Protected area doesn't mean that it is against game rules to attack people in there.

Protected area means that there is a law cabal that enforces the peace in the area (TRIBUNAL). If they see you break the law, they will warrant you (tag you with a WANTED-flag that everyone can see) and try to hunt you down. All guard mobs are aggro to wanted players and some shopkeepers refuse to sell them items. This isn't a too much of a hindrance for a bit more experienced player, and players will often break the law, especially when a TRIBUNAL member isn't around in the city. TRIBUNAL guards will help you if a magistrate comes to your aid, but it is not given that the protection would always be present in the city. You can count on being safe from Tribunals and Imperials in the protected cities, as members of those two cabals won't break the law (Although Imperial Law allows Imperials to retaliate if you attack them in the city, but generally a city is a safe haven from the Imperials).

That being said, Galadon is one of the most PK-heavy areas in the game as it sees high PC traffic. The more remote a place is, the safer it is for you to linger in. I think Daevryn wrote a newbie guide and a newbie PK guide in this forum that will help you in terms of surviving in PK.