The Knight Commander's son

Chapter 7

Tyon couldn't stop thinking about the kiss after the incident and spent all his time working to keep his mind in check as much as he could. However the plan wasn't working well. He spent a lot of time in his study and instead of working he would soon be disturbed by the sight of Alden and Amauri playing outside. He was watching over them and stole a lot of glances when they were near. He liked watching Alden smile whereas the latter quickly forgot about the kiss. He didn't like Tyon and therefore didn't think about it at all and focused on Amauri.

The child changed a lot in a matter of days. The first day Alden saw him, he was a shy and fearful child who didn't dare ask questions but now he turned into an energy ball who wanted to understand everything and if you didn't watch over him for a second he would disappear in a tree or behind a bush. Earl helped Alden keep an eye on the young child but the only one he really listened to was his mommy. If he called him he would come back running. Alden prefered to be safe than sorry and asked Earl to help him keep an eye on the child. This drew them closer and Earl himself opened up to Alden, becoming friends.

Amauri loved listening to his mommy and Alden loved answering questions and telling stories. Naturally he talked a lot about his life before they met and all the places he visited outside the mansion. Alden told Amauri about his friends, the gossip and everything else. It wasn't really important what Alden was talking about. He could be talking about anything and Amauri would have still looked at him with the same sparkling eyes. Against all expectations, Earl liked gossips a lot and became very talkative when they were on the topic:

"And Sir Denemfontos purchased a tiger recently."

Alden frowned.

"Why would he buy a tiger? The poor thing isn't meant for living in such weather."

Earl shrugged with a small smile :

"Tiger's are known for their powerful energy. Everyone would love to have one if they had the money."

Amauri who had been playing close to them raised his head:

"What is a tiger?"

Alden smiled a bit surprised. Wasn't he old enough to know about animals?

"Tigers are like lions but with stripes."

Amauri always listened to the words of his mommy with utter admiration, looking at him as if he was the smartest person on earth.

"What are lions?"

Alden frowned :

"You never saw lions before?

-No!"

Alden immediately dragged them to the library and soon Alden realized how limited the child's knowledge about animals was. He turned to Earl :

"Has he never been to the Zoo before?"

He shook his head.

"Sir Farroworb doesn't let the young master leave without him and he doesn't have time to go to the zoo. He says that the Zoo is not a necessary trip.

-But he is a child. He has to go play outside and visit places. If he can't then I'll take him out.

-I don't think Sir Tyon will like the idea very much...

-I don't care if he does."

Alden didn't wait a second and left Amauri to Earl before going to Tyon's study. There were two guards stationed in front of the door as usual and they bowed seeing Alden approach. He stopped in front of the door and knocked before going in. He seemed really determined and walked up to the desk before staring straight at Tyon. The latter wasn't used to such attention and felt his heart act up again.

"To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?"

Alden raised his eyebrows feeling the irritation behind his question.

"I will take Amauri to the zoo. He wants to see lions and tigers."

Tyon was taken aback by what he said. Alden wasn't asking a question, he was warning Tyon about what he wanted to do and didn't want his permission at all. This really irritated him. Alden was the only one who could make him feel like a guest in his own house.

"You won't.

-I am not asking for permission, I am letting you know because you are his dada after all."

Tyon felt even worse hearing it clearly. Alden wasn't ashamed at all saying loud and clear that he didn't care about Tyon's opinion.

"I am the master of this house. You have to ask me before doing anything.

-Amauri has never seen lions before. He didn't even know what a tiger or an elephant looked like. Children love the zoo. He would be really happy.

-I know better than anyone what the child needs and going to the zoo is just a waste of time."

They were once again in a tight situation. Everyone stood their ground not wanting to lose to the other. Tyon didn't want Amauri away from the mansion. It was dangerous out there but most of all he didn't want Alden to think he could do anything. He had to put him back to his place and teach him how things worked under his roof.

"With all due respect for taking care of Amauri for the past years, you don't know anything about him."

Tyon was taken aback. Why did he feel like Alden was looking down on him? And why was he feeling guilty?

"I would hate having a father like you."

This was the last straw. Both of them were furious and they felt all the frustration bottled up come to the surface. It was too late to stop it and the servants who were eavesdropping outside bit their lips terrified of what would happen.

"That's enough. I am Amauri's legal guardian whereas you are no one to him.

-I am his mommy! I never wanted to be in the first place. You dragged me here and forced me to take care of him but now that I actually care you want to push me away? No way in hell! You're pitiful!

-Enough!

-No, it isn't near enough! Do you know how happy he has been lately? He thanks me every day for being by his side! He thanks me when I answer his questions and he always follows me everywhere!

-Is that the achievement you are so proud of? He should be learning how to be independant and not clinging to you like a toddler.

-I am proud of him! And it kills me that you don't see how much he grew. When I think about him hearing you talk this way I want to rip your eyes out! How could you be so cold towards him? What did he ever do to you?

-You are preventing him from growing into a strong man. How will he learn the truth of this world if you pamper him all day long?

-Do you want him to be prepared for this world or do you want to break him so that nothing will ever hurt him? Not feeling pain doesn't mean it isn't there!"

Tyon felt a strange pain in his chest but he couldn't give up. He heard his heartbeat in his ears and started seeing red.

"Stop being all sensitive. The world isn't as peaceful and beautiful as you think. He will be even more unfortunate if he follows your teachings.

-I will make him happy! Something that you never will!

-He will be powerful!

-And you think he isn't now? You are not even beside him! How would you know anything? You don't know how many things he learned next to me in the past weeks. He learned to eat alone, he learned to dress alone, he learned to brush his teeth and even learned to cook an omelet! He learned the letters and how to do simple additions. He knows some basics in history and can recognise most constellations. And what did you teach him? Hum? Nothing! All that he learned was to never show his emotions. To never cry and wait patiently for his Dada who is working all day and is only with him during meals. And you are blaming me? I decided to stay because I started loving Amauri with all my heart and I want him to be happy. He will become much more powerful with me by his side and I am taking him to the zoo because I know it is the right thing to do!

-I won't let you leave the house.

-Try me.

-Do you really think you could do something I prohibited you from doing?"

Alden scoffed.

"Prohibited? Who do you think you are? If you dare do anything, I will make you regret it. Try anything and I won't ever speak to you again."

He then turned around and left.