A Perfect Guardian

"I am not a child anymore and you are calling me baby?" his brows furrowed but she only shook her head.

She knew the child was looking for support. When he had extended his hands to her, she had thought that he was a mature one but now she realized, the child would hold any rope to save himself even if he had mistaken a snake as a rope.

"Are you talking about my aunt?" he pressed when she did not reply.

"Stay still. You did not notice but your hand was burnt with tea too." small red patches were formed at the back of his hand.

If it had been any other child, he would have cried and complained but Killian looked at it and then at her as if his wound were not important but her reply was.

"Elara.."

"Killian, you need treatment or they will form blisters. Wait for me here." his lips pressed into a thin line when she did not listen to him and left the room.

He looked at the closed door and sighed. He knew that his aunt did not love him. But.. she was the sister of his mother. He might convince her to help him. He might win her heart. The child felt cold suddenly as his body started shivering.

All the events of today flashed in his eyes and tears brimmed but he did not cry. He looked at the ceiling and blinked his eyes.

"I am not going to cry. I am not going to be a weak child mother. I will.. Survive no matter what." he took a deep breath and promised himself and his parents.

Elara who had returned with the ointment paused at the door and held it. The child! Must struggle so much to survive. It was his house, his land and his position yet, he could not be sure that he would survive! Her hands held the door tighter and anger burnt her.

If only she could help him! If only.. Elara closed her eyes and took a deep breath. It was not her fight but she could protect the child by being with him now.

"Young master." she whispered as she walked in. Killian stood straighter feeling her presence. She did not say anything but sat beside him and cleaned stains of tea from his hands and then applied ointment to the red areas slowly. "It will be better after some rest." she whispered in a soothing voice when he nodded.

"About my aunt."

"You did the right thing, young master. I apologize that I was not able to understand your actions." his eyes widened with shock as he knew what everyone felt.

"I did?" he asked with widened eyes when she nodded, hiding a laugh.

"Yes, young master. You did." his eyes beamed as if all he needed was her approval. The tears faded slowly like dark clouds fade after a windy night. "Your uncle had sole control over the palace. Now that your aunt is here, they will both keep each other in check.

Like today, your uncle behaved kind to insult your aunt and your aunt behaved nice to show her power to your uncle. We might as well get good food and teachers if we play the right trick." she smiled as she let his hands go and stood up to get his night dress.

"Did you have dinner?" she asked out of the blue. Killian was thinking about her words. About their value and how he could play the right trick when he heard her again.

He raised his brow and shook his head. They were still having tea when the incident occurred. He did not get the chance to have a meal.

"Oh!" Elara placed the night dress back and took out a formal dress. "Then you should go and invite your aunt for dinner. I am sure you will be offered a good meal after a long time." 

"..." he had hid that he was getting normal food for days. It was not bad but it was not the one he served when his parents were alive.

It was mostly meal maids prepared for themself. But it was still warm and nutritious, so he never complained.

"Go on, I am with you." She helped him by wearing a shirt but he held the pants tightly and glared at her, making her laugh. "Or I shall wait for you at the door." 

"Yes please." for a second she felt like a cradle snatcher when he looked at her with cautious eyes.

She nodded and walked out. The moment the door was closed behind her, her smile vanished and her face went cold.

She looked at the maid standing at the side. She had seen them lingering at Killian's door often but she knew they were all spies.

"The child is suddenly affectionate to his aunt." she whispered as if she was trying to strike a conversation. The maid was surprised but nodded.

"But she was cruel. I think your grace is a perfect guardian already." Elara's smile returned and she nodded.

"I think so too. After all, he has been taking care of the young lord since the death of his parents. Was he not?" the maid felt pride as she nodded. "But I am afraid the aunt would get brownie points because she was a woman." 

Elara sighed exaggeratedly, "young master is going to invite his aunt for dinner. I hope everything goes well for the child." 

She shook her head and returned to the door when she saw the maid hesitating and then leaving with an excuse. 

"Tsk! Go and call your master at the table. He will make sure that women would not be able to play tricks."