King of Hearts

15.

Val's anxiety is overshadowed by her fury. She utterly hates that arrogant buffoon! And she hates herself even more. She should've fought more. She should've come up with an excuse. She can't believe he actually called the guards on her. It's all the ring's fault. She should just throw it away. 

It frustrates her, that she didn't even find out how to leave this world. How could she have been such a fool and even think that it would be that easy? She hates everything and everyone, this stupid ring, that stupid cat, and most especially, that stupid prince!

Val feels so miserable and lonely in this dark prison cell. It smells like trash. It doesn't even have any windows, but Val assumes it's already dark outside. It feels like she has been sitting on this cold floor for hours. How long will they keep her in here? Are they going to chop off her head? Is she going to rot in this cell? Val can't help but cry tears that taste of failure and defeat. Her tears are the only warmth she feels in this freezing dark hole. 

She hates to feel weak, but right now it feels good to cry it all out. It feels liberating. Val is crying because she misses her family and her friends. She's crying because she doesn't know what to do. Because there is nothing she can do. Not in here. She just wants this all to stop. To go home. Garan promised to support her, but where is he? Has he already given up on her? Maybe he realized that Val is not the right person after all. Maybe he lied and isn't even on her side.

Right now, Val doesn't know what to believe. Why does it have to be her? Why not someone else? Val would do anything for this awful nightmare to end. She doesn't want to be part of this world anymore. She might've given it a shot, but Prince Ulio destroyed everything. Why him? Why does it have to be him whom she's connected with? 

Loud voices and heavy footsteps can be heard from the other side of the door. However, a little spark of hope is still attached to her heart. 

A metallic sound follows and the door opens. 

"Val! You look pale. Are you hungry?" Val could explode, that's how relieved she is to see Garan. He did not let her down. His small figure in the tall doorway is smiling cheerfully at her, doing his typical eye-squeeze. Val has already grown fond of his encouraging smile. She immediately jumps up and instinctively wraps her arms around the short man. Garan giggles in his usual warm voice, "We're quite affectionate today, aren't we? Let's get you out of here, you need fresh air and food." He gently pats her shoulder. Val could cry tears of joy. Finally, her prayers have been heard.

Unfortunately, Val hasn't noticed that douche standing behind Garan with his arms crossed in front of his chest. The look on his face says it all. He's not amused. He wished Val would've stayed much longer in prison. But gladly, he doesn't say anything. Val and Prince Ulio stare at each other but none of them speaks their thoughts out loud. 

"Thank you, Prince Ulio. I'm glad that we could settle this misunderstanding. Val and I are thankful for your act of kindness", Garan thanks him with a huge smile. Kindness? Val could burst out laughing. "You have been the royal herbalist for more than fifty years, Garan. The royal family trusts you", Prince Ulio smiles charmingly at Garan and Val wants to vomit at such fakeness. What a snake. 

"I wish the both of you a marvelous night. See you tomorrow, Val", the prince winks at her and walks away with a confidence that makes you either love or hate him. In Val's case, the second one. She's on the verge to spit him in the eye. Hearing him say her name makes her nauseous. Luckily, her mood already brightens by just looking at Garan. She's grateful to have him.

Outside of the palace already awaits a carriage. Val was right, the sky is dark denim, and thousands of stars sparkle like glittery buttons. The street lights are lit, the city is lively, and music can be heard from downtown. Val wonders if it's because of Prince Ulio's upcoming birthday or if the city is always awake even at night. Shops, bars,  and restaurants are all open. People are everywhere. Val has already fallen in love with this city.

"I thought I was going to rot in there. Thank you for letting me out. How did you change the prince's mind?", Val asks Garan once they are inside the carriage. "I told him the truth. That you're a Medéi. He really thought you stole the ring", he laughs, although Val finds it anything but funny. "And he believed you?", Val asks suspiciously. He must have fought a lot to convince the prince. "Yes, surprisingly he did", he replies shortly. Obviously, he doesn't want to give out any more details. It doesn't matter. Val is just glad she's out. 

"I think it was a great act of nobility to let you out", Garan proceeds by talking about Prince Ulio. Val is almost offended by his statement. That man is anything but noble. "We carry a deep friendship, the royal family and I. I've watched Prince Ulio grow up", Garan adds leaning his head back. A nostalgic expression drifts through his eyes. 

"I bet he was a spoiled brat", Val spits. "No, not at all. His older brother was the spoiled one. Ulio was an energetic and curious child. An adorable troublemaker. He was generous, kind, and empathetic, despite the tragic loss." Val figures, Garan must be talking about the late Queen, and Val regrets her mean words. She died while giving birth to Prince Ulio. She can't imagine how he must feel about it. 

"Prince Ulio is in fact so kind, that he asked you to serve tomorrow's afternoon tea party. It's going to be just a friendly and cozy afternoon with the prince and his friends. And I obviously said that you would be honored", Garan surprises her. Honored? That's hilarious. Of course, giving her more work to do is very kind indeed. She can't believe Garan responded in her place. But she didn't stand a chance against the Prince of Senfira. So she probably has no other choice than to serve at the tea party. Although she would much rather roll out off the carriage.

"Oh, don't make that long face", Garan frowns. "Everyone would want to have such an opportunity to meet the future king of Senfira." 
"Unfortunately, I already met him. And it was anything but pleasant", Val replies. 

The carriage is slowly coming to a halt. "Is there really no way I could do something else's instead? Perhaps work in the shop with you and Dánica? Even cleaning all floors of the palace is preferable", Val pleads although not expecting a positive response. Garan shrugs, "I'm afraid any other job is already taken. It's going to be a short afternoon and you will only serve tea. Nothing more. You can do it. You're strong, Val!" She doesn't really feel like it, but she appreciates his encouragement. Garan jumps out of the carriage and holds out his hand. "You're Medéi Mars, after all", he winks. Val unwillingly grins at his expression and takes his hand to step out.

Once they enter the shop, they are met by a heavenly scent. Dánica already storms out of the kitchen to hug Val. "Val! I'm so glad you are alright", she lets go of her and eyes her cautiously. "You are alright, aren't you?" Dánica checks her body and once she finds no injuries, she lets out a relieved sigh. "Garan told me what happened and soon left to come to your aid. Come on in, dinner is ready. You must be hungry", she adds in her angelic voice. The more people mention it, the hungrier Val becomes. She could devour an entire house.

The three of them sit at the table, Val ferociously inhaling the noodles Dánica prepared. After they are finished eating, a heavy load of exhaustion falls upon her. She has been walking and cleaning all day, and let's not forget all the emotional rollercoasters she went through. She just wants to sleep but wishes tomorrow not to come. How it frustrates her.

Val excuses herself and goes to the room she shares with Dánica. As soon as she lies down on the thin mattress, she drifts away.