Edmund Blackthorne

The hall is illuminated by candelabras, and the candlelight seems to soften the rigid expressions of those around them. The gentlemen stand proudly, puffing out their chests and acting with poise; the ladies move gracefully through the heavy fabric of their colorful gowns, the sound of music trailing across the floor.

Perfect manners everywhere.

Edmund sighs softly, his gaze leaving the landscape and returning to his own suit. His waistcoat is perfectly buttoned, the jacket bright blue, and the bow tie is at his neck. It's too tight; he feels like it's suffocating him. He prefers to be in his quiet library, surrounded by books that can't judge him or look on with indifference, only to later offer fake smiles. Here, he feels out of place.

He walks to the drinks table to get a glass of lemonade. His mother appears in his peripheral vision, leading a brown-haired girl by the arm, and they approach him. Edmund quickly grabs the first pastry he finds on the table, pops it into his mouth, feigning concentration. He doesn't want to talk to anyone of the opposite sex. He's told his mother this countless times, of course, but it's never worked. Duchess Narcissa Blackthorne never gives up.

"My son, I've been looking for you." Edmund's whole body tenses. He turns to them, still chewing his candy . "I'd like to introduce you to Charlotte Abernathy, the Viscount's youngest daughter. " He speaks enthusiastically, gesturing to the girl beside him. She curtsies at him, smiling.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Blackthorne," he greets in a soft voice.

Edmund bows somewhat awkwardly in return. He discreetly wipes the bread crumbs off his face with the back of his hand. As he straightens up, he sees her raise an eyebrow in his direction, Miss Charlotte's pale eyes twinkling with restrained amusement. Edmund clears his throat before speaking.

"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Abernathy," he manages to say without stuttering.

Edmund is blond with light eyes and striking features. His tall body is effortlessly muscular. He is quite introverted, loving to spend time in his library or studying. He dislikes social events because he always feels compared to his older brothers, George and Philip, the eldest. They are everything the Blackthorne family expects. Edmund is different. He is intelligent, possesses superhuman strength, and has a kind heart, though he always hides it behind a solid wall. At times, he is somewhat clumsy and shy.