The Legacy Of House Auron 7 Interlude: Arabella

Not for the first time today, Arabella sees Kent staring off into s.p.a.ce with a faraway look in his eyes.

Ever since the stranger's visit he's been... different.

Sure he is still the perfectly proper servant he's always been, but even when Sonia was killed he hadn't been this distracted.

Arabella knows that Kent had been in as much pain as she had, if not more, but he hadn't let it show at all. No, his eyes had remained as icy as their colour.

It worried her then, but something that can cause him to react like this? That worries her more.

After all, with Riel dead and Sonia too, Kent is all that stands between her and those who would take advantage of how new she is to all of this.

"Kent?"

She calls his name hesitantly when it seems like he won't snap out of it on his own anytime soon.

His eyes immediately lose that faraway look, but he's still as distant as ever when he bows to her and offers an apology.

"I'm sorry, was there anything that you require of me?"

Arabella s.h.i.+fts uncomfortably.

Perhaps this isn't the smartest idea - it's not like they are close in any way.

"Lady Auron?"

It's the t.i.tle that helps her make a decision.

Lady Auron - Sonia - was kind to her and the least she owes her is ensuring that one of the few people Sonia cherished is alright.

"Kent, I'd like to talk."

His expression doesn't change but something about the set of his shoulders seems to broadcast wariness.

"Have I displeased you in some way?"

"No!"

Her answer is immediate.

The thought of the attentive Kent displeasing her is practically laughable.

His only response is a slight furrowing of his brow.

"I just - I've noticed that you seem... distracted lately."

"I apologise. I'm dealing with some personal issues. I was not aware that it was affecting my work and will take pains to ensure that it no longer does."

Arabella mentally curses her word choice.

"That's not what I meant. Your work is impeccable, as always."

Arabella isn't oblivious to the fact that his skillful handling of the staff, politics, estate - and possibly a million other things she isn't even aware of - is the only thing stopping her from drowning under the weight of her new position and duties.

Kent "Then please forgive my bluntness, but I don't see the issue."

His furrowed brow is evidence that he sincerely means that and is not just saying it to be rude.

Arabella sighs.

This is proving a lot harder than she expected.

"Look, Kent, I'm worried about you."

He seems almost distressed at that.

Well as distressed as Kent ever seems.

"Lady Auron, I am not worthy of your concern."

Her ire rises at this.

It hasn't been so long that she's forgotten what it feels like to be considered below the concern of others.

The thought of Kent feeling that way is something she cannot abide.

"How can you say that?! There is no such thing as someone unworthy of care."

For a moment he looks taken aback by her outburst but he quickly recovers.

"All I meant is that it is my job to ease your worries not add to them."

Those softly spoken words are all it takes to bank the flames of her fury.

"Kent… Look, I know I'm not Sonia and that I can never replace her and to be honest I'd never want to replace her but… Would it be too much to ask that you maybe consider me the way you considered her?"

Kent holds himself unnaturally still at those words.

"I'm not sure what you mean."

Arabella winces.

She is not unaware of the rumours regarding Sonia and Kent.

Those nasty rumours of them being far too close for mere master and servant.

She wasn't thinking of them when she made her request but she can see why Kent would make that connection.

"I'd like for you to consider treating me as a friend and not just Lady Auron. I don't exactly have many left."

Kent lets out a slow breath.

It's almost as though his next words physically pain him.

"All I have to give is my dutiful service. Please do not ask anything more. There's nothing of me left."

He doesn't wait for a response.

He sketches out a quick bow and leaves Arabella standing there feeling much more alone than she had ever felt.
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