The Neroz Family

"Malia you were hurt by Avery, yet you still look joyful. It has been such a long time, since the last time I see you this happy. And I am so relieved, that you are still capable of smiling that way. Why are you grinning like that anyway? Did Prince Flynn change his mind?" Asked Freda, she is curious about my mood.

"I don't want to let the wicked ways of Princess Avery ruin my good mood. I am so happy Freda, talking to King Cassian makes me feel like I am talking to my own father. Flynn has nothing to do with my happiness, lately he has been the reason of my sorrows." I said, thinking about the actual conversation with my real father, I can't wait to go back to the academy, and spend more time at my aunt's house, I know I can talk with my father freely in the magical forest.

The smile on my face was gone the moment I remember Flynn, he will be engaged tonight. I don't have any alternative to walk out from the palace. I know my friends will be worried, if I will not attend the party. I don't want also to worry the King, I know he will be looking for me tonight. Hale and Nick are both busy reuniting with their family. Kings and Queens all over Erthesia Land came to attend the most awaited event of the century.

I heard knocking on our day, I find Nick standing in the door looking fresh and happy.

"Malia, Please, come with me, I would like you to meet my family, they are so anxious to see you, especially my little sister, Princess Malory." He said, the excitement on his face is very contagious.

"Okay." The only word came from my mouth. Then he holds my hand and tugged me into the direction of the Neroz family residence. According to Nick, each Kingdom in Erthesia has a residence in the palace, they usually stay in their own residence every time they visit the Erthesia Kingdom, to have privacy. It was arranged by my own great-grandfather, the moment the unification was declared.

"Actually, I spend most of my vacation here, during my younger years, King Cassian wanted to gather all the young princes and princesses to develop camaraderie, so that unity and peace between kingdoms will be upheld. Like what I have told you before, I knew Prince Flynn, ever since we were young, we just don't get along, especially if I am with my brother." Nick said, we are still walking going to their family residence. I am wondering what is the personality of his brother.

"Hale is my best friend, we talked about girls before, we told each other, when we were like thirteen, that we will never like the same girl ever again." Nick said, he is smiling at me.

    "Wow! You mean you have been rival before?" I asked, I am amused to learn that they once fought over a girl, and wondering who was the lucky Princess.

    "We were thirteen that time, when we both have the same crush, it was Princess Nathalia, the younger sister of Prince Declan, we almost fight, that was the time we promised to each other, never to fight over a girl. We never expected, that when we reach adulthood, our friendship will be tested again, and it is worse, because we both fall in love with the same girl, our only consolation this time, we were both turned down by you." Nick said, looking at me seriously and I felt my face flushed.

    "The funniest thing, you fell in love with the Crown Prince, who will be engaged tonight, I just want you to be okay Malia, that is why I am telling you this. I want you to know, you are not alone, we are your friends, who will stand by your side, anytime and anywhere." Nick put his arm around my shoulder.

"Thank you, Nicholas, for everything." I said, smiling at him. Then we stopped in front of the Neroz residence. It was huge, bigger than the mansions in the human world, as usual it has a beautiful lawn adorned with beautiful flowers along the sides. There is a big fountain at the center of the ground.

    "There are three residences in this side that belongs to the royal families from Aeras Kingdom, Elpizo Kingdom and Exiusia Kingdom, on the other side there are also three homes for the royals from Katharos Kingdom, Eirini Kingdom, and even for the Skotadi Kingdom, the King didn't change anything, since your father was hoping, that someday King Trelos will come back to the bright side, and abandon the dark magic. Your father, King Maverick believes that, everyone has a chance to change, I hope you can do your magic to him Malia." Nick said hopefully.

   "Wow! Your home is beautiful Nicholas, our house in the human world can be put inside to this mansion." I said, I can't help myself from admiring the beautiful house in front of me.

    "Thank you! Malia, I think we should get inside now, so that you can finally meet my family, we will be very busy tonight, this is my only chance to introduce them to you." Nick said, and get inside the house. The moment we get inside the living room, all members of his family were standing already to greet me.

   "Malia, I would like you to meet my father, King Sebastian, my mother, Queen Isabella, my brother, the Crown Prince of Elpizo, Prince Gregory and our sister, Princess Mallory." Nick introduced me to his parents and siblings, the moment I saw their faces closely, I am out of words because they are all stunning. Their beauties are exceptional, then Prince Gregory is more attractive at very close range, and the beauty of his sister is captivating and exquisite.

