Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 285: The Third Lifetime, Adele. (11)

Chapter 285: The Third Lifetime, Adele. (11)

With a subtle nod, Holden signaled the guards to step aside, allowing the carriage to pass through. As it came to a halt, he approached with a graceful ease, his presence commanding respect. He opened the carriage door and extended a hand to help Adele down.

Adele took his hand, noticing how gentle yet firm his grip was. As her feet touched the ground, she couldn’t help but smile, a gesture that felt surprisingly natural despite the tumult of emotions within her.

"You have a lovely smile," Holden remarked, his voice soft yet laced with something deeper. "It reminds me of Sharon’s."

Adele’s smile faltered slightly at his words. "Sharon?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

Holden’s expression softened, the sadness in his eyes becoming more apparent. "She was... my late lover," he explained, a wistful note in his tone.

Adele’s heart ached for him, sensing the pain that lingered beneath his composed exterior. "I am so sorry, Holden," she said sincerely, her voice gentle.

Holden gave her a small, appreciative nod. "Thank you," he replied quietly. There was a moment of silence, heavy with unspoken memories, before he gestured towards the path leading to the gardens. "Come, I will take you to wait for Theodore."

As they walked together, Adele couldn’t help but steal glances at Holden, wondering about the depth of his sorrow and the story behind it. He guided her with the same care and respect he had shown from the moment he arrived, but she could sense that there was much more to this man than met the eye.

She would see him in balls and parties before but they never talked.

The garden came into view, a serene haven with neatly arranged flower beds, elegant stone paths, and the soft hum of nature all around. Holden led her to a secluded bench, its position offering a view of the garden in full bloom.

"You can wait here. Theodore will be with you shortly," Holden said, his voice holding a hint of warmth as he offered her a reassuring smile.

Adele nodded, her heart beating a little faster at the thought of seeing Theodore again. "Thank you, Holden," she said, her gratitude genuine.

Holden gave her one last look, his sad eyes meeting hers before he turned to leave. As she watched him walk away, Adele couldn’t help but wonder about the life he had led, the losses he had endured, and the loyalty that had bound him to Theodore across lifetimes.

With a soft sigh, she settled onto the bench, her thoughts already drifting towards Theodore. The garden was beautiful, a tranquil space that seemed worlds away from the pettiness of the tea party. And as she waited, the anticipation of seeing him again brought a soft smile back to her lips.

*

Theodore was in the middle of reading a report when a maid softly knocked on his chamber door. She hesitated for a moment, then informed him, "My lord, Lady Adele is here at the castle, requesting to see you."

Theodore’s heart leaped at the news. Adele was here? Without wasting a moment, he threw on his coat and rushed toward the door. As he made his way out, Connell, his ever-observant friend, couldn’t resist teasing him.

"Running off to see your lady again, are you?" Connell grinned, leaning casually against the doorframe.

Theodore jabbed at him playfully, "And what of you? I have seen how you look at Hannah─" He paused, realizing his mistake. "I mean, Heather. How you look at Heather."

Connell raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "It’s Heather, Theodore. Skipping through lifetimes doesn’t mean you can mix up names."

Theodore sighed, nodding in agreement. He was skipping through lifetimes, and sometimes the names blurred in his mind. Hannah had been her name in their past life, and the familiarity of it slipped out without him even realizing it. But today wasn’t about correcting past mistakes—it was about seeing Adele. He smiled inwardly, brushing off the thought, and continued his brisk pace down the hall.

He had told Connell everything he remembered the night he woke as they’d been in thesame room when Theodore started to shiver.

It had been unbelievable but Connell watched Theodore wait for his gooseberry and abstain from association with the other gender completely but gooseberry was here now.

*

* *

*

Garden.

Thirheria.

***********

Theodore reached the garden where Adele was waiting, he spotted her standing by a rose bush, looking breathtakingly beautiful. The sight of her stirred something deep within him—a warmth that transcended mere attraction. It was affection, respect, and a love that had endured across time.

Adele turned as he approached, her eyes lighting up momentarily before she composed herself. Theodore could sense something was wrong, despite her attempts to mask it.

"My lady," he greeted her, gently taking her hand and kissing the inside of her wrist. Her skin was cool to the touch, a contrast to the warmth he felt for her.

