Lord Theodore's Favorite Ritual
Chapter 289: The Third Lifetime, Adele. (16)

Chapter 289: The Third Lifetime, Adele. (16)

Baron estate.

Thirheria.

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

The grand estate buzzed with frenetic energy as the day of the royal wedding approached. Lady Eleanor, Adele’s mother, moved with graceful authority through the lavish corridors of the palace, summoning every essential expert for the monumental occasion. The opulence of the setting, with its gilded walls and elaborate tapestries, seemed to reverberate with the excitement of the forthcoming celebration.

First to arrive was the tailor, a distinguished man known for his unparalleled skill in crafting garments for royalty. He brought with him a selection of the finest silks and velvets, rich with hues of royal blue, ivory, and gold. Adele’s wedding gown, a vision of intricate lace and beaded embroidery, would be a masterpiece of elegance and grandeur. The tailor’s team worked meticulously, measuring and adjusting, ensuring that the gown fit Adele perfectly.

As the tailor’s team worked, the makeup artist arrived, her kit filled with an array of luxurious cosmetics. She set up in a sunlit corner of Adele’s dressing room, where soft beams of light illuminated the delicate features of the bride-to-be. With gentle strokes and expert hands, she applied a touch of foundation, a hint of blush, and a subtle shade of lip color that enhanced Adele’s natural beauty without overshadowing it. Her hair was styled into an elaborate updo, adorned with pearls and flowers, adding to her ethereal appearance.

Meanwhile, the governess, a stately woman with a deep understanding of court etiquette, oversaw the final preparations. She ensured that every detail, from Adele’s posture to her poise, was impeccable. Her guidance was both comforting and essential, helping Adele manage her nervous anticipation with grace.

The hallways and reception rooms were adorned with opulent decorations. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their light reflecting off the golden drapes and floral arrangements that filled every corner. A team of florists had worked tirelessly to create towering displays of roses, lilies, and orchids, their fragrances blending in a sweet symphony. Tables were set with fine china and polished silverware, ready for the grand feast that would follow the ceremony.

Outside, the royal carriages were prepared for the journey. The magnificent carriages, draped in sumptuous fabrics and pulled by regal horses, stood in the courtyard. Their polished surfaces gleamed in the morning light, a testament to the significance of the day. The air was crisp with excitement as Adele, accompanied by her mother and closest attendants, entered one of the carriages.

As the golden rays of the morning sun filtered through the grand windows of the castle, the royal wedding began to come alive with the arrival of guests. The air was filled with a sense of anticipation and excitement. Nobles, dignitaries, and influential figures from across the kingdom and beyond began to stream into the castle, their carriages pulling up in a grand parade. The cobblestone courtyard, usually a tranquil space, was now bustling with the hum of chatter and the rustle of elegant attire.

Guests adorned in resplendent garments—silk robes, velvet capes, and jewel-encrusted accessories—entered the castle with an air of regal sophistication. The women wore elaborate headdresses and sparkling jewelry, while the men sported tailored suits with polished boots and decorative sashes. The castle’s grand hall, already resplendent with its opulent decorations, was further illuminated by the presence of these distinguished visitors.

Among the arriving guests was a notable representative from the royal troll delegation. Known for their unusual customs and their fondness for honey, the trolls had brought with them an extraordinary gift: an enormous barrel of golden honey. The honey was renowned for its rich flavor and mystical properties, believed to bring good fortune and joy. The representative, a stout figure with a jovial demeanor, presented the barrel with great pride, his eyes twinkling as he spoke of the trolls’ goodwill and their warm wishes for the newlyweds.

Theodore, while appreciative of the gesture, couldn’t help but feel a twinge of suspicion. The trolls’ customs were peculiar, and the lavish nature of their gift made him wary. His father, however, was visibly surprised and intrigued. He marveled at the grandiosity of the offering, his curiosity piqued by the sight of the ornate barrel.

In a move that reflected both his joy and his desire to honor his daughter’s special day, Adele’s father took to the grand hall to make an announcement. With a warm smile and a booming voice, he declared that the honey would be mixed into the rum served at the wedding. "Today is a day of celebration and happiness!" he proclaimed. "Let us add a touch of sweetness to our festivities, as a symbol of our joy and the union of these two hearts."

Theodore’s initial impulse was to object. The idea of incorporating the troll honey into the rum seemed unorthodox and he was concerned about its impact. However, as he glanced at his mother, who offered him a gentle yet firm look, he understood her silent encouragement to let the day proceed without any disruptions. His mother’s demeanor suggested that maintaining harmony and ensuring Adele’s happiness were of greater importance.

With a resigned sigh, Theodore allowed the decision to stand, though he remained vigilant. He was determined to ensure that Adele’s day remained as perfect as possible, despite his reservations.

*

* *

*

Castle.

Thirheria.

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

As the carriage carrying and bringing the bride rolled through the palace gates and along the cobbled streets, Adele’s heart fluttered with a mixture of nervousness and joy. She gazed out of the window at the bustling crowds and the grandeur of the kingdom, feeling a sense of both awe and anticipation. The journey to the castle seemed to pass in the blink of an eye, such was the magical quality of the day.

Upon arrival at the castle, Adele was ushered into the grand hall where the wedding ceremony would take place. The setting was nothing short of a scene from a fairytale. The hall was filled with nobles, dignitaries, and guests from far and wide, all gathered to witness the union of their beloved Adele and the esteemed Theodore.

