With him/her? NEVER!

The gift

Nara

I felt relief when Barak confirmed that Amy was safe. Only that moment I felt the pain of my injuries and the seriousness of my situation. My eyelids got heavy and I fall into a deep sleep. I didn't know where I was, what was happening or if I was even still alive. When I finally woke up, I took a careful look around and sighed with relief recognizing my room. A familiar head was resting on the side of my bed. I've caressed his blonde hair and Nakos immediately lifted his head. His green eyes filled with tears as I smiled at him.

- Hey brother! - he jumped up from his chair and hugged me. I felt my injuries burn and hissed in pain. Nakos immediately released me and held my face gently in his hands.

- For God's sake, Nara! I thought I lost you! - I laughed but even that hurt. "Probably a few of my ribs are broken." I though and winked at my brother.

- Come on! You know it well, that you can't get rid of me that easily! - he laughed and kissed the top of my head.

- I'll call the physician and let our parents know that you are awake! - he said rushing out of my room. Soon, Nakos was back followed by our parents and the family doctor. He examined me and smiled happily.

- Seems like the lady will fully recover. - mom cried and dad thanked the doctor at least a dozen times while he was in my room. Once they all left, I looked at my brother.

- How long have I been unconscious? - Nakos avoided my gaze.

- That... Doesn't matter, what matters is that you are going to be fine! - I frowned at him and he sighed.

- For almost a month. - I sat up quickly but my head hurt and I got dizzy.

- Hey! Be careful! - Nakos said saying my pained expression. He helped me to lay back down and explained what I've missed while I was playing sleeping beauty.

- The Emperor, wants to give you a medal of honor, everyone is talking about your bravery with what you saved the Princess. Our family's reputation increased a lot, and lots of young ladies sent us a request for your self defense tools. Blackwell's income has been skyrocketing ever since you saved Princess Amelia.

-Do you think, the Emperor would grant me a wish instead of the medal of honor? - I asked and Nakos grinned.

- Probably, but I have to let you know, that his Majesty is more sure about your engagement than ever before. Apart from your obvious heroism, the other gossip topic in the Empire right now, is how Barak found you and took you to the physicians to save you. According to the knights who witnessed the scene, when Elda told him, your condition was critical, Barak fall apart. He didn't eat or move away from the tent where you were treated until they brought you home. He even requested a few visits while you were still unconscious.

- That's strange... Did he come to make sure I die? - I thought out loud and Nakos's eyes widened at me in disbelief.

- Why would he want that?!

- He doesn't want this marriage nor do I. The easiest way for him to escape after what happened, would've been me kicking up the bucket. - I sighed. - He'll surely be really disappointed. - Nakos shook his head and we heard a soft knock on the door. The maid peeked in and said.

- My lady, Lord Wolfie is here to visit you, may I let him in? - Nakos grinned.

- We'll soon see! Let him in! - he answered. Before I could've avoid the situation, Barak was already standing in my bedchamber with a bouquet of fresh flowers that I couldn't identify, since I didn't care about them.

- Hello Nara, I'm glad to see you awake. You scared everyone a lot. - he said and the usual edge from his voice was missing this time. Nakos stood up.

- I'll let you two alone for a while, you have a lot to talk about. - he left and we were just starting at each other with Barak for a while.

- Next time you might be lucky! - I said to break the silence, he chuckled.

- Nah, looks like you are tougher than you look. I'll need another way to get rid of my lovely fiance, now that she became the hero of the Empire. My sister and brother in law would skin me alive if I'd dare to turn my back to you now.

- I'm so sorry that I didn't die! - I said and pointed at the flowers.

- Are those poisonous? - Barak looked at them and shrugged.

- No idea, I just asked for the cheapest ones, but said to make it big. So I won't appear as a cheapskate. - I rolled my eyes and remembered I had no idea how my face looked.

- Be honest... Do I look horrible? - Barak looked at my face and into my eyes for a long time and finally he said.

- Just as horrible as usual.

- Thanks for the lie! - I said with a slight chuckle that ended up in coughing. Barak stood by my side and looked a bit lost, not knowing how to help me. He noticed the glass and water on my nightstand and poured me some water. He handed me the glass with a smile and said.

- Please, choke on it! - I drank some and put it down.

- I won't grant you that wish! - he scoffed and reached into the pocked of his blue jacket. He then gave me a tiny box.

- This is yours. Engagement gift... - he said and I felt my eyes widening.

- So you want to marry me now? - he shook his head and even took a step back.

- No way!!! My parents forced me to buy you something as this is the custom. The Emperor is on cloud nine because of the decision he made. We might not be able to escape this engagement in the end, since you are alive and well... - he looked a bit gloomy and tried to pretend to be angry, but I saw the relief in his eyes that confused me. I opened the box and it was a new necklace.

- I've ordered a customized tracking necklace for you from your brother. Since the previous one had been ruined.

- Thanks, this is really thoughtful...

- Don't overthink it, I just happened to hear from Amy that they ripped it off of you. - he said and his eyes diverted on my neck, there was still probably a slight mark from the injury.

- Eat something, you look like a skeleton. - he said before leaving and Nakos walked back in.

- So? Any butterflies?- I laughed and looked at the necklace. It was made in silver color, with gems that looked like Barak's eyes and also a few purple ones as he Wolfie Duchy's crest.

- Just flies! - I said with a laughter.