Allegiance

Chapter 38

In his past life, he was a king, someone who had fought in gruesome battles, won wars, and gone toe to toe with some of the most corrupt and vile politicians. And yet, this—this right here—was the most terrifying thing he was about to do in both of his lives. Maybe it's because they were both orphans on Earth, so he never had to meet Cecilia's parents. But here in Dicathen, Tessia's parents were waiting on the other side of that door Arthur was staring at, and this very meeting could have life-altering consequences if it didn't go right.

"You look like you're about to be sick."

Arthur looked to where Tessia was sitting on her bed as she zipped up her left shin-high boot. After Merial had interrupted them earlier, Tessia had gotten dressed in a white T-shirt, black pants, and black leather shin-high boots. She had also tied her hair back into a ponytail since she didn't want to bother braiding her hair and because she knew Arthur loved her hair in a ponytail.

Arthur's eyes looked her up and down, admiring how good she looked, before he smiled and met her gaze, "Maybe just a little."

Tessia chuckled amusingly and stood up from the bed. She approached Arthur, twining her arms around his neck. She canted her head slightly to the right and stared into his eyes with a loving gaze. "Is the mighty King Grey nervous?" Tessia teased.

Placing his hands on her hips, he shrugged slightly, "Maybe a little."

"Because they're royalty?" Tessia asked curiously.

Arthur gave a small laugh and shook his head, "Royalty I can deal with." He leaned forward, placing his forehead against hers, and smiled at her lovingly. "It's because I'm meeting the parents of the love of my life."

Tessia bit her lip, loving every word that came out of his mouth and placed a sweet, comforting kiss on his lips. "You have nothing to worry about," Tessia reassured, brushing a hand through his hair. "They will love you."

"How do you know?" Arthur asked, unsure of himself. He didn't care if he showed any hint of weakness right now. It was Tessia who was standing in front of him, his greatest source of strength. Someone he would, and always will, confide in and lean on for support.

She caressed his cheek and made sure she was staring directly into his eyes as she said, "Because you're the best man I know." He smiled at her and gave her another kiss. Her eyes flicked to the door, and she jerked her chin to it, "We should get going. They'll be wondering what's taking so long."

Arthur took a steeling breath and nodded, "Let's not keep them waiting."

They broke the hug, and Tessia gave Arthur one more reassuring nod before she moved to the door, Arthur walking behind her. His heart beat rapidly in his chest as she grabbed the doorknob, but confusion washed over him as she stood there motionlessly.

"Tessia?" Arthur inquired, wondering why she stopped.

Tessia looked at him over his shoulder with a serious gaze, "One more thing. Don't flirt with her."

Arthur looked at her, baffled, "Who?"

"You'll know," Was all Tessia said before she opened the door.

Arthur contemplated her words, wondering if this was some sort of test before he followed her into the common area. He swallowed hard, making sure he didn't look nervous, as his eyes darted across the room, quickly assessing his surroundings.

Tessia's parents and her grandfather were sitting at the dining table. Merial had a wine glass in her hand and was mid-sip when Arthur and Tessia walked out of Tessia's room. Merial's eyes darted to the door, and she took her wine glass away from her lips as both of them emerged.