As Adele walked down the aisle, arm in arm with her father, she looked nothing short of ethereal. Her gown shimmered with every step, and her eyes, though nervous, sparkled with a deep love for Theodore. He stood at the altar, his gaze fixed upon her, his expression a mix of awe and profound happiness.

The ceremony was a grand affair, reminiscent of the lavish celebrations of ancient royalty. The vows were exchanged with heartfelt sincerity, and the air was filled with the sweet strains of a live orchestra. Once declared husband and wife, Theodore and Adele shared a tender kiss, sealing their commitment in front of their loved ones.

The wedding feast that followed was a lavish celebration of food, drink, and revelry. Guests danced to lively music, their laughter and cheers echoing through the grand hall. Theodore and Adele, seated together at the head table, were the center of attention. The banquet featured a sumptuous array of delicacies, and the atmosphere was one of unrestrained joy.

As the evening unfolded, Theodore and Adele danced together, lost in their own world amidst the grandeur of the event. The joy of finally being united was evident in their smiles and the way their eyes met with deep affection. Theodore, mesmerized by Adele’s beauty and the significance of the day, felt a profound sense of fulfillment.

As the preparations continued, Theodore took a moment to find Adele amidst the throng of guests. He approached her with a soft smile, his voice a hushed whisper. "Adele, there is something you should know. I have heard that the honey might make the rum quite sweet and... unusual. Perhaps it’s best if you avoid drinking it today."

Adele’s eyes sparkled with curiousity but her insides were already tight and uncomfortable to want to taste anything, she gave a small smile as she nodded in agreement. She appreciated Theodore’s concern and the thoughtful gesture of informing her. The trust and communication between them were evident in this small, intimate moment.

With the decision made, the wedding festivities continued with renewed enthusiasm. The grand hall, filled with the aroma of fine foods and the sounds of joyous laughter, was a testament to the successful union of Theodore and Adele. The wedding ceremony proceeded with grace, and the feast that followed was a celebration of both culinary delights and heartfelt camaraderie.

Guests enjoyed the festivities, toasting with the rum sweetened by the troll honey, their spirits high and their hearts warmed by the day’s events. Theodore and Adele, seated at the head table, shared knowing glances and tender smiles, their love and commitment the center of attention amidst the grandeur of the celebration.

The grand hall of the castle was alive with revelry. Guests danced, laughed, and toasted to the union of Theodore and Adele, their happiness mingling with the fragrant aromas of fine food and sweetened rum. The atmosphere was electric with joy, but in a quieter corner of the hall, a more somber scene was unfolding.

Adele, resplendent in her wedding gown, had retreated slightly from the exuberant festivities. She found herself seated alone at a side table, her mind a whirl of emotions. Theodore had stepped out of the hall, and she was left in the company of her thoughts, surrounded by the faint echoes of the celebration.

Noah, a loyal guard of the Baron family, approached her with a careful and respectful demeanor. His uniform was impeccably neat, his expression a mask of concern. He had been entrusted with a message of grave importance, and now, he moved toward Adele with a sense of duty and empathy.

Adele’s eyes, though sparkling with the remnants of happiness, now held a glimmer of vulnerability. Noah leaned in, his voice a whisper in her ear. The words he spoke were like a shattering blow to her heart. "Theodore... he is with the troll princess. They have been meeting in secret. I am sorry to tell you this on your wedding day."

The revelation hit Adele like a cold wave, her face paling as she processed the betrayal. She drew in a deep breath, attempting to steady herself, though the effort was clear in the way her shoulders tensed. Her smile, once bright and radiant, faltered for a moment before she composed herself, putting on a brave facade.

With trembling hands, she signaled to a passing server. The server, noticing her distress but assuming it was merely the weight of the day’s excitement, quickly brought over a selection of jugs filled with the sweetened rum. Adele took one of the jugs, her movements deliberate but shaky.

She raised the jug to her lips, the rich, golden liquid pouring into her mouth. Each gulp was an attempt to drown out the painful reality that had just been thrust upon her. Her eyes, once filled with joy, now betrayed the depth of her heartbreak. She chugged the rum with a desperate fervor, trying to numb the anguish that threatened to overwhelm her.

As the rum continued to flow, Adele’s composure began to crack. She fought back tears that welled up in her eyes, her lower lip trembling. The sweetness of the rum contrasted sharply with the bitterness of her emotions, a cruel irony that only deepened her sense of betrayal. She clung to the jug as if it could offer some solace or escape from the unbearable reality.

The revelry of the wedding seemed a world apart from Adele’s private agony. The laughter and music were distant sounds, muffled by the tumultuous storm raging within her. How could Theodore, the man she loved, the man she had just married, betray her so cruelly? The thought of him with the troll princess, a figure from the very delegation that had brought a symbol of their supposed goodwill, made her feel as though the ground beneath her had given way.

Noah stood nearby, his eyes fixed on her, he had been by the baron to follow Theodore and report to Adele whatever he saw. Now, He remained in the shadows, offering his presence as a silent testament to the gravity of the situation.

Adele’s attempt to mask her pain was slowly unravelling. Her once proud and serene demeanour now seemed fragile and defeated. Each sip of rum was a struggle, a futile effort to escape the crushing reality. She wanted nothing more than to disappear, to find a place where the pain couldn’t reach her. But here, in the midst of her wedding day, she was trapped in a moment of heart-wrenching betrayal.

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