Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 278: The Third Lifetime, Adele (4)

Chapter 278: The Third Lifetime, Adele (4)

Crown Prince Chambers.

Castle.

Thirheria.

***********

Theodore stood before the large, ornate mirror in his chambers, the early morning light filtering through the heavy drapes and casting a soft glow on the room. He had spent the night in restless contemplation, his mind filled with the events of the previous day. There was no time to waste; he had made up his mind, and today he would set his plans in motion.

As the maids entered quietly, he straightened his posture, readying himself for the day ahead. They worked with practiced efficiency, their hands moving swiftly to help him dress. First, they draped the finely woven tunic over his broad shoulders, the deep royal blue fabric adorned with intricate silver embroidery. The tunic hugged his form, accentuating his athletic build, and the silver thread caught the light, shimmering subtly with every movement.

Next came the leather belt, cinching the tunic at his waist, followed by the long, flowing cloak of the same rich blue, lined with soft fur that brushed against his neck. The maids secured it with a silver brooch bearing the emblem of Thirheria. His pants were of the finest wool, fitting snugly into the tall, polished leather boots that reached up to his knees. The final touch was the circlet of silver that rested on his golden locks, a symbol of his royal status, yet simple enough to not overshadow his father’s crown.

Theodore took a deep breath as the maids stepped back, admiring their work. He looked every bit the prince he was—regal, composed, and commanding. Yet beneath the calm exterior, his heart raced with determination. He thanked the maids with a nod, and they curtsied before silently leaving the room.

He moved with purpose down the grand staircase, his boots tapping rhythmically against the marble steps. The palace was already bustling with the morning’s activities, but everyone he passed made way for him, bowing their heads in respect. The towering columns and gilded walls of the palace were familiar to him, yet today they felt more imposing, a reminder of the duty he bore as a prince of Thirheria.

When Theodore entered the throne hall, the vast space was filled with the morning light pouring in through the stained glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the polished floor. At the far end of the hall, seated upon the grand throne, was his father, King Aldric. The king was a formidable figure, his silver hair gleaming in the light, his crown resting heavily upon his brow. His eyes, the same piercing blue as Theodore’s, regarded his son with a mix of pride and curiosity.

"Father," Theodore began, his voice steady as he approached the throne and bowed respectfully.

"Theodore," King Aldric responded, his tone warm but laced with the authority that came with ruling a kingdom. "What brings you here so early, my son?"

Theodore straightened, meeting his father’s gaze with unwavering resolve. "I’ve come to discuss my marriage, Father. I wish to marry immediately."

The king’s brows furrowed in surprise. "Marriage? This is sudden, Theodore. I thought we agreed to wait, to see if the Troll King might offer a truce by marrying his princess. It could end the conflict between our realms." Aldric pointed out seriously.

Theodore’s jaw tightened, his resolve hardening even further. "I swore I would never marry anyone but Adele, the Baron’s daughter of Thirheria. She is the one, Father. I have found her again, and I will not lose her."

The night Theodore had awoken with the memories of his past life he had ran into the night to his father and told him everything he dreamt about, the past life, his love for a certain girl who loved him just as much as he loved her because she choosed to meet him and be found time and again.

King Aldric’s expression softened, a hint of concern creeping into his eyes. "Theodore, you must consider the consequences. The trolls are relentless, and a truce could save countless lives. Are you certain this is what you want?"

"More certain than I have ever been," Theodore replied, his voice firm. "Adele is my destiny. I will not allow history to repeat itself. I cannot wait, Father, not when her life is at stake. I must get her out of her father’s clutches before it is too late."

The king sighed, leaning back on his throne, the weight of his responsibilities evident in his expression. "Very well, Theodore. I will think about it. But in the meantime, I need you to focus on strengthening our defenses against the attacks. The Troll King will not sit idly by."

Theodore nodded, his mind already racing with plans. "I will, Father. But know this—I will not rest until Adele is safe and by my side."

With that, he bowed once more and turned to leave the hall, his head held high. His mind was set, and there was no turning back. He would do whatever it took to protect Adele, to ensure that she did not fall victim to her father’s machinations or the dangers that loomed over their kingdom. As he strode out of the throne hall, his heart burned with a fierce determination. Time was of the essence, and he would not allow anyone—or anything—to stand in his way.

*

* *

*

Baron’s estate.

Thirheria.

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

Adele sat on the edge of her bed, the afternoon light spilling through the tall windows of her room, casting a warm glow over the elegant space. Her fingers absently traced the delicate cover of the romance novel in her lap, though her thoughts were far from the story within its pages.

Beside her, Heather, her maid and closest friend, leaned back against the plush pillows, her eyes skimming over the words of the book. Despite the comfortable atmosphere, there was a tension in the air, a nervous energy that seemed to radiate from Adele.

Heather turned a page, then paused, glancing sideways at Adele. She had noticed the soft flush on Adele’s cheeks, a rare sight that had only grown more pronounced as they continued reading. Something was definitely different today, she narrowed her eyes.

