Theo steps into the place Thea called home. He's feeling a little overwhelmed. Thea's lingering feelings hit him like a tsunami.
Welcome home, Thea. You're safe now. You're home.
Theo stands in front of the door, taking a few deep breaths, just absorbing the smell, the visuals, and the feelings.
The rest of the Montroses seem to understand. They don't say anything—just stand there with him, in silence.
After a few minutes, Theo opens his eyes and looks to his left, where Thea's parents are watching him. He sees Leila smile. There's a trace of tears in her eyes. Leila raises her hand to his cheek and wipes his tears.
Theo doesn't even realize that he had shed tears.
He sniffles and smiles. "I'm okay. Just a bit overwhelmed."
Leila nods. "We know. It's been almost one month since you last came home."
Maurice smiles too. "Come, Princess. Let's see your room."
Theo is a bit surprised. "My room? What happened to my room?" While he asks, he also searches Thea's memories. There shouldn't be anything unusual about the room.
But the other four Montroses smile mysteriously, which gives Theo an ominous feeling.
And he was right.
Thea's room is on the second floor, at the end of the hall. When they arrive there, the other four… sort of push Theo forward to open the door, while they stand behind him.
Theo gulps as he reaches the door handle, twists, and pushes it forward.
And as he enters the room, he sees…
P.I.N.K.
L.A.C.E.
F.R.I.L.L.S.
Flower fragrance. Even the marble floor is pastel pink. Everything assaults Theo's sight and smell.
He freezes at the door for a few seconds, then abruptly takes a step back, exits the room, and shuts the door — as if afraid a monster might come out and chase him.
He turns around and sees the other family members watching him closely.
He laughs awkwardly.
"Well?" Julian asks impatiently.
"Do you like it?" he presses.
Arthur watches him like a hawk, his expression carefully controlled. The other three brim with expectation, but Arthur knows better. Deep down, his gut tells him Theo won't like it. And from Theo's expression now, he knows he was right.
Leila jumps in. "I hope you like it, sweetheart. Everything is just as you asked."
Theo cannot say anything. Once again, he gulps and opens the door.
This time, everyone enters with him.
And immediately, all the men are dumbfounded.
Maurice can only stand there, speechless.
Julian exclaims, "Oh my god!"
Arthur is also shocked, but he turns to Theo at once and sees the discomfort written all over him. And it hits Arthur like a brick.
He turns to Leila. "Mother, this…"
Leila looks around sheepishly. "I know it's too much, but I was just trying to follow Thea's wishes."
"And she wants to live in a…" Julian stops, struggling to find the right word. "It looks like…"
Theo is frantically searching Thea's memories. Anything, Thea! Please!
But it's obvious to everyone that Theo doesn't like it. The room is simply too much.
Leila's face immediately sinks. She had a feeling it might be overboard, but she remembered that Thea liked pastel pink, lace, and frills.
Theo walks around slowly, afraid to touch anything. He glances at the pastel pink wardrobe and involuntarily shivers.
Leila notices and walks over. She opens the wardrobe. "I also took the liberty of adding a few new clothes."
As the doors swing open, they reveal…
More pink. More lace. More frills. Dresses of every length.
Theo closes his eyes for a few seconds, then opens them again.
He turns to his right and immediately sees a full-length mirror, framed in pastel pink with gold accents.
He sees a beautiful young woman staring back at him with disbelief, awkwardness, and a hint of horror. He squeezes his eyes shut again, trying to control his expression. But images of Thea in those despicable dresses flash through his mind, and once again, he shivers.
When Theo opens his eyes again, he has a determined look. He turns to Leila, trying to smile—but he also doesn't fully smile.
Back when he was the Archmage, Theo had rarely masked his feelings. Both he and his King believed that honest and open communication were the key to avoiding misunderstandings that could lead to unnecessary disaster.
And it worked wonders with them. So, Theo decides that he would do exactly that as Thea. And if the Montroses don't like it… Too bad.
"Mother. I am really grateful that you had done all of this just for me. Really. I am."
He closes the distance and holds his mother's hands. "But, I am sorry, Mother. I cannot remember that I've asked you to change my room nor that I liked this style. I am really sorry. But right now, this is a little bit too much for me."
Inwardly, Theo crosses his fingers hoping that Leila is not too offended.
Leila is watching Theo in disbelief. Tears slowly fill her eyes.
Oh no! Theo's heart sinks.
But suddenly, Leila jumps closer and gives Theo a really tight hug. For someone who looks as thin as her, her hug is surprisingly strong.
"Mother?" Theo is confused.
"Oh, thank God, Thea! Thank God!"
Leila lets go and looks at Thea, caressing his cheek. "You're finally willing to speak your mind!"
She hugs him again. "Oh, thank you! Don't change, okay, sweetheart? Keep talking to us."
She lets him go once more. "I will strip this room bare. And you can decorate it however you want! Unfortunately, you'll have to sleep in the guest room until your room is ready."
Now it's Theo's turn to be in disbelief. How on earth did you communicate with your family, Thea?
Theo doesn't want to wait—he instantly nods.
The men, who have been watching silently, are relieved too.
Only Arthur watches him intently.
And Theo can feel it.
I'll deal with you later, Arthur. Right now, I just need to be alone and test my magic.