Sunflower Queen

*Hidi*

Could it be? Hidi curiously flicked her green eyes up to the patio, hearing the sound of the French doors opening from above. But before she could think to sit up in anticipation, it was already over. Another servant was coming down with a tray. But once again, it was only another false alarm. 

How long does it take a boy to get ready? Hidi huffed through her nose frustrated the longer she waited for Prince Nicoli to appear. She just couldn't understand what was the hold-up.

Hidi huffed again, still waiting for him to get ready. It's not like menswear was that difficult to put on. He didn't have to deal with fussy dresses like hers or the uncomfortable constraints of a corset. He wouldn't have to endure the painstaking process of having his hair combed and braided into a perfect knot by meticulous maids like she had to.

Where has he been all morning? Hidi huffed again before moving to smooth out her princess gown, making sure the toil spread out correctly to show the roses embroidered between the ruffles of pink. The dress was the best she had, and she wanted to show it off as it complimented her eyes well.

But to do that, Nicoli needs to be here. And again, she reached for another cookie, feeling a spike of impatience run through her. She bit off his head with her giant teeth to chew on it numbly, not really tasting it, but wanting something to do with herself, before tossing it down to land with the others on the plate with a clink. 

The sound seemed to take the pretty brunette's attention and she made her clear her throat as if to speak.

"Hildenberg,"

"It's Hidi," Hidi corrected, moving for another cookie to decapitate from boredom.

"Ah, yes, Hidi." Belinda watched the cookie be tossed back with the others, before pressing her red-painted lips together to form a gentle smile. "I was just speaking with my husband about how lovely it would be to hold a wedding in the spring here."

"You did?" King Alexander perked up at that. "I don't remember that…"

"Yes, a wedding" Belinda interrupted, but not before giving him a quiet look to say stop talking, before turning back to Hidi, with a new smile.

"What do you think?" Belinda went again, snapping open her fan to flutter a gentle breeze. "Wouldn't it be lovely to hold a wedding here?"

"It wouldn't be bad," Hidi remarked flicking her eyes around the garden, noting the trees and bushes before falling into the maze mentioned before. A maze which, a certain Prince still had to guide her through.

If I ever see him, that is. But one thing at a time, right? And right now, Hidi could feel the pretty queen's gray eyes regard her carefully. As if looking for some confirmation. And not finding it just yet, she went, moving to a more obvious tactic.

"You have your mother's hair, I see," Belinda remarked, looking over the long sunflower yellow braid of hair. 

"I did always love the color." Belinda sighed as if looking back on some memory. But just as she did, she moved to take her cup of tea and sip quietly. 

"I…should wish my grandchildren could have such a color, one day." The remark was subtle but Hidi didn't need to look over to see the pointed stare. 

"Is that so?" Hidi moved for her teacup now. 

A bit forward, isn't she? Hidi sipped her tea, amusing the little exchange. But then again, her mother did warn her that Queen Belinda was not a woman to sit on her hands when she wanted something. But that worked in her favor, didn't it?

Especially since it is Prince Nicoli, Hidi thought and smiled to herself thinking back to yesterday and how surprisingly enjoyable it all was.

Despite spending nearly the rest of the day, meeting human girl after, girl, It was…fun to be around him. Hidi found the time with him enjoyable. Even when he refused to talk to her for the rest of the evening after she joked about stealing his elusive sister away. Hidi still found it…cute.

Like a cat. Hidi thought and took another sip of tea. 

Yes, that was a good way to describe Prince Nicoli, wasn't it? Like a big cat with blue eyes watching everything, and prone to disappearing. And likely…hard to tame.

But it will be so rewarding when he is, Hidi could see that just from last night. How he diligently waited till the very last carriage to see if it was her or not. He was clearly the loyal type.

Loyal and untameable. Now Hidi really couldn't help but be interested. So, as she met Belinda's eyes, she couldn't resist smiling as the queen nodded back.

"Yes." Belinda answered, moving to close the fan, "I very much do."

"Perhaps…" Hidi moved to take up another cookie to bite the head. "That's a possibility." And with that, Belinda's eyes seemed to shine with the confirmation she was driving for this whole time.

"Well then, speaking of marriages." Belinda didn't hesitate to move for the real goal. " It's best to get engaged while you're still young, don't you think?" Belinda paused looking over Hidi before crinkling a smile. " So things are set in order by the time you're of age, no need to panic or worry. Everything has already been arranged."

"Arranged?" King Alexander blinked out of his bored trance, blinking after his wife. "What proposal? To whom?"

"Alexander," Belinda breathed with a quick quip of her brow to look back at him. "Where have you been this whole morning? Why do you think I've set up this party?"

"I-" King Alexander opened his mouth, but then thought better of it, and closed it. His sapphire eyes only lifted to meet hers, as if to ask for help. But Hidi wasn't about to stop this.

That's what you get for ignoring your wife. Hidi could only find fault with him as well. He should have been paying attention.

"Sorry, my wife. I-I've been distracted." King Alexander turned back, looking over the lawn as if for something, before sighing when he didn't find it. 

Queen Belinda just tightened her jaw when he did, something flashing underneath that poised smile, irritation, maybe, and then it was gone. Her smile was back and perfect.

"Well then, I suppose I should bring you up to speed, Husband." Belinda went with a slight huff before going on. "I was mentioning arranged marriages. For Nicoli…"Belinda paused there to shoot a glance at Hidi. A slight question in her eyes, not quite saying it literally, but more or less directing to it.

