Sei

"So how was your ride at the pack with Lord Alistair?", Theodore's mother asked as they ate dinner that night.

"It was wonderful, I had a lot of fun", Theodore replied with a smile as he remembered the events of that afternoon.

"I am glad you had fun dear. You should hang out more with Lord Alistair", his mother said with a happy smile on her face. She was so happy that her son was finally going out and having fun.

"He invited me to his place tomorrow morning. Can I go?". Theodore asked his parents for permission.

His parents looked at each other and smiled. This son of theirs was very funny, he was a grown up old enough to get married and start his own family, yet he still asked them for permission before going out.

His father cleared his throat, "Theodore, you don't have to ask us for permission, you can go out anytime you want. You just have to be careful".

"ok father", Theodore replied.

They continued eating their dinner while talking about other random stuff.

That night Theodore went to bed with thoughts of Alistair on his mind. Alistair fascinated him, he was unlike anyone Theodore had ever met.

Meanwhile at the king's palace a urgent meeting was being held. "We have to do something about this beast", the king said as he addressed the council members.

"But what can we do? Nobody has seen this beast and nobody knows how it looks like", one of the council members answered the king.

"But we cannot continue this way, the people are becoming restless and worried", the king said.

"what if we enforce a curfew? Nobody would be allowed to be outside at night, that might help", another council member offered a solution.

The king thought about it for a moment, "that seems to be a good idea".

"And we can have guards patrol the area, that way we can finally catch the beast". The council member replied.

"Good, you have all done well. Tomorrow morning a decree would be passed mandating everyone to be inside once it's dark". The king said.

The next morning the palace Messengers went around the kingdom announcing the new decree made by the King.

Theodore was about to leave for Alistair's place when the palace Messengers came by to give them the decree. Theodore thought the decree was a particularly good idea as this would help to checkmate the activities of the beast.

He got on his horse assisted by a servant and then he made his way to Alistair's house. He rode his horse, hard and fast enjoying the feel of the wind.

"Sir Theodore", Lord Fife called as he rode past him gesturing for him to stop. He stopped the horse and Lord Fife rode up to him.

"A good morning to you Sir Theodore", Theodore was shocked. Since when did he and Lord Fife become close friends that the latter even stopped him on the road to exchange greetings.

"A good morning to you too Lord Fife", he managed to reply.

"Are you going somewhere?" Lord Fife asked. Theodore nodded in response.

"well I am hosting a little get together this evening, you are invited".

"I am invited?", Theodore asked, his mind still unbelieving.

"Yes you are, just bring a bottle of wine, that's all you need. So are you coming?",

"Yes…of course, I will be there".

"See you later", Lord Fife said as he rode off.

Theodore watched as he rode off. He had just been invited to a get together, he was so excited. He couldn't wait to tell Alistair about this.

He urged his horse on and continued his journey to Alistair's place.

Alistair stood outside waiting for Theodore. He was supposed to be here by now, what was delaying him. Or could it be he had changed his mind about coming. If that was the case he would personally go over to Theodore's house and bring him here.

Alistair could not pinpoint what exactly drew him to Theodore. He just liked having Theodore around.

He heard the sound of a horse approaching, he smiled, it must be Theodore.

Just as he thought, some few minutes later Theodore rode in. Alistair would never get tired of seeing Theodore on a horse. Theodore normally looked anxious and afraid all the time. But when he was on a horse, he looked so confident and free.

The horse came to a stop in front of Alistair. "Good morning Alistair", Theodore greeted with a huge smile on his face.

"good morning to you too Theo. Come on let me help you down".

Alistair placed his hands on Theo's waist as he helped him down. Theodore blushed as Alistair helped him down from the horse.

"I have been waiting for you for a long time. What delayed you". Alistair enquired as they walked into the house.

"It was Lord Fife. He stopped me on my way here and then he invited me to a get together at his place this evening".

"he invited me as well, so that means we will be going together".

"I was surprised he invited me". Alistair looked at him quizzically, why would he be surprised?

"Why were you surprised?", He asked.

Theodore looked up at him, "because no one usually invites me to such things".

Alistair tilted his chin up so he could look into his eyes. "Theodore, you shouldn't be surprised you were invited. You are an amazing person and you deserve to be invited to any event you wish to go, understood?".

Theodore nodded. Alistair's hand caressed his face, his fingers caressed his lips slowly. Theodore gulped, the feelings running through him were alien to him. Alistair's touch was awakening an hunger in him, he didn't know what he hungered for yet he wanted it.