Chapter 1

                                    

                                          
Arthur Leywin POV 
Laying in bed and staring at the ceiling, my thoughts rang like a loud bell with how silent the room was, thinking about what was going to happen today. After I returned to the floating castle, I explained to Gramps what Seris had said about how she wanted to meet. Father and Mother were worried, which was understandable. It's not every day an elite warrior from the enemy continent requests a meeting. Ultimately, we decided that it was in our best interest to at least speak with her. 
In the map Seris gave me, she included a place and time she wanted to meet. The meeting was set for tonight, giving us the cover of the night to keep us hidden. I was nervous about this meeting, overthinking possible scenarios about what might happen. I know Seris has helped us in the past, but I couldn't help but be worried that something might go wrong. 
My head began to hurt from my rampaging thoughts, with my eyes glued to the ceiling. A gentle touch on my chin knocked me out of my thoughts, and my head was turned to the right. My gaze fell on a beautiful sight, seeing Tess lying beside me with her head on my shoulder. My eyes met her stunning emerald eyes, and she smiled radiantly. 
Tess lovingly caressed my cheek, and her warm touch washed through my body like an electric wave, "You ok, Art?" 
I nodded reassuringly, and my lips curved, returning her beautiful smile, "I'm ok. It's just I'm a little worried about the meeting." 
Tess' smile faded a little, and her gaze lowered. I felt her body tense a little, and she held me tighter. "I'm worried about the meeting too," She began, her voice a little shaky. Her gaze flicked up and met mine again, this time a little watery, "I wish I could go with you."  
"You can't," I snapped, my body growing tense, with horrible thoughts of her getting hurt flooding my mind. 
Ever since we found out Tess was pregnant, Tess pointed out I had been more protective. I apologized to Tess, thinking she didn't like it since she never appreciated being treated like a glass sculpture. However, she said she thought it was cute and loved it. 
Tess giggled, probably since she sensed my protectiveness, "I know." She shuffled her body closer to mine, with her warmth washing over me comfortably. "I'll be back here at the castle." 
I gently kissed her forward, getting a small giggle from my princess, and curiously asked, "What will you do while we're gone?"  
Tess shrugged, "Not sure. Mom barely leaves my side." She smiled in amusement, "She's very excited about the pregnancy, as you could imagine." 
I smiled as I leaned forward and placed my forehead against hers, feeling how much I truly loved this girl. I gently touched her stomach, getting a happy hum from Tess, which sounded like a melody in my ears. Thoughts of being a dad came to mind, and I hoped to be a good dad. Someone my child would be proud of. Like how I'm proud of my dad and how wonderful of a parent he is. But I couldn't help but be nervous, nervous about being a bad father, or worse, me not making it out of this war. 
Tess and I continued to lay there, staying in a warm, comforting, and loving embrace. Part of me wanted to lay here forever, but I grumbled as we were soon interrupted by a knock at the bedroom door. 
I sighed dejectedly at the interruption since I had an idea of what it was about, "Yes? What is it?" 
"Sorry for disturbing you, General Arthur," A female voice began from outside the door. "Commander Virion sent me to inform you that it's time." 
I could feel Tess tense a little, and she breathed in sharply. Hoping to reassure her, I held her a little tighter. I nodded, "Very well. I'll be out in a bit."