All Rise the Last Empress

*Queen Belinda*

Come on, Nicoli. Belinda held her breath, feeling her heart pump in her chest. This was the big event, and she could barely wait to see how he would do. Surely expecting him to smile, and sweep her off her feet, like with all the servants.

He's a natural, so of course he will. He'll understand and do everything I taught him and-

"Hello, Hidi," Nicoli simply went flatly, not giving her more than a second glance, before turning back to watch the carriages, clearly more interested in them.

"Nicoli," What are you doing? Belinda nearly dropped her jaw. This was Queen Hildenberg! Of Almony! And you just say' hello!?

"Nicoli, honey," Belinda gently nudged to get his attention, quietly trying to speak through her eyes. Look at her. Forget the damn carriage for a second.

But, alas, Nicoli only leaned away, too busy on the watching the carriages.

"Nicoli, "Of all times for you to do this. But it was no use. Nicoli seemed to have no intention to do anymore, Much to Belinda's grievances. 

But that didn't mean Belinda was just going to take that as the end. Oh no, not when this great opportunity arose. She was going to give it her all if Nicoli wasn't. 

"Your Majesty-" Belind threw on her strongest smile, making up for Nicoli's lackluster form. A good choice, as she could see Hidi seem to still be at ease, her green eyes sliding up to her.

"Hidi is fine." Hidi corrected, easy enough. 

"Hidi, then." Belinda was quick to follow and keep on course. "How is it you came? I had not thought to send an invitation." Otherwise, I would have. 

"I assumed you'd be too busy with your duties. What with your dear mother declaring retirement," Belinda went on, laughing gently. "I thought you might have your hands full as queen. So, you're arrival is completely unexpected." 

"Ja, it is." Hidi shrugged. "And I'm sure Mama has piles of papers waiting as soon as I get home." Hidi stole a glance back over at Nicoli. "But lest not worry about that now." 

"Actually," Hidi moved to take her companion's shoulder, giving it a hard shake. "I was visiting my dear friend when she got the invite." Hidi smiled at her, and Lady Pole faltered a smile back. " So, I thought it'd be fun to tag along." Hidi turned back. "Like a stowaway, ja?" 

Hidi again shifted an eye down to the still-distracted Nicoli. 

"But I'll try not to be a bother."

"Oh! Nonono, Your Majesty." Belinda was quick to wave her hand. "Not at all." Her voice curled. " You are MOST welcome in our home." Belinda gushed on, already calculating behind her smile.

Forget the fish when you can catch a whale. It was obvious that Hidi was a far superior option. Why, Hidi would bring much more to the table, than any of all these little girls. Belinda could see it. 

Almony was rich, with a strong military, and an advanced store of weaponry. 

A marriage between the two countries would only do Dawny better. Besides, Belinda was already great friends with her mother, after all. So, it wasn't like she'd be choosing some stranger.

Really, the only drawback I can think of is the children. That was a bit of a sore note. She had wanted to have handsome grandchildren. But Belinda knew they would undoubtedly take after their mother. All become giants as well. 

Almony isn't called the land of giants for nothing. Belinda did sink a little at that. But then again, it wasn't…terrible. Not when she could see how much power and benefit it would bring.

I suppose…I can slide down some of my expectations. If it meant Nicoli became an even greater king, yes, she could do that. And with that, the other girls no longer mattered. 

Hidi is the real prize here. And Belinda was never one to sit around when she wanted something. 

"Come," Belidna motioned, turning. "How about we take you on a castle tour, Hidi." Belinda went on. "We can get you familiar with the castle. To make your stay all the more comfortable."

"That would be kind, your highness." Hidi went but glanced again at Nicoli, who was only now reacting with a start. 

"But the carriages-" Nicoli half choked, darting another look to a new carriage. He seemed to hold his breath, waiting, hoping, but it was just another girl.

"We…need to wait." Nicoli grew quieter. "There's… still people coming."

"Nicoli," It doesn't matter who's coming anymore!? Belinda nearly rolled her eyes. Didn't he understand who was standing next to him? 

How can my boy be so oblivious? He's worse than his father sometimes, I swear. But Belinda tried to reel in her frustration, as it was, putting on a new smile.

