Do you know that Connor is her lover?" she asked and then whispered, "Thank you." when he tucked her hair.

"He told me he was in love, I never thought it would be your maid." he confessed.

"They are getting married soon!" she squealed making Theodore laugh, the friend hadn’t told him anything like that the last time.

As they continued to explore the hut, Theodore found an old set of paints and brushes. "Gooseberry, Shall we paint?" he suggested, setting up the materials on the table.

Freya’s eyes lit up with excitement. "I would love that, now why do you call me Gooseberry?" she asked, taking a seat opposite him.

"Do not deny, I have noticed that it might be a slip of the tongue most of the times but you do call me Gooseberry" she pointed out sternly when he pressed his lips contemplating telling her the truth.

"It is a part of a memory I never want to forget" he replied, solemnly.

She frowned, "With someone else?"

He grumbled, "No, with you in another lifetime" she blushed profusely at that, naturally assuming he was being flirtatious.

"I have always loved you" he let out a declaration.

She nodded, as he pressed her forehead to his, the world fading away into nothing she sniffed suddenly, "Oh Theodore" and she started to cry, tears

Theodore was taken aback so he drew back and pecked her nose, "Why are you crying?"

"I do not know" she cried further, her sniff insitent, her eyes kept poring for a few minutes before she was able to stop with a nervous laugh. Her father would hate it if he saw her like this. Theodore wiped her tears with his thumb while kissing some away.

"I love you" she whisperd before she sealed his lips with hers.

Her kiss is soft and seeking until Theodore took over and devoured her lips, she pressed herself into him until his palm started to seek solace in her curves. He traced and palmed her waist up to the swell of her breast. She moaned into his mouth and he greedily swallowed it, drawing her in even more as he massaged her mounds through the dress, his hunger for her wasn’t sated but his heart was grateful and so he slowly eased out of the kiss, pressed small kisses allover her face before letting her out of his arms to move.

Then they spent the next hour painting each other, laughing and teasing as they tried to capture each other’s likeness on the canvas. Freya was in the middle of adding the finishing touches to her painting when the first drops of rain began to fall. The sound of the rain on the roof was soothing, but soon the temperature began to drop.

Freya shivered, wrapping her arms around herself. "It’s getting cold," she said, her voice trembling slightly.

Theodore noticed and quickly stoked the fire, adding more wood to keep it burning brightly. He took a warm blanket from a nearby chair and wrapped it around Freya’s shoulders. "Come here," he said softly, pulling her into a gentle embrace.

Freya snuggled into his arms, feeling the warmth of his body seep into hers. She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. "Thank you, Theodore," she murmured. "For everything."

He held her close, his arms encircling her protectively. "Always," he replied, his voice a soothing rumble. "I will always be here for you."

Suddenly as if remembering only then he sprang up, "I have something for you"

Freya turned to look at him, "What is it? rum?"

"No, Gooseberry, a wishkeeper" he said softly as he neared her, he opened his palm to reveal a small stone, just like the one he’d offered her in the past and in the future. "An amulet" she gasped as she traced it with her finger.

"Why?" she asked him teary eyes.

He shuddered, risking it all again by trusting her, she hadn’t failed the first time and he believed she would wish for the best again, "It would keep your last wish for lifetimes to come." he replied simply.

He helped her wear it around her ankle before settling back.

They sat together by the fire, the rain creating a gentle melody outside. The warmth of the fire and Theodore’s embrace chased away the chill, leaving them in a cocoon of comfort and safety. As they cuddled, their bond deepened, each moment bringing them closer together.

Freya looked up at Theodore, her eyes filled with gratitude and affection. "You are a good man, Theodore," she said softly. "I am glad you are in my life." albeit temporarily, Freya would like to add but she didn’t want to spoil the atmosphere. So she kept shut.

He smiled down at her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "And I am glad you are in mine, Freya," he replied. "You make everything worth risking it all for."

They sat in silence for a while, simply enjoying each other’s company and the peace of the moment. The rain continued to fall outside, but inside the hut, all was warm and serene.

He loved this feeling but just like in the past life, she always has to go back to her castle.