No wonder she and my mother are friends. Hidi couldn't help but smile, impressed with her. Belinda really was a woman on a mission.

I like her. Hidi decided and gave a gentle nod. And with that, again Belinda's eyes shone with confirmation, that indeed, she was on the right track.

"OH?" King Alexander meanwhile lifted a brow, slow on the uptake, but once started, understanding what was happening now. And he glanced over Hidi anew, now taking in the sight of Hidi more seriously.

"You… speak so easily of proposals, my love." King Alexander finally turned back to her, "But does… Her Majesty give consent to this?" And as if concerned, he turned back, sapphire eyes regarding her. They were the same shade as the Prince.

Strikingly beautiful. Hidi thought. I bet that is why she married him.

"Well? What say you, your majesty?" King Alexander paused, his sapphire eyes steady on her. "Do you want to marry my son?"

"Ja."

"Really?!" King Alexander sat back, clearly astonished by the straightforward answer. But Hidi just shrugged, not seeing the point in playing around. 

"Well…I'll be damned." Alexander expressed a last, with a little shake of his head to his wife, who just laughed into her hand. 

"My darling, can't you see?" Belinda chuckled softly. " It's love at first sight." And she clenched his hand. "As I was the same for you." 

"Yeah…it…hmm." Alexander seemed to flush a little in the cheeks, embarrassed, but this just made Queen Belinda giggle again, savoring the effect.

"Well…" King Alexander sighed, calming after a moment to look back at the two, taken aback but willing."That… was rather quick, to do."

"The quicker, the better, my husband." Belinda threw another smile at Hidi. "It gives us more time to prepare a wedding." 

"Ja, and Mama will be quite overcome," Hidi added, and Belinda beamed up at the idea.

"Oh, yes! Bratha will die for it!" Queen Belinda gushed, clapping her hands together. "We can finally call ourselves relations!" Belinda sang out, pleased by the very idea already.

"You women," King Alexander scuffed, but not harshly, more like a chuckle, as if out of his realm.

"Does my son even know how you scheme behind his back?" Alexander shook his head. "How you lay a trap waiting for my poor boy?" And he looked off as if pitting him.

"Oh, husband," Belinda tutted, lightly slapping his chest before turning back.

"Don't listen to him, my dear." Belinda reached over the table to pat her hand. "Nicoli will come around. I'm sure."

"Yes," Hidi smiled at the gesture, not at all worried. She was sure she would get what she wanted. She always did in the end.

But it would help if he were here. Hidi thought a little sourly, wishing he was here but things were still rather productive, weren't they? AndHidi had to smile.

"Is this how I ended up your husband, then?" King Alexander meanwhile joked. "Did you trick me too?"

"I did not." Belinda retorted before slapping his arm playfully.

"Ow, my wounds." King Alexander mocked hurt, but not before smiling back at her mischievously.

"Wicked woman."He tapped her nose before Belinda turned to kiss his bearded cheek.

"Speak of yourself." Belinda returned her grey eyes regarding him softly.

That's…different. Hidi darted her eyes from the tender moment, finding it a little too intimate for her liking. She did not expect such a display in public view, anyway. 

But perhaps that was the way of Dawny, Hidi had to consider.

And…Maybe Nicoli will want the same? Hidi didn't feel opposed to it, per se. If he wanted to, she wouldn't stop him. She could…get used to it.

Again, not a bad thing. Hidi had to consider before she noticed something a stir amongst the tables. Girls were leaning over to whisper as if something were happening. And they kept looking in one direction. 

"Hmm?"Hidi followed their gaze just in time to see why. Two guests were approaching the lawn.

Well, one. Hidi corrected as she recognized the first to be Nicoli. The other, however, next to him, she did not. But the sight of her left Hidi stunned.

She looks like a porcelain doll. Hidi couldn't help but compare the petite girl coming closer to reveal how prettier she was. Her pale skin as white as snow, with eyes blood red, set inside a heart-shaped face. Her shape was made only smaller by the hoop skirt, almost swallowing her against the gown's embroidered green and white vines.

I… want to hold her. Hidi thought finding her too cute to resist, like an albino rabbit. She wanted to take her up in her arms and bring her back home.

And keep her there…Hidi only now noticed their hands together. The sight made Hidi's smile lessened a little.

"Who is this girl?" Hidi asked turning slightly to Belinda, thinking she would know. "Queen Belidna?" Hidi asked again for once, this whole morning, but Belinda said nothing.

No, she was, but it wasn't with her mouth. Hidi could see quickly how her face changed. Her eyes flashed with anger and creased with disbelief. While her hand chattered the tea she held.

"How could she…" Belinda was mumbling something under her breath as her eyes stayed glued on the girl. ".... Anastasia." 

"Anastasia?" Hidi blinked back in surprise before she couldn't help but glance back to take in this girl. Her green eyes darted over the funny red scarf she wore over her head as if she were covering…

No wonder Nicoli got so upset, Hidi mused. Hell, she couldn't blame him, she'd want to do the same. What if I had a sister so small and cute, why…

This is even better than I expected. Hidi beamed sitting a bit straighter in her chair with eager feet taping the ground. It was hard to sit still, but Hidi could wait, just a little, as her green eyes watched closely as they both approached.

"Anastasia," Hidi repeated looking over the tiny vampire once more before biting the head off another rabbit cookie and tossing its body aside on the plate with a clink.