With him/her? NEVER!

Meet the Wolfie

Barak

The maids already left and I was trying to fix the suffocating collar they forced on me, when the door of my room swung open.

- I WON'T GET IN THAT! - my sister shouted as two maids chased her. She grabbed me by my shoulders and used me as a human shield. I saw what the maids were holding and spread my arms to keep them away from Elda.

- But Lady Elda... Your mother specifically instructed us to make you wear this. - the poor maid said and Elda looked at the corset as if she could burn it to the ground with her stare. Suddenly she jumped ahead of me and said.

- Do I look like I need that torture machine? Also, I'm old enough to dress alone! What do you think what I'm doing on the battlefields?! - I had to admit she was right. My sister spent all of her life in either formal wear for the head of Royal knights or in armour.

- No My Lady...

- In this case leave me alone! - they sighed and gave up. Elda sat in a chair in my room and tried to catch her breath.

- I swear... They are more persistent than the monsters in the Northern mountains.

- Oh by the way, how is my future brother-in-law doing? - I've asked and heard a familiar voice from the direction of the balcony.

- I'm fine, thanks. - I jumped in space when I saw the mountain like Argus. He was the tallest man I've ever met and even my pretty tall sister looked petite next to him. Elda hugged him and Argus smiled.

- Thanks for hiding her Barak, I was about to get rid of those maids. - his voice got darker as he emphasized the words" get rid of". Elda gave him a peck and walked in front of me. She held a dagger in her hand, where she got it from? No idea... And with a quick movement she cut off the collar. I took a deep breath and smiled thankfully at her.

- You are the heir of Wolfie Dukedom. Don't let them dress you like a clown! Now gentlemen, if you excuse me, I have to get ready and piss our mother off! - she walked to the door, checked if there were more maids or not, than she ran away barefoot.

- And you want to marry that one? - I asked from Argus who watched every movement of my sister like a lovesick wolf, ready to leap on anyone who meant harm to her.

- Of course! No other woman could make me happy. - he said with determination and I've sighed.

- I hope one day I can say this too. - we chatted with Argus for a while and the doors of my room opened. Elda walked in, she wore a dark grey dress, with light silver embroideries. The dress had a rather long neck, but no sleeves, and I could see that the skirt was cut on both sides, while Elda hid a thin trouser under them. She wore her heels confidently and her hair was up in a bun as usual. Argus's jaw dropped as she walked in.

- So? Did I need the corset? - she asked and the two poor maids shook their heads behind her. Argus stood up and walked to Elda, he hugged and kissed her.

- You look amazing! - he said and Elda giggled, than she looked at me and once Argus let her out of his arms, she pushed me down the chair.

- This won't do! - she fixed my hair and walked to my wardrobe. After picking a new set of clothes she pushed me behind a paravane and chatted leasurely with Argus. I walked out and she clapped her hands together.

- Much better! Now you look like the young master of Wolfie, instead of a palace clown! - she was right, I checked myself in the mirror and the whole thing was just right. She dressed me in a simple black shirt, with some fine and small silver embroidery at the end of the sleeves. Black trousers and a west that was similar to her dress and to Argus's attire.

- Thanks sis! - she pat my head and with a complicit wink she said.

- You might catch the attention of the Lady of your dreams looking like this! - I felt my face blushing and Elda laughed at my expression. I don't know how she could act so professional and cold as soon as we step outside of the castle, but I've always admired my sister for that. Ever since we were small she was always graceful and strong, brave yet elegant, calculating and ready for everything. Argus's calmness complimented her and only made my sister look even more terrifying in the eyes of the nobles. Our family was the sword and shield of the Royal Family for generations now. With the Duke of North following her like and obedient beast, Elda looked like the death reaper herself. We walked to the carriage and chatted on our way to the castle, while our parents headed there in a separate carriage. Once we arrived, I saw a familiar crest roll into the garden as well and my blood pressure immediately risen up. Blackwell... I had no problem with the family itself. The Lord and Lady of Blackwell were well respected and fine nobles, while the heir, Nakos was the creme of the nobles since he was young, also trusted by the Emperor. My issue lied within the young Lady Blackwell... Nara. She was a tomboy, with a sharp tongue that she enjoyed to refine on me, also she was always lost in her thoughts that sometimes made her clumsy. I hated the facade she tried to put on in front of the Prince and Princess. She acted all frail and cute, while she was a crazy witch! Suddenly I heard Lord Nakos saying to Nara:

- No killing! - she shushed her brother away and whispered.

- I know! It's just that he is so freaking egoistic!

- I'd say, proud. Good evening Lady Blackwell, Lord Blackwell. - I greeted her and earned an annoyed rolling of her eyes.

- Good evening Wolfie, Dame Wolfie! - she greeted us as well and I growled annoyed. After a little chit-chat, our parents technically herded us to the ballroom. The ball begun with his Highness's speech and I couldn't take my eyes off of Princess Amelia. Her wavy brown hair, clear blue eyes, slender yet feminine figure with the sweet smile she had on her face, got me mesmerized. The Emperor announced that he decided on whom I should marry and since he choose the Royal's birthday banquet for the announcement, I was confident. But when I heard him saying:

-Lord Wolfie and Lady Blackwell, from today onward, you are engaged with the Emperor's blessing! - the whole world froze. I knew people were cheering but all I could hear was my own heartbeats and all I could see was the disgust in Nara's eyes. "Well at least the feeling is mutual..." - I thought before we had to open the banquet with our dance as a newly engaged couple.