TBATE-ONESHOTS

Light and Darkness 4

Tessia didn't say a word as she marched through the mossy paths of Zestier. The fae guards walked around her in an enclosed protective circle, with her grandfather walking to her right and Lilia walking behind her. The citizens of Zestier, who were walking around, stopped and stared at the procession of royal guards as they escorted their high lord and princess through the kingdom's capital.

"You can't stay silent forever," Virion said, his tone level.

Tessia gave him a side eye, seeing he was staring straight ahead, not giving her a single glance. She mentally scoffed, shook her head, and looked forward.

Virion sighed, "You can be mad at me all you want. One day, you will see that I'm doing this for you."

Tessia said nothing and continued on her silent march through the city. The atmosphere around them was tense, and Tessia felt knee-wobbling relief when the castle came into view. They approached the castle, but suddenly, Virion stopped, resulting in the guards around them following his lead. Tessia looked at her grandfather blankly as he turned around to face Lilia fully. Lilia flinched and looked down, avoiding Virion's gaze.

"As Tessia's personal attendant, you should know better," Virion said, his voice strict.

Tessia narrowed her eyes on her grandfather, "Don't speak to her like that."

Virion's gaze snapped to her, "I'm currently addressing Lilia. I will speak to you about your behavior later."

Tessia turned, facing her grandfather, and glared at him angrily. "Lilia only did as I requested. She doesn't deserve any punishment."

"I will be the one to decide that," Virion said.

Tessia clicked her tongue, "And we know you make such great decisions."

Virion narrowed his eyes, "That's enough. Go inside the castle."

Tessia gave a sarcastic chuckle, "Is that an order from the esteemed High Lord."

"Tessia," Virion began, his lips tight as he tried to contain his anger. "Get inside the castle. I will speak with you later."

Tessia shook her head, "Whatever." She turned and began to walk toward the castle but suddenly stopped. She turned around and looked at Lilia, seeing her gaze downcast. "Lilia." Lilia looked up, and Virion turned to look at his granddaughter with a raised brow. Tessia smiled sincerely, "Thank you. It was fun while it lasted."

Lilia's lips curved slightly, showing a hint of a smile. Virion sighed and looked like he was about to say something, but Tessia whirled around and marched up the steps, not in the mood for his words.

Tessia approached the large double doors to the castle, and the guards walking in front of her moved out of her way. Tessia grasped the doors and pushed them open. As soon as she entered the grand entryway, she yelped in surprise as a figure suddenly took her into a tight embrace. A little surprised, Tessia stood there frozen for a moment before she relaxed, realizing it was her mother, Merial.

"Oh, my baby," Merial whispered, her arms around Tessia tightening. "I was so worried."

Tessia smiled slightly and returned the hug, "I'm fine, Mom."

Merial broke the hug, took hold of Tessia's shoulder, and looked at her with her teary eyes, "What were you thinking?"

Tessia sighed and was about to speak.

"She wasn't thinking," A voice snapped.

Irritation filled Tessia, and her eyes flicked to the side, seeing her father, Alduin, approaching with a stern expression.