Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 273: Second Lifetime, Freya. (19)

Chapter 273: Second Lifetime, Freya. (19)

Princess bedroom Chambers.

Seconoria.

***********

Freya sat in her chambers, her heart heavy with worry for Theodore. She had to see him, to check on him, but knew she couldn’t go as the princess. Her maid and friend, Hannah, stood by her side, her expression determined.

"We shall need to disguise you," Hannah said, her voice resolute. "You will have to look like a maid."

Freya nodded, grateful for Hannah’s help. "Thank you, Hannah. I do not know what I would do without you."

Hannah smiled warmly. "We will get you there, do not worry."

Hannah rummaged through a chest and pulled out a simple, worn dress, the kind that the castle maids wore. It was a far cry from Freya’s usual attire, but it would serve its purpose. She handed it to Freya, who quickly changed out of her royal gown and into the plain dress. Hannah helped her tuck her long hair under a modest bonnet, and smudged a bit of soot on her cheeks to dull her natural glow.

"There," Hannah said, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "You look just like one of the maids. No one will suspect a thing."

Freya gave her a small, appreciative smile. "Thank you, Hannah. I will be back soon."

The guards had been warded off by Connor.

She made her way through the castle’s winding corridors, her heart pounding with every step. The guards paid her no mind, mistaking her for just another servant. She slipped through the heavy wooden doors that led to the dungeons, her determination driving her forward.

When she finally reached Theodore’s cell, her heart ached at the sight of him. He sat on the cold, stone floor, his head bowed, but he looked up as she approached. The moment his eyes met hers, his face lit up with a mixture of relief and longing.

"Gooseberry," he whispered, his voice hoarse. "I have missed you."

She knelt beside the iron bars, her fingers brushing against his. "I had to see you. I had to know you were okay."

He closed his eyes for a moment, savoring her touch. "I am better now that you are here. I missed your scent." he confessed slightly sniffing the air like a hungry man.

She reached through the bars, cupping his cheek. "We will find a way to get you out of here, Theodore."

He took her hand in both of his, pressing it to his lips. "Freya, we could escape now. Some of my friends are ready to help us. We could leave this place behind, start a new life together."

Freya shook her head, her resolve unwavering. "No, Theodore. I can’t run away. I have to talk to my father. I have to try to make him see reason."

Theodore’s eyes filled with a mix of admiration and frustration. "Your father is a stubborn man, Freya. He will not change his mind so easily."

"I know," she said softly, her thumb brushing over his cheek. "But I have to try. I can not abandon my duty."

He sighed, pulling her hand to his lips once more. He kissed her palm, his lips lingering against her skin. "You are so brave, Freya. Braver than anyone I have ever known."

But this was not the time, he loved her too much to risk it.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them away. "I am scared, Theodore. But I have to do this."

"I will support you, whatever you decide," he said, his voice steady. "Just promise me you will be careful."

She nodded, her heart swelling with love for him. "I promise."

They stayed like that for a moment, savoring their brief time together, before Freya reluctantly pulled away. She knew she had to return before anyone noticed her absence, but leaving Theodore behind was the hardest thing she’d ever done.

"Stay strong," she whispered, her voice trembling.

"I will," he replied, his eyes never leaving hers. "For you."

With a final, lingering look, Freya turned and made her way back through the dark corridors, her heart heavy with the weight of their uncertain future. She would talk to her father, she would do everything in her power to save Theodore, and she would fight for their love, no matter the cost.

She shall convince her father with a good reason.

*

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*

Morning.

Seconoria.

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

Freya awoke with a renewed sense of purpose. She dressed in her finest royal attire, her gown a deep blue that symbolized both her nobility and her resolve. She adorned herself with the family crest, a golden brooch that fastened her cloak around her shoulders. Her hair was meticulously styled, her face set in a determined expression. Today, she would confront her father and negotiate for Theodore’s life.

She believed her father loved her enough to not hurt her.

As she made her way through the castle halls, her footsteps echoed with a mixture of fear and determination. The grand doors to the throne room loomed ahead, guarded by imposing knights. They opened them for her, and she stepped inside, her heart pounding.

King Salvadore sat on his throne, his gaze stern and unyielding. The room was filled with advisors and courtiers, all of whom fell silent as Freya approached. She stood tall, meeting her father’s eyes with unwavering resolve.

"Father," she began, her voice steady, "I have come to speak with you about Theodore."

The king’s expression hardened. "What about him?"

Freya took a deep breath. "I am willing to lead the battle, to go to war for our kingdom, if you let Theodore go and promise not to harm him."

A murmur rippled through the room, but the king silenced it with a raised hand. He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "You think you have a say in this matter, Freya? You think you can negotiate with me?"

"I am your daughter and a future leader of this kingdom," she replied, her voice unwavering. "I have a right to speak and to protect those I care about."

The king’s lips curled into a mocking smile. "You are naive, Freya. You have no idea what it means to lead, to make sacrifices for the greater good."

Freya’s heart sank, but she stood her ground. "I am willing to learn, to prove myself. But I cannot stand by and let Theodore suffer for loving me."

The king’s expression turned cold. "You have no say in this. By noon, Theodore will be executed. He will be stabbed three times and beheaded for his betrayal, his failure, his mockery of the royal blood, and his treason."

Freya felt as if the ground had been pulled from beneath her. She took a step forward, her eyes pleading. "Father, please. He does not deserve this."

King Salvadore’s gaze remained unyielding. "Guards, take her to her chambers. Lock her in and make sure she stays there."

The guards moved forward, their grip firm as they escorted Freya out of the throne room. She struggled against them, tears streaming down her face. "Father, please! Don’t do this!"

But the king did not respond. He simply watched as his daughter was led away, his heart hardened by years of rule and sacrifice.

Freya was taken to her chambers and the doors were locked behind her. She pounded on the door, her sobs echoing through the room. She felt helpless, trapped in a gilded cage while the man she loved faced a cruel fate.

She sank to the floor, her heart breaking. "Theodore," she whispered, "I will find a way to save you. I promise."

How could father be so heartless to me? she mused.