Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 287: The Third Lifetime, Adele. (13)

Chapter 287: The Third Lifetime, Adele. (13)

A Few days later.

Thirheria.

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

The grand hall of the castle was filled with an uneasy tension as the meeting convened. Seated at the head of the long table were King Aldrich, Queen Helena, and Prince Theodore, their expressions grave as they regarded the man before them—Baron Aldridge, Adele’s father. His presence was always unsettling, his cunning nature well-known within the court. This time, however, it was his insistence on this meeting that raised even more suspicion.

Baron Aldridge sat confidently, a smile playing on his lips as he began to speak. "Your Majesties, Your Highness," he started, his tone oily with false humility. "I come before you today with a request that is both simple and significant. As you know, I have many friends and connections in the troll kingdom. They have been eager to witness the union of our families and have expressed a strong desire to attend my daughter’s wedding."

At these words, the tension in the room thickened. The king and queen exchanged a glance, and the guards at the entrance instinctively placed their hands on the hilts of their swords. Theodore’s eyes narrowed, his discomfort growing. He knew the baron was up to something, but what?

The king spoke first, his voice firm but questioning. "Baron, you must understand the implications of what you are asking. The trolls have not been allies to our kingdom. In fact, we have been on the brink of war with them more than once. Why should we entertain such a dangerous request?"

Baron Aldridge held up his hands as if in peace, though his eyes gleamed with calculated intent. "Your Majesty, I understand your concerns. But let me assure you, the trolls have no ill will towards our kingdom. In fact, it is quite the opposite. They were initially displeased with the idea of this marriage, but when they heard it was my daughter, their hearts softened. They have come to love Adele as if she were one of their own."

A murmur of disbelief swept through the room, and one of the guards drew his sword, stepping forward as if to strike down the baron where he stood. But the Queen, ever the voice of reason, raised her hand, her calm presence commanding the room. "Put away your swords," she instructed the guards, her tone soothing but firm. "We will hear him out."

Reluctantly, the guard sheathed his weapon, and all eyes turned back to the baron, who continued as if nothing had happened. "I am not blind to the distrust between our peoples, but I assure you, their interest in attending this wedding is purely out of respect for our families. They have agreed to come in peace, and I believe their presence would symbolize a new era of unity between our lands."

The king leaned back in his chair, thoughtful. The baron’s words were not entirely without merit; the recent attacks and threats from the trolls had indeed quieted down since the engagement was announced. Perhaps there was truth to his claims. "It is true," King Aldrich said slowly, "that the tensions have lessened. But I cannot help but wonder why."

Theodore remained silent, his unease growing with every word his future father-in-law spoke. He knew the baron too well to trust him, especially when it came to matters of power and influence. The idea of allowing trolls into the kingdom, even under the guise of peace, was a risk he was not willing to take. What could the baron possibly be planning? Whatever it was, Theodore was determined not to let it happen.

The queen, sensing her son’s discomfort, glanced at Theodore before addressing the baron again. "You claim that the trolls have come to love Adele, but what assurance do we have that they will not use this event to their advantage? You must understand the position you are putting us in, Baron."

Baron Aldridge smiled again, that same unsettling smile that never reached his eyes. "Your Majesty, I assure you, their intentions are pure. They see this union as a chance to mend old wounds. They have no desire for conflict, especially now that we are to become family."

Theodore finally spoke, his voice cutting through the baron’s smooth words. "And if their intentions are not as pure as you claim? What then? You ask us to open our gates to those who have been our enemies for generations. Why should we trust you, Baron?"

The baron’s smile faltered slightly, but he quickly recovered, his tone remaining calm and persuasive. "Because, Your Highness, I too have much at stake. My daughter’s happiness and future are on the line. I would not bring harm to this kingdom or to her. You have my word."

Theodore’s eyes bore into the baron, searching for any hint of deceit. He found plenty, but nothing concrete enough to challenge him outright. The baron was as slippery as ever, but Theodore knew he couldn’t let his guard down. "We will consider your request," Theodore said, his tone cold and dismissive. "But know this: any harm that comes to this kingdom will be on your head, Baron. And I will hold you personally responsible."

The baron’s eyes flickered with something dark and dangerous, but he nodded in agreement. "Of course, Your Highness. I understand completely."

With the meeting coming to an end, the baron rose and bowed, taking his leave. As he walked away, Theodore’s unease only deepened. He could feel it in his bones—this was far from over. The baron’s greed and ambition were like a festering wound, and Theodore feared what infection might spread if it was not cut out in time.

*

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Baron’s estate.

