Animal House

*Hidi*

Ana was right. It was THAT bad. And Hidi could barely keep her jaw closed at the sight unraveling before them. 

As she entered, everything seemed normal. No obvious issues arose as she took her place to Ana's left on the dais. Being a queen and familiar with court proceedings, she clearly expected how events would unfold. And the room felt sufficiently formal for the occasion.

It was a meeting hall with high ceilings that arched into a dome, a very Nochten type of architecture. The walls were painted in gold and turquoise paint. A red square rug sat over the marble floor in the middle of the room. And like the Nochten tradition, the Lords and Ladies stood on either side instead of chairs. Forming little groups based on rank and status. Fire pits burned in the middle to warm the spacious area against the autumn chill.

Again, nothing seemed amiss. That was until Ana took her seat on the blue cushioned throne. And then—

Voices suddenly filled the court as lords and ladies clamored for the Empress's attention, their words overlapping. The sounds echoed as they shouted across the room, each trying to be heard first.

"Your Empress, we need to finalize the last of the rooms for the coronation!" A thin-nosed Lady called from the left. 

From the right, a square-faced Lord bit out. "No, she needs to review the newest installment to our food storage first."

"No, we need to verify if the last guests are still coming." A narrow-mouthed Lord snarked.

And it just kept going, without established order or waiting their turn. They pushed out more topics, jumping from one to the next, ranging from her coronation to dresses and a scattered question about various laws and decrees.

How is this even considered to be a court? When Ana had warned, she had thought it was a joke—an exaggeration. 

But clearly, the vampire wasn't. And she didn't know if she should be more shocked or disturbed by it. 

Hidi glanced back to the vampire. Ana sat upright, hands pressed to her lap, brows furrowing as she pursed her lips. She seemed to be composing herself, waiting for them to stop like a teacher with unruly students.

How can she just sit there? She blinked in astonishment. How could she tolerate this? Hidi would never have allowed such a thing. 

Heads would roll. Executions would set an example. This was not how things ran back in her kingdom. Ever. 

Yet it seemed like Ana had no control at all. Hidi glanced back at the room. She huffed.

 Why, some of the lords weren't even bothering to look over. They were engrossed in conversation among themselves as if this were a social gathering. 

"My god," Hidi clicked under her breath. No wonder she was asking for more support. 

She needed that and then some. 

Hidi instantly felt pity for her as Ana finally moved to raise her hand.

She cleared her throat. "That's enough, everyone." Her voice rose, bringing silence to the room as conversations halted and red eyes turned toward her. However, in their gaze, Hidi noticed several throwing her disdainful looks.

"Since when did she get such a nerve?" A bearded Lord grumbled not so quietly as if annoyed she interrupted his conversation.

Hidi clicked her tongue incredulously, turning to look back at Ana. But to her awe, the girl didn't blink. This stunned her.

Is she just going to let that go? No, surely she wouldn't. Not when it was clearly being disrespectful. He should have been punished immediately for it. Hidi would have. 

Ana let out a sigh and resigned, her vermilion flowing down the dais to meet the scarred human below. 

"Admiral Nugen," She motioned for him to stand out. "Please, your report?"

"As I mentioned," Admiral Nugen advanced, his boots squeaking on the floor. His uneven brown hair contrasted sharply with the surrounding sea of red, enhancing his feeling of being out of place. He maintained a firm and clear tone, speaking directly. "We must allocate additional funds to the armory-"

Someone groaned from the left. "Not this again."

"It's so boring." Another simple chined vampire griped.

"Can't we talk about the coronation?" Another volunteered. Heads began to nod quickly to that.

"Yes, and then after about the engagement-"

The question was shut off by a loud "Shhh." A murmur and glances followed along the crowd. 

Hidi observed a few glances travel up to Ana's cousin. But whatever the topic was, they dropped quickly in exchange for another. 

"She's like a broken record. Pave this- Bulgeons that." Someone complained in the middle. "Can't we talk about something more fun?"

"Fun?" Hidi bulked at the suggestion. Since when was war not fun? 

But she didn't have room to talk, as Ana seemed to be growing increasingly vexed by the interruptions. 

"Everyone let Admiral Nugen finish-" She motioned back to the serious-looking human. He was one of the few. His officers behind him seemed just as grave. But the rest of the courtroom–

"Why is that human even talking?" An older vampire snapped. "He's just an admiral. He's not nobility. We should take precedence, your Empress. It's tradition. We come first. Not him."

More heads nodded.

"Yes, let us speak first. Then, if we have time, he can ramble off." A few laughed outright. 

"What was that?" Admiral Nugen snapped, his head jerking toward them. His composure cracked, fists clenching as he glared.

Ana cleared her throat, trying to steady herself. "Everyone, we need to discuss the report first. It's important. So please, let Admiral Nugen speak and—"

Lord Mykhol raised a hand. The room stilled.

Ana blinked up at him. "Cousin?"

Mykhol's courtly smile barely faltered. "Perhaps it's best we let them speak first, Anastasia?" His voice was smooth and measured. "You know how things are. I've told you this."

