CHAPTER 2

Kar was watching TV and waiting for the weather report. But his mind was on Lex. More than usual he wished she would just tell him what was wrong. He really hated it when she kept things from him, but he understood. After all their years of friendship, how could he not understand her? She always had a purpose for what she did. Even when she didn’t even know what that purpose was. But that had always been her way. It still aggravated him though. Kar understood Lex better than anyone and she still wouldn’t talk to him. He knew all he would have to do was hint to her parents that something might be wrong and she would agree to talk to him to get them to leave her alone. But this time seemed different. This time Lex was deliberately keeping something from him. Why? She’s never kept something from everyone, least of all him, on purpose. But then he hadn’t told her about the women that had come to him. To claim him as their husband and that he had refused. They had been from royal and common families but it hadn’t mattered to him. He only wanted to be with Lex. She had always understood him and talked with him as if he were her equal. She never apologized unnecessarily. And she always listened. Well, she used to. Being as distracted as she was lately, she rarely listened.

He missed talking to her. He very rarely took for granted what he had with her. He could tell her anything and she would keep it between them. She always kept him humble. Kar loved her more than just for the friendship they shared. He wanted to be her mate. She meant everything to him and yet he never could bring himself to tell her this. He had tried a couple of times but he always stopped right before he could get the words out. Men weren’t supposed to express their feelings before the woman did. And royal men were expected to be above standards of all men. So, he didn’t know what to do. And Lex would have been the first person he ran to, to find the answer but it was Lex he was confused about. And she wasn’t talking to him at the moment. He hated this. Just the thought that he was the reason for her silence angered him. He knew at that moment that his eyes would be black and fathomless. That was what anger did to him. His energy would also be black. Like a hole in the middle of his chest. If his mother were to see him like this she would surely get involved. And he couldn’t tell her it was Lex that made him feel this way. She’d send her away for sure. But once he calmed down he could surely go to her. She would understand. She always had when it came to Lex. Another thing he never understood, how his mother and father had so willingly brought Lex and her family into their lives. But then again, he did, he knew Lex was unique and his parents would want to see how she developed. As would the rest of Haven. He could feel the anger slowly draining out of him and so he went to find his mother, having forgotten all about the weather.

Shexis was in the library reading the histories as usual. There were so many of them. She would probably never run out in her lifetime. But as soon as Kar entered the room Shexis put her book down and he knew he had her undivided attention.

“Mom? I need your help with something.” said Kar.

“What is it Kar?” asked Shexis.

“Well, its Lex.”, he said.

“OK?” she asked.

“She won’t talk to me. She says it’s because I’m a Guy.”, he said.

“Oh, I see. And how did you react to that?” she asked.

“How do you think? We’re fighting again.” he said.

“You know Kar, sometimes Lex isn’t going to be able to tell you everything. Somethings she will need to keep to herself. She is still a growing woman.” she said.

“Yea I know. And I get that she’s not gonna tell me everything all the time, but now she won’t even talk to me. And she’s the only one I want to talk to.” he said.

“Really?” she asked.

“Yes, mom, really.” he said.

“I see. Is that why you’ve been rejecting all the marriage proposals? If you just want Lex’s opinion then ask her. I’m sure she’ll give it to you, she never does hold back when asked directly.” she mused.

“That’s not what I meant.” he said.

“It’s not?” she asked.

“No. I don’t want her opinion on the offers.” he said.

“Then, what?” she asked.

“Mom I…” he started.

“Oh, oh dear. When you say you only want to talk to Lex you mean…” she realized.

“I want Lex to be my mate. No one else will do. And I can’t tell her that. So, what do I do? She’s not of age to marry and I don’t even know if she cares for me that way.” he said.

“Kar, darling, Lex may be young but I’m sure she already knows who she wants to mate.” said Shexis.

“How do you know? Did she tell you?” he asked.

“No honey, she didn’t tell me. But I knew at her age and so did her mother.” she said.

“What?” he asked.

“You know her parents are only a couple of years younger than your father and I? I was only 17 when I asked your father to mate with me. And a couple of years later, when your dad and I were learning to take over the kingdom, a newly 17-year-old Ameratix and 21-year-old Faradex came to be married. It was the first mating ceremony that we witnessed.” Shexis told him.

“Wow, so you’ve known Lex’s parents a long time.” he said.

“Yes. They had actually become very good friends of ours even before Lex was created. Mera was there when you were created.” she told him.

“Huh, but that still doesn’t help me. Mom, I have no idea if Lex cares beyond friendship. And if I tell her…Well I can’t tell her.”, he said.

“I’m sorry Kar but I can’t help you with that. You’ll have to just wait until Lex is ready to tell you.” she sighed.

“So, there’s nothing I can do?” he asked.

“You could make up with her. Tell her you’re sorry and that you respect her need for space and privacy.” she said.

“But mom I think it’s more than that. Whatever is bothering Lex is making it so she can’t sleep. Her eyes have lost their shine and her core is dimming. And the worst part is I don’t even think she’s noticed.” he said.

“Well, why didn’t you tell me that to begin with? That is a problem I can fix and that shouldn’t be left to a child to deal with alone! Does Mera know?” Shexis asked.

“I don’t know. Lex spends a lot of time alone. You know her parents work a lot.” he pointed out.

“Yes, I’m sure she doesn’t know then.” Shexis said.