Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 279: The Third Lifetime, Adele (5)

Chapter 279: The Third Lifetime, Adele (5)

Morning.

Castle, Thirheria.

***********

Theodore descended the grand staircase, his footsteps light as he made his way to the garden. The morning sun bathed the palace grounds in a warm glow, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. Theodore’s heart raced with anticipation as he approached the vibrant garden, a sanctuary of colors and fragrances.

He moved with purpose among the flowerbeds, his eyes scanning the array of blossoms. The roses caught his attention first, their velvety petals a deep, passionate red. He carefully selected a few, his fingers brushing gently against the thorns as he clipped the stems. Next, he chose delicate white lilies, their purity a stark contrast to the intensity of the roses. He added sprigs of lavender for their calming scent, knowing they would complement the bouquet perfectly.

As he gathered the flowers, his mind drifted to Adele, her ocean-blue eyes and the way she had looked at him. The memory of their kiss lingered, bittersweet and confusing. ’She doesn’t remember... but maybe these flowers will help her see who I am, not exactly who we were, but what we could be.’ he believed they might help her forgive him for stealing her first kiss.

Just as he was finishing his bouquet, a soft voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Theodore, what are you doing in the garden so early?"

He looked up to see his mother, the queen, approaching. She was a vision of grace, her gown flowing like water, and her smile as gentle as the breeze. Her name, known for its beauty and elegance, suited her perfectly.

"Mother," he greeted, his voice warm as he straightened. "I am just gathering some flowers."

She joined him, her delicate hands reaching out to adjust a stem that had strayed out of place. Her touch was light, and her movements were as refined as everything she did. "They are lovely," she remarked, a knowing twinkle in her eye. "I assume these are not for decoration in the palace?"

Theodore chuckled, a bit sheepish. "No, not for the palace."

His mother tilted her head, studying him with a soft gaze. "You are smiling, Theodore. Whoever these flowers are for must make you very happy."

Theodore’s heart warmed at her words, though he didn’t reveal much. "She does. More than she knows."

The queen smiled, a gentle expression of contentment as she continued to help him arrange the flowers. Though she didn’t pry, her approval was clear in the way she worked beside him, her presence a comforting constant. Once the bouquet was complete, she stepped back, admiring their handiwork.

"There, perfect," she said, smoothing the last petal into place. She leaned in and kissed his cheek, her affection evident. "I am glad to see you so happy, Theodore, your father can be rather strict."

He returned her kiss, his gratitude deep. "Thank you, Mother. I shall see you later."

With the bouquet in hand, Theodore made his way to the stables, his heart lighter and more determined than ever. The flowers felt right in his grasp, each one chosen with care, each one a piece of his intention. He saddled his horse, the bouquet securely tied to the saddlebag, and with a final glance back at the palace, he rode off, his destination clear.

He was going to see Adele.

*

* *

*

Outskirts Woods.

Thirheria.

**********

Theodore arrived at the very spot where he had saved Adele from the troll just a few days ago. The clearing was quiet, almost too quiet, as if the entire forest held its breath, remembering the battle that had taken place. The small woods were tucked away near the edge of his kingdom, Thirheria, a place where the trees grew tall and closely together, their branches bare in the dead of winter. Snow covered the ground in a thick blanket, undisturbed except for the faint tracks of wildlife. The cold was biting, the kind that seeped into his bones despite the layers of clothing he wore.

He stood still, his gaze sweeping the surroundings as memories flooded his mind. The intensity of the fight against the troll, the terror in Adele’s eyes, and the sheer relief he felt when he saw she was unharmed. How could he have let her go so easily after that? The weight of past lives pressed on him, a burden he alone seemed to carry.

Would history repeat itself? Would she come here, to this very spot, as if drawn by some unseen force?

Time seemed to stretch endlessly. The minutes dragged on, each one feeling like an eternity. The flowers he had gathered earlier were clasped in his hands, their vibrant colors stark against the wintery landscape. But as the cold began to gnaw at him, doubt crept in. How foolish, he thought bitterly, his heart sinking. What was I thinking? Why would she come here? She does not even remember me.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, he heard it—a twig snapping underfoot. The sound echoed through the stillness, sharp and unexpected. He froze, his heart leaping in his chest as he turned around, eyes scanning the snow-covered ground. And there she was, standing a few paces away, her figure almost ethereal in the dim winter light.

Adele. She was dressed simply in a maid’s attire, her veil pulled down to cover her dark hair, but her ocean-blue eyes, those eyes he would recognize anywhere, were locked on his, searching for something he couldn’t yet define.

Relief washed over him, and he felt a smile break across his face, a mixture of joy and disbelief. She had come. But before he could say anything, Adele’s voice cut through the silence, direct and tinged with confusion.

