King of Hearts

46.

Ulio's body stiffens, and Val can't feel her hand anymore, that's how much he's squeezing it. His gaze is expressionless, almost unbothered but he can't deceive her. Prince Sulo's eyes are cold and passive too, but unlike Ulio's fiery gaze, his eyes are dead and empty.  

The brothers stand there, concentrating on an inexistent staring contest, throwing each other silent insults and threats. 

"You've grown, little brother", Prince Sulo breaks the silence first. He still hasn't spent a look on Val and she's glad. His voice sounds like cold, violent rain slapping one's face. Although he's older than Ulio, his voice is a bit higher.

"Eight years have passed since you left to hang out with your new friends", Ulio responds referring to his demons. "They are loyal and efficient, as you must already know. Unlike you and your miserable people, they know who the real king is", Prince Sulo says sharply. Ulio chuckles warmly, "I have grown, but you haven't changed a bit." Prince Sulo's sharp lips form into a smile in a very slow process. And the smile is anything but friendly. "Oh, I have changed. I have changed a lot, you don't even know. But you will. Very soon" he answers without blinking.

Unexpectedly, he turns to Val who is frozen in place. "And who may this pretty face be?" His eyes travel down her body and Val wants to cover herself but she dares not to move. His eyes rest on their fingers which are still intertwined. "I almost thought she was just another one on your list, but I guess she's more special", he struts like a runway model toward her. He's much taller than Ulio. Val reaches Ulio's chin, but Prince Sulo is almost two heads taller than her. Val is surprised by his next movement. He lifts his arm and reaches for her hair. In Val's head, it's ringing violently and she's almost sweating. But before he can touch her, Ulio's arm shoots at lightning speed in front of her eyes, stopping his brother. Prince Sulo's gaze travels from Ulio's hand around his wrist to his stormy eyes. "So, she is something special", he chuckles.

Displeased by his brother's discovery, Ulio lets go of his grip and asks in the voice of a caveman, "Why are you here?" Prince Sulo looks one last time to Val and then begins to walk in circles. Val hasn't even noticed how close his shadows now are. They are weird shapes, some have mouths and eyes and others just look like floating cloths. But the scary thing is that the air becomes tight the closer they get.

"No specific reason. I just wanted to see how you're doing, brother. How many people my cuties have hurt and if there's still some room for more disaster", he lowers his tone at the last word, smiling wickedly. Val could punch that evilness off his face. She steps forward. "You are a horrible being who just can't accept the harsh truth, which is that you're too weak to become the king of Senfira. No one would want our land to be reigned by someone like you", she yells and almost regrets it. Only almost.

Ulio's eyes widen in surprise and turn to her. Prince Sulo seems totally unaffected by her insults. He slithers toward her and says, "Pretty and with an attitude. Sweet." Val could spit at him. The last thing she wants is to be called sweet by him. "But unfortunately, you're not any better than me, Princess of Blood", he adds smirking at her. He turns to Ulio who's shaking out of anger.

"I told you I would come back, and here I am ready to take everything away from you. Your place, your people, your crown, and even your girl", Prince Sulo's voice is gradually growing louder. "I want you to beg me for forgiveness. I want you to cry to death. I want you to suffer as much as our mother did", he shouts the last words. Suddenly he stumbles back and it looks somewhat ridiculous. Val takes a step forward and with all of her mental strength, she pushes him once more, this time however he resists it. Prince Sulo looks somewhat confused but not intimidated. 

Val can't believe his words. How can someone say such cruel things? Before he can say something she takes another step forward. Fury is taking over her. "You bastard. I will dislocate your kneecaps", she bursts out ready to attack him. Unfortunately, Ulio quickly grabs her by the waist and holds her firmly in place. "Stop it", he whispers in her ear but she can't. The adrenaline flowing like lava in her body makes her tremble. 

Prince Sulo looks amused, and it makes her even more furious. "You should get her a leash", he snickers. "I shall now go and say hello to our father. I wish you both a splendid evening. King, Princess", he bows at them and hops on his crow. "Oh, and happy late birthday, brother", he adds, sounding anything but affectionate. The winged creature spreads its dark wings and departs. The shadows retreat from the public square and disappear in the shadows of the alleys of Senfira, leaving Ulio and Val alone. Finally, Val can breathe.