Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 269: Second Lifetime, Freya. (15)

Chapter 269: Second Lifetime, Freya. (15)

Nights Later.

Seconoria.

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The grand hall was filled with the clamor of courtiers and nobles, their hushed whispers and muted conversations creating a low hum of anticipation. The torches lining the walls cast flickering shadows, lending an air of solemnity to the gathering. At the head of the room, the king sat upon his ornate throne, his face a mask of stern resolve.

Princess Freya stood to his right, her posture straight and regal, though her heart raced with trepidation. She wore a ceremonial dress of deep crimson, the color of blood and power, a stark contrast to the delicate golden crown resting atop her raven hair. Her eyes, sharp and intelligent, scanned the room, noting the curious and expectant gazes of the assembled nobility.

King Magnus rose from his throne, the room falling into a hush as he raised a hand for silence. His voice, powerful and commanding, echoed through the hall. "Today, I stand before you to announce a decision that will shape the future of our kingdom." silence ensued, "The time has come for Princess Freya to prove herself not just as a capable leader, but as the future ruler of this realm."

Theodore’s heart shattered. Is this it? The reason?

A ripple of murmurs swept through the crowd, eyes darting between the king and the princess. Freya’s heart pounded in her chest, each beat resonating with the weight of her father’s words.

"The neighboring kingdom has threatened our borders, and war is imminent," King Magnus continued, his gaze unwavering. "To demonstrate her capability and strength, Princess Freya will lead our armies into battle. If she returns victorious, she will be crowned as the new king of this realm."

Freya’s breath caught in her throat, her mind reeling. The enormity of the task laid upon her shoulders threatened to crush her, but she forced herself to remain composed. She glanced at Theodore, her loyal knight, who stood near the edge of the dais. His face was a mask of barely controlled rage and shock, his fists clenched at his sides.

Theodore’s mind raced with objections, his protective instincts screaming at him to protest. But he knew better than to defy the king publicly. Instead, he locked eyes with Freya, silently conveying his support and determination. They would find a way to face this challenge together.

As the king’s proclamation echoed in the hall, Theodore struggled to keep his emotions in check. He knew that objecting openly would only put Freya in a more difficult position. Instead, he took a deep breath, calming the storm within him. He would speak with her privately, and they would devise a plan.

Freya, though stunned, felt a steely resolve hardening within her. She had been trained for this moment, prepared for the day when she would need to prove her worth to the kingdom. Her trust in Theodore’s unwavering support gave her the strength to face the daunting task ahead. She nodded slightly, acknowledging the weight of her father’s decision.

After the king’s announcement, the courtiers and nobles began to disperse, their voices rising once more in a cacophony of speculation and intrigue. Theodore made his way through the throng, his eyes never leaving Freya. He reached her side and leaned in close, his voice a low murmur.

"Princess, we need to talk. There must be a way to approach this strategically," he said, his tone laced with concern and determination.

Freya turned to him, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of fear and resolve. "I know, Theodore. We will find a way. Together."

They made their way to a secluded alcove, away from prying eyes and ears. Theodore’s hand found hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "We will prepare for this, Freya. You are not alone in this fight. I will be by your side every step of the way."

Freya nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude and confused while Theodore knew he needed a plan in his confusion.

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Seconoria.

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The moonlight filtered through the tall windows of Freya’s chamber, casting long shadows that danced across the stone floor. Freya stood by the window, her gaze lost in the distance, her mind heavy with the king’s decree. She had spent the day in preparation, her thoughts constantly returning to the task ahead, the responsibility she had been given, and the unyielding pressure from her father.

She needed to get rid of somethings, emotions and unneeded attraction.

As though conjured by a part of her thoughts, Theodore entered the room quietly, his heart aching at the sight of her standing alone, a warrior princess burdened with expectations. He closed the door softly behind him, his steps hesitant as he approached her. He had never seen her look so vulnerable, so conflicted.

"Gooseberry," he began, his voice barely more than a whisper, "we need to talk."

Yes they did.

She turned to face him, her expression hardening as she masked her emotions. "What is it, Theodore?"

He took a deep breath, gathering his courage. "Run away with me," he pleaded, his eyes searching hers for a glimmer of agreement. "Leave all this behind." he stepped closer to her, "We can find a life where you do not have to prove anything to anyone. A life where you can be free."

Freya’s heart ached at his words, the sincerity and desperation in his voice pulling at her resolve. But she shook her head, a sad smile playing on her lips. "I can not, Theodore. My place is here." she looked around trying to prove the point to not just Theodore but to her self, "I have to do this. I have to be what my father expects me to be."

No.

Theodore’s hands clenched into fists at his sides, his frustration and fear bubbling to the surface. "But at what cost, Freya?" he almost roared as he pointed at the entrance for emphasis. "He is pushing you into something that could destroy you. He does not see what he is doing to you." he breathed out, his eyes pleading, "Please, let us leave before it is too late."

She stepped closer to him, placing a gentle hand on his arm. "I am not a coward, Theodore. I can not just run away from my responsibilities." he glanced at her palm and back to her familiar face, "My father has shaped me into this warrior queen, and I can’t see myself as anything else. I love him, and I want to please him."

Theodore’s eyes filled with tears, his voice breaking as he spoke. "But what about your happiness, Gooseberry? What about your life? I can not bear the thought of losing you to his ambition." he paused before he spat out, "He is set to destroy you, and he does not even know it."

She shook her head.

Freya’s heart twisted with pain at his words, but she remained firm. "I am not just in love with my father’s approval, Theodore. I am in love with my duty, my destiny." her fingers jabbed at her surrounding "This is who I am. This is what I was born to do." she declared religiously.

He took her hands in his, his grip firm but gentle. "Freya, I love you. I can not stand by and watch you sacrifice yourself for his dreams. You are more than just a warrior. You are more than just his pawn. You are everything to me." she read and heard every word fro his lips.

Everything.

Tears welled up in Freya’s eyes, but she blinked them back, her resolve hardening. "And you are everything to me, Theodore. But I have to do this." she drew in a deep breath, "For my father, for the kingdom, and for myself. I am not afraid. I am ready." her heart was of stone.

Theodore’s heart broke at her determination, his desperation turning to a deep, sorrowful acceptance. He pulled her into a tight embrace, his voice a choked whisper. "Then I will stand by you, no matter what. I will protect you with everything I have."

She sniffed while he pressed her into him, he couldn’t lose her.

They stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the last light of day faded into night. Theodore’s heart was heavy with fear and love, but he knew he would follow her into the depths of battle and beyond, if it meant keeping her safe. Freya’s resolve was unshaken, her heart steeled for the challenges ahead, her love for Theodore giving her the strength to face her destiny.

Freya hugged him back, drawing strength from his unwavering support. "Thank you, Theodore. With you by my side, I know I can face anything."

But Theodore snapped, he couldn’t believe he was agreeing to this catastrophe in the maiking, if they left the kingdom before their relationship is found out he would be able to protect her and they would successfully run away but she was hard to convince and to her he sounded insane when he talked next.

He took a step away from her, "The side you choose is suicide, It is flowing with the ill-fated relationship that the world has carved out for us" he let out.

"Theodore you sound delusional" she warned.

"Your father would kill you... if history repeats itself"

She pushed him away angrily before yelling. "Leave!"

Theodore stood shocked but hopefu, "Get out of my chambers, and I hope not to see you tomorrow"

Theodore left with the pain of detachment but not with regret for having spoken the truth.

He loved his Gooseberry and if she wanted to destroy herself, he would willingly follow instead of watch.