Collaboration

*Hidi*

Hidi had to bite her lip to hold back the laughter bubbling up inside her. Nicoli was being relentlessly outrageous, and she wished others were around to witness his antics. It was a shame it was just the two of them wandering through the hedge maze.

Nicoli stopped, pointing at a fresh ivy bush. Its lush leaves exuded the scent of earth and soil, carried upward by the rising heat. But the greenery only emphasized the dullness in his usually energetic eyes.

With a resigned sigh, he gestured limply. "And here is a bush." His shoulders slumped, wrinkling his blue suit.

Hidi, barely holding back a chuckle, nodded solemnly. "Ah, ja. A nice bush."

She followed him a few more steps. This time, he pointed at a thin tree with purple leaves.

"And that's a tree."

"Ja, a quality tree." she echoed, wiping a tear from her eye. He looked so miserable. Another giggle threatened to escape, but she held it back. If she laughed, he might stop. And she didn't want this to be over yet.

Not when they were alone. Not when he was being so delightfully pissy.

How could she not milk this for all it was worth?

But Nicoli must have caught on. He turned to her suddenly, brows furrowed.

"Do I have to show you this? You have eyes. It's just a maze."

"No, you don't," Hidi answered shrugging. She didn't need him to guide her. But just as he turned, kicking up loose rocks, she threw up her hand.

"You seemed bothered back at the table."

Nicoli stopped, brow lifting. "You noticed?" He sounded genuinely surprised.

Hidi only shrugged, absently smoothing her skirt. She and Nicoli were wearing the same shade—powder blue. That made her smile. They matched.

"Let me guess," she ventured, "it's about Ana."

His silence was answer enough. Then, he nodded. "Yeah."

Nicoli lifted his head, gazing over the hedges. His blue eyes darkened. Hidi was surprised he could even look that serious. It made him seem older than he was.

"I went to see Ana last night."

"You—how?" Hidi's breath hitched. Weren't there guards everywhere? How had he gotten past them without being caught?

"You did?"

Nicoli nodded again.

Hidi waited, but he didn't elaborate. She pouted but let it go. For now.

"And… nothing happened?" she asked carefully, scanning him from shaggy hair to polished boots.

No cuts, no bruises. The only sign of strain was the deep, dark circles under his sapphire eyes.

Clearly he didn't get much sleep. But she tucked that to mean anything.

"What happened?" 

Nicoli exhaled, lips pressing into a thin line.

"She yelled at me. Told me to leave."

"Told you to—" Hidi blinked. That was not the answer she expected.

"She has strong willpower." Hidi crossed her arms to look back at the castle. Almost wishing she could see the petite girl right then.

Nicoli only shrugged, kicking another rock.

"But that's not the problem."

"It's not?"

He shook his head. "I need to figure out a way to talk to her."

"You still want to?" The idea alone made Hidi's head spin. "Even with the bloodlust?"

"That's why I need to figure something out." He scowled, scuffing his boot against the ground. "I can't wait a whole week."

 Nicoli kicked a rock. "It's too long." 

Nicoli lifted his head to look back at the castle behind them. His eyes seemed to be searching for a window. When they stopped, Hidi knew where that was, Ana's window.

"So I told her I'd figure something out. Some way." Nicoli tucked his sleeves again as if falling back into the loop.

"I got to. I told her I would.."

"You told her?" 

"I don't want her to be alone." Nicoli went on looking after the window.. 

"Alone?"

"Yes, alone." 

"But she has her family. Her cousin is there. Lord Mykhol." Hidi recalled meeting the vampire. Again, not to her taste, but he seemed sufficient for others.

"He will be with her."

"Oh yeah, him." Nicoli moved to kick another rock. He then scuffed. 

"I think Ana would like me better."

"Ha, you are confident. But I like that." 

"Confident?" Nicoli looked up at her, but Hidi only smiled. She was now looking back to the castle. Momentarily noticing the ground below. It was clear of trees and bushes.

"You know, I might have an idea." Hidi voiced, recalling something.

