TBATE-ONESHOTS

Honorbound 11

"What do you mean she's gone?!"

Alduin was seething as he stood in front of his throne in the elven throneroom. His fists were tightly balled, and his jaw was clenched as he glared daggers at Arthur. 

Arthur stood incredibly still at the position of attention. He knew the king would be pissed when he returned since he failed to follow his order. So, when he returned and advised the queen that Tessia was not with him, he was not surprised when he was ordered by other high ranking guards to report to the throne room. 

Reynolds also stood at the position of attention but was standing off to the side. He had a worried expression, and his eyes darted between Alduin and Arthur. He had never seen the king this mad before and didn't know what would happen. 

Merial quietly stood to the side of Alduin, not saying a word as she had her wrists clasped to her front. She had her eyes downcast, not saying a word, as she knew her husband was furious. 

Virion stood behind the throne, with Aya and Alea standing beside him. Virion had a curious expression as he eyed Arthur up and down like he was thinking. 

Kristine was in the back of the room. She had her head down and her hands tightly clasped to her front. She didn't dare say a word as she stood there silently. She knew this wasn't Arthur's fault or Tessia's in her mind. She thought all of this was the king's fault for making Tessia do something she didn't want. 

"I asked you a question!" Alduin yelled, his voice echoing through the room. "It was not rhetorical, and I expect an answer!"

Arthur mentally sighed, more irritated than anything, but kept his composure. "I mean, she escaped while I was keeping guard, Your Majesty." 

"How?!" Alduin yelled. "You're supposed to be keeping an eye on her!"

"I have no excuse, Your Majesty," Arthur replied.

"I'm not asking for excuses!" Alduin yelled, grabbed a cup off the chair, and threw it against the wall. 

"Alduin!" Virion yelled, scolding Alduin for acting like a child, but Alduin didn't listen and continued to glare at Arthur. 

Alduin cursed loudly and rubbed his temples, "This was supposed to be an important day. Tessia was to meet her future fiance." He looked at Arthur angrily, "But no, you just had to ruin it."

Arthur's eyes slightly narrowed, but he kept his bearing, not trying to get into more trouble than he was already in. 

"It's not his fault, you know," Virion said and stepped forward, eyeing Arthur. Alduin's eyes flicked to his father as Vrion continued. "Arthur can only do so much as a guard. His task is to keep Tessia safe. However, if she doesn't want him around her, she will find a way to leave." He chuckled and looked at his son, "We know how clever she can be."

Alduin stared at his father for a moment before he sighed, "Perhaps." His eyes flicked to Arthur and narrowed, "I just expected more from someone I heard great things about."

Arthur gave a respectful bow, "I'm sorry I failed your orders, Your Majesty."

Alduin huffed and was about to answer when Merial stepped forward and said, "There is nothing that can be done about that now." Merial looked at Alduin, "Our first priority is finding Tessia and making sure she is safe."

Alduin stood there in silence for a moment before his eyes fell, and he nodded, "True." He looked at Reynolds, "Deploy the guard. Advise your troops to be on the lookout for Tessia again."

Reynolds nodded, "Wil do, Your Majesty."

Alduin's eyes flicked to Arthur, "Seeing that you're the one who lost her, it would behoove you to be the one to bring her back."