Ana hesitated. "They—but the report—" She glanced at Admiral Nugen. "We need more weapons."

Mykhol gave a soft sigh, shaking his head as if indulging her. He leaned in slightly, his hand still on her shoulder. His voice dipped into something almost coaxing. "We can always get to Pave after."

"But-" Ana moved to speak, but he already had a finger up, as if ready for her protest.

"I know, but let's be good and follow tradition, shall we?" He shook her shoulder.

"I understand, but–" However, something in his smile made her sigh and look down. "Very well, but we are going to talk about it after."

"Of course." Mykhol tapped her shoulder before he turned to address the court. "They'll listen once it's over. Until then—" He cast his smile over the gathered nobles, inviting their agreement. "Everyone, why don't we do that instead?"

The shift was unmistakable. Nobles nodded along, murmuring their assent as if Mykhol had spoken with the final word. His presence alone commanded the room in a way Ana's had not.

Hidi scoffed loudly, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "Is this some kind of joke?"

Her lip curled as she took in the sight—the court blatantly disregarding Ana, nodding along with Mykhol as though her friend, their Empress, wasn't even there.

The room stiffened at her words before Ana looked up to her.

"Hidi?" She asked, but Hidi waved her off. No, she had seen enough. Had enough, more like it. She stepped forward, her sharp gaze sweeping the room, her disdain clear in every line of her face.

"This is your Empress." Hidi's voice boomed with evident disgust. "How dare you speak so insolently."

The nobles recoiled, shifting uneasily.

"What's the giant going on about?" one muttered, though quieter than before.

Someone dared to break through, boldly protesting."This is Nochten's affair. You are a foreigner. You have no right to speak–"

Hidi couldn't resist the grin sharpening on her face. "No, right?" She tsked. The pure idiocy to say she couldn't speak? Her? It was laughable. 

No one in Almony would DARE be that foolish.

But these vampires needed a little lesson. A lesson she would be glad to give.

 "Do you even know who I AM?" Her voice dripped, rich with malice.

A ripple of unease passed over the vampires. A soft murmur of confusion stilled as eyes darted between them. Searching for answers they didn't have. A quick look of unease fell over the crowd. 

But that only made her grin sharpen to a point.

"I am QUEEN HILDENBERG, The ruling Queen of ALMONY." 

The reaction was instantaneous. Gasps erupted. Some nobles stiffened in shock, their faces draining of color. Others scrambled to bow, realizing their grievous misstep. A few turned to each other in wild confusion, disbelief written on their faces.

"Queen of Almony?" a voice whispered in horror.

"She—she's here?" Another gawked, his breath short.

Some glanced nervously at Ana as if trying to understand how this woman—this foreign queen—stood so casually at her side.

Hidi straightened, towering over the stunned assembly, watching their reactions with barely concealed amusement. She had seen battlefields less chaotic than this moment. Less messy. 

Hidi snorted.

"You're asking why I'm here?" She let the words hang, her smirk widening. Then, with deliberate slowness, to savor the effect, she said, "Why, what else? I'm here to see my darling friend Anastasia's coronation."

"Friend!?" The court bristled at the revelation. More nobles paled. A few exchanged frantic tones.

"Since when?"Some murmured in rushed whispers, while others left the question hanging on their lips.

"Does that mean she's supporting her Empress—"

"Of course, Her Majesty will support our Empress."

Mykhol's voice sliced through the air, smooth and effortless, as if the answer had always been certain. The reaction was swift—everyone turned their eyes toward him, captivated by the calm confidence in his voice. He glided past Ana with a relaxed elegance, his steps imbued with a subtle authority, as if he were gently guiding the room's tone.

"Since they became such fast friends in Dawny," he continued his words casual but woven with careful intent. "It should go without saying that she would wish to support her." He turned then, sweeping into a bow, perfectly timed, perfectly placed, an elegant gesture of deference and inclusion all at once.

"And we most certainly appreciate such support during Anastasia's transition to the throne. Your Majesty is most generous. Is that not right, Mother? Father?" He cast a pointed glance over his shoulder.

A ripple of uncertainty passed through the court.

"Lord Mykhol already knew of this?" someone whispered, while others visibly wavered between shock and reluctant acceptance.

"Er, yes, it is of course, a welcomed alliance," Lady Funda stammered, composing herself with a quick breath. She lifted her chin, eyes sweeping the room, and tugged her husband forward. "As we all can agree."

"Right, dear?"

"Uh, yes, very," Lord Charels echoed, the hesitation clear in his voice before he steadied himself. "It wouldn't hurt to have… more support for Her Empress."

"See?" Mykhol turned back to the court with a practiced smile, the very picture of ease. "This is good news for Nochten. And good news for our Empress."

With effortless grace, he bent onto one knee, placing a hand over his heart in a reverent bow before Ana.

"All hail Her Empress," he announced, his voice carrying through the hall like an unshakable truth.

His parents scrambled to follow suit, quickly dropping to their knees.

"All hail Her Empress."