"An idea?" Nicoli perked up. His eyes grew wide after her. 

"Really?"

"Yes," Hidi spoke, still looking at the empty spot below.

"But I will need supplies."

"Supplies?" Nicoli popped up again but Hidi was already taking his hand. Leading the way back out the maze. She didn't need a guide. She was tall enough to see the exit over the bush walls. 

A pity we didn't get to the center though. It was the only thing to nag her. There was likely to be a statue they could have gawked at. Or maybe even some kind of fountain.

But Hidi could miss seeing another fountain. That could wait. Now Hidi had a higher purpose, making Nicoli happy. 

"Just come with me." Hidi pulled forward to lead them out of the maze.

When they made their way out, Hidi waved to Belinda and King Alexander's table.

"We'll be right back," Hidi called. Belinda nodded before noticing their hands. She made an audible 'oh'. Before giving a knowing smile.

 It was a smile that made Hidi beam, but Nicoli frowned. 

"Do we have to hold hands?" Nicoli tried to yank his hand. But Hidi only pulled him along, pulling him to press into her hoop skirt.

"No. But I want to."

Nicoli cocked a brow blinking after her a moment. Before shaking his head. 

"You're weird," 

Hidi only laughed. "You'll call me a genius later." And she kept pulling him along.

-x-

 Later, inside her room of translucent purples and pinks, Hidi's heart twitched with excitement. It was terrible of her, she knew, but she couldn't help relishing the fact. Nicoli was in her room. Voluntarily. 

He's so trusting. She mused, brimming with pride. This was already proof they were getting along. But she let it go as she worked on the contraption.

"Hmmm," this was tough. How was it done again? Hidi fingered the hole. Was it too large?

Perhaps I should make an anchor? Hidi looked around her for something that would keep the string. 

"Oh, lovely." Hidi clapped as she found a pencil. Quickly snapping it in half with her pinky. 

Nicoli cringed at the sight. "Giants are scary." 

Hidi hummed but nodded as she tied the string to the piece before testing it. 

It worked! Hidi was pleased to find. It would stop it from pulling back out once the string was taut. She tested with a good snap of the line. Three times, it didn't fall out.

A success!

"I'm a genius!" she declared.

Nicoli scoffed. "Genius?"

"I said you'd say that."

"I—" Nicoli snapped his mouth shut, frowning.

He's so cute.

Hidi stepped back, hands on her hips, reveling in her ingenuity.

"Is it done?" Nicoli perked up from the pink rug. He had refused to sit in a chair, despite it being softer and smooth. And even after the maids pestered him. He seemed content just sitting on the rug. Legs crossed.

It wasn't a very kingly thing to do. Hidi noted. But he was young. He'd grow out of it.

And if not, Hidi would expect him to have to, once he became both Dawny's king and Almony's consort anyway. That would be a severe position, on its own. Having the two kingdoms joined forces. They'd be an empire.

I wonder if that means I will need a new crown made? Hidi paused on the thought. 

Perhaps she should ask Ana? She was an Empress. And soon, so would Hidi. Sisters and Empress each. How fun. Hidi smiled at the idea. 

Perhaps Ana could also marry into the family? Ana could now, right? She was now an adult- by Nochten's standards. Anyway. So, marriage was now on the table.

And Ana would make a cute bride. Hidi recalled the white dress. She looked good in it.

"Yes, it's done." She stretched the string, holding it up. Nicoli looked at the paper and string before quickly pushing up both brows. Confused.

Nicoli frowned at it. "What is it?"

"What is-" Hidi dropped her jaw to now blink back at him. 

"You don't know what this is?"

Nicoli shook his head.

"No? Should I?"

Hidi opened her mouth to speak but then thought better of it. 

"You…don't keep up with the latest sciences, do you?"

"Latest what?" Nicoli blinked. His confused expression made Hidi laugh a little. 

I should have known. Hidi thought. The answer wasn't as surprising to her as it would be to someone else. So Hidi forgave it quickly. 

Hidi sighed. "Cute and dumb," she muttered, securing the string again.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Hold this and walk over there."