She offered a small smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "Thank you for seeing me so quickly, Your Highness."

Theodore frowned slightly, noticing the way her voice lacked its usual spark. "Of course, Adele. But tell me, what troubles you? Is it your father?"

Theodore somewhere hoped it was the man because he never has high hopes for the man.

Adele shook her head, though her eyes betrayed her. "No, it is nothing. I just... wanted to see you."

Theodore wasn’t convinced, but he chose not to press her. Instead, he offered a reassuring smile and gestured toward a bench nearby. "Come, sit with me for a while."

As they settled on the bench, Theodore’s cat, a sleek white feline with curious green eyes, bounded over and jumped onto Adele’s feet. Adele’s face softened as she reached down to stroke the cat, a genuine smile breaking through her sadness.

"She likes you," Theodore observed, watching the cat purr contentedly under Adele’s touch.

Adele’s smile lingered as she looked up at him. "I think I like her too."

Theodore took a moment to simply admire her, the way she interacted with the world around her—so gentle, so kind. But beneath it all, he could see the weight she carried, the sorrow that lingered just beneath the surface.

"Adele," he began softly, "I know you said nothing is wrong, but if there is anything I can do... anything at all..."

She shook her head again, more firmly this time. "I am fine, really. It is just... everything has been a little overwhelming lately."

Theodore nodded, understanding that she wasn’t ready to share more. But he was patient. He had waited lifetimes for her, and he could wait a little longer. For now, he was content to simply be by her side, to make her feel safe and cherished.

He looked out at the garden, the winter chill settling in the air, and then back at Adele. "It is cold out here. Perhaps we should go inside. I would hate for you to catch a chill."

Adele glanced around the garden, as if only now noticing the cold. She nodded, standing up and smoothing down her dress. "Yes, perhaps we should."

Theodore stood as well, offering his arm to her. She took it without hesitation, and as they began walking back toward the castle, he felt a quiet determination settle over him. He would find a way to protect her, to keep her safe from whatever shadows loomed over her. They had been through too much, and he wouldn’t let anything tear them apart this time.

As they walked, Theodore couldn’t help but think of the many lifetimes they had shared, the love that had endured despite the challenges. He vowed silently to himself that this time, things would be different. This time, he would keep her safe, no matter the cost.

Theodore led Adele through the winding corridors of the palace, his hand warm and steady in hers. Each turn seemed to take them deeper into the heart of the castle, away from the bustling halls and into a quieter, more serene part of the royal residence. Adele’s curiosity grew with every step, her mind buzzing with questions, but Theodore had insisted on keeping the surprise a secret.

’Where could we possibly be going?’ she wondered, her eyes flickering to Theodore’s face. His expression was calm, a slight smile playing at his lips, but his eyes held a twinkle of excitement that he couldn’t quite hide. It made her heart flutter, knowing he was eager to show her something special.

At last, they stopped before a tall, ornate door, its dark wood carved with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer in the dim light of the corridor. Theodore reached for the heavy iron handle, turning to give her a mischievous grin. "Close your eyes," he whispered, his voice low and conspiratorial.

Adele laughed softly but did as he asked, closing her eyes and feeling the thrill of anticipation. She heard the door creak open, followed by the soft rustle of Theodore’s footsteps as he guided her inside, the guards nodded in acknowledgement of the two of them.

"Alright," Theodore’s voice was gentle, filled with affection. "Open them."

Adele opened her eyes and gasped. They stood in a vast, magnificent library, unlike anything she had ever seen. The room was circular, the walls lined with towering shelves that reached up to a domed ceiling painted with scenes of ancient myths and legends. Thousands of books, their spines in every color imaginable, filled the shelves, creating a mosaic of knowledge and stories. Plush, velvet-covered chairs and mahogany tables were scattered around, inviting visitors to sit and lose themselves in a world of words.

In the center of the library stood a grand, polished oak table, its surface gleaming under the soft glow of the chandelier that hung overhead. The chandelier itself was a work of art, its crystal droplets catching the light and scattering it like stars across the room. In one corner, a cozy alcove held a chessboard, the pieces set as if in the middle of a long-forgotten game, waiting for someone to return and continue the battle.

