Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 281: The Third Lifetime, Adele. (7)

Chapter 281: The Third Lifetime, Adele. (7)

Another morning.

Thirheria.

**********

Theodore had told her he’d be coming to see her again and this morning Adele found himself standing in front of the mirror, her heart fluttering with anticipation. Heather, her maid and confidante, helped her into a dress of soft lavender silk, the bodice adorned with delicate lace and tiny pearls that caught the light with every movement. The skirt flowed gracefully to the floor, the fabric swishing softly as she turned. Heather carefully braided a section of Adele’s raven-black hair, leaving the rest to fall in gentle waves down her back.

It’s been a few days since Theodore came to announce that she’d be courted by him and as they sat talking that day he’d promised to come again and take her out.

"You look stunning, my lady," Heather said with a smile as she applied a touch of rouge to Adele’s cheeks, enhancing her blush this winter.

Adele couldn’t help but smile back, though nerves were fluttering in her stomach. "Do you think he will like it?" she asked, biting her lip, she found herself craving his desire.

He was waiting outside.

Heather laughed softly. "He is the one who should be worried about impressing you. But yes, I am sure he will be enchanted."

With a final glance in the mirror, Adele took a deep breath and made her way to the drawing room where Theodore awaited. As she approached, her heart seemed to pound louder with every step.

When she entered, she was greeted by the sight of Theodore standing tall and commanding in his royal attire. His regal bearing was undeniable, his broad shoulders draped in a dark velvet doublet with intricate gold embroidery that matched the richness of his golden hair, styled neatly away from his face. A deep blue cloak, fastened at the shoulder with a silver clasp, hung down his back, adding to the air of authority that surrounded him.

His electro blue eyes, sharp yet warm, softened when they landed on her. "Adele," he greeted, his voice low and filled with admiration. He was still trying to get used to her new name, he was extremely grateful she always came back looking exactly like his Gooseberry. She looked at him the same and he’d never choose anyone else.

He stepped forward, taking her hand gently in his. When his lips brushed the back of her hand, he noticed the coolness of her skin and looked up to meet her gaze.

"Your hand is cold," he remarked softly, his thumb brushing over her knuckles in a comforting gesture. "Are you nervous?"

Adele blushed deeper, but she met his gaze with a shy smile. "A little," she admitted. "But I am happy to see you, I─ I mean..." she trailed off embarrassed at her emotional expression.

His lips curved into a tender smile. "I am glad. You look breathtaking."

Adele’s heart skipped at the sincerity in his voice. He offered his arm, and she slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, feeling the warmth of his presence seep into her. As they stepped outside, Heather, who had followed them to the door, waved subtly. Connell, Theodore’s friend and knight, caught the wave and grinned, though it could have easily been mistaken as a wave meant for Adele.

Connell, standing by the entrance, was dressed in his knightly garb, his brown eyes twinkling with amusement as he nodded in acknowledgment. His dirty blond hair was slightly tousled, adding to his easy going demeanor.

Theodore and Adele walked side by side, their steps in sync, a quiet understanding passing between them. Despite the growing tension within him over the presence of Noah and the dangers looming ahead, Theodore felt a rare moment of peace in Adele’s company. She, too, felt the comfort of his presence, though her thoughts were still clouded with the confusing emotions stirred by his earlier kiss.

As they made their way through the courtyard, Theodore squeezed her hand gently. "There is something I want to show you," he said, his tone filled with a quiet promise, leading her toward the stables where his horse awaited.

Adele’s heart raced with anticipation, her nerves slowly melting away as she focused on the warmth of his hand and the gentle way he guided her. Despite everything, in this moment, it felt as if the world outside had faded away, leaving just the two of them to explore the possibilities that lay ahead.

*

The carriage rattled to a gentle stop in front of a quaint, well-known tailor’s shop nestled in the heart of the city. Theodore, ever observant, noticed how Adele’s gaze had wandered to her hands during their ride, the memory of her cold touch still fresh in his mind.

"We will make a brief stop here," Theodore said, his voice filled with quiet determination. He alighted from the carriage and turned to offer his hand to Adele, who took it hesitantly, her delicate fingers trembling slightly as she stepped down.

The shop’s wooden door creaked open as they entered, revealing a warm, cozy interior lined with shelves of fine fabrics, threads, and elegant garments. The seamstress, a woman with graying hair tied in a neat bun and a keen eye for detail, immediately recognized the prince. She curtsied deeply, her eyes alight with respect and curiosity.

"Your Highness," she greeted, her voice steady but with an undertone of excitement. "How may I assist you today?"

Theodore nodded politely, his demeanor both regal and approachable. "I require a pair of hand gloves for Miss Adele," he said, glancing at Adele with a soft smile before continuing. "Something special—soft, warm, and of exquisite quality." he sounded so elated as he listed all that, that Adele blushed profusely.

The seamstress’s eyes gleamed with delight at the request. "Ah, I believe I have just the thing." She hurried to the back of the shop, returning with a pair of gloves that looked as if they were made from the finest materials available. They were a lovely shade of deep teal, almost like the ocean at twilight, with intricate stitching that added a subtle elegance to their appearance.