Like a domino effect, the rest of the nobles hesitated only a moment before bending in unison, the hesitant murmur shifting into a steady, resounding chant:

"All hail Her Empress."

Hidi didn't move. She remained standing, her eyes lingering on Mykhol as he rose. Observing his little display.

He made everything seem… effortless. Calculated.

The way he took to Ana's side wasn't just the natural order of things—it was a carefully placed step, reinforcing it.

Hidi stalled a moment, taking him in. His easy charm, the smooth command of the room, the way his voice had filled the hall with unquestionable certainty. His timing was flawless. His gesture, deliberate.

Convenient. 

Again, only reminding her of their last conversation. Back in the hallway, it was so subtle. But it was there. A slip of words. Intent. Now, here he was again—being just as clever. 

He wasn't just charming this one. He was precise. Purposeful.

Hidi could see it clearly now. This one didn't just move with the tide—he shaped it. He had a motive. A goal.

For what purpose, she couldn't yet say.

But it didn't seem to work against Ana. Not for now, at least.

And if it served to help her…

Then she would forget him. For now. 

Hidi exhaled quietly through her nose, half-smirking as Mykhol settled in beside Ana. Then, at last, she turned her attention to the one man who hadn't so much as flinched through it all.

"Admiral Nugen?" she prompted.

The human inclined his head ever so slightly.

"Yes, Your Highness?" 

"Tell me how much you need." She said, waving her hand." I'll fund it."

At that moment, both the man and Ana looked up, surprise lighting up his brown eyes, while Ana eagerly tried to gather her thoughts to speak.

"Hidi, wait. That wasn't– You are already doing so much." 

But Hidi wagged her finger.

"No, let me. Think of it as a gift." She smiled, leaning in to meet Ana's gaze, warmth brimming through her grin.

"Today is your birthday, is it not?"

"That–how did you know?"Ana opened her mouth and then closed it. For a moment, she seemed overwhelmed. However, a small smile tugged at her lips, a quiet sign of warmth and gratitude.

That was enough for Hidi. More than enough.

And just as well—because this was starting to get boring.

Hidi rolled her shoulders, a slow, exaggerated motion, as if physically shaking off the weight of all this dull, droning court talk. Too many books and numbers. Too much arguing. She never liked court.

Gods, how did Ana stand this?

Then her gaze landed on Ana, and just like that, her irritation shifted.

It was her birthday.

And here she was, stuck in this stale, dreary courtroom, listening to old fools mutter and grovel. Unacceptable. The birthday girl deserved better.

"If that's all, I find this room stuffy," Hidi announced. Without pause, she yanked Ana to her feet, tossing her shaw back with a flick of her wrist, the gold chains at her head clicking together. She quickly weaved Ana's hand into her arm and turned.

"Let's go somewhere nicer, Ana." She purred, patting Ana's hand as she pivoted, ready to leave the court, her work here done.

"But Hidi, the court isn't—" Ana hesitated, looking from the still-shocked nobles to Hidi, but Hidi only grinned before leaning in with a whisper.

"And that," Hidi said with pride, "is how you rule a court."

"Hidi—" Ana perked up, but Hidi just laughed.

"Now, let us go."

"Hidi, wait—" Ana dug her heels in, casting one last glance back at the courtroom. Her gaze flickered between Mykhol, standing bewildered on the platform, and Admiral Nugen's tense expression. But neither male could help her.

Not if Hidi could help it.

The disrespect, the favoritism towards her cousin—it was already forgotten. All that was boring. And besides, it was time to have fun. Hidi couldn't wait.

"Come on, it's your birthday!" She cheered, jerking Ana forward. The vampire stumbled but quickly found her footing, irritation flickering across her face. But as before, she resigned herself, merely stepping in pace as Hidi all but dragged her down the hall.

"Let's have cake! And celebrate!" Her voice rang with excitement, her heels striking the stone floor in rapid succession. A day of joy, indulgence, festivity—if Nochten was anything like Almony, it would be grand.

Back home, her mother spared no expense. Hidi's birthdays were legendary—ballrooms flooded with golden light, tables overflowing with rich delicacies, the air thick with music and laughter. There were entertainers, performers, extravagant displays of wealth and splendor, all because she was Mama's favorite.

Surely, Nochten would be the same.

Hidi could already imagine the feasts, the entertainment. Would there be dancers? Jugglers? An entire symphony? She couldn't wait to see what they had planned for Ana.

"We can pre-party before the real party!" she announced, already tasting the decadent cakes, the fine wines, the luxury of a properly celebrated birthday.

But as they rushed through the halls, something stuck her odd.

Where was the decorations? No streamers. No banners. No scent of spiced pastries wafting from the kitchens.

Why, the very air wasn't humming with preparations.

Hidi's steps faltered only for a second, her eyes scanning for some sign of festivity. Why, Ana wasn't even wearing anything special. No ornate gown. No jewels gifted for the occasion.

But… it was still early, wasn't it? That had to be it. The celebrations were simply later.

Yes. That made sense.

Of course, there would be something planned. It was Ana's birthday.

At least… that was what she thought.