Storming behind the privacy screen, Melora looked down at her child with wild eyes.
"What happened? I heard you scream!"
Aella flnched back at her mother's expression. Her mother looked frightful and when she peered over her shoulder, Aella hung back. "Mom! Did Dad follow you up here, too?"
"Yes, we had both heard the screaming and came immediately. Did that boy show up?"
"What?" Aella was taken back.
"The one from the party. The mage boy- did he come in here and try to harm you?"
"What? NO!" Aella went on, suddenly growing angry as she shook her head. "I just slipped in the bath tub. I used too much soap."
"Slipped?" Melora looked appalled, and not quite satisfied with the answer. "Aella, darling, you're far too young to be able to take a bath without servants- but do I need to call one in here to aid you with the rest of one?"
Aella, panicking, shook her head fervently.
"No, I should be alright. I just need to finish rinsing and then I'll be able to get back to bed."
Melora, keeping her eyes sketpically upon her daughter, finally conceded with a nod.
"Alright... but do call if you need anything. We have two guards stationed out front of your door."
Aella grimaced. "Guards?"
"Yes, that mage is on the loose and we are not taking any chances!"
Chances from what? She dared not asked and stiffened as her mother gave a hug and kiss to her head.
"Sleep well, Aella- or at least do the best that you can. This week will be a busy one for you."
"Oh.. okay..." Not daring to ask WHY, Aella just watched as her mother left before standing there, quietly in the room while loosely holding her towel. Great... now what? She had just defended Laighean- and she was upset with him! Grimacing, she turned back to the bath and contemplated finishing her tub- but then recalled- right..
Laighean was still looming around. She blushed at the thought of him seeing her bathe. No way! He wasn't allowed! Especially not now! Now that she disliked him very much!