Thirheria.

***********

Theodore’s close friend, Duke Holden, arrived at the Aldridge baron estate one crisp afternoon, his carriage pulling up to the entrance with the quiet dignity that characterized him. He stepped out with his usual grace, his ebony hair catching the pale light of the sun. His black-lined eyes, a feature that added to his mysterious air, scanned the surroundings before settling on the grand entrance of the estate. It wasn’t often that he visited Adele, but today felt different—he had come with a purpose.

Adele soon appeared, stepping out onto the stone steps with a serene smile that belied the tension she felt. She was dressed in a simple but elegant gown, the light fabric flowing around her as she moved. Her beauty was understated, a natural radiance that needed no adornment. As she approached Holden, she dipped into a polite curtsy, her eyes meeting his with a warmth that came from their shared history of brief but meaningful encounters.

"Your Grace," Adele greeted him, her voice gentle as she rose from her curtsy. "It is a pleasure to see you. What brings you to our home?"

Holden smiled, a rare sight that softened the sadness usually present in his eyes. "Lady Adele, the pleasure is mine. You look as lovely as ever. I thought I might stop by and see how you are faring with all the preparations for the wedding."

Adele returned the smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. "Thank you, Your Grace. The preparations are progressing well, though I must admit, it has been... overwhelming at times."

"Understandable," Holden replied, his tone sympathetic. "May I trouble you to join me for a walk in the garden? It has been some time since we last had the chance to talk."

"Of course," Adele agreed, gesturing for him to follow her. They walked side by side, their steps in sync as they made their way to the garden at the back of the estate. The garden was a place of tranquility, with neatly trimmed hedges, blooming flowers, and a small stone path that wound through the greenery. It was a stark contrast to the undercurrents of tension that had been building within the estate.

As they reached a small table set under a sprawling oak tree, Adele poured them both some tea, the steam rising in delicate curls from the cups. She handed one to Holden, who accepted it with a nod of thanks. They sat down, and for a moment, they simply enjoyed the quiet, the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the breeze filling the space between them.

Holden broke the silence, his voice low and measured. "Adele, I came today because I wanted to speak with you about something important." Adele nodded patiently, "You and I have known each other for some time now, mostly from those endless social events our parents seem to enjoy so much." He offered a small, wry smile, which she returned with a knowing look. "Though we have never been considered friends, you are Theodore’s betrothed and I feel it is my duty to speak candidly with you."

Adele’s expression became more serious, her curiosity piqued. "What is it, Your Grace?"

Holden hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "Your father... he is a man of ambition, to put it mildly. And while I respect his position, I cannot ignore the dangers that his greed may pose, especially with your wedding approaching."

Adele’s heart skipped a beat at his words. She had always known her father’s tendencies, but to hear them spoken aloud by someone else, someone she respected, made the reality of it all the more stark. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Holden looked at her with a mixture of concern and resolve. "There are rumors, whispers of plans that may be in motion—plans that could disrupt your wedding and cause much turmoil for both you and the kingdom. I urge you to be careful, Adele. Your father is not above making moves that could endanger you, all in the name of his own gain."

Adele’s grip tightened on her teacup, the warmth of the drink doing little to soothe the chill that had settled in her chest. "I... I see," she murmured, her mind racing. She had always tried to stay out of her father’s schemes, but now it seemed she was being pulled in, whether she wanted to be or not.

Holden reached across the table, placing his hand gently over hers. "I did not come here to frighten you, only to make sure you are aware of what might be at play. You are a strong, intelligent woman, Adele. I have no doubt you can handle whatever comes your way. But please, be on your guard."

Adele looked up at him, her eyes softening with gratitude. "Thank you, Holden. I appreciate your concern more than you know. I will be careful."

Holden nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "That is all I ask."

They finished their tea in relative silence, the weight of the conversation lingering between them. When it was time for Holden to leave, Adele walked with him back to his carriage, her mind still turning over his words.

As he prepared to step into the carriage, Holden paused, turning back to her. "Take care of yourself, Adele. And if you ever need anything, do not hesitate to reach out to me."

"I will," Adele promised, her voice steady. "Thank you again, Holden."

With a final nod, Holden climbed into the carriage, and as it began to roll away, Adele stood on the steps, waving after him. As the carriage disappeared down the path, she couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that had settled in her stomach. But she also felt a flicker of determination—she would not let her father’s greed or anyone’s schemes ruin her happiness. Not now, when she was so close to a future she had only dreamed of.

With that thought in mind, she turned and walked back into the estate, her resolve strengthening with every step.