King of Hearts

6.

Turning one last corner, Val finally finds the source of all the noise: A crowded square of colorful people, running and walking around wildly and energetically. Despite the fast movements, somehow there is no traffic, nor does anybody bump into anyone. Everyone exactly knows, where to go and where to stop.
Food stands are placed on the border of the public square, several people are lining up to buy fruits, vegetables, and fish. Little kids are chasing each other, while vendors are yelling at them. The sweet sound of a violin warms Val's heart, while the energetic sound of congas accompanied by yelling voices adapting to the beat, from the other side, entices her. The vivid and fun atmosphere makes Val forget about everything. She feels comfortable and happy. Everybody is happy. People are even wearing colorful festive gowns.
Maybe all these people are celebrating something or maybe–

Abruptly, something sturdy and heavy knocks Val over. Lying on the floor, she raises her head to find out what or who has bumped into her, when a pair of sky-blue eyes innocently meet hers.

"Mother of Mercury, are you alright? I am so, so sorry. I- I didn't see you. Were standing there the whole time? Oh god, let me help you up", an angelic voice gasps. A young girl, probably around Val's age, stretches out her hand while holding a basket of herbs and plants in her other one. Concern and guilt paint her rosy face. Val accepts the girl's tiny and soft hand.

The girl is wearing an ash blue gown that reaches her ankles. Two buttons are neatly sewed on her chest in the middle, and a grey scarf is wrapped around her waist. Her long chestnut brown hair is hanging loose around her shoulders where she positioned a baby blue see-through shawl. Val has already observed other peoples' clothes, wondering what period or what culture they might represent. No idea.

The girl curiously studies Val as well, her eyes resting on her clothes. Obviously, they differ a lot. Especially the big head of a black cat on Val's oversized hoodie grabs the girl's attention. Val begins to feel somewhat uncomfortable.

The girl now asks concerned, "Are you not from here? You seem lost, can I help you?" Val wants to reply, but her stomach responds with a low growl instead. "Oh, you sound hungry, that explains your pale face. I can provide you some food, and afterward, you can tell me where you're from and what happened to you." She gives Val a motherly look and smiles gently. Then she links her arm in Val's and guides her down the street, not waiting for her response. Val is unsure whether it is wise to accept a stranger's help, even though she left a kind impression. She has no idea of where she is, and who these people are. Val shouldn't be too trusting.

"My name is Dánica, by the way. I work for Garan, the royal herbalist. He is extraordinary, he can cure any illness. Not that I think you're ill. Rumors say that he once even saved The Sleeping Queen's life. He didn't particularly confirm this information, but he didn't deny it either. Also,- "

Val has just met Dánica but she can already tell, that she is a human waterfall. Words are flowing out of her mouth and she doesn't seem to stop anytime time soon. Since Val doesn't understand a single word Dánica is saying, her mind eventually drifts away.

Val must be dreaming. Although, this feels so real and vivid. How is it possible? She doesn't understand, how she got into this situation in the first place. She still remembers everything that has happened in the museum. At least that's a good sign.
She remembers the long hall, how her friends continued walking, whereas she stopped in front of a painting. It was a portrait of a young man. And then those random words. The King of Hearts, she believes. And then the rings–

Val's thoughts are interrupted by a fast-moving shape that almost flies at high speed past her. Immediately after that, some type of dark animal - a dog? Or maybe a wolf? – sprints towards her, making her trip and fall over.
Embarrassing and painful. Though not as painful as her discovery. The dark animal turns out to have been just a black and white cat. It's so tiny and so elegant, sitting there on the sidewalk, licking her fluffy petite paws before running off.

"Need some help, love?" a honey voice laughs softly from above her. This time it isn't Dánica offering a hand but a young man looking rather familiar. It takes Val a few seconds to realize who is standing in front of her, leaving her breathless.

No way.

Her heart stops pounding for a moment only to double up the speed right after. Val is unable to do anything but stare up at him.

It can't be true but it clearly is. It's the man from that portrait! Now that's proof that it's all just a joke. It must be or there is seriously something wrong with Val.

His voice is deeper and warmer than expected. It reminds her of passionate red and sweet brown leaves, gently swaying with the cold wind during the fall season. His dark brown hair glimmers under the golden sunlight. His fiery deep brown eyes look down at her amused. His smirk shows a glimpse of mischief and mystery. But mainly mischief.

Unlike the portrait she saw earlier at the museum, the man is wearing a navy-blue shirt slightly unbuttoned at the top, coal-black pants, and clean dark brown boots. Very plain and simple, although he somehow manages to appear charming.
Val also acknowledges the sapphire ring on his ring finger. The one matching Val's. He, however, doesn't seem to notice hers. Instead, he starts laughing, turning to two tall broad men who are standing behind him. Both of them are wearing white pants with purple stripes on the side matching their purple jackets with gold glittery buttons.

"What's wrong, honey? Cat got your tongue? Or are you absolutely stunned by my presence?", he obnoxiously giggles. "I know it's not an everyday thing to meet me", he brags smiling proudly at himself while continuing to look down at Val, making him appear bigger and dominant.
Well, that's not how Val imagined him at all. He seems so exaggeratedly full of himself, that he just can't be serious. Val just can't take this whole situation seriously at all.

When he notices Val's confused and almost disgusted look, he adds impatiently, "Alright, if you don't want my help then move aside. Or are you afraid that I might kiss you? Don't worry, you're not my type anyway. You're safe with that chubby face of yours", he laughs even louder.
Val wakes up from her shock state. Be it a dream or not, she certainly won't allow anyone to insult her like that. Besides, her face is not chubby. It's simply round.

"It's alright, you're not my type either. I prefer men whose butt is at the back not at the front, where a face is supposed to be." Val ignores his still stretched-out hand and stands up on her own. Dánica, who's been standing there the whole time, covers her mouth with both hands. Eyes almost falling out.

Mr. I'm-superior-out-of-my-way simply stares at Val, his eyes darkening every second as if he is trying to murder her with his look. Unbothered, Val brushes the dust off her clothes, not spending any view on him, although aware of his glare.

This guy's got some nerves. Val's sure, he's not used to comebacks or girls rejecting him.
"How dare you, do you even know who it is that you're facing right now? I will make sure that you will regret your words." Val responds with a short snort. Who does he think he is? This is ridiculous.
He suddenly stops talking. Val is afraid that one of his presumable bodyguards might attack her, but then she makes out a short frame from the aside.

"Dánica, you're finally here."

Val is afraid she might pass out. Too many coincidences. It's the shopkeeper from the museum. What is he doing here? And when are these unwanted surprises going to end since she's already hovering on the verge of a mental breakdown?

The shopkeeper faces the portrait guy. "Oh, I thought your Highness had left already. Is there anything else I may help you with?" The old man is the only one smiling. "Your carriage should arrive at any minute, and Dánica has finally delivered my herbs, that way I can immediately start with your Highness's order. Dánica, please go inside, and take your friend with you", he instructs in a calm and polite tone, without even looking at Val.

Dánica nods hastily and awkwardly grabs Val's wrist, dragging her inside of a tiny shop at the other side of the street, after slightly bowing at the man of the portrait. The shopkeeper remains with him. Val can feel his burning eyes stabbing her back but she dares not turn around.