TBATE: A Hero's Return

All According To Plan

After a few months of traveling around Alacrya, Arthur and Tessia found their way back to Central Dominion. They thanked Eva and Cordelia for their kindness and help throughout their journey before heading inside the imposing castle.

There, Caera, Ellie, and Alice were waiting for them to enter. Arthur was excited to be back, and his family matched his enthusiasm, meeting him at the entrance itself and hugging him tightly.

Tessia smiled at the adorable sight, happy for her childhood friend. The council will be spending the next two weeks deep in conversation, preparing for the important talks to be held. Ellie would have to be there for some of those conversations, but this still gave Arthur an opportunity to spend time with his family he missed so dearly.

Ellie tugged on her older brother's arm, pulling him to spend time with her, as their mom laughed, following after them.

Tessia turned to see Caera, smiling at the sight as well before sighing. "You know, I have known Art for years at this point, but he simply is always his happiest when he is with his family."

Tessia laughed smiling. "Oh for sure. Art complains all the time about how annoying his sister can be, but he never realizes that when does, there is a certain fondness in his eyes and he always smiles when talking about her."

Caera agreed. "He honestly is the perfect brother. Well, if you ignore how overprotective he can be." Caera shook her head in exasperation.

Tessia giggled. "Poor Ellie. She will never find love at this rate."

Caera smirked as she leaned closer to the elven princess. "Speaking of love, how did it go?"

Tessia tilted her head, confused. "Meaning?"

Caera laughed. "Oh please. You didn't actually believe that you needed to go around Alacrya, just you and Arthur, to meet highbloods by yourself without any dignitaries did you?"

Tessia's eyes widened. "You mean you-"

Caera cut her off. "Set the whole thing up so that you and Arthur can finally have some alone time together? Yes. That is why I sent Eva and Cordelia with you as your guides. I figured seeing a couple so disgustingly in love with one another would add some romance to the air."

Tessia sputtered in response while Caera laughed. "So anyhow. Tess, how did it go? Did he get closer to you? Did he confess?"

Tessia sighed. "Sorry Caera. He didn't confess or anything. At this point, I think I am just hopeless for loving him. He doesn't seem to think of me as anything more than just a friend."

Tessia bade Caera farewell, her heart sinking at the thought she would never be with Arthur.

Caera however, had a different thought.

You are wrong Tess. That look of fondness Art gave you when you both entered... He does love you, even if he himself doesn't realize it yet.