Lovers End

Chapter Two: Part Two

Theodore had been attending to a report about a suspected bandit group from Asatus attempting to scale the northern wall. Upon his arrival with two other knights, however, the intruders had vanished. It was not uncommon for villagers from the remnants of Asatus to pilfer provisions from Luminara during winter, but it was unusual for them to go uncaptured. "Something must have scared them off," Theodore called out to his fellow knights as he inspected from ontop the wall.

Descending towards them, Theodore took hold of his horse's reins. "Write a report for the king; there's nothing more for us to do here. Lionel, post guard along the wall until nightfall, I'll have someone replace you then." His instructions were assertive, and the two knights nodded in acknowledgment as Theodore mounted his horse. Opting for a detour through the village square, Theodore intended to see Aurora alone, a liberty he often took advantage of in Emeric's absence.

With Emeric occupied with his father's duties, and aware of Franklin's illness, Theodore offered his assistance whenever possible. Rounding a corner, Theodore spotted Aurora leading Franklin back inside through the falling snow, leaving a pitchfork and unshoveled hay behind. Dismounting, Theodore tied his horse at the stables, picked up the pitchfork, and began shoveling.

Inside, Aurora reduced the stew's rapid boil to a calm simmer. Observing Franklin chatting with friends over ale, she thought, 'At least he's resting.' A sound coming from the open window in the back of the kitchen pulled her away. Walking over to it, she peered her head out looking around until she saw a familiar figure shoveling hay by the stables, a small smile came across her face before she retracted from the open window heading out to the taproom passing a group of patrons she had scolded earlier, she remarked, "If you want to see a real gentleman, look outside." Earning curious looks, she wrapped her pelt around her and headed out into the snow, making her way to Theodore.

Meanwhile Emeric had his trusty stallion fetched by the stable boy after a meal with his mother, Climbing onto it, he rode into the village. Despite his recent scarcity, he loathed being away, but when trouble arose in the kingdom, he dedicated himself to assisting his father. Emeric recognized the importance of his preparation for succeeding the throne. Aside from Aurora, his greatest desire in life was to be a great king, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

He aspired to be remembered fondly by his children as a beloved ruler. Gripping the leather reins, he rode into the village, assured that his marriage to Aurora was now firmly established with his father's blessing, a union written in the stars for quite some time. All he needed to do was talk to Franklin. A bright smile illuminated his face as he spotted Aurora in the distance.

"You're a savior, Theo. He would have come back out after an hour," Aurora expressed her gratitude. Theodore turned, smiling down at her with a shrugged leaning against the pitchfork. "Anything for a friend, plus it's honest work." His gaze briefly traced her attire – a layered flannel green dress under the pelt, adorned with boots. Her long curls rested in a beautiful braid over her shoulder; she was always stunning. He licked his dry lips, looking away. "You shouldn't be out here; you'll catch a cold," he warned, resuming shoveling.

His concern earned a shy look from her. "I'm not that fragile. But fine, when you're done, come in, and I'll give you some well-earned stew." She was about to turn, but something caught her eye – an excited smile took over her face as she saw her love approaching on his horse. Emeric's stallion came to a stop, and he stepped down, pulling Aurora into his arms and planting a soft kiss on her lips. "Oh, how I've missed you," he exclaimed with excitement in his voice. Looking beyond her, he noticed Theodore. "Theo! Fancy seeing you here," he said obliviously, offering a smile as he patted Theodore on the back.

It felt as if her prayers had been answered as she was immediately embraced in his arms, the excited look in his eyes only intensifying her own. "You've missed me? You sure haven't acted like it, mister." She stole her kiss away from his as a punishment. "What do you mean?" Emeric asked, offended, his eyebrow raised at her sarcasm. "I miss you every moment of every day," he assured her with a gentle smile. Aurora couldn't resist that smile, her eyes soon softened as she cupped his face in her hands, admiring his features before releasing him when his gaze shifted to Theodore.

Theodore managed a small smile at his friend, concealing the twinge of disappointment he felt seeing them in each other's arms. "I was looking for something to do and found it," he explained his presence before he stabbed the pitch fork into another load of hay. "I'll come help you in a moment," Emeric replied to Theodore, it was nice to see him helping. "I've managed most of it; wouldn't want those delicate hands of yours tarnished, do we?" Theodore smirked, keeping his back turned to the two of them as he teased Emeric.

"There's something that I'd like to do first," he said ominously, turning back to look at Aurora with an excited smile. After his father's encouraging words, Emeric wanted to quickly get Franklin's blessing. He had kept her waiting for too long. "Is your father here, Aurora?" he asked. "What has you so excited? What are you hiding?" Aurora laughed, observing Emeric nearly vibrating with his enthusiastic smile. As he inquired about her father's whereabouts, her smile faltered, a mix of emotions washing over her.

He chose this moment to speak to her father? Of course, she wanted him to, but with her father sick, he was already in a grumpy mood. "Oh, my love—" Her smile returned, and she gently touched his arms, trying to find the right words. "I don't think now is the time..." Theodore, attempting to drown them out, caught the change in Aurora's tone, turning slightly as he threw the last bit of hay.

Emeric's expression shifted into one of confusion at her words. "Has something happened...?" he asked her with a worried tone, studying her face carefully before she turned her gaze away looking back at the tavern door. "It's been a week since you've been here... he's sick. We shouldn't bother him with such—" Determined, emeric leaned down to kiss her interrupting her words. "Whatever the case, I'm sure your father would be delighted to hear what I have to say." Emeric said finally pulling away. "You've patiently waited for me; I won't allow you to endure any longer without your hand in mine, as it was always meant to be."

Taking her hand in his, he kissed the back of it. "I love you, and I want all to know it," he whispered to her."Emeric," Auroras voice warned as he took her hand; he simply wasn't listening. Even with the sweetness in everything he said, her stomach began to knot as he headed towards the tavern door. Despite her protests, Emeric let her go and walked toward the tavern.

Aurora glanced back at Theodore, who had hung the pitchfork with a small frown on his brow. "He never listens, does he?" He attempted to ease the worry on her face with a lighthearted joke, but she let out a huff and hurried in to follow Emeric.

**What the actual shit theo BACK OFF lol! vote/comment/follow**