King of Hearts

43.

Val gets awaken by a sudden crashing sound. Her head is thumping as if she has slept for too many hours. The sun is shining brightly, burning her face. What time is it?

After making herself ready for the day, Val makes her way to the kitchen where she finds Dánica vigorously opening and slamming cupboards. "Good morning," Val's voice blends in with the noise of pans rattling and drawers closing. Dánica doesn't even hear her. As always, there is no sight of Garan. The kitchen is in utter chaos. Papers, booklets, and odd objects lay everywhere, on the table, on the kitchen cabinets, and the floor. 

Val, now standing directly behind Dánica, once again greets her, "Morning". Dánica flinches and grabs for her heart. "You scared me," she exclaims, eyes wide open. "You scared me with all this noise. What are you doing?" Val asks curiously.

Dánica's facial expression changes in just a second. With a troubled look, she announces, "I'm looking for some personal documents." Acknowledging Val's questioning look, she adds, "I received a letter." She starts fidgeting with her fingers and fails at standing still. Val is starting to worry. "What kind of a letter?", Val asks. "A second-paint shop in Nubita needs a temporary worker, and the application I sent was successful. In short, I'm leaving tomorrow." 

A rock hitting Val's face, that's how she feels right now. Pain is crawling up her body like a feeling of abandonment. She can't believe she's going to lose her. Especially now that they have become such good friends. Dánica is the sister Val always wanted. Val won't allow herself to cry. She doesn't want to make her friend feel bad. This is what Dánica dreamed of. Val wants to be happy for her. But the gloomy face of her friend isn't helping much.

"That's splendid news! It's what you wanted, isn't it?" Val exclaims with a forced smile. "It is, it is indeed. But I feel bad for leaving you, especially now that we have just met and started to get along so well. I should stay here next to you and help you. Instead, I think about myself and traveling the world," Dánica frowns and Val could slap her for that statement. "Are you kidding? Dánica, seriously, when will you stop thinking about others and start taking care of yourself? This is your chance, don't spoil it. You shouldn't feel guilty of chasing your dreams," Val comforts her even though she's hurt deep down. Val's the one feeling guilty. She's being selfish. Dánica always wanted to travel, and this is her chance and Val shouldn't feel bad. She should be happy for her. Dánica deserves the best. Although, it still hurts having to let her go. It feels like a loss. Is this what Hamza's cards were referring to?

Dánica's face hasn't changed much. She may be an angel but she's a stubborn one. Val wants her to be excited because she knows, that deep down Dánica can't wait for this adventure to begin. 

"Tell me about this paint shop," Val hesitantly asks, not sure whether she got it right. "A second-paint shop is a store where people get to sell their own paintings. I will help the shopkeeper but I'm planning to draw and sell some of my paintings as well. That will lead me somewhere, I guess," Dánica explains.

"Seems like a great start. You'll do well, and all of your paintings will be sold, I'm sure of that," Val encourages her friend. Dánica smiles thankfully, blushing shyly. "Nubita is a northern city. I will need to buy clothes that are adequate for the cold weather, and I noticed I don't have any since we live in the south. Will you join me on a shopping spree? I think I'll be ready by 3 pm," Dánica suggests eagerly.  

Val's heart sinks. How she wished to spend as much time as possible with her friend, but she needs to set priorities. "I would really love to, but I'm afraid I have an appointment with Prince Ulio. Or, at least, I hope he'll show up," Val discontentedly admits. Dánica's blue eyes freeze in surprise. Val imagined a frown in response, but a foxy smirk grows on her face instead.
"It's not what you think. I want to talk to him about the Sacred Gemstones and everything that is going on. It's important to get him to cooperate", Val states firmly, pushing away her memories of last night.

Dánica nods but that annoying smirk remains. "Of course, just business talk," she says in sarcasm. "Just business talk," Val affirms, ignoring her piercing look. "Like you did yesterday outside on the balcony?" Dánica stings playfully. Val is equally surprised and irritated by her cleverness. "You overheard our conversation?", she gasps. Dánica laughs, "No, I didn't catch any of your secrets, don't worry. But judging by the long and intense looks you gave each other, there seem to be plenty of them," She playfully punches Val's arm and wiggles significantly with her eyebrows. Val's face is burning, and she doesn't know whether she should shout or laugh. Either way, she doesn't respond to it. There is no point in denying the unspoken attraction between her and Ulio.  

"It's alright. You do what you gotta do. By the way, you have only fifteen minutes until 3," Dánica responds, reminding Val of how much she slept. Val's eyes shoot out in panic. "Oh no! How long does it take to Lulu's Sugary Home?"

"That's where you're going to meet? How romantic."

"Dánica!" Val exclaims wanting to sound angry but the smile on her face betrays her.

Dánica laughs it off, "Fine, fine, I guess if you fasten your pace, you'll make it in ten minutes." That's enough. Val doesn't think much, she heads out at once. On the way, she tries to concentrate only on her dream, the Jade in her pocket, and Ulio. On a business level, of course.

She can't devote her thoughts to Dánica, not now where she needs to remain focused. Later she'll have time to cry about it.