After his long day, Nico collapsed on his bed and groaned into his pillow.
When he got to the servants quarters, everyone else was already asleep expect Ronnie who was reading by candle.
"Was it that bad?" Ronnie giggled.
Not really, but ever since his breakdown in the arts class, he's felt miserable. The self-defense class helped a little, he was able to let out some anger and frustration.
"It was ok."
Ronnie closed her book. "I hope you're not falling for the princess's pretty face."
"What? No!"
"We'll see." Ronnie blew out the candle and plopped back on her pillow.
She was out in seconds.
Nico felt as though he'd just fallen asleep when he heard a soft knock at the door. Not wanting anyone else to be disturbed, he opened the door and blinked.
"Princess?"
She stood in the hallway wearing a dark fur-lined cloak, the hood was pulled over her head.
In her arms was a bundle of cloth.
"Here. Put this on quickly. Follow me."
Nico bit his tongue and did as she asked, closing the door softly behind him.
"What's the problem? Do you want me to fetch a midnight snack? Tea?"
Princess Kaya glared at him. "I'm not as stuck up as you think I am."
"I never said-"
"You don't have to. I can see it in your face. In every sneer, smirk, and eye-roll." she stopped, grabbing his wrist.
Nico swallowed, curing at himself for being so obvious. He folds his arms, making sure to keep his expression blank.
"This is why you woke me up? To tell me I was being rude?"
The princess rolls her eyes. "Heavens help me. That's not what I said."
"But that's what your-"
"No it's not!" she cried, her voice echoing through the halls.
Nico took a step back, eyebrows raised.
"Don't try and tell me I'm doing something that I'm not." She hissed. "I hate that. Now if you're done being an arse I want to show you something."
Without another word, the princess turned on a heel and marched down the hallway.
Nico rolled his eyes and followed her. She led him through the labyrinthine halls until they stepped out into the cold air.
Two guards approached them, both eying Nico up and down. One grabbed him by the arm and shoved him into the snow.
Kaya's eyes widened. "What is the meaning of this? Stop!"
The guard yanked his head back, pulling on his hair. He winced and gritted his teeth.
"Pieces of shit like this shouldn't be allowed to walk around without..assistance." the guard punched Nico in the stomach and he grunts.
Kaya thrust out her hands, throwing the guard back. The other guard blinked, taking a nervous step back.
"I strongly suggest you leave from here as fast as you can before I loose my patience." Kaya growled.
"But-"
Kaya brushed snow from his clothes. "Don't worry I've been through worse."
Kaya sighs and shakes her head. "That's good. Your ego is still intact."
"My ego?" Nico rolls his eyes. "You're one to talk."
Kaya punched him in the arm then took off, laughing. Shaking his head he followed her past the palace gates and saw her speeding toward the snow-covered forest.
"Hey!"
"Come on slow poke!" she disappeared between the trees.
A surge of panic filled him and he picked up the pace. Nico did not want to be held responsible if the princess gets hurt.
When he finally caught up she was standing in a clearing staring at a lake. The water was so still he thought it was a mirror.
He crouched down and stuck a finger in the cold water, sending ripples across the surface.
"It's beautiful, isn't?" Kaya whispered.
Nico stood. "How did you find this place?"
"What I was seven I think. I ran away from my maid because she was constantly beating me." Kaya laughed. "When I saw it I jumped in, I mean, who wouldn't?"
Kaya extended an arm and two canvas's and stands floated into view.
One plopped down in front of Nico and he blinked.
"Here." Kaya opened a bag that was on her side. "I brought supplies."
Nico flinched and turned away. An image of his mom smiling down at him as she handed him a paintbrush.
He swallowed. "I...don't paint."
"Would you want to try at least?"
Nico stared at the pond, and the picture reflected off it. The moon is high in the sky, half hidden by clouds. The stars sparkled like little diamonds in the sky and the trees swaying back in forth in the breeze.
He smiled.
Nico could see his sister jumping in the pond doing laps, his dad studying the surrounding trees, and his mother sitting on the edge of the pond with her head back enjoying the breeze.
And for a moment he believed that they were there with him, but when he opened his eyes they were gone.
Kaya was still standing there holding out the paint supplies. A small smile lit up her face and she cocked her head.
"Fine."
Nico took the supplies and sat. "But if we get in trouble, I'm totally going to blame you."