All Rise the Last Empress

*Belinda*

To think that Hildenberg, herself, would show up. Belinda never dreamed the party would be this successful. It was a pure strike of luck.  And Belinda felt her chest swell, as she sat on the seat, motioning for the servant to help her undress for the night. Why, it was beyond her very expectations.

"Almony and Dawny joined together." A great empire. She beamed back at her reflection. "It's a delightful thought." Belinda went but she needed to be serious. 

It was all good and well, to wish it. But there was something she needed to do first, something more essential before she could start dreaming of the great new empire. The real question was how was she going to get them engaged.

Hidi seemed interested enough. Belinda could tell. She saw how she blushed, and, then, how she insisted on staying with him. Hidi was likely already won over, what with Nicoli just being a natural charmer. Any girl would fall for him. So, Belinda didn't need any help in that department.

But what of Nicoli? Now that was a different story, and just thinking of it, made Belinda weary.

Don't get me wrong. I love my sweet boy dearly. She did but she knew him to still be rather… uninterested in that aspect. He still too young to appreciate the finer sexes.

If I were to leave it alone, Belinda already knew things would die on the vine. And Hidi would slip from her grasp. 

No, I can not let that happen. Not when Hildenberg has practically fallen into her lap. Belinda couldn't forego the greatest daughter-in-law she could make.

So it must be up to me. Belinda decided right then. I'll have to seal the deal while she's still here. Perhaps, making a proposition now might be easier? Belinda could assume Hidi, being so young, would be easier to work with. 

And, if I'm wrong, if Hidi isn't already wooed into Nicoli's charms, well, that's where I can give a gentle push, in the right direction. Belinda trusted how persuasive she could be when needed.

Even better, I know her mother. Belinda knew Bratha wouldn't stand in the way. Why, she'd be delighted. Belinda was sure she would be fully supportive. So much so, that Belinda didn't even need to bother to ask her first. It was a guarantee.

So, then, once Hidi agrees, Belinda would then worry about Nicoli. 

"Hildenberg is a sweet girl, though." Belinda lifted her hand for a maid to start taking off each ring. "I'm sure Nicoli will warm up to her."

Primarily, if I work behind the scenes, Belinda thought already planning out situations and scenarios. Giving them more time together. All without being overbearing, surely, in time, Nicoli would succumb.

"Like all men do to the charms of a beautiful and determined woman." Belinda laughed to herself, reflecting on her experience, doing similar to the king.

Which worked. That is, save…for that wretched Vampiress. Belinda paused at the sour memory. The betrayal still as sharp as the day it happened. Always would be.

Any man would still be proud to call me wife. Belinda touched her cheek, admiring her visage. She was still breathtaking at her age. Her flower of beauty yet to wilt.

But a slight fear of, that one day, it fade, was never far from her thoughts. And it proved to only twist her stomach. That one day, she would have to contend with the fact her age would catch up with her.

What will become of me then? The question scared her enough to look away. Not wanting to think about it again. Less she starts to see lines or worse.

"Yes, Nicoli will eventually grow feelings." Belinda went on, instead, just as the door knocked. "Come in," Belinda called to see the door open to no other than Julia. 

"My queen," Julia bowed. Upon entering, the other maids quickly dropped their gaze, intimidated by her. Julia only gave them a vague but hard glance, before returning to Belinda's side. "My apologies for the wait."

"Julia," Belinda cooed, "And where did you get off to?"She held out her hand and Julia immediately moved.

Without a word, Julia was up to take off her bracelet, Taking it off to place in the soft velvet puff, like always. Belinda smiled at the sight, relieved to have her best servant back.

"I was worried I'd never get undressed." Belinda continued, throwing a brilliant smile at her maids. "The poor girls don't seem to have a clue." At her words, Belinda could see the girls stiffen. One turned white as paper. 

And if they didn't react before, they did when Julia glared their way.

"I apologize for the mistake," Julia spoke, "I'll be sure to retrain them." A few maids shivered at the notion. 

"So," Belinda returned, moving her head so Julia could take out her earrings. "Who'd still dare show up this late?" Belinda went on. "I would think it better they excused themselves." less they come as rude. But Belinda was too pleased with herself to get angry.

