Threatened Child

Killian stared at his uncle with the desire to kill. Cedric knew that look well. He had grown up with it. 

"You know when I was young, I was thrown into the dark woods. You will not find any other humans there but all kinds of beasts. They told me that I needed to protect the north border. But in reality, they wanted me dead.

The beasts there attacked me so often that I became numb to pain, to death and to emotions. All I know is survival. Your eyes are full of hatred but you have no strength to stand against me. And if you think that your aunt could protect you, you are nothing but a fool." Killian dug his nails deep into his arms as he glared at his uncle.

He knew that he was weak and pathetic. He could not protect himself or Elara. But that did not mean he did not have anything to offer.

"What do you want, uncle?" the man tilted his head in confusion when Killian smiled, "if you have come to threaten me, there must be something in the party that worries you. Tell me what do you want from me only then we can do a trade." 

His face went calm when he noticed surprise in the eyes of his uncle. He still had something to bargain with his uncle.

"Stay away from the royal family. That is it." Killian raised a brow. He did not remember much about the royal family. He had hardly visited the palace once.

His father used to go there seldomly. But that was it. Why would the royal family come forward and help him? What made Cedric so worried?

"The duchess would not be able to penetrate our palace. Your efforts would go in vain. So, it will be better that you know your position." Cedric added when Killian did not respond.

His eyes finally flickered and he nodded his head. Ready for the bargain. 

"I was not going to share my troubles with others anyway. I do not want strange rumors to spread in the empire. No one could help me without power." he knew that Elara was sure they would get help. But he knew it was impossible. They were trapped in a cage and only Cedric had its keys.

"You were not going to try an escape?" The words held a hint of disappointment and Killian wondered did the man get a thrill from a chanse. But then, why did he threaten him in the first place?

"No, I will not do such a thing." Added Killian drylu when he noticed the expression of his uncle's face changing but before he could understand them, they disappeared.

"Poor you.'' The carriage soon stopped and a footman opened their door for them. He extended his hands for Killian as another one placed stairs in front of the door.

But Killian did not accept the hands. He raised his head high and walked out of the carriage without any help.

The duchess was standing near the door welcoming guests. Her eyes glowed when she noticed killian. She smiled and walked to him.

"Oh dear, you are finally here." She hugged the child as if they were long lost relatives. "You look much better than the last time I saw you." Killian smiled at the woman, not sure if they had met before.

Noticing his confusion, the woman smiled brighter,

"You might have not noticed me since you were mourning. I was at the funeral of your parents." of course, she was! Whole empire was there. The words left a sour taste in his mouth but he did not show anything in his expressions.

"I know kids do not join parties. But you should visit us and others a few times." she waved her hands and the guests waiting for her attention bowed their heads and left.

Cedric was standing beside Killian but the woman did not address him.

"Come with me, Killian. It is important to meet others. You must know your friends." She placed her hands on his soldiers and guided him inside the room. The young boy was surprised at the mistreatment his uncle received. He was duke now after all.

As he went in, he saw many familiar and unfamiliar faces, all smiling at him. Some had pity, while others held surprise. Some looked at him as if they were watching a good show.

The duchess did not stop in front of any of them. But she guided Killian to a separate empty table. Did she not say that she was going to introduce him with his friends?

"They are still not here." as if reading his thoughts, the woman smiled and then waved her hands at a waiter. 

The waiter comes with a platter of fruits, snacks and a cup of tea.

"Here, you can have some refreshments while I shall go and indulge myself in a small conversation." the woman winked at him as if he should be well versed in code languages.

Killian frowned and ignored the women. He would have some snacks and leave or Elara would be disappointed. He searched the room for his uncle only to find him surrounded by a group of women. He looked troubled and looked around, probably searching for him.

His uncle must be worried that he would spill the beans. The thought gave him some relief. At least he was not the only worried one here. He picked up a piece of apple and put it in his mouth when he heard footsteps.

He turned to see who it was. But he did not recognise the man. He did recognize the insignia on his can though.

"Your grace." he bowed his head at once when the man joined his table.

"My wife had pleaded to arrange this party only to meet you young boy. Tell me what it is that you need and why it makes her worried?"