King of Hearts

44.

Val already identifies the white roof and the peachy walls of the small pastry shop, Lulu's Sugary Home. Several people are sitting and eating outside on little white chairs. People enter and exit the shop. Senfira is as lively as always.

Women are wearing flowy pastel dresses, with floral and dotted patterns. Giant hats, glamorous hairdos, colorful scarves, cute handbags, and all sorts of accessories. Heels are clicking on the floor. Delicate voices and melodic laughter ring in Val's ears. Everyone is dressed neatly. Val wished she would've put more effort into her appearance. But it's only the prince she's meeting, anyway.

Val is steadily feeling nervous. She looks left and right, in any direction but there is no sight of Ulio. He's not here yet. Val hopes she hasn't come late, and he might have left already. Or maybe he hasn't shown up yet because he's not going to. Perhaps he hasn't received the letter yet. Maybe he ripped it apart when he read the sender's name. The bird could have dispatched it to the wrong recipient. What if something happened to the bird and it never arrived at the prince?

"Honey, may I tell you you look marvelous today. Particularly that leaf in your hair", a sweetly arrogant voice greets her from behind. Her mind being busy with all her unnecessary worries, she hasn't even noticed him approaching her. 

Without asking for consent, Ulio reaches for the leaf Val was unaware of. As he's removing it, Val unnoticeably examines him. He's wearing a flowy and long-sleeved shirt with blue and white stripes and black pants with rhinestones on the sides. His brown hair is not styled but he looks put together.

Once he's done, Ulio just stands there with his hands in his pockets, smiling down at Val. "I have to admit, I'm quite surprised. I would've never imagined you'd ask me on a date", he chuckles arrogantly. "I like your forwardness." Val rolls her eyes. Of course, it flatters him that she sent him a letter, and of course, he took it as a date proposal. 

"You wish", she responds passively. "I need to talk to you about something that concerns both of us." Val is unsure whether to tell him now, in front of so many people. Too many people. 

"I knew this day would come", he puffs his chest, obviously misunderstanding Val's saying. "Where shall we take a seat, my love?" Val furrows her eyebrows. "Don't call me that", she crosses her arms, fighting back a smile. "Do you prefer "kitty"?", he suggests smirking devilishly. "Or maybe something more– "

"Just call me by my name," Val turns her head away, hoping her face isn't running red. Ulio gives her a satisfied smirk. With a low and warm chuckle, he puts an arm behind her, although avoiding touching, leading her inside the shop.

The interior is absolutely adorable. The cream walls have pale pink bunnies painted on them. Flowerpots are hanging from the ceiling. The pastel pink and mint round tables are decorated with flowers and cute lace tablecloths. Round white chairs are positioned around the tables. At the back are booth tables with white cushioned seats. 

On the left side of the entrance stands a glass counter displaying the sweets of the shop. A blonde woman with a thick bun and a bubbly smile on her face is preparing a yellow beverage behind the counter. When she looks up to greet the two customers, her eyes rip open in surprise. "Why hello, Your Highness. Good day Miss," she cheerfully greets the two. Her forest green eyes gleam with joy and positive energy.

"It is indeed a good day, Lulu," Ulio responds with a charming smile.

"Do you want a table or are you ordering from here?", Lulu wants to know. 

Ulio glances over to Val, who shrugs in response. She's too busy admiring this fairytale of a place. "We'll have a seat at the back," Ulio answers. "Perfect, follow me", Lulu shows them the way. "I'll come in a minute," she grins friendly before continuing with her work.