"Why did you kiss me?" she asked abruptly, her voice steady despite the turmoil he could see in her eyes. She clutched her veil tightly, her gaze flicking around the clearing as if she were worried someone might be watching.

She hadn’t known what she’d claim to be the reason why she was there suddenly so when he met her gaze so she’d blurted the first word that came to mind.

Theodore’s smile softened, but instead of answering her question directly, he asked one of his own. "Why did you come here?" His voice was gentle, but the question hung between them, heavy with the unspoken past.

Adele rolled her eyes, a flash of frustration crossing her face. She took a hesitant step closer, just as another sound, this time, a distant rustling made her tense up. Her attention briefly shifted, and that’s when she noticed the bouquet in his hand.

Her eyes narrowed in curiosity as she reached out to touch the flowers. Theodore saw her gaze settle on them, and with a tender expression, he extended the bouquet towards her. "Gooseberry," he murmured, the nickname slipping from his lips as if it had always belonged there. "Flowers for you."

Adele’s lips quirked into an unconcealable smile as she accepted the bouquet, her fingers brushing against his. But then she frowned, lifting the flowers closer to her face. "Are these gooseberries?" she asked, her tone puzzled as she examined the bouquet, clearly trying to understand why he would call them that.

Theodore chuckled softly, his heart warming at her innocence. "No, they are not berries," he replied, his voice carrying a note of affection. "But that is what I have and will always call you. Gooseberry."

Have and always?

Adele looked up at him, her confusion giving way to a softer expression. She didn’t press further, and somehow allowed him to take her hand and guide her away from the clearing. Together, they walked toward the bridge spanning the river. The cold air nipped at their faces, but the landscape was beautiful in its starkness. The river flowed beneath them, dark and steady, a ribbon of life in the frozen wilderness.

They stood side by side, the silence between them filled with a quiet understanding. The world around them might have been frozen, but in that moment, there was warmth in the connection they shared, a fragile bond that had somehow survived the passage of time.

She laughed a lot whenever they almost slipped in the snow because of their joined hands and Theodore couldn’t help but smile along, if this was it, he loved it again.

He was going to make this official, fast because this lifetime is theirs and they would live it.

*

* *

*

Baron estate.

Thirheria.

***********

The next morning Theodore arrived at the Baron’s estate early, determined to make the most of the day he would spend courting Adele. The estate was a sprawling, picturesque property, with manicured gardens, tall hedges, and a variety of flowers that filled the air with a sweet fragrance. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the landscape, and Theodore couldn’t help but feel a sense of anticipation as he walked up to the main entrance.

He strode into the Baron’s grand but modestly adorned drawing room, he had escorted her to their house yesterday after they gazed around the kingdom outskirts, he’d been surprised to find Connell already here when he came to drop Adele off, his gaze sharp as it fell on Adele’s father. The man rose, a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes curving his lips.

"Prince Theodore, to what do I owe the pleasure?" the Baron asked, his tone oily.

Theodore didn’t waste time with pleasantries. "I am here to inform you that I am officially courting your daughter, Adele. I intend to take her as my wife."

The Baron’s eyes gleamed with a calculative light. "Ah, such news should be celebrated. Perhaps it would be best if you took her to the castle. She could learn the ways of court, and you could properly court her in a setting befitting your station." he replied immediately.

Theodore’s gaze turned cold. He recognized the Baron’s subtle attempt to exert control over the situation. "I will court her where I choose," he said firmly, his tone brooking no argument. "Send Heather to prepare Adele. We will be going out." he missed her.

The Baron’s smile wavered but didn’t falter. "Of course," he said smoothly, then turned to call for his guard. "Noah!"

The name made Theodore’s heart skip a beat. Noah. The name held weight from his past lives, a figure that often brought with him darkness and betrayal. He’d hoped not to encounter him again in this life.

Theodore clenched his jaw, his mind racing. Was Noah destined to be his adversary once more? He had no brother this time, no obvious rival for the throne, but the presence of this guard named Noah stirred an uneasy feeling in him. He sat straighter, his mind sharpening with resolve.

Just then, Adele appeared, dressed in a simple yet elegant gown, her hair neatly arranged by Heather. Her eyes flickered with curiosity and something like nervousness as she noticed the tension in the room. Theodore noticed her immediately and he stood, offering her a reassuring smile. "Shall we?"

Adele nodded, glancing briefly at her father, who merely nodded in return. As they left, Theodore’s mind was already working on how to protect her from the shadows that seemed to loom larger with every passing moment.

They spent that morning gazing at each other and right before they’d start talking, Connell rushed inside informing Theodore that his presence was expected at the castle. Apologetically he left not before promising to be back soon.

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