Through the Eyes of the Butler 

Nathaniel, the butler of the Winchester Dukedom, stood quietly outside the storeroom, unnoticed by the others. His eyes widened when he saw Kaelan emerge, bruised and battered. Despite his injuries, Kaelan kept his head held high, determined not to show any weakness.

A wave of anger and sorrow surged through Nathaniel. He tightened his grip on the tray of tea, the delicate porcelain cups clinking softly as he struggled to steady his emotions.

Nathaniel had known Kaelan since the boy was five years old, the day he first arrived at Winchester Manor. It had been a chaotic time. The boy's mother, once a trusted servant, had betrayed Duke Lucian in the worst way by drugging him, tricking him into thinking she was his wife, and later returning with Kaelan, claiming the boy as his son. Nathaniel still remembered that day clearly.

Duke Lucian had been furious, which was unusual for Nathaniel, who was used to the calm man. In his anger, the Duke had killed the woman right in front of the child. Nathaniel had stood next to the duchess, watching the terrible scene happen. 

The boy hadn't screamed or cried, even as his mother died before him. He just stood there, frozen in fear. His wide eyes stared at the duke, filled with terror, but Nathaniel noticed it wasn't just the sight of the man that scared him; it was the gleam of the duke's sword, bloodied and heavy in his hand. The boy seemed transfixed by it, as if he could hardly understand the violence that had just happened. 

That was why Kaelan had trouble with swordsmanship later. The trauma made it hard for him to even think about using a weapon. When the duke found out about Kaelan's fear of swords, he felt guilty. He realized he had taken away Kaelan's innocence and the chance to become the man he could have been. So, the duke decided to stop Kaelan's sword lessons completely, thinking it was for the best.

As Nathaniel watched Kaelan grow up, he noticed how awkward the boy's relationships were with the Winchester family. Even though the duke treated Kaelan like one of his own, Kaelan struggled to connect. The duchess, kind and gentle, tried to help, but her efforts often didn't work. Kaelan's relationships with his half-siblings were just as strained; they tried to include him, but he usually preferred to be alone.

Nathaniel felt sorry for Kaelan. He could see the desire for connection in the boy's eyes, but it was clouded by fear and uncertainty, as if he thought he didn't really belong. Nathaniel wished he could help Kaelan find his place in the Winchester family, but every attempt felt hopeless.

Nathaniel sighed as he headed toward the Duke's study, unable to believe what he had witnessed today. He knew that the maids and male servants spoke ill of Kaelan, and he had punished them for their cruel words, but he was unaware of their violent behavior. The thought of it twisted his gut with anger. What troubled him most was that Kaelan had never complained or asked for help. The boy endured everything in silence, like a wounded animal retreating into itself, and Nathaniel felt a deep sorrow for him. 

It hurt him to see a child show such strength when he deserved so much better. He blamed himself for not noticing what was happening. He needed to tell the duke right away. 

As Nathaniel neared the study, he could hear voices inside. Duke Lucian was speaking with his eldest son, Cedric. Nathaniel paused for a moment outside the door, listening.

"I went over his test answers, and they were all correct. The count lied to him, Father," Cedric said.

"But why?" the duke asked, furrowing his brow in confusion.

Cedric looked at the duke with a mix of anger and worry. "I don't know why he lied either. Tomorrow, the count will give another lesson, and I can hide to find evidence."

The duke nodded, his expression serious. "I will be there too."

Cedric was surprised but nodded in agreement. Just then, Nathaniel knocked softly on the door and stepped inside as they finished speaking. Both the duke and Cedric looked up and noticed a serious expression on the butler's face. Nathaniel gave a small bow before placing the tray of tea on the duke's desk.

 "Your Grace, Young Master Cedric," Nathaniel began, choosing his words carefully. "There is something I must inform you both of." 

Duke Lucian's sharp gaze fixed on Nathaniel. "What is it, Nathaniel?"

Nathaniel straightened, his hands clasped in front of him. "I witnessed an incident in the storeroom earlier today. Several servants and maids cornered young Master Kaelan and bullied him violently."

Cedric's face darkened with anger. "What?"

Nathaniel nodded, his heart heavy with concern. "I was bringing tea for His Grace when I saw them coming out of the storeroom. The last to come out was young Master Kaelan; he looked hurt."

The Duke's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing in disbelief and fury. "They dared to lay hands on him?"

 "Yes, Your Grace," Nathaniel confirmed, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach. "I fear this has been happening for a while now. I'm sorry I didn't know until now." He bowed his head, unable to meet the Duke's fierce gaze. 

Cedric's expression twisted with rage, his fists clenched at his sides. He looked ready to storm out of the room, vibrating with anger and the need for justice. They dared to hurt his younger brother. 

Duke Lucian stood slowly, guilt and anger etched across his face. He walked to the window and glanced outside, where his wife sat in the garden with her maids, sipping tea. "Call them," he ordered in a low, dangerous voice. "They dared to touch my son. They will answer for this."

Nathaniel bowed, urgency swelling in his heart. "Of course, Your Grace." He turned to leave, but the Duke stopped him. "Call the doctor too. Let her heal Kaelan," he said, worry creeping into his voice.

"Yes, Your Grace," Nathaniel replied.

He gave a final bow and left the study. As he walked down the corridor to summon the guilty servants, the image of Kaelan's bruised face and torn shirt lingered in his thoughts. The boy had grown up in this manor, surrounded by people who should have protected him, yet he had been left to fend for himself. 

Nathaniel vowed to himself that he would do everything in his power to ensure Kaelan never had to suffer again and that the boy would find the happiness he deserved.