King of Hearts

21.

Val enters the shop hoping to find either Dánica or Garan. Or preferably both. Fortunately, she finds Garan behind the counter talking to an old lady, and Dánica watering the plants. 

"Oh, you're already back, Val? You're early", Garan affirms smiling friendly at her yet with a surprised look. Dánica immediately turns around. Happiness yet confusion is coloring her face. "Val, is everything alright? I thought the party would end at five o'clock," she says warily. Val assumes they will demand an explanation. She's still wearing the maid's uniform, her hair is probably going places, and her eyes must be red from her little waterwork. Val doesn't want to imagine her current appearance, crazy, desperate, and miserable. She sighs deeply.

"There you go, Selina. Have a nice evening. And greetings to little Sophie", Garan greets the client as she makes her way out the door. Now the three of them are alone and Val is comfortable talking about it.

"It was horrible," Val admits burying her face into her hands, sinking onto a bench. Dánica sits next to her right away, rubbing her hand on Val's back. Her light blue eyes show compassion and worry. "I think you would like some tea, perhaps. You look quite upset", Garan kindly suggests. They know her so well.

A few seconds later, the three of them gather around the table in the kitchen, Val holding a steaming hot cup. "I don't understand why Prince Ulio likes to humiliate me so much. His friends weren't any better. I couldn't handle their annoying remarks anymore, so," Val stops for a moment. Her little tantrum kind of embarrasses her but her nerves really were at their limit.

"I might have smashed a teapot", she smiles sheepishly. Dánica gasps whereas Garan just laughs loudly. "Oh, Val. That is so typical. It's in Mars's nature to be short-tempered. It's quite alright though, don't worry about the teapot. Although, I'm afraid Carmen might want to end you for it." Garan's wide smile becomes more of a thin line but there's a glimpse of amusement in his eyes.

"Garan, is it possible to search for the remaining Gemstones without Prince Ulio's help? Can't you two just help me? The two of us don't get along at all. He hates me as much as I hate him. I don't see how we could work together, it's impossible." Val feels hopeless. She would even look for the Gemstones on her own, if necessary, just not with him.

"I don't think he hates you. If he did, he wouldn't have let you work at the palace, let alone let you serve him and his friends. It seems like he likes to have you around. I think he might become fond of you. He just has a special way of showing affection, don't take it personally", Garan encourages her but Val doesn't share his opinion. No one treats a person they're fond of like that. "Just give it some time", he adds patting her shoulder.

A loud thud from the window makes both Val and Dánica jump. "The post, "Garan announces and looks over at the clock. "Coming a little late today." He stands up and opens the window. A tiny magenta bird with yellow wings hops inside. In his beak, he carries a lavender envelope with a red heart seal securing it. Garan takes the envelope and soon the bird flies out the window. Garan is still waving.

After a few seconds, he reads the addressee out loud. "It's for you, Val." He hands her the envelope. Val gives a skeptical look. But it does say her name indeed. There are not many people in Senfira that know about her existence, let alone know where she lives. Confused yet curious she opens it and reveals a rose-scented letter. Val starts reading and already cringes at the salutation:

Dear sweetheart,

I was quite upset to see you leave the party so soon, my love. I hoped to have more fun with you.

But do not worry love, I am pleased to grant you a second chance. If you will gladly attend tomorrow's Royal Maze War, I shall forgive your rudeness.