"Fabian," I managed to say, my breath faltering, my chest lightly heaving.
My father looked just as surprised, his eyes wide, his hand clasped over his mouth.
"Fabian, I was simply...simply very worried about her mother."
I couldn't see Fabian's expression, but he took a step forward, then moved, so I was completely shielded behind him.
"I know. But I shall not stand for any sort of violence against Aurora, especially in my presence."
"Fabian," Dad said, his eyes blinking rapidly.
"You may have had the right to do that up until now. But once you signed that contract, she became my own."
I swallowed. My own. There was a certain ring to that.
"Of course. I am happy you are protecting my daughter already. I am not always like this, I was just so worried."
"I already signed the pape
