King of Hearts

~

The frosty castle isn't that far away anymore. She tightens her fur coat with both her hands, trying to protect herself from the freezing, stormy wind. She has almost made it. It won't be long now.

 She's here.

The stairs are of a fair icy blue and crystal clear. Like the windows and even the walls. Val knows, she's upstairs, sleeping.

She doesn't remember when she climbed up the stairs. But here she is, in the Queen's bedroom.

An immense white bedroom spreads in front of her eyes. The furniture is white. The floor is white. The pale skin of the Sleeping Queen is white. Even the fluffy slippers that lay next to her bed are white. Everything is snow-white except for the galaxy that decorates the ceiling. It isn't just decoration, it's a glass ceiling.

Only when Val approaches the Sleeping Queen, she realizes that it's Milena sleeping in this cloud-white bed. And that's when she realizes, she's dreaming. As she becomes aware of it, Milena's eyes open widely. She doesn't appear sleepy at all. 

"I've been waiting," her cold voice pokes the silence.

"I know," Val responds to her surprise.

The Sleeping Queen arises and reveals a slim silver dress covered in glitters. Or maybe stars. She comes to a stand and looks down at Val with an analyzing look that only Medéi Moon knows to do.

"Medéi Venus is in possession of the Ruby, the Diamond, and Moonstone. You, Princess of the Blood, were given the precious Jade. You have done a good job. Both of you. But you're not done yet. In the Patchwork Forest, you'll find Medéi Jupiter and Medéi Uranus. You'll need to pass a test for Medéi Uranus and once you know your heart's deepest desire Medéi Jupiter will help you. It'll be quite tough, but you're not alone. You never are." Her voice echoes against the thin walls. Val understands. Or so she thinks.

There's still one thing she wants to ask.

"How will we collect Medéi Saturn's Gemstone?"

"With force. Now go tell him."