Chapter Text
“I want to take a walk in the garden,” Ren said. Everyone glanced at her, but it was her nurse who replied.
“Sure, princess. We could take one of your books to read, if you like? The weather is good.”
“Yes, go,” Alucard said. “It looks like it won’t rain.”
“I don’t want to go alone with the nurse,” she protested. “I want my aunt and uncle to come with me. I haven’t been with them for a while, after their last visit.”
Alucard glanced at Lila and smiled. He found it funny when Ren called Lila her aunt. He considered her family, of course, but he knew she found it weird.
“What do you say, aunt Lila? You in?”
Lila glared at him, trying to hide her blush. “I have something else to do.”
“Come on, Bard. She requests your presence and wants to spend time with you. Don’t you, Ren?”
“Absolutely,” she stood up and got in front of Lila. “Would you do me the honor of coming on a walk with me, Delilah? I’d be delighted by your presence.”
“Who am I to say no to such a request?”
“Flattery will get you anywhere,” Alucard teased, and Lila rolled her eyes. “Doesn’t it, uncle Kell?”
“Don’t ask me. My flattery has the opposite effect on her.”
“Poor you,” Alucard patted his shoulder and stood. “But I guess you have other qualities other than looking like a wet cat. It’s fine.”
“I don’t look like a wet cat,” Kell protested. “Whatever that means.”
“You look grumpy and lame –”
“Saints,” Lila sighed audibly.
“Luca! Please, stop. It isn’t good to talk to my uncle like that,” Ren said. “You should apologize.”
“But I didn’t –” Alucard began, but Lila sighed again and muttered to just do it. “I apologize if I hurt your feelings, master Kell.”
Kell glared at Alucard and Lila rolled her eyes. “Come on, princess. Let’s go. Hurry up, Kell.”
“You don’t look like a wet cat, uncle,” Ren said once they were alone. “And Esa is white. You are ginger like my rabbit Miros.”
Kell couldn’t hide a smile, and he and Lila exchanged a glance while they walked. She was smiling too.
Oh, kids and their innocent humor.
“Aunt Delilah,” Ren called next. “Will you hold my hand?”
“Aren’t you old for that?”
“I will hold your hand,” Kell offered, and Ren gladly accepted. He frowned at Lila.
“I’m only four and half years old,” the child said. “I’m not old. My papas are old and they hold hands. I saw you hold hands with uncle. Aren’t you old?”
“You do have a point, princess,” Lila conceded. “You may hold my hand. But just for today.”
Ren grabbed her hand and grinned at both. She looked ecstatic to spend time with them, and this made Lila happy as well, for some reason. She didn’t want to indulge in the princess’ desires, but she was, after all, just a child. A child who considered her family. A child whom she would protect if she were ever in danger.