She Is My Responsibility

"What if she wants more than that?" the words left her mouth before she could control them. He looked at her confused when she shook her head. But he was not a fool to not understand. 

"Are you doubting that she is like my uncle?" his voice went sharp and she sighed. No! She was not doubting. She was sure. Sure that the woman was worse than Cedric because Cedric did not act. This woman lies and acts innocent and that type of person was most dangerous.

"Even if that is the case, we still need a choice. And I will place my stake on my aunt rather than my uncle." he replied in a dismissive voice as if it meant nothing. 

As if he did not care about the fact that he was used by both of them.

"Don't you have friends, Killian. Or your parent's friends who would help you and take you in until you grow up?" he shook his head at her words because he knew where they were going.

"I will not leave my palace, Elara. Even if I will suffer. Because that is the only way to ensure that they did not sell it. They did not steal more than they could. I do not trust them with my things.

 My father had left this palace, this legacy for me to continue. This is my bed and I must lay in it." her eyes softened. He was just a child yet he knew so much about life. What difference did it left between him and her. "And then, I have to make sure that I am rich and strong enough to take you in when the time comes."

"...pardon?" was she not already in the palace. Killian looked away and coughed.

"You walk too slow. My aunt would die from waiting." with that he increased his pace and left her behind. Elara scratched her nape with a helpless look. It was he who was walking slowly and she was only matching his speed.

"This child is so fickle minded." when Elara caught up to Killian. He was already sitting with his aunt and enjoying the tea.

The woman was smiling ears to ears but the joy did not reach her cold eyes. She was calculating something. Shrewd woman! When she noticed Elara, her eyes instantly flew to Elara's dress and narrowed there.

Her face was filled with rage but Elara stared at the ground and ignored her but then her eyes widened and she stood up at once. If not for Elara's quick reflexes, the woman would have torn Elara's dress.

"You are wearing my gown." the shrill voice echoed in the gazebo. "You must have a death wish to steal what belongs to me." She stood with a cold face and tried to grab Elara's hands again.

"Aunt, I am sure I have asked the maids to bring my mother's old dress. I did not know they brought yours accidentally." Killian stood up and blocked his aunt's way. His eyes filled with worry. He knew how his aunt's temper was. But since she was behaving well with him, he hoped that she would not attack him.

 but the woman forgot to act for a moment. The dress belongs to her sister only. But what was of her, should belong to her now. How could a mere maid dare to covet it. 

"You asked maids to give your mother's dress to a maid? A measly maid? I know that you are dumb but have you gone crazy too? How could you make such a decision without asking me?" she was mad! She was going to teach this feral child a lesson or he would ruin them. So, she raised her hands. Again! 

But before the slap could hurt the child, Elara held Killian by his shoulders and pulled him. When Grace stared at her with a cold gaze, Elara met it with her own sharp look.

"Because you are not his guardian." Elara said in a bold and loud voice, "you are a guest and guests do not have the right to interfere in the matters of the owner. And since the dress did not belong to you, you have no right to ask for it or more… tear it."

"But that dress holds memories of my sister." the woman claimed, realizing that she had been a bit out of line. She wanted to touch their emotional points, but Elara was no fool.

"Therefore you wanted to tear it?" 

"......." Grace's eyes narrowed dangerously. She tried to scare the maid. Maids are mostly weak creatures but this woman was made of steel. She did not back down as if she was challenging Grace to raise her head again.

"You are fired!" Elara raised a brow when Grace announced her dismissal.

"I apologize, my lady. But as I said, you are not the owner, you do not have any right to sack me." Killian's eyes widened as the air became thick. His aunt was furious beyond limits. She was looking at Elara as if she would kill Elara. 

"Elara.."

"Yes, young master. I am listening. Would you like to go in and rest or shall I pour a glass of milk for you.?" she smiled as if nothing was wrong at that moment. As if they were only discussing weather minutes ago.

"That is enough, Killian. Ask this maid to leave at once." Grace asked in an authoritative voice when the child stiffened.

He looked at furious Grace and then smirked at Elara and sighed.

"I apologize aunt, i can not do that.'' That was not the answer she was expecting. She had convinced the child last night that she would take care of him and save him from Cedric. Was he leaving all that for a maid.

"Why not?" her voice went dangerously low and anyone could feel the threat in it.

"Because she is my responsibility."