Keiichi sighed as he followed the guards into the throne room. Four years living with Belldandy and her sisters had brought him into frequent contact with Hild. This was however the first time that she'd kidnapped him and taken him to the demon realm. As he walked through the door he noticed that his guards looked down at the floor and not at the striking figure sat on the raised dais, as they approached they seemed to be more nervous than he was, one actually shot him an amazed look as he saw him glaring at Hild.
Hild sat on her throne drinking a cup of tea and watching as he was led to the foot of the dais. She smiled as she saw the expression on his face 'The only mortal brave or stupid enough to look her in the eye ask a question and expect to get an answer' she thought to herself then deliberately moved her legs so that he could see up her dress. She grinned at the irritated expression that now replaced the resigned one.
"Release him and leave us" she ordered the guards. They looked confused for a moment then rushed to follow her orders, the total unexpectedness of the command causing chaos in the ranks of her elite. She watched as they finally left and closed the doors then turned her attention back to Keiichi "Tea?" she motioned to a table and two chairs set to the side. He glanced and then politely waited, she grinned again as she made sure this time his attention was fully on her before flashing him again.
"Hild would you please stop doing that"
This time she did laugh "Keiichi you are a prude" she sashayed up to him and pecked his cheek. "I even have some cake as well" she added taking his arm and turning to the table. He shook his head and sat her in her chair before taking the other. "As to why you're here, perhaps I just fancied some company, you are almost family after all" again she smiled at the next expression to cross his face "Shall I be mother" she added as she picked up the teapot.
What she didn't expect was the confused expression to turn into one of shock followed by an intense stare then a small smile as he relaxed "You really do love her don't you?"
She resisted the urge to get annoyed as he put her on the defensive and carried on being the genial host passing his cup to him. "Of course she is my daughter after all and the next ruler of this realm"
"Hild you're immortal"
"Well a mother can have aspirations for her daughter can't she?"
"Well yes, but her father has his own and they're contrary to yours" he took a sip to ignore the angry glare that followed. "Hild can I ask you a question?"
"What" she was still angry
"Who was your father?"
Hild's cup stopped as it was moving to her lips and her angry expression turned blank. She sat like that for some time not moving then slowly replaced her cup and looked intently at Keiichi then moved her hand.
Belldandy was getting the washing in as Hild and Keiichi appeared in the temple grounds. "Bring Belldandy as well when you come for tea, in fact I'll bring you both down next week." She looked at Belldandy "Take good care of him imouto" and then vanished leaving a card in his hand. Keiichi opened it and read out-loud.
"As my brother-in-law I expect you to call me Nee-chan now. Tell your niece that she needn't come down but I will expect her to be there when I come for tea since I want to see my daughter now and again. Love Hild."