A Family

"I beg your pardon?" Grace looked at Killian confused, "did she whisper a sad story like her mother was sick and her brothers and sisters are too young and she needs to feed all of them from her salary. I must tell you these are all lies to get your sympathy. A maid is not your responsibility, Killian." 

The child sighed as if he was facing a predicament. How he wished that Elara would have stayed silent but at the same time, he was proud that she did not let his aunt tear her dress. The dress looked beautiful on Elara. He could not take his eyes away from the girl before.

"It is not like that, Aunt. she did not have a family."

"Then what is it?" Grace pressed, not liking the fact that a maid held power against the lord, against Killian. He could only be her chess piece. She would use him against Cedric until he approved of her.

"I can not tell you that. But remember that Elara is protected by me. So no one would touch her." he looked at Grace and then at the knights and maids standing around them, " I will accept it as rebellion against me if she was touched again." With that, he held her hands and dragged the dumbfounded woman from there.

Elara blinked as she looked at their shocked faces and then at Killian who was grumbling curses and giggled.

"What are you laughing for?" Killian roared as he let her hands go and instantly regretted it. She was warm.

"You were so cool there, young master. I never knew you could take a stand like this." Killian shook his head. This woman was crazy. She should be worried about their reactions but looking at her proud eyes, he felt his chest swelling and smile creeping on his lips too.

"That is enough, Elara. You can not argue with your aunt. We need her." Elara shook her head at once and kneeled in front of him to meet his eyes.

"No, young master. I do not trust your aunt. She is.. Acting. Did you not see how easily she lost her composure when she saw your mother's dress. She wants your wealth and your mother's jewels and dresses." she whispered with a sigh. She did not want to worry the child but she could not see him being fooled.

"I know that." he exhaled a deep breath and looked away, "but she would not kill me. She needs me to get all that wealth." There was pain and exhaustion in his voice as he closed his eyes as if it did not matter. As if being used was nothing. 

Elara's face went red instantly, "you think your uncle would.."

"Has he not tried before? It had happened twice, and I am sure he would do it again until he got rid of me. But my aunt would be thrown out by my uncle if I died. So, she would not dare to.." before he could complete his sentence Elara hugged him hard. 

He was surprised to feel her warm hands on his back. He blinked when her head was placed at his shoulders. He smiled gently, 

"If you are so concerned, try to behave nicely with my aunt and go and apologize to her later. Did you get it? I will tell my aunt that she could not touch you again." she nodded but could not let go of the child. He was so vulnerable yet he tried to protect her. 

"Everything would be fine, Elene. We will survive it." he whispered softly and patted her head when she finally let him go. "Now, shall we have breakfast in our room." 

He held her hands again and went to his chambers. The maids brought the meal and they ate it in silence. Elara felt too heavy.

"If I hide you.. Would you come with me if I leave this place?" She knew he had refused once but she felt it was needed.

"You will not leave, Elara. You are going to stay with me. I will be strong to protect you. There is no discussion left about this." She sighed and shook her head. He was strange but caring. When he did not stare at her, she sighed and nodded, bringing a grin to his face. 

"Alright, let's start the class. You need to study a lot if you want to be strong in the future."

........

In Cedric's room,

"What is your next order, master?" Cedric titled his head to give a look to the knight and then stared at the garden again where Grace was still throwing things on the ground. 

After Killian left with Elara. The woman threw everything she could lay her hands on and shouted hard.

"If this continues, we do not need to do anything. Killian would enrage his aunt enough to create drama." He smiled softly as if he had enjoyed the show. But the knight had different views.

"Master, master Killian had already asked the maid to go and apologize to the lady." Cedric's brow rose. His lips curved and he leaned on the window, closing it when Grace left stomping her feet.

"Then make sure that Elara is not able to apologize. She had a strong temper too. I am sure you will find a way." The knight looked troubled with the strange order but he nodded and retreated from the room.

Cedric opened the drawer beside the window. There was a small portrait of him and his brother. They both were young around Killian's age in it.

"Your son is like you, he is making the same mistakes."