Lady Of Charms

Chapter 7

The Lord of Carrvana was sitting in his work room, reading a report from his spies when he heard a soft knock on the door.

"Come in," he shouted from behind his work table, slightly frustrated for being interrupted.

A slender young man with honey brown hair walked in silently and closed the door. He was wearing a light brown pants and a white loose shirt that seemed too big for his figure. Little white petals were stuck in his messy hair making him look like much younger than he was.

"How can I help you, Aden?" Salem asked, not bothering to look up.

Aden crossed the room and sat in a chair in front of Salem's work table. "I was wondering if you know where Kalena is."

Surprised, Salem looked up from his papers, stopping his gaze at Aden's chin. His usually clean-shaven skin was covered with tiny hairs, reminding Salem that Aden was a grown man now. Not a little boy from the orphanage anymore.

"It is not your concern, Aden," Salem said flatly, avoiding Aden's gaze.

"But-"

"I am aware of your activities with Kalena, but it doesn't put you in a position to demand answers from me," Salem bellowed, returning his attention to his work. Usually, this was a sign to whoever was sitting across from Salem to get up and leave, but Aden remained seated. If he was surprised by Salem's statement, he didn't show it.

"I know she is on a mission to catch Charles," Aden blurted.

Salem suddenly glared at Aden and then quickly looked away. He could not bear to look Aden in the eyes. His eyes, soft and warm, the same shade of gold as his mother's. They were a reminder of Salem's worst crime. Something he would never forget, no matter how hard he tried.

"So she told you," Salem sighted getting up from his chair, "I see you two spend a lot of time together." Aden didn't look like he would leave without some answers, so Salem gave up on his work and started pacing around the room.

"We're just friends," Aden tried to make an excuse.

"I don't care what you do as long as it doesn't interfere with her work," Salem said sharply.

"Killing people can hardly be called work!" Aden retorted, anger in his voice.

"Enough!" Salem shouted as his hand flew to Aden's face. "You will not talk to me like that!"

It happened so fast Aden didn't even have time to flinch. Seconds later, he had an imprint of Salem's palm on his face. His cheeks turned red as he sheepishly lowered his head, a few white petals fell from his hair.

"I'm sorry," Aden said quietly, "It's not exactly a job for a woman. I know Kalena is capable of taking care of herself, but I am just worried that maybe this is too much even for her."

"Look at you!" Salem snarled, "So soft-hearted!" Just like your mother.

It was Aden now who avoided eye contact while Salem nervously rubbed his neck waiting for Aden to say something.

"I'm just tired of all the deaths around here," Aden said, looking at the petals on the rug.

"People die all the time!"

"Yes, because you want them dead!" Aden exclaimed. "And then she has to kill them."

Salem felt sharp pain in his chest at this accusation. Yes, Kalena was doing his dirty work, but he was fine with it. Why was it so hard hearing it out loud? He needed to sit down.

"What is your point?" Salem muttered as he plopped down into an armchair next to Aden.

"Don't you see what all this killing is doing to her? What you are doing to her?" Aden said vigorously. "You're destroying her! And now I'm trying to pick up the pieces."