Lucy wipes her tears taking Big Sis Quing's hand. "Little Sis Lucy, if anyone bullies you I'll throw my fireball at them!" Big Sis Quing says, a small yellow ball of fire appearing on her hand. "I can toss it three feet now," she says. "Put that away," Big Bro Shui says, looking around. "You know better."
Quing's cheeks puff out but extinguish it. "Stupid rules. What's the point of Awakening, if we're not allowed to use our powers" Quing complains.
Lucy giggles. "You get to use them on the training field," Lucy says. A hint of envy rose. Since Big Sis' Quing and Jiao Awakened they spent several hours playing on the training fields with their powers. Big Sis Quing rolls her eyes. "Yes. Because being hovered over is fun. It's not fair!" Big Sis Quing frowns, grumpily. Aw! So cute!
Big Bro Bolin eyes Big Sis Quing in a matter of fact way. "You caught yourself on fire yesterday, I saw it when I gave Grand Aunt Lan a spell scroll from Grandmother," he says. Big Sis Quing's cheeks flush. "Shut up!" Lucy giggles covering her mouth, warmth settling into her bones. I shouldn't be so dramatic. Most people have secret thoughts, and memories.
"Young Miss's, and Masters, Third Imperial Miss Jing's Luncheon is ready. Imperial Prince Jing sent for the Third Miss." A maid says hovering by the gate to the garden. Lucy's eyes widen. "Oh!" Big Sis Quing uses her handkerchief to tidy Lucy's face, even straightening her veil. Lucy glances around while everyone tidies their crooked clothes, and hair. "Where is Big Sis Jiao?" Lucy asks.
Big Bro Shui pauses. "Little Sis went to deal with something. Miss Karen will track her down if she doesn't show up," he says, patting Lucy's head. "No worrying," he orders. Lucy almost takes a page out of Big Sis Quing's book and puffs out her cheeks. Don't pet me!
He takes his hand away, making her pout. Okay, maybe just a little petting. Why is that so comforting? I'm so odd. Lucy stiffens when Big Bro Shui picks her up following the maid. None of her siblings. Well, cousins really. None of them thought anything of manhandling her. After at only 2 years today, even 5-year-old Big Bro Bolin could carry her. Let alone 7-year Big Bro Shui. Still... Seriously. I'm older than you!
Lucy relaxes, smothering a yawn. I want a nap, crying is exhausting. Lucy glares at her silk clad body. Stupid lack of stamina. Soon enough the maid stops. Selena, Big Sis Rosemary, her bondmaid Miss Dai, Big sis Jiao, and her bondmaid Miss Karen were waiting.
Lucy stares at Big Sis Rosemary. Unlike Big Sis' Jiao, and Quing she still wore a sheer veil that revealed her tender face. Her elegant earring and bell adorned braid perfectly matched the ivory dress. A scarlet sash added a pop, emphasizing her rosy cheeks.
All my sisters are so cute! So cuddly! Adorable! Ah! Lucy deliberately shifts her eyes to Selena and frowns. "You left," Lucy says. {Little Mistress doesn't look happy with me. Poor baby was probably scared to death facing Imperial Prince Ping and the Dukes.} Selena curtsies, making Lucy twitch and look away. Not her too.
"I was preparing gifts, Third Miss Jing," Selena says demurely. Lucy nods, as Big Bro Shui puts her down. Lucy walks to Selena grabbing her hand. "In?" Lucy asks. Selena shakes her head. "We must wait for Carlos for Imperial Prince Jing calls us in" Selena explains.