Chapter 6 Charlotte (1/2)

Damien Claybrook was perhaps the most sensual boy I'd ever met. Everything he did from his calm, methodical style of walking to the way he held his own cup, was different from other boys I'd seen.

He touched things as if they were exceedingly precious, as if whatever he happened to grasp at the time were his lover's hand.Even now as he moved to drink, when he brought the glass to his mouth, the way he sipped gave a sense of adult-like tranquility.

It was especially noticeable in how he looked at me, his sharp amethyst eyes drawing me into their depths. I was naked under that gaze, stripped bare. That's what it felt like.

During the course of this brunch I'd felt it many times. That hard, piercing stare. As if he was trying to see through me, to figure something out. Yet every time I looked he wasn't glancing at me at all.

I thought back to that kiss he gave me, how his lips brushed over my hand and left a searing warmth.

So naturally, as if he'd done it a thousand times and would do it a thousand more.

Yes. He definitely gave out a sensualistic aura. Almost hedonistic, even. And he was a very smooth talker as well, I noticed. He kept the coversation interesting and I laughed in spite of myself while he recounted this tale or that behind the numerous artworks on display

”But I didn't like him at all.” She thought to herself. ”He's obviously a damn playboy! If there was something I hated more than anything else it was callous men like him who toyed with the innocent hearts of young maidens! People like him were just evil!”

Yes. I'd admit to having been somewhat caught off-guard earlier. But that time had passed and I was easily able to see through his tricks now.

Father had often told me boys like this used honeyed words to get what they wanted all the time and that I shouldn't be so shallow as to fall for them.

You must showcase the dignity of a Princess, he'd said.

I looked at him. Just then I recalled a certain event from several years prior.

It was on his 12th birthday party, right? The day he swindled trinkets from little girls and swiped family heirlooms from the women. All when he was just a young boy.

The weeks after that, father told me later on, were pure chaos as unholy amounts of gold discreetly found their into the pockets of the Claybrook family.

This was never made public, of course, but several prominent Noble Houses nearly went destitute attempting to buy back the stolen goods.

It'd have been one thing if the heirlooms' price had been too high for some to afford. Yet every time the deal was about to fall apart the other party settled for what was offered. Which was the absolute maximum the payer would be able to give without going bankrupt.

And everyone knew who was to blame even though they never mentioned him in name.

I almost couldn't believe it when father told me. To think someone near my own age could be so ruthless.

Seeing how disgustingly host-like he was now I came to nderstand how he was capable of pulling off that little stunt back then.

”Lady Charlotte, your...no, let me get it.”

While I was lost in my own thoughts, he spotted something on my face. And, without warning, his finger came and swiped gently at the scorner of my mouth.

A small piece of dark cream came into sight and he directly licked at it.

”A fine choice.” He commented idly. ”Of course I usually prefer vanilla to chocolate. Still, an excellent flavor. I wouldn't mind having another taste.”

For a moment I thought he was talking about something else entirely, something far less suitable for the eyes of others to witness so openly. The words were a touch suggestive and my mind blanked.

This guy...

I wanted to bite him to death.

As I thought, this was his game. No wonder he'd been able to accomplish such a feat when he was so young back then. He took advantage of the girls' naive hearts and later distracted their mothers with a few flashes of violet before milking them for all their worth.

The image left me trembling in rage.

”What, just because you have a pretty face you think you can do whatever you want?” I sneered at him in the safety of my mind. ”Well this Lady isn't as easily toppled.”

Was it just due to his playboy habits that he seemed to treat me so well? I didn't know. I thought he might have other intentions. But I wouldn't give him the satisfaction of a win. As if this Princess could so easily appeased.

To be honest he was the reason I agreed to come here, though. Besides the whole incident on his birthday, I also heard a lot of other rumours surrounding this ”Purple-eyed Demon” to the point of wanting to meet him myself.

Considering who his father was, and how his sister was engaged to Alex now, my own curiosity all but forced me to come.

A young boy whose name was spoken like a curse, and was said to be the reincarnation of an ancient demon king?

He had to be interesting.

Plus I thought he must not nearly be as bad as people claimed.

My thoughts now, after meeting him? I didn't know about his other supposed misdeeds but his playboy attitude was clearly no lie and I'm sure he used it as a weapon whenever it was convenient for him.

Even though his passive, indifferent looks suggested not a care in the world.

”I'm going to become related to such a frivolous, low-down guy? I'm truly unwilling...”

”So, Alex, I hear you'll be going to the Dry Lands in a few months?”

Alex quickly nodded his head.

”Yes. My father wants me to study there for a while before I start school. He said it was good to broaden my horizons. I'm not sure how long it'll be though.”

”Hm.” Damien looked deep in thought. He seemed to want to say something, but stopped himself.

Alex, quick to noticed the little details, spoke again.

”Ah, did you want me to pass along something to Lady Yesmina, perhaps?” His wide eyes were eager to please.

Poor Alex. He was terrified of Damien for a long time already and I could only imagine how he must be feeling right now. He acted tough and in control but he was still so young.

Damien seemed lost. ”Who?” He tilted his head.

I was furious once more.

Damn bastard, at least have the decency to remember the poor girl! What, a flower once picked is no longer any good? I felt pity for the girl. The guy she liked was actually so heartless.

”Ah, brother, I think he's talking about that tall cake-faced girl?”

The sister is also quite vicious!

From my memory Lady Yesmina did like to put on some gold colored kohl on her eyelids. It fit well with her smooth, dusky skin. But she didn't use enough to be called a cake-face! How mean!

What a perfect example of having a nice face but an evil heart!

”Hm.” The brother just nodded. It was obvious he didn't remember at all. How cruel.

”Yup. Don't know her.”

He even had the audacity to say it!

Alex blinked. ”What? How? Doesn't she constantly send you letters?”

A light suddenly came to Damien's eyes. He hit his palm with a closed fist.

”Oh!” He exclaimed. ”So is she the girl who keeps on sending Father all that mail? Hm, good thing I always throw them out. Why would I want to send anything back? Sorry, I don't associate with homewrecking women. I don't know why you think I would want to send anything to her in the first place?”

”T-Throw them out?”

”Homewrecker?”

Both me and Alex were dumbfounded.

I stared at the boy in shock. I hit the table. ”Those letters are for you, you idiot!” I screamed. ”Why the hell did you think they were for your father?! She's not even half his age! How can you not know who she is? How can you not know they were for you?”

He blinked. ”How it my fault I can't remember her?” He frowned ever so slighty, his face making the move seem much colder than it was. ” Also maybe she's a fan of Father or something? People say he's still a good-looking dude you know? Furthermore if they were for me why couldn't she use my name? Saying 'Mr. Claybrook' is so misleading! And, well, why would they be for me? I'm not close to any girls, you know? Except Dolly, that is.”

”If you couldn't be sure who they were for why couldn't you just read it?!”

”Even if they were for me isn't it natural to assume they were rigged to explode or something? Plus it'd be rude to read someone else's mail.”

The mail was yours!

Still. Some of that sounded a little reasonable. But...something he said sounded weird?

”Lord Dam...Uh, I mean, Day...how many girls do you actually know?”

He took a few seconds to consider, then, ”I don't think I know any?”