Cocking her head to see his face, Lily held his hand. "Were you hit?" Her voice conveyed shock and anger.

Dominic looked away, unable to hide it. "I'm fine."

"How is that fine? You were hit!" Lily struggled to sit up, her breathing rapid as she regained consciousness. "Who hit you? Was it Fred?"

"Do you think he would have, if I hadn't let him?" Dominic waved dismissively.

"How dare he!" Lily gritted her teeth, her rage eclipsing his words. She seldom treated him courteously, yet she regarded him as her grandfather, an elder and benefactor who had taught her much. He had dedicated his life to helping others, earning respect even among the wealthy and powerful. The thought of anyone assaulting him, let alone because of her, was unbearable. She blamed herself. "This is all my fault."

"No, it's not. Don't think that way. I…" Dominic, at a loss for words, exploded. "Just drop it! It has nothing to do with you. I wanted to be beaten up, all right? Besides, I'm fine! It's the first time anyone's ever hit me, and I rather enjoyed it!" he declared arrogantly, arms akimbo.

Lily was speechless.

Dominic continued calmly, "I really am fine. I've been bitten by poisonous insects and chased by tribesmen. This is nothing compared to my past experiences."

Lily found this amusing. He always invoked the past, but he was a young man then. This was different; he had been assaulted. Knowing he'd be upset if she pressed it, she decided to settle the score with Fred later.

"It'll be difficult for you to leave now that you're here," Lily said solemnly.

Dominic replied indifferently, "I wasn't planning to leave."

"What are you talking about? I'm counting on you to care for my children," Lily countered.

Dominic's eyes widened as he waved his hands. "Absolutely not! You have three children now, not just one. I'd rather stay here than take care of them."

"Well, I'm getting rid of you regardless," Lily said half-jokingly, aware she needed to get him out of there.