Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 282: The Third Lifetime, Adele, (8)

Chapter 282: The Third Lifetime, Adele, (8)

Morning.

Castle grounds.

Thirheria.

**********

The crisp morning air was filled with the sharp clang of metal on metal as swords clashed in the castle training grounds. The weather was cold, with a biting wind that sent shivers through anyone who dared to step outside without proper clothing. Yet, in the center of the training grounds, three figures moved with precision and strength, seemingly unfazed by the chill.

Theodore, with his golden locks tied back and his regal bearing, was engaged in an intense sparring match with his closest friends: Holden and Connell. Holden, the Duke in this lifetime who was also Theodore’s friend with ebony hair and striking black-lined eyes, he was shirtless despite the cold, his body glistening with sweat. His movements were fluid and powerful, each strike calculated and precise. There was an energy about him, a raw intensity that belied the deep sadness in his eyes, a sadness that Theodore had noticed but never fully understood.

Connell, Theodore’s loyal knight, was the polar opposite in demeanor. He wielded his sword with a practiced ease, but his mouth never stopped moving, cracking jokes in between strikes and parries. His laughter echoed through the training grounds, bringing a sense of warmth to the otherwise chilly morning.

"Come on, Theodore! Is that all you have got?" Connell teased, ducking under a swing from Holden and giving Theodore a playful shove. "I thought you were the prince! Show us what royal training looks like!" he taunted.

Theodore smirked, rolling his eyes at Connell’s antics. "I would show you, Connell, but I do not desire to embarrass you in front of Holden," he shot back, countering with a quick, precise strike that Holden deftly blocked.

Holden remained focused, his eyes narrowed as he engaged in the sparring. He was a force to be reckoned with, his strikes powerful yet controlled, his footwork impeccable. Despite the lighthearted banter between Theodore and Connell, there was a seriousness to Holden’s movements, a determination that drove him to push himself harder with each swing of his sword.

Connell, never one to miss an opportunity for humor, dodged another strike and grinned. "Holden, you are going to wear yourself out if you keep going like that. Maybe we should give you a break, let Theodore and I handle the rest!"

Holden allowed a rare, brief smile to cross his lips. "I think I will manage, Connell," he replied, his voice calm and steady, though the sadness in his eyes never fully left.

Theodore couldn’t help but glance at Holden during their training. He admired his friend’s unwavering loyalty and skill, but the sadness that lingered in Holden’s gaze always concerned him. Through lifetimes, Holden had remained the same—loyal, strong, but perpetually burdened by something Theodore had never been able to pinpoint. It was as if Holden carried the weight of countless sorrows on his shoulders, yet he never spoke of them, never let them interfere with his duties or his friendship.

Has he met Adele? he wondered.

After what felt like hours of intense sparring, the three men finally slowed their pace, breathing heavily as they lowered their swords. The cold air felt refreshing against their heated skin, and they exchanged satisfied nods, acknowledging the good training session they’d just had.

"That was some workout," Connell said, wiping the sweat from his brow and grinning at Theodore. "I am starving. But first, I think we could all use a bath."

Theodore nodded in agreement, glancing over at Holden, who was still catching his breath. "Agreed. A hot bath sounds perfect right now."

Holden, still silent but clearly in agreement, sheathed his sword and followed his friends as they made their way back toward the castle. As they walked, Connell continued to crack jokes, his laughter infectious and lightening the mood. Even Theodore found himself chuckling at Connell’s antics, feeling a sense of camaraderie that warmed him from the inside.

They reached the castle baths, a grand room with large stone tubs filled with steaming hot water. The steam rose in the air, filling the room with warmth and the scent of lavender. Theodore, Holden, and Connell wasted no time in shedding their training clothes and sinking into the inviting water.

The mood in the baths was loud and cheerful, with Connell continuing to entertain them with exaggerated stories of past battles and misadventures. Holden, though quieter, seemed more at ease in the company of his friends, a faint smile playing on his lips as he listened to Connell’s tales. Theodore, feeling the tension in his muscles melt away in the hot water, leaned back and allowed himself to relax, grateful for the moment of peace and the companionship of his friends.

As they laughed and talked, Theodore couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Holden’s sadness than he knew. But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, content to enjoy the moment with the people he trusted most in the world. They had been through so much together, and in this lifetime, they were bound to face even more challenges. But as long as they had each other, Theodore felt they could overcome anything.

After their bath, the three friends emerged from the water, their spirits lifted and their bodies refreshed. They dressed in their fresh clothes, still exchanging jokes and stories, before heading to the dining hall for a much-needed meal. The camaraderie they shared was palpable, a bond forged through lifetimes of loyalty, trust, and friendship—a bond that Theodore knew would endure, no matter what the future held.

