TBATE-ALLIANCE

Chapter 32

Tessia Eralith POV

I stared at my own reflection through my vanity mirror as I intricately braided my hair. My eyes flicked to Art through the mirror, seeing him sitting on the corner of the bed, finishing putting on his boots.

My lips curved up in a blissful smile as my eyes looked him up and down, seeing his clean, tied-back auburn hair, beautiful azure eyes, blue button-up shirt, black pants, and shin-high black boots. It was an incredibly joyous feeling having him back, being this close to him again. A feeling I didn't want to end.

Art finished putting on his boot, and he looked in my direction. He gave me a warm smile before he sat up straight, "See something you like?"

I giggled and shook my head, "I see someone I love."

Art's smile widened, and he stood up from the bed. My eyes tracked him through the mirror as he approached me from behind and placed his hands on my shoulders. He leaned down and placed a quick kiss against my cheek, filling my heart with warmth.

"I love you too," Art said lovingly.

His hands squeezed my shoulders lightly in a comfortable massage. I hummed happily as I leaned back into his touch.

"Your hair is about to be undone," Art chuckled.

I was knocked out of my blissful thoughts with my gaze flicking to the hair in my hands through the mirror. The braid had begun to unravel as I was lost in Art's gentle touch.

I looked at Arthur through the mirror and smiled, "Not my fault you distracted me."

Art chuckled, and I looked back at my hair and began to fix my braid. I pinned the braid to the rest of my hair, putting on the finishing touches.

"All done?" Art asked.

I looked at him, smiled, and nodded, "Yeah."

"Good," Art said and took his hands off my shoulders. He moved to my left side and reached his hand out with a smile, "Come on."

I happily reached out and took his hand. I stood up from the vanity and noticed Art stepping closer, looking at me cautiously.

I raised a brow amusingly, "You okay?"

"Yeah," Art smiled. "Just making sure you don't fall."

I giggled and tilted my head slightly, looking at him lovingly, "I'm not that pregnant, Art. It's not like I'm going to fall easily."

Art caressed my cheek warmly, "Doesn't mean I won't be careful and protective." He chuckled, "So I apologize in advance if I get annoying."

I smiled and shook my head, "I won't find it annoying, cute, if anything."

"Good," Art smiled before he motioned to the door with his head. "Now, come on."

I nodded and hooked my arm around Art's as we walked over to the door. Art opened the door, and we stepped into the hallway. My head snapped to Art as I felt him tense. His gaze was locked on a familiar figure who was standing beside the door.

"Who are you," Art said defensively, leaning close to me protectively.

I mentally chuckled, and my lips curved into a warm smile, seeing how protective he was being.

The figure shifted his body to face Art and bowed, "Good evening, Prince Arthur. I am Princess Tessia's guard."

"Guard?" Art said before looking at me for confirmation.

I nodded, "Art, this is Percy. Grandpa assigned him to me."

Art physically relaxed and looked at Percy with a smile, "I see. Thank you for keeping an eye on her."