 What with how today turned out so well. There was no need to fret. She'd already gotten what she sought. A perfect bride.

"But, as it is, they are gusts suppose." Belinda dismissed. "See to it that they are cared for." And that was all. She wasn't going to bother to see them or anything.

Maybe I should learn their name, though? She could make it a point to never invite them again. Belinda paused. They can be ostracized for their rudeness and be made an example to the rest. Belinda thought on. 

"What are their names, by the way, Julia?" Belinda asked while Julia moved the earrings to a locked drawer. But this time, Julia stalled at the box, as if hesitating.

"Julia?" Belinda motioned again. Her slowness was so unlike her. "Julia," Belinda repeated, now watching her like a hawk. She could see the slightest change in her face. As if something uncomfortable.

Julia stopped to wipe down her dress as if preparing something.

"We…are fitting rooms for them."

"You're what?" Belinda snapped up at the news, "What do you mean, preparing a room?" Belinda turned in her chair. " Everything is already done. I counted the rooms needed myself."

"Well…" Julia swallowed trying to speak clearly. "It seems we are short some rooms." 

"How?" Belinda lowered her tone. "How would I be short? Julia!?" Belinda began to shake at the audacity of it. "I never make that kind of mistake. I planned the exact amount of rooms for our guests." 

Save for Hidi; I had everything set. No one was left out. Each is set, and the rooms are ready-

"I do not make juvenile mistakes like these. " Belinda snapped, no, her skills were perfect. This was something else. Something had gone awry. "Who is this person, Julia?" Belinda went again. Her voice now icy. 

"Your majesty," It made Julia stiffen on the spot. "You did invite them." 

"Who?!" Belinda felt something inside tighten. Rage for whoever could dare ruin her plans. Make her look so incapable. "Who has arrived?"

"It is…" Julia stiffened her shoulders before pressing her lips. "It is…Empress Anastasia." 

"Empress-" But both turned at the sharp gasp in the room, reminding them they weren't alone. 

"Girls," Julia silenced them with a stern look. But the damage was done. They had heard. And now Belinda could only tighten her jaw. Anger growing.

"Leave, Everyone. Now." Julia ordered, opening the door, before silently flashing one last warning after them.

"Yes Ms. Julia," The girls bowed and hurried themselves out. Almost tripping over the other's skirts, in that quick of a hurry. It was only when Julia closed the door after the last one, that Belidna growled.

"Empress Anastasia." Belinda clenched her teeth. The name being the last thing she wanted to say tonight. "That stupid… little bastard…." Her fingers tensed up, knuckles growing white before she started to shake. 

"How can she- of all the times. She goes and-Ah!" Belinda threw her jewelry directly against the glass, shattering the mirror instantly, and covering the vanity in shards and pieces.

In the shards, Belinda could see fractions of her faces over the surface. And each shard showed a different view of how ugly it looked now. All her beauty gone for rage.

"DAMN IT!" Belinda grabbed the chair to steady herself, swaying. It took a few heavy breaths, to stop the shaking, and when it did, she forced herself to stand perfectly straight.

"Where are they now?" Belinda forced her face to be composed, but her voice betrayed her real emotions. It cagey and ready to snap at any moment. 

"Julia?" Belinda went again, turning to glare after her. "Where did you put them?"

"I've put them in the garden room for now." 

"The garden room?" Belinda repeated, feeling herself somewhat ease at the choice. "Good. that's far away from the King's wing." Julia was wise enough to keep them out of earshot, at least.

But this only creates a new problem. Belinda looked over the shards of glass with less feeling, before taking up her bracelet amongst the shards. She held it a moment, before holding it over to Julia.

"My queen?" Julia moved to snap the clasp but looked up, not completely understanding. 

"Come along, Julia." Belinda simply pointed to her earrings next. "I'm sure they must be quite tired, by now." 

"Oh…Yes," Julia nodded and moved to put the earrings back in. Belinda, meanwhile, fluffed her petticoat, making the dress puff up and look fresh again. 

"We wouldn't want to keep our special 'guests' waiting, do we?" And, carefully, Belinda picked up a shard, holding it up to check her makeup, seeing herself still beautiful. And seeing she was, she saw no more need of it and quickly tossed it back to rattle against the others. 

Its sharp clink echoed through the otherwise silent room.