Allegiance

Chapter 31

Tessia huffed in frustration as she continued to drag Arthur down the halls of the floating castle. Arthur just smiled in amusement, admiring how cute she looked when she was angry. Sylvie trotted behind Arthur and Tessia, snickering mentally, thinking it was humourous how Arthur, of all people, let someone pull him around, which he usually never did.

Deciding to put an end to Tessia's frustration, Arthur planted his feet firmly on the ground, keeping Tessia from pulling him further. Tessia stopped, feeling Arthur's resistance, and turned to face him with her brow raised curiously, wondering why he stopped, still looking irritated.

Arthur chuckled lightly, smiling lovingly at his irritated princess, as he lightheartedly said, "I think we escaped your grandfather's murderous clutches."

Tessia's irritated expression faltered slightly, her lips twitching a little, daring to curve up into a smile, genuinely amused by Arthur's jest. She let out a sigh, like she was pushing out her frustration, let go of Arthur's hand, and stepped up to him. Arthur let out a loving chuckle as they wrapped their arms around each other. He pulled her close into a tight hug, and she pressed her head into his shoulder.

"I'm sorry," Tessia sighed, her voice muffled as she spoke into Arthur's shoulder.

Arthur smiled as he gently and reassuringly rubbed her back over her loose-fitting tank top, "For what?"

"My grandfather," Tessia replied, her arms around Arthur tightening as she nuzzled her head into his chest, enjoying the comforting sensation of his body heat. "I honestly had no idea he was planning something like this. If I had, I would've stopped him."

Arthur's smile widened, genuinely entertained by Tessia's apology, "I'm not mad. Well," He looked to the side, "I guess I was a little irritated at first." He looked back down at Tessia, who still had her head buried in Arthur's shoulder, and smiled lovingly, "But I promise, I'm not mad."

Tessia raised her head, meeting Arthur's gaze, seeing the loving smile plastered on his soft-looking lips. She returned his smile, broke their hug, and gently placed his face between her hands in a soft caress as he placed his hands on her slender hips before she leaned forward and gave him a soft kiss, which he happily returned. 

Sharing their affectionate kiss in the middle of the hallway, Arthur and Tessia were lucky no guards were walking by, who would undoubtedly be starting rumors from seeing the Elven princess kissing a human. However, they did have one audience member who sat happily on the ground, watching Arthur and Tessia kiss, with her fluffy white tail wagging back and forth.

'Going from this is not a date to now kissing in a span of a day. You definitely don't waste time, Papa,' Sylvie teased, though she was well aware of their past relationship.

Arthur ignored Sylvie, and he and Tessia slowly broke their kiss as they looked each other in the eyes, admiring their affectionate gazes for each other. However, Arthur soon looked at Tessia curiously, with a question coming to mind, "Though, one thing I'm still confused about is why your grandfather attacked me." He chuckled humorously as he continued, "Alea, I understand. She happened to walk in at the wrong time and assumed I was attacking the elder of the Elven race."

Tessia's gaze flicked down, contemplating Arthur's words, trying to formulate an answer to his loaded question. Her eyes flicked back to his, seeing his quizzical gaze, and her lips curved in a small smile, "Walk with me, and I'll explain on the way."

"Did you have a destination in mind?" Arthur inquired, and Tessia shook her head. "Hmmm," Arthur hummed before he simply shrugged, "Then how about we go back to my room?" Arthur looked down at his apparel and pulled at his shirt, "This way, I can get out of these training clothes."