"Nicoli," Belinda curled more sweetly. "we can greet everyone later on. So for now, how about we,"

"NO!" Nicoli abruptly stomped his foot down, looking back at her."I'm not going till…" Something crossed his face then, somewhere between frustration and desperation.

 "Nicoli," Belinda sighed, seeing she might have overreached a bit, pushing too far. "Honey," Belinda tried again, softer. "let's,"

"You…want to stay and greet everyone, ja?" Hidi, meanwhile, volunteered softly. Her tone was surprisingly gentle to her size, enough so that Nicoli stopped to look at her.

"I…yea." Nicoli nodded and straightened up a bit more." I don't want to miss my sis-" 

"What a dutiful son I have, don't you think so, Hidi?" Belinda blurted over with a smile, not letting him finish. "But Nicoli does not need to worry." Belinda voiced, sweet and light. " Our servants will escort them. So we need not stay any longer."

Right? Belinda shot Nicoli a look. As I've already found you the perfect bride. And Belinda didn't want them wasting any more time.

"So, it's better we show Queen Hildenberg the castle now." Belinda kept her smile tight, willing Nicoli to agree, to listen, to do what he should be doing at the moment. He was normally so good, she couldn't understand why he needed to act out. 

And now of all times. Belinda moved to take his shoulder. 

"So, why don't we-"

"You can." Nicoli went flatly, "But I'm gonna stay."

"What?" Belinda felt her heart drop into her stomach." What did you say, my love?" Belinda barely held her tone. "You're…?"

"I said I'm gonna stay," Nicoli repeated. "I'm gonna greet the guests," Nicoli made to stand a bit taller, firm and sure. "You can show Hidi."

"Nicoli!" What was happening right now?

"Nicoli." Belinda had to take a breath to calm herself." Now is not the time to be stubborn. Queen Hildenberg-"

"I'll stay." Hidi cut in, stepping over to Nicoli's side.

"But Hidi,"

"But please," Hidi cut in again. " Can you show Lady Poole around?" Hidi then looked at her friend. "She'd remember where everything is better than me, anyway." Hidi winked, and Lady Poole gave another shudder. Her face seemed to grow even sicker than she thought possible. 

"Lady Poole?" Belinda repeated with a subtle twitch.

Why the hell would I show this worm when I'm trying to- Belinda forced herself to calm down. She needed to think. How could she get out of- 

"Oh,". Belinda suddenly realized. Why, that's just as good isn't it? If she leaves, the two will be left to each other's company, won't they?

Just the kind of opportunity I was looking for. Belinda couldn't help but smile.

"Very well, Nicoli, Hidi." Belinda looked at both of them. " Greet our guests. I'll…just give Lady Poole a tour." And with that, Belinda turned with a smile that could blind the sun. Not able to hide her joy at how things still worked out in her favor.

"Keep up," Belinda only noted, pausing just once to see Lady Pole lag. Lady Pole immediately bowed with an apology, before picking up her dress to follow after, with Julia shortly behind her.

*Hidi*

'Help me!' Lady Poole mouthed over her shoulder to Hidi. But Hidi only waved. 

'Have fun.' She mouthed back and almost laughed at the expression Lady Poole made after. She looked like she was about to cry. But Hidi knew she wouldn't.

 Lady Poole wasn't brave enough, to dare cause a scene. Which was all the better for her.

Because now, with them gone, Hidi turned to Nicoli, we are alone. And Hidi wanted to take the moment, because, in truth, the prince was rather a curious thing.

Like now, Hidi could see he was back to watching the carriages., seeming obsessed with them. 

I'm not used to being ignored like this. But this one didn't seem to even flinch at the thought. It was such a new thing for her, thus, made him all the more interesting. 

He is rather…handsome. For a human. Hidi watched on, noting his blue eyes again, how they stared out at the carriages. Each time jittering, energetically as the door opened. 

They must be a great person, Hidi had to assume. How else could he easily ignore a queen right next to him? And that just made her want to know even more. About this mysterious guest? And better, about this boy, Prince Nicoli, who could so easily ignore her.