King of Hearts

11.

A round woman with a grumpy expression is standing at the entrance of the shop. "Good morning, Carmen. It's nice to see you", Garan greets the woman and points at Val. "This is the servant I talked about, Dánica's cousin Val." 

Carmen suspiciously inspects Val. Her auburn hair is probably supposed to form a bun, Val can't really tell because various fuzzy strands of hair are sticking out, giving the lady an electrified look. She is wearing a cream white gown and an orange plaid apron. She is standing with her hands resting on her wide hips, narrowing her eyes.

"You. Come with me", she commands as if she's in a hurry. Carmen ignores Garan and stomps toward Val. She firmly grabs her wrist and wordlessly drags her to the exit. Val doesn't even have the time to respond or to protest, they are leaving immediately. As the door is closing, Val barely hears Garan say in a cheerful voice, "Have fun!"

Outside, there is a pearl white carriage awaiting the two. Carmen, who's still holding Val's wrist, awkwardly pulls her inside. The interior is of a deep purple and the cushion of the seats is extremely soft and comfortable. Val feels like a Disney princess.
The two sit opposite each other. During the ride, Carmen doesn't exchange a single word with Val. She doesn't even look at her. She simply stares out of the window with a strict gaze. Val wants to ask what kind of tasks await her. She wants to at least be able to prepare herself mentally. She hates not knowing about what's to come. 
"What exactly does my work consist of?", she asks politely, not wanting to anger the already red-faced woman, but Carmen loudly responds, "Rule number one, never talk at work." 
"But I'm not working right n-"
"I said, no talking!", Carmen almost yells. Acknowledging that arguing with her is pointless, Val silently turns to the window. 

The city is mesmerizing. The buildings spread beyond her eyes' reach. The houses are of colors Val has never seen before. Even the rooftops are colorful and have unique patterns. Birds of all colors and sizes fly over the city, creating an even more magical view. A lot of greenery paints the distant fields outside Senfira. The carriage passes multiple parks full of colorful and happy people. Children are running around, throwing firecrackers. Young women walk arm-hooked, laughing and chatting joyfully. Families are picnicking around a giant fountain carrying a golden sun at the top of it. Val can even smell the glorious turquoise of the shimmering sea in the distance. Senfira really is something. It spreads a warm and enticing feeling of fun and home. This city is absolutely beautiful. She can feel the positivity and magic of it. She would never imagine that there are actually people suffering. 

The carriage is slowly approaching immense coral and peach buildings and towers. The gold rooftops spread in front of her eyes and the view is breathtaking. So many buildings attached to one another, creating a whole palace. Cream and gold columns shape the wide entrance. Now she can even make out the gardens. The many bushes create a type of labyrinth. Val is nervous. Now that neither Dánica nor Garan is by her side, she feels lonely. Even though she barely knows them, she can't deny their kindness, especially Dánica's. Deep down she knows she is gradually growing fond of them. This isn't good. The closer they get to the palace, the heavier becomes her heartbeat. Since when has she become so anxious? Where does this nervousness come from? Val sits upright. Whatever is about to come, she will face it with courage and confidence. 

The carriage finally comes to a halt and the women jump out. Now that she has stepped out, she takes a better look at the giant buildings. The main one in the middle with marble stairs leading to a broad white double door somewhat reminds her of the art museum. But it's probably just her imagination.
Four men in white and gold uniforms guard the entrance holding long golden spears. Not one moves a muscle when Val and Carmen walk past them to enter the palace.

Val's brown eyes shine at the sight of the interior. The cream marble floor stretches to wide marble stairs with a golden railing in front of her. The floor is perfectly polished that she can even see her reflection on it. Gold chandeliers the size of a bear with loads of rich diamonds hang down from the ceiling. Val wishes to just stand here and admire such luxury but Carmen forcefully drags her through a door on their left.

This part of the palace is totally different. It's like they have entered a completely different building. Perhaps they did. The walls are plain white and the wooden floor is scratched. Several servants rush by, carrying sheets, buckets, and cleaning utensils. This must be the staff section. The mindblowing difference that is divided by a single door makes Val imagine the unfairness that reigns in here.

Carmen finally lets go of her arm when they arrive in front of a room with the warning "Do Not Enter". As she stomps inside, she indicates Val to follow her.
The room is presumably an office. Perhaps Carmen's. Many books are stocked on a dusty shelf, a wooden desk is buried under sheets of paper and a worn-out leather chair stands behind it.

Carmen opens a cabinet next to the desk and pulls out a dull lavender gown. Val already noticed earlier female servants wearing it. It must be their uniform, and now also Val's.
Carmen holds out the cloth, "Your room is down the stairs, second door on the left. There you can get changed, sleep, and do whatever, unless you prefer to stay at your cousin's house. I prefer you would stay here. The earlier you're at the palace, the sooner you can start with your work. Now get changed and immediately meet me here. We have a lot to do, hurry up." Carmen shoves her out of the office and slams the door shut. Unsure, Val makes her way to find the staircase. 

Although the servants' section is old and looks miserable compared to the actual palace, it's still huge. Val might get lost in here. All she sees are various rooms and hallways. She turns to her left and almost bumps into a short-haired girl. Val takes the opportunity to ask her for directions, but the girl rapidly rushes past her. Val shrugs and proceeds with her search.