Charles looked astonished. Confused. Nonetheless, his king's command was the foremost.
"If you wish, Your Majesty".
With a nod from Aaron, both of them met in the grounds after some time. All the soldiers practiced in the morning in these back grounds so now, near the sunset, only a handful of people were present at a far distance.
Aaron went to the border of the ground where swords were hung on the dwarf wall in their scabbards. Aaron picked up one in each hand.
Turning around, he swung a sword to Charles who gracefully caught it from the hilt.
Both Aaron and Charles took their position in the usual part of ground which they practiced.
Without warning, Aaron raised his hand and attacked in Charles's direction with a stroke. He could see Charles's eyes widened, taken by surprise but the old man raised the sword in time for defense the next moment and a clash was heard all through the ground.
With all his ferocity towards the old man, Aaron fought him hard, without taking even half a moment's pause. Having a good experience in the swordsmanship, his loyal servant defended Aaron's every move. Aaron did not spare a moment for breath. His opponent was the reason for his mother's constant worry. His opponent was the reason his mother knew every danger Aaron faced. His opponent was the reason his mother had cried last night, begging Aaron to not encounter any witch. He was sure hia mother wouldn't have slept an eye last night for her worry over his son. And for that, his opponent was the reason.
Aaron attacked Charles from every direction possible. He did not let the old man attack even once. All his time went to defend Aaron. After a time, Charles didn't look like he wished to attack. Sensing his king's ferocity towards him, the loyal servant let his king throw out his every bit of rage through the fight. But that fact made Aaron ever more frustrated.
Finally, Aaron clashed his sword to his one last time, bending it immediately with his strength without retracting. Charles was about to loose and Aaron smirked. "Thank you for teaching me this move", he said with a hoarse, ragged breath.
Charles had lead Heavengate's army for almost ten years. The former loyal secretary was also a proficient swordsman and the very person who taught Aaron how to handle a weapon.
Clenching his teeth with the effort, Aaron finally made Charles's sword touch the ground and the old man lost.
Before Charles could congratulate him or praise him, Aaron started to let out his anger.
"Why do have to inform my mother everythime I try to find a witch? Why do you inform her about every step I take or even plan to take for the curse?" Aaron yelled.
Charles looked unsure and shook his head. "Your Majes-"
"Why do you have to upset her everytime?"
"No, Your-"
"Why can't you just let her relax?"
"Why can't YOU let her relax?" Charles questioned back.
"What?" Aaron frowned as his chest heaved heavily because of the fight, the frustration and the anger.
Charles pointed his sword at Aaron. "Your Majesty, why can't you let her relax? Why can't you do the one only thing she wants you to do and that is staying away from the witches?"
Charles, had never in his life questioned him thus. Aaron blinked. "I want to find a solution", he said in confusion.
Charles passed the sword to his other hand. "We have a solution. You will sacrifice your heart and until then, you have to wear that chain and stay away from the witches".
Aaron was fed up hearing that. He screamed in anger. "I have to do something. I can't just sit and cry over to my destiny!"
"Your mother had already changed your destiny for you when you were a child. She had already found a way to help you uplift your curse. All you have to do is wait for the right time".
"But why do-"
Before Aaron could finish his sentence, Charles came forward and grasped his shoulders in a firm grip.
"Aaron", he said solemnly.
Aaron held still and his gaze softened. Charles rarely spoke his name. Only when he had to tell Aaron something about life. Where Aaron was not a prince or a king or a powerful ruler of a kingdom. But a boy who had grown up in front of his eyes.
"Aaron", he said again in his hoarse voice. "I've seen your mother cry thousand tears after you were cursed. I was there when she begged every person she thought could destroy the curse and save your life. I was there when she was granted your life and when she thanked every diety and promised to herself that she won't let you die."
Aaron looked at him, listened to him as he continued.
"Never in her life has queen Amanda relaxed. First worried after your father for various reasons. And then after you". He shook Aaron's sboulders. "The only thing that could keep her little bit relaxed is you being away from any witches. Can't you do it?"
Aaron couldn't swallow through the lump in his throat. So he nodded.
Charles gave a nod too.
"The queen has bestowed me with the duty to watch over you and inform her about your every move. I am going to do that no matter what".
Aaron nodded again. Through the lump in his throat, Aaron forced out a question. "What if we couldn't uplift the curse?"
Charles stared seriously at him. "We will", he said in a firm and grim voice that made it sound like an irrevocable truth. "Until then and after that, I will be the strongest shield over you".
Again like a child consoled by an adult, Aaron nodded. His mother had really done so much for him. The least he could do is to respect her wish. It she wanted him to stay away from the witches, he would stay away from the witches. All that mattered was the peace of his mother, her smile and her contentment.
Accepting it, Aaron dropped the sword to the ground from his limp hand. And then he did one thing that he probably shouldn't have done as the king of Heavengate. But the boy in him needed it.
He hugged Charles.
His protector. His teacher. And perhaps the only man in his life he'd had to look up to.
Charles too, grasped him in a hug and slammed his back encouragingly. Offering him his support, trust and safety.