Allegiance

Chapter 35

Kathyln let out a lighthearted chuckle at Tessia's jest as they continued their conversation at the breakfast table. The conversation between the three of them had gone well past breakfast as they sat together, having a good time and catching up on what they had been up to.

"So Kathyln," Tessia said with a teasing grin and took a sip of her water. "Any interesting suitors in your life lately?"

Kathryn blushed a little and shook her head, "No, none that I'm attracted to anyway."

"Well, at least your father isn't shoving them down your throat," Arthur chuckled with a shrug.

Kathyln's smile faltered a little, and her gaze flicked down. What Arthur didn't know was that her father had repeatedly attempted to get her to take Arthur on a date or show interest in him. After all, what better way to control him if he is in the family. Kathyln never told Arthur this, as she thought it would put a strain on their friendship, which she deeply cherished.

Tessia immediately took notice of Kathyln's subtle change in demeanor and wondered if everything was okay. Kathyln, however, quickly composed herself and smiled at Arthur.

"My father isn't exactly looking for other suitors for me," Kathyln said simply.

"Other's?" Arthur inquired, looking at Kathyln curiously. "Does that mean he has one in mind?"

Kathyln awkwardly shifted in her seat, which didn't go unnoticed by Tessia. Not wanting to make her uncomfortable, Tessia looked at Arthur and smiled, "You know how fathers can be." Arthur's gaze flicked to Tessia. "They always have their preferences."

Arthur's brows furrowed, seeing Tessia was obviously trying to take his attention off Kathyln. Tessia subtly shook her head, wordlessly telling him not to push it. Arthur nodded in understanding and quickly put on a smile, "Yes, I guess that's true."

Tessia and Arthur looked back to Kathyln, whose gaze was locked on the table, looking deep in thought. Tessia was beginning to grow concerned, seeing there was something evidently bothering her friend. Tessia looked back to Arthur and subtly nudged his foot under the table. Arthur curiously shifted his gaze to Tessia, who subtly mouthed, can you give us a minute?

Arthur's gaze flicked to Kathyln, and he could also tell something was bothering her. Arthur looked back to Tessia and nodded. "Whelp," Arthur announced, standing up from the table, and Kathyln looked up at him. "I'm going to head to the restroom really quick." He smiled at Tessia, "Try not to miss me too much."

Tessia playfully rolled her eyes before dramatically saying, "I'll be counting down the seconds until you get back."

Arthur chuckled warmly, and Kathyln's eyes curiously darted between Arthur and Tessia, seeing how they looked and spoke with each other. Without another word, Arthur gave Tessia a quick pat on the shoulder and walked off, giving Kathyln and Tessia a moment to be alone.

Kathyln watched Arthur walk off before she heard Tessia say, "Kathyln?" Kathyln looked at Tessia, as Tessia reassuringly grabbed her arm that was lying on top of the table and looked at Kathyln, a little concerned.

"Are you okay?" Tessia inquired. "It just seems like something is bothering you."

Kathyln looked at Tessia for a long moment, contemplating all the thoughts weighing heavily on her mind. After a brief moment of silence, Kathyln's gaze shifted to Arthur's empty chair. "You and Arthur," Kathyln began, and Tessia looked at Kathyln confused. "You're together?" Kathyln asked, looking back to Tessia with an inquiring gaze.

Not knowing where this conversation was going to be heading, Tessia maintained her confused expression and simply nodded, "We are."

Kathyln's gaze fell to the table, contemplating her following words. In her mind, what happened last night between her and her father should stay in the family. However, Tessia was now a factor in this, and Kathyln didn't want her friend to be blindsided by her father's obsession with Arthur.