Nicoli obeyed, moving to the chair.

"That's good. Now, put the cup to your ear."

As soon as he did, Hidi whispered, "Can you hear me?"

Nicoli jolted. "How did you—"

"The cup."

Hidi motioned for him to use it as well. With some hesitation, Nicoli did but cupped his hand over the cup. 

"Can you hear me?" His voice carried over the string. Again, Hidi beamed before whispering back in her cup.

"Yes, I can."

"This- how can this-" Nicoli looked at the cup before looking back at her.

"You can travel sound across the stretched string," Hidi explained to see Nicoli again look at the cup and string with new awe.

"Travel sound?" Nicoli blinked before straightening up, his eyes burning bright at the news.

"You mean, if I can't go to where Ana is. My voice can?" 

"You got it."Hidi smiled with a thumbs up.

Ah, he is so cute. Hidi thought. But not too bright. A good mix. Again, she felt herself making the right choice.

Nicoli was perfect in many ways. Bright but not too clever. Handsome while loyal, an ideal match for a husband to be indeed.

And Mama will love him. Hidi knew. Her blessing would come quickly.

Now, all that was left…

"So with this, I can talk to Ana," Nicoli confirmed. Again, Hidi nodded.

"Yup. And no one is in danger." Hidi winked. But Nicoli didn't seem to find it so funny because he frowned at her. 

"I wasn't in danger." 

"Oh, I-" It was only a joke. But it seemed to bother Nicoli. He was so quick to change because of Ana. 

"Nicoli, I meant to say as a joke. Again." 

Nicoli narrowed his eyes at her a moment but puffed out a sigh eventually.

"It's fine," He relayed, no more heat in his voice. His blue eyes turned back to regard the cups again. A slow smile pushed up his cheeks soon after.

"Because now Ana won't be mad anymore."

"Yes, a win-win, as you call it." Hidi again beamed a smile.

And a win for me, but Hidi didn't say that bit out loud. As it was clear, Nicoli was happy as she wanted him to be. And sure enough, Nicoli turned to her with a new smile.

"Thank you, Hidi!" As Nicoli moved, Hidi instinctively opened her arms, expecting a hug.

"You are more than well-" But before she could finish, he darted past her, snatching the cups and string.

"I have to see if I can use this!" he called over his shoulder, already pulling open the door.

Hidi's arms hovered for a moment before she let them drop. Her smile faded.

He was not going to hug her? Her chest pinched. But why not? Didn't I just help? 

No–he had to come back. He had to say something. But Nicoli was already gone, his mind elsewhere. Back on Ana..

Hidi swallowed, pressing the sides of her dress between her fingers. "Right now? But–" Her voice faltered. You just got here.

She turned to the window, watching the sunlight stretch higher. Heat was beginning to press against the glass.

"Wouldn't it still be too early?"

 But Nicoli missed her words, already opening the door.

"I'll tell you if it works." Nicoli rushed with a smile before stepping out. Hidi saw his little legs carry him quickly down the hall. 

"But..?" Hidi dropped her shoulders. 

"I didn't just do it for her." 

Hidi blinked after the open door. Still a bit stunned. She just had Nicoli in her room. That was such a good chance. A great opportunity to get closer and-

And he just left?

She let out a slow breath, smoothing her skirt. "Patiience, Hidi." She reminded herself. "There's still time."

Yes, it was only the third day they'd met. She still had plenty of time, and years were ahead of her. She could do it. That would be more than enough. 

Yes, there was no need to get bent out of shape over this. Hidi knew. She could wait. 

"Because the rewards would be worth it." Hidi looked back around her room. Her eyes lingered on the spot Nicoli had been sitting in. It was likely still warm.

Like the smile he just made as he left. Slipping out the door.

That was the first real smile he gave her, wasn't it? Hidi's cheeks slowly flushed with warmth as she remembered. The first real smile he had for her. It was enough to bring a soft smile to her lips.

"Indeed," she murmured to herself, her voice tinged with a hint of affection, "Most definitely worth it."