The Princes of Versutia

chapter three

The arrival of the royal family was met with trumpets and a grand introduction into the kingdom, Tommy wearily trying to smile and wave, his body feeling sore from the long journey. He wished Tubbo was here.

Wilburs eyes never left his father. He saw the smile return to his lips the minute the kingdom was spotted. He watched his father gain speed gradually as they entered, and smiled at how absolutely giddy he seemed as he unmounted his horse, hardly acknowledging the stable hand who took the reins of his exhausted steed.

Philza barely noticed his other sons who were turning to take in the new village they were now in. His gaze was bouncing around, glancing from person to person until his eyes finally widened at the splotch of pink he saw amongst the heads of brown and yellow. He ran forward, enveloping his son in a bone-breaking hug, eyes watering with relief and happiness at the mere presence of his eldest.

"Hullo," Techno greeted him, a hint of a smile seemingly begging to be released, yet it didn't.

He had grown. Phil had last seen him in spring during the grieving week, as he always did. His son would return for that week to be with his family before venturing off again to whatever kingdom he was training at. Now it was summer and his son stood towering above him, hair long as ever and arms larger than they had been a couple of months ago.

He carried himself gently. He stood proud amongst the commoners, head held high and large shoulders pushed back. His jaw bore what looked to be a recent scratch. It was light, but it was present on the prince's otherwise unblemished skin. The king traced his index finger gently over it, not missing the slight wince his son gave.

"That's uh, that's from him. The other warrior I told you about. It was actually that wound that got my attention. No one has ever been able to even come close before. I was only slightly impressed."

Now, this was a shock. No one had ever even dented his son's armor, much less hurt him enough to actually draw blood.

Philza had to see this warrior.

He embraced his son one more time, muttering a small, "It's good to see you mate" into the prince's shoulder, before turning to see his other two sons approaching.

"Techno!" Tommy screeched, flinging himself into his eldest brother's stiff arms, pressing his face into his shoulder with excitement.

"Hullo Tommy, wait where's Tu-"

"Don't ask," Philza quickly cut in, not willing to set Tommy up with yet another opportunity to complain.

"My brother!" Wilbur said with a smile, patting Techno firmly on his shoulder before reaching to hug him as Tommy let go. "It's good to see you, man. Have you shrunk?" He joked, rubbing his hand atop his brother's head. Technoblade might be tall, but his brother who stood at a good 6'5", had always been three inches above him.

"Techno! Techno! Look how much I grew, I reckon I'm 6'3 now!" Tommy boasted, puffing out his chest and straightening his posture to appear a couple of inches above his actual height. Technoblade rolled his eyes, amused at his youngest brother's antics.

"Sure Tommy sure, even though I'm 6'2  and very obviously taller than you, I am sure that you are definitely 6'3." He said with a nod, voice dripping with obvious sarcasm. Phil chuckled at this before placing a firm hand on his son's shoulder.

"So when are you showing us this magnificent warrior you love so much?" His father questioned with a grin.

"Aw he said he loved me?" An unfamiliar voice retorted from behind the family, causing each member to turn and gaze upon the man who casually leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.