Adele’s eyes widened as she took in the sheer beauty of the place. She turned to Theodore, her voice barely above a whisper. "Theodore... this is... incredible. I have never seen so many books in one place. It... it is like a dream."

Theodore walked them to a side of the castle that was particularly more secluded and even deserted. "Where is this?" Adele asked curiously.

Theodore smiled, "The library of secrets" and he watched how her brows rose in interest.

"A library for secrets?" she whispered.

He shrugged, "You could say that"

Adele giggled, "No, you said it" she returned.

Her laugh tickled his inside and made him hunger for more, "Come," he invited as he moved further in.

Theodore smiled, pleased with her reaction. "Welcome to the Library of Secrets," he said, his voice filled with a quiet pride. "It is a place known to only a few, a sanctuary for those who seek knowledge and solace. Here, you shall find books on every subject imaginable, history, magic, poetry, and even some tales that have been lost to the rest of the world."

He led her further into the room, his hand still holding hers. "There is more than just books, too," he continued. "There are games, puzzles, and riddles. This library is a place of learning, but also a place of play. It is said that those who solve the riddles of the Library of Secrets will be granted wisdom beyond their years."

Adele’s fingers brushed against the spines of the books as they walked, her heart racing with excitement. "I feel like I could spend my entire life here and never want to leave," she confessed, her voice filled with wonder. "Since every book has a story to tell, every corner holds a new adventure."

Theodore stopped beside a large, ornate chair near the fireplace, the flames crackling softly, casting a warm, golden glow. He turned to face her, his eyes soft and affectionate. "I brought you here because I know how much you love stories," he said quietly. "I wanted to share this place with you, a place where you can lose yourself in the worlds of others and maybe, find a little bit of yourself along the way."

Adele felt her cheeks warm, her heart swelling with emotion. She reached up, her fingers lightly brushing Theodore’s cheek. "Thank you," she whispered. "This means more to me than I can say."

Theodore took her hand, turning it over and pressing a soft kiss to her palm. "Anything for you," he said simply. "Now, shall we explore? There must be a book that would help you forget why you seeked me"

She rolled her eyes at his insistence on what the problem was, "What would we do or read?" she asked instead.

Theodore grinned before he bellowed, "Let us keep our secret"

Somehow this made her blush, "Oh... how do we do that?" he sauntered behind her with purpose, making her draw a breath when he whispered, "Give me your trust"

"Theodore," she gasped when he drew her straight into his chest by drawing her in with his arm around her waist.

He pressed a kiss on the back of her neck as he let out, "For me, Gooseberry, close your eyes," Adele promptly closes her eyes and slowly she felt Theodore trace his palm over her left arm, her chest and then he wrapped his fingers around her neck to put her head and neck in a better position for her pleasure and his adventure.

He kissed her pulse, veins and everywhere around her jaw and neck, soft sweet kisses while she sighed. "You smell like apples and something delectable" he growled, pressing her flush into him.

"Something edible?" she breathed.

He swiped his tongue over her neck, "Yes, Gooseberry, completely inviting and edible" his reply silenced her, "Would you give me a taste?"

She blinked but quickly shut her eyes and gulped, "You said to trust you"

Theodore groaned into the warmth of her throat and released her neck, his arm that was wrapped around her waist

Now he wanted her eyes to shut on their own from pleasure so he said, ’Open your eyes, Gooseberry love"

She did promptly and was immediately surprised when his palm covered her boobs from behind her, he continued to gently suck and lick her neck as he massaged her boobs lightly.

The sensation was so much that she started to writhe and soon she let out a moan that earned her a firmer squeeze of her boobs. Theodore wished to love her however possible but he knew they were lines he wouldn’t cross which also didn’t stop him from penetrating it and back.

He let her go, turned her around slowly, their eyes met and her eyes mirrored the emotions in his eyes, desire and the need to be engulfed by the other.

Theodore grabbed her face and pressed his lips to her waiting lips, she sighed and melted into his arms, he kissed her with all of him, like he would die and she would disappear if he let go, she clutched onto him as she opened up and enjoyed him too.

They seperated their lips to catch their breath and Theodore started to press soft kisses all over her face.

"I hope that makes you forget and remember"

Adele met his eyes and she knew, she just knew that no one could ever love her as much as Theodore does and she would never be loyal to another but him.

She loved him too.

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