"It is our pleasure to finally meet you Malia. I have been waiting for this moment to finally meet the daughter of Maverick, I am so glad to see you. You really have the face of Queen Thalassa, welcome to Erthesia Princess." The King said formally, his voice is so calm.

" Nice to meet too, Your Royal Highness, it is also my honor, to meet the loving family of Nicholas, thank you so much for sending Nick into the mortal world for me." I said, then I curtsied to them.

"I don't think you need to bow to us Malia, our whole family knew who you are and it is our honor and duty to be at your service, we should be the one bowing to you." The King said, beaming at me. Then Prince Gregory moved close to me, while staring at my face intently.

    "It is my pleasure to meet you Malia." Prince Gregory said in a courteous manner, he has a lovely voice too, he kissed my hand, and I think I blushed in front of his whole family, his charisma is so strong that I can't keep away my eyes from looking at his face, he is an inch taller than Nick. He stared at me for a long time that made me so uncomfortable.

     "Stop staring at Malia brother, she will melt if you continue to gape at her in that manner." Nick said to his brother irritated. Gregory stifled a laugh on his brother's reaction, while their sister giggled, and I can see the amused reaction of their parents, I can tell just by looking at them, they have a close family ties, their parents love and adore them. My heart felt warm, just knowing that Nick has a wonderful family.

    "Relax, Nick, I know you fancy her so much, I just can't believe that she is standing right here in front of me, your words description of her does not give justice to her real beauty." Gregory said that made my face turned crimson, his flattery makes me conscious.

"It's so nice to finally meet you Malia, my older brother Nick, can't stop himself talking about you. Said Princess Mallory, and I saw Nick's face reddened.

"Same here Princess Mallory, I am so happy to finally meet you." I said, smiling at the Princess, who can't stop watching at my face, just like his brother, Gregory, they made me more uneasy.

The King asked me to sit down. Then he talks about his friendship with my father, I can tell they are also close with each other. I realized, my father is really a good man.

"So much for the talking guys, I think I need to get Malia, back into her room to prepare herself for the party. And we need to prepare ourselves too." Nick said, after we finished drinking green tea. I find it unusual, he talks to his parents casually.

    "Bye for now Malia, I am looking forward to spending more time with you, sometime, I think I can clear some of my appointments, just to visit you at the academy, and of course, I want to dance with you later tonight." Said Prince Gregory in a serious manner, then he smiled at me, showing his perfect white teeth and beautiful dimples.

     "Me too, I would like to spend time with Nick's family, see you later."

I said my goodbye to them, but Nick insisted on going back with me to our room.

"Nick, why didn't you tell me your brother is hot and so striking?" I asked him eagerly.

"Don't you realize you are hurting me? Do you like my brother Malia?" He asked me sounding so sad.

    "No offense Nick, but yes! I find him more attractive than you, I am sorry I am just being honest." I looked at him, but I am surprised to find him smiling widely at me.

    "What? I thought I made you angry, why are you smiling like that?"

"Well! I am just relieved to know that at least there is a chance that you will be part of our family, I would be more happy if you will become our queen, I am sure my brother will be a good husband to you, he is kind and a loving person Malia." He said seriously.

   "Hello! Nick I am just saying that I admire the attractiveness of your brother, I am not saying that I will be his girlfriend or queen, I can't believe you were thinking that fast."

   "I know who is in your heart Malia, but I don't want you to be alone forever, I want to see you happy, I know that what you feel for me is only a brotherly affection, I am satisfied with that, but if marrying my brother is the only option for you to be happy again why not, I will not be a hindrance Mal, you will always be the only woman in my heart though." I can feel his sincerity, how I wish I can love Nick, the way he loves me.

We found Hale standing at the entrance of their residence.

"Hey! Malia, my parents wanted to see you too." He said, then walked closer to us. I am so happy to know, that King Robert and Queen Halena had arrived. Nick came with me inside the Hale's family residence.

They meet me eagerly in the luxurious living room. In my entire life, I never dream of having a chance to mingle with royals, but now the people that surround me, almost from a royal family.

"Malia, my child, I am so happy to see you again." Said King Robert, then he gives me a bear hug, then Queen Halena hug me tightly.

"Look at you dear, you became more beautiful and stunning." Said the Queen.

"I am so happy to see you both, King Robert, Queen Halena." I said, giving them both my sweet smile, they also said their greetings to Nick.

We chat a little, then they send us at the doorstep of their home to prepare for the party.

"See you later, Malia." They both said. My heart is overwhelmed with happiness, I felt so lucky to have met my friends and their families. They make me feel that I am not alone anymore. I walked back with Nick to our room with a blithe spirit.