*

* *

*

Marketplace.

Thirheria.

***********

Today, Theodore and Adele walked hand in hand through the bustling streets of their kingdom, their presence drawing curious glances and whispers from those they passed. The afternoon sun bathed the kingdom in a golden light, casting long shadows that danced along the cobblestone roads. The scent of fresh bread, roasted meats, and blooming flowers filled the air, mingling with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares and children playing nearby.

As they strolled, Theodore’s mind was a whirl of thoughts and emotions. He couldn’t shake the lingering anxiety that gnawed at him, wondering when—or if—the sorcerer would hand him the Wishkeeper amulet in this lifetime. The weight of this uncertainty hung heavy on his shoulders. This might be their last life, their last chance together, and the fear of losing her again was nearly unbearable. He squeezed Adele’s hand a little tighter, as if reassuring himself that she was truly there beside him.

They came upon a flower stall, vibrant blooms of every color arranged in neat bouquets. Theodore paused, admiring the delicate petals, and selected a small bunch of wildflowers. The vendor wrapped them in a simple cloth, and Theodore handed them to Adele with a soft smile. She accepted them with a grateful nod, her eyes sparkling with delight.

"You are love," he whispered, making her face fight the blistering cold as it became red and hot.

Further down the street, they stopped at a shoemaker’s shop, where Theodore insisted on buying Adele a new pair of shoes. The shoemaker, a portly man with a kind face, presented several options, and after some consideration, Adele chose a pair of soft leather shoes, perfect for walking through the kingdom’s winding paths. Theodore paid for them without hesitation, the shoemaker bowing deeply as they left.

As they continued walking, Theodore’s thoughts drifted back to the Wishkeeper amulet. The sorcerer had always been an elusive figure, appearing when least expected and often when most needed. Theodore couldn’t help but worry—what if the sorcerer didn’t come in time?

What if this was truly their last life together, and he had no way to protect her from the fate that had befallen them in their previous lives? He wanted this life, this love, to last forever. But the fear of time running out was ever-present.

They passed by a small fruit stand where the vendor was selling ripe gooseberries. Theodore bought a handful and offered them to Adele with a playful grin. "Taste it" he whispered, She tasted one, her nose crinkling slightly as the tartness hit her tongue.

"They are not my favorite," she admitted, smiling despite herself. "I prefer honey."

He knew she would always choose honey.

He hadn’t been able to give her neither honey nor rum in her first lifetime, the second one she didn’t have rum and this one? he promised himself she’d have everything and more.

Theodore laughed, a rich, warm sound that made her heart skip a beat. She watched him as he laughed, noticing the way his eyes crinkled at the corners and the way his golden hair caught the light. It was a sound she could listen to forever, one that made her feel safe and cherished.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the sky in hues of pink and orange, the temperature began to drop. Theodore decided it was time to take Adele home. They climbed into the royal carriage, the doors closing with a soft thud, enclosing them in a cocoon of warmth and privacy.

Theodore leaned in closer, his breath warm against her ear as he whispered, "Close your windows tonight. The cold will seep in if you leave them open."

Adele looked at him, a question in her eyes. How did he know? How could he possibly know something so intimate, so personal? But before she could voice her curiosity, Theodore silenced her with a searing kiss, his lips capturing hers with a mixture of urgency and tenderness. The softness of the kiss melted away the chill in the air, replacing it with a fire that burned deep within her.

Adele’s thoughts scattered, lost in the sensation of Theodore’s kiss, the way his hand cradled her cheek, the way his other arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. The world outside the carriage faded into oblivion, leaving only the two of them, locked in a moment that felt both infinite and fleeting.

She tasted like gooseberry and honey, and she smelled like something delectable and completely his.

As the carriage rolled to a stop in front of her home, Theodore reluctantly pulled away, his gaze lingering on her flushed face. "I will see you soon," he promised, his voice low and filled with meaning.

Adele nodded, her thoughts still spinning from the kiss, from the way he made her feel like the center of the universe. She stepped out of the carriage, her legs slightly unsteady, and was greeted by Heather, who had come to escort her inside.

Heather noticed the blush on Adele’s cheeks, the way her lips were slightly swollen, and the dazed look in her eyes. She couldn’t help but smile knowingly. "You look like you have had quite an evening," Heather teased gently as they walked toward the house.

Adele barely heard her, still lost in the memory of Theodore’s kiss, the way his words had wrapped around her like a warm blanket. She clutched the wildflowers he had given her a little tighter, her heart fluttering with the knowledge that this was only the beginning.

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