WMMAP - [S2] Shelter You

13: Mine To Protect

"You do not own this building, Tobias, and I want you out of my house," Athanasia said sternly, "Right this instance."

Lilian looked a bit taken aback by how Athanasia's voice came out and so was Felix, although there was not much of a change of expression on his part. As for Tobias, he continued to smile, never once wavering.

Concerned with the unexpected outburst, Lilian asked, "Athy... This isn't the way to talk to our guests. Why are you like this?"

Athanasia felt a firm grip on her shoulder from behind. She met Lucas' eyes for a moment, a reminder of how mindful she ought to pay to her voice before she baited herself in.

"Sorry... We had a little bit of a... Road rage," said Lucas, now standing side by side, "She's still a bit upset. So, if you all don't mind..."

"You two didn't get into any trouble, right?" Felix asked, and the young couple exchanged a look before shaking their heads in perfect sync.

"Good. Otherwise, you know what's coming, Milady."

Lilian tried to get her husband's attention by subtly tugging on the sleeve of his shirt. When he looked at her, she motioned him to come close to her and he automatically bent his knee slightly.

"Felix, don't be too harsh on her. You are like a father scolding his daughter right now," she said in a hushed whisper.

"That was what we agreed on and two I am not even scolding her," Felix whispered back.

"I know, but can we not do it in front of our guests?"

"Shouldn't you be resting by now?"

"I was waiting for those two to come home."

"They are here. So... Go get some rest, Honey."

She wasn't feeling well herself she really didn't put much of a fight and quickly excused herself from the crowd to find some rest, leaving all of them in the main hall. Not without reassuring everyone that she was okay.

"Speaking of which, Lucas, do you still remember your drill instructor from your camp?"

"I do not," Lucas said plainly and he stared into Tobias' eyes instead of shaking the hand he offered, "I've been to many camps and I have many drill instructors. You are one of them too, Felix."

"If you put it that way...," said Felix scratching the fresh undercut of his scarlet hair. "Well, how about we reintroduce ourselves before the meeting starts?"

"Skip the introduction part, but Meeting?" Athanasia's brows knitted together, still agitated, "I thought it was supposed to be this Thursday."

"Can we please find a place to sit and—"

"No. I don't have time for this."

"You are growing fiercer than your father ever been at this age, Milady, and it scares me."

"Felix."

Yup. That tone. 

Felix sighed, "Tobias didn't come here on his own record. I invited him over because we have to come to a consensus of selecting who will be standing by your side every moment of it. As you know, I won't be joining you for the meeting this Thursday. I have to stay behind for Lilian."

"I thought we agreed that I am her bodyguard," said Lucas who was growing a tad restive as well.

"Correction, you are her driver. We agree solely on that term."

"Then switch me up. Have someone else do the driving."

"I'm afraid I have to interject," said Tobias, "I do not think a driver and a bodyguard have relevant job requirements. It's not possible to switch your position as you please and I am against nepotism."