With him/her? NEVER!

Meet the Blackwell

Nara

The maids were running up and down in my room. I couldn't see out of their busy hands as they were fixing my hair and preparing my make-up for the Prince and Princess's birthday banquet. Approximately three hours later, all ten maids stood before me with sparkling eyes and satisfied smiles on their faces.

- Are we done? - I've asked and they nodded all together. I stood up and walked to the huge standing mirror in my room. They did an excellent job! My long blonde hair looked like it was made by golden threads, the dress they choose had a contemporary design. Instead of the usual puffy skirts, this one had a simple design, with a comfortable corset around my waist and the skirt was light. It was made of the finest silk which gave a peculiar shine to the dress as I moved in it, the color of the dress resembled the setting sun and it complimented my fair skin and hazelnut eyes. The makeup was soft, calling attention to my eyes and lips without giving the sensation that I've been trying too hard to stand out. I turned around and looked at my maids. They waited holding their breaths back with anticipation.

- Ladies, I knew that Blackwell only hires outstanding individuals but you have outdone yourselves! I almost didn't recognized myself! - they took a deep breath together and started chatting excitedly, their chatter was interrupted by a cough coming from the door. I looked there and my older brother.

- Nakos! - I greeted him and he smiled proudly. My brother was the dream of all ladies in the empire of his age and also the fantasy of the older noble woman. Nakos was really tall and built with toned, but slender muscles. His short blonde hair and sparkling green eyes made him resemble of a Prince charming from a children's book. Apart from his looks, he was one of the current Emperor's trusted consultants despite being only twenty-five years old. He had dozens of innovations since he learned to write and his manners were also impeccable. He wore a white and green formal wear and reached for my hand to give a kiss.

- Don't be silly and just give me a hug! It feels like I haven't seen you for ages! - I said and he laughed but gently kept me away from him by putting his hand on my forehead.

- You'll wrinkle your dress Nara! - I stopped and he retreated his resistance.

- I came to escort you to the castle! - he said and I locked my arm with his happily. On our way to the carriage, Nakos told me about his latest invention and gave me a few tips for the project I've been working on.

- You know, it's weird to see you in a dress and all dolled up! - I punched him in the shoulder and almost fall due to the heels. Nakos caught me and I felt my cheeks burning in embarrassment.

- These kind of dresses are not the most convenient when I'm working! - he chuckled and said.

- I must admit I can't fight your invincible logic!

- I missed you! You should come home more! Oh by the way, how is Rei and my nephew?!

- Thanks for asking! She is tired and a little depressed unfortunately, but fine, we are helping her with her parents and with the doctors. Luckily she adores Keen, it's just difficult for her to be separated from him. She didn't really want to come today, so I told her to stay comfortably and play with Keen. Rei was so conflicted the poor love of mine! She wanted to keep an eye on me just in case the incident repeats, but I told her I'll be with you and she immediately calmed down. - I listened happily about my brother's joyful married life. His wife Rei was only six years older than I and I simply loved her cheerful personality and sharp mind, not to mention her sharp tongue! Since my brother was a favorite despite being married, she usually tricked the ladies on these types of gatherings who dared to hit on Nakos. And I helped her each time voluntarily!

- Tell her that I miss her too and as soon and Keen is old enough I'll visit. By the way, do we have any inventions to help babies improve their motoric skills? - Nakos looked pensive and with a huge grin he winked at me.

- Not... Yet! I'm gladly offering Keen as a beta tester!

- In other words, your poor wife gave birth to a lab rat!

-Hey!

- Ho! - Nakos laughed and opened the carriage door for me, mom and dad were already waiting.

- It's so nice to see my babies get along so well! Nakos you should come home more! - Mom said and he chuckled as mom's nagging was almost identical to mine.

- How is Rei and our first grandson? - dad asked and his green eyes sparkled proudly.

- They are both fine thanks for asking! - we chatted during our carriage ride and when we arrived I immediately spot him and his sister in the crowd. I felt my blood boiling. Nakos put a hand on my shoulder and whispered.

- No killing! - I shooed him away.

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

- I'd say, proud. Good evening Lady Blackwell, Lord Blackwell. - Barak said and I rolled my eyes.

- Good evening Wolfie, Dame Wolfie!-he growled angrily at the informal greeting. His sister laughed and hit him on the back.

- If you don't want to be mistaken by a feral wolf stop growling! Good evening to you too! - I curtsied to Dame Wolfie. She was the youngest Leader or the Knights in the Empire and the first woman who finished the academy with honor. She was just a little shorter than Nakos, I think she turned twenty-four this year, and was engaged with the Duke of the North, the current Crown Prince's cousin. Her beauty was a topic of gossip, they said that whoever she killed on the battlefield they thought they saw an angel in their last moments of Earth. That's why she earned the Angel of Battlefields nickname. Her silver hair and eyes that resembled the clear summer sky, really made her an outstanding beauty. Her fiance knew exactly the luck he had to win her heart and just as usual, he was keeping an eye on her from a distance. I've nodded to him and he winked. We grew up together with Duke Argus, Nakos and Elda were the first generation and me with Barak the second one. He kept looking elsewhere just to avoid the conversation and Elda hit him again.

- DON'T BE SUCH AN i***t!

- Elda! Tune down the volume please you are not at the training grounds! - their mother Lady Wolfie said and pinched her daughter's arm.

- Fine!

- Let's head inside, shall we? - Nakos said and we locked arms following our parents to the castle.