"These are made from the rarest wool," the seamstress explained as she carefully unwrapped the gloves from a soft cloth. "They are as warm as they are delicate, and I believe they would suit Lady Adele perfectly."

Adele’s eyes widened in surprise and admiration as she saw the gloves. She reached out to touch them, the softness of the material surprising her. "They are absolutely beautiful," she whispered, almost in awe.

Theodore smiled, pleased with her reaction. "We will take these," he said to the seamstress, who beamed with pride. "And I would like you to prepare several more pairs in this style. We will return to collect them when they are ready."

The seamstress curtsied again, nearly bursting with excitement at the thought of the prince’s continued patronage. "Of course, Your Highness. It will be my pleasure."

Theodore turned back to Adele.He raised her hand, turned the inside and kissed the inside of her wrist, then took one of the gloves and carefully slipped it onto her hand. His touch was gentle, almost reverent, as he adjusted the glove, ensuring it fit perfectly. As he finished, he looked up and caught Adele’s gaze. A soft blush crept up her cheeks, her smile shy but filled with warmth.

"They fit beautifully," Theodore murmured, admiring how the color complemented her complexion.

"Thank you," Adele replied, her voice soft, her heart fluttering at the attention he was giving her. She felt a sense of security and care that was almost overwhelming, and in a moment of spontaneity, she looped her arm through his, her hand resting lightly on his forearm.

Theodore’s smile deepened at her gesture, and together, they turned to leave the shop. As they stepped outside, the seamstress watched them go, her heart light with the joy of her unexpected royal encounter. She was already imagining the tales she would share with her friends and at the next town gathering—how the prince himself had chosen gloves for a lady with such care and affection.

Adele felt a surge of contentment as they walked arm in arm, the warmth of the gloves seeping into her hands and the warmth of Theodore’s presence seeping into her heart. It was a simple moment, but one that carried with it the promise of something deeper, something that neither of them fully understood yet, but both were eager to explore.

Theodore looked at their joined hands and hoped this was it.

This should be the lasting love that they’d been dying for.

*

* *

*

Bedroom.

Thirheria.

**********

Adele lay on her bed, draped in a white nightdress that flowed softly around her form. The fabric was delicate and cool against her skin, a stark contrast to the warmth of the blankets she had pushed aside. Her midnight hair cascaded over the pillow, catching the faint glow of moonlight that filtered through the open window. She had pushed the curtains back, wanting to feel connected to the world outside, to the vast sky that stretched endlessly above her.

Her gaze was fixed on the stars, their distant light flickering against the dark canvas of the night. Normally, the sight brought her a sense of peace, but tonight, it left her feeling strangely empty. The silence of the night seemed to echo within her, amplifying a void she couldn’t quite understand. She searched the sky as if it might hold the answer, her mind drifting through thoughts and memories that only deepened the feeling of something missing.

What was it?

What was this emptiness that gnawed at her, even after spending such a beautiful day with Theodore? She sighed softly, her breath catching in the still air as she tried to pinpoint the source of her unease. Everything seemed perfect—Theodore had been kind and attentive, their time together had been sweet, yet there was a hollowness within her that she couldn’t shake.

Meanwhile, across the castle, Theodore stood by the window of his chambers, the cool night air brushing against his face as he gazed up at the same sky. Unlike Adele, he didn’t feel lost or uncertain. He knew exactly what was missing. He had known for years, ever since he was fourteen and his heart had first been stirred by something he couldn’t name after he woke up from the nightmare revelation of his past lives.

The knowledge of their past lives. He knew what he needed.

But for so long, that knowledge had been a burden—something just out of reach, something he couldn’t find or hold onto, no matter how much he yearned for it. It had been a shadow that followed him through the years, a whisper in the back of his mind that there was someone, something, out there meant for him that might not exist even.

Now, standing there in the quiet of the night, he no longer felt that emptiness. He had found her, the one his heart had longed for, the one who completed the puzzle of his life. It was Adele, the woman who had captured his heart across lifetimes. She was the missing piece he had searched for, and now that he had found her, he knew he would do everything in his power to keep her.

A small smile played on his lips as he thought of her. Tomorrow, he would seek her out, and he would make sure she knew just how much she meant to him. With that comforting thought, Theodore turned away from the window, the cool night air lingering on his skin as he made his way to bed. His heart was light, his mind at ease, knowing that for the first time in years, he had what he had always been searching for.

As he settled into bed, a sense of contentment washed over him. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but he was ready for them. He had Adele, and that was all he needed.

Back in her room, Adele sighed deeply, still gazing at the stars. The emptiness was still there, but as her eyes grew heavy with sleep, it seemed to fade just a little. Perhaps it was because, even though she didn’t know it yet, the one who could fill that void was closer than she realized.

With a final sigh, she allowed her eyes to close, letting sleep take her into its comforting embrace. The stars continued to shine outside her window, a silent promise that tomorrow would bring new possibilities, new hopes, and perhaps, the answers she sought.

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