"Adele," Heather began, her tone light but curious, "what is happening with you?"

Adele’s head snapped up, her blush deepening as she looked at Heather with wide eyes. "What do you mean?" she asked, trying to sound nonchalant, but the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her.

Heather raised an eyebrow, closing the book and setting it aside. "I have read that book, and there’s nothing in it to make you blush like that. Whatever are you thinking about?"

Adele hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress. "Nothing," she replied quickly, her gaze flicking away from Heather’s probing eyes. But the truth was, her mind had been anything but calm. Flashes of the previous day kept invading her thoughts—his eyes, the warmth of his hand, the way his lips had claimed hers so suddenly.

Heather’s lips curved into a teasing smile as she noticed Adele’s telltale signs. "Nothing, huh? Just out of curiosity... did you meet a boy? Savarton?"

Adele rolled her eyes at the mention of that castle guard that took his time to stress her life whenever he could.

Heather nodded now understanding that it wasn’t him Adele was thinking about but it had to be a boy, and that was when she recalled the gossip she heard yesterday but had completely forgotten to ask, "Have you ever seen the prince?" she asked cheekily, her eyes studying her lady.

Adele’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Theodore, and she quickly tried to school her features into a neutral expression. But it was too late—Heather had already caught the fleeting look in her eyes.

"Oh, so it is the prince, is it?" Heather teased, her tone playful but her eyes sharp with interest. "What is it, Adele? Don’t tell me you have been dreaming about him."

Adele’s face heated up even more, and she tried to protest, but the words wouldn’t come. Instead, she found herself mumbling, "I am not... I mean, it is not like that. Alright, alright, he brought me home yesterday"

Heather screeched suddenly shocking Adele to her core, her eyes widen as she quickly put her palm over her lips, "You are going to be a queen"

Adele appeard scandalized at that as she glared at her friend, "But you do not look so happy about it," Heather pointed out through thinned lips.

A sigh escapes Adele’s lips as she touched her hair, "It is just... have you heard the rumors about him?"

Heather leaned in closer, her interest piqued. "What rumors?"

Adele bit her lip, then sighed, resigning herself to the fact that she couldn’t hide her thoughts from Heather. "They say the Troll King is offering his daughter, the princess, to Prince Theodore as a truce. To stop the war."

Heather’s teasing smile faltered, replaced by a more serious expression. "I have heard that too. But... Do you believe it?"

Adele looked down at the book in her lap, her fingers tracing the gilded edges once more. "I do not know, I did not even know the prince before yesterday," she whispered. "But if it is true... then what happened yesterday does not matter. He is the prince. He can do whatever he wants, and I am just... I am just my father’s daughter."

Heather watched her friend closely, the sadness in Adele’s voice tugging at her heart. She could see that the thought of the prince marrying someone else—especially for political reasons—was weighing heavily on Adele’s mind. But there was something more, something Adele wasn’t saying.

"Adele," Heather said gently, reaching out to place a comforting hand on her friend’s arm. "What happened yesterday? Did something happen between you and the prince?"

Adele’s breath hitched, and she looked up at Heather, her eyes conflicted. "He... he kissed me," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But it was... it was nothing. He did not mean it. He probably just..."

Heather’s eyes widened in surprise, she couldn’t screech anymore this one shocked her to her core but then a knowing smile slowly spread across her face. "He kissed you? The prince? And you are telling me it meant nothing?" she teased, though her tone was kind.

Adele’s face burned, and she shook her head vigorously. "It does not matter," she insisted. "He is a prince, Heather. He can kiss whoever he wants, and it does not mean anything. I am sure he is forgotten all about it by now."

Heather chuckled softly, her smile turning mischievous. "Oh, Adele, you are too modest for your own good. But I do not think it is that simple. A kiss is never just a kiss, especially not with someone like Prince Theodore."

Adele frowned, her thoughts spinning. "I am confused, Heather. I just... I can not bring mysef to stop thinking about it. But I know it does not mean anything. It cannot."

Heather squeezed Adele’s arm gently before letting go. "Well, whatever happens, just remember that you are more than just your father’s daughter. You are you, Adele. And if the prince can not see that, then that is his loss."

He did not say that though, Adele mused.

Adele managed a small smile, though her heart still felt heavy. "Thanks, Heather."

Heather gave her a wink before standing up. "I shall leave you to your thoughts. But do not stay up too late thinking about that kiss, alright?"

Adele watched as Heather left the room, closing the door softly behind her. She lay back on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, her mind replaying the moment over and over again. Why had he kissed her? And why did he look at her like he knew her from somewhere?

As the afternoon light began to fade, Adele sighed, knowing that sleep would not come easily that night. The prince’s kiss had stirred something deep within her, something she couldn’t quite understand. But one thing was certain—her life would never be the same again.

The golden prince has captured her heart’s attention.

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