King of Hearts

51.

They walk past the guards and Val realizes she didn't miss this place, not one bit. When they reach the door, Garan hectically knocks. A pale footman opens the door and wordlessly lets them in, avoiding eye contact. The palace must be the only illuminated building in the whole city. The many candles make it appear bright and luxurious. The dreadful faces of the servants seem so incorrect. Garan rushes up the stairs and Dánica and Val have a hard time following. How can a man his age possess such energy?

They reach a polished pearl white door. Garan knocks once and doesn't await permission, he storms right in. They enter an immense salon. Everything is white and gold. But mainly gold. The gold and orange wallpapers with ornaments give an oriental touch. Just like the many cushions, the beautiful wide carpets with all sorts of patterns, and the gold coffee table in front of luxurious sofas.

Garan reaches another door and knocks. The person who opens this time is Ulio and Val's heart skips a beat. Strangely, he looks calm and serene. "Garan, I'm glad you've made it", he greets with a charming smile. His smile is so deceiving, that Val almost believes that nothing happened, but by now she's wise enough not to trust his smile. He's a professional in hiding his emotions.

Garan gives a quick nod and squeezes himself past Ulio, who's frozen in place when he notices Val. She even believes to catch a sigh of relief escape his mouth. Dánica bows. "Your Highness. My cousin and I wanted to offer help if you will allow it", she says looking at the ground. Val's unsure whether he heard Dánica's words. His warm brown eyes are fixed on Val, and they begin to sparkle. Val notices his hand, which is resting on the doorknob, is slightly trembling, yet a peaceful smile appears on his face. "How delightful, please do come in. Garan might need your help", he moves to the side, letting Dánica enter the room. He eyes Val precisely from head to toe.

Val wants to follow but Ulio blocks her way. He looks somewhat awkward. He obviously didn't expect her to show up. "I'm very glad to see you, I admit that," he says creating a swarm of butterflies in her stomach. Val can tell he wants to say more but a shrill voice makes her almost go deaf.

"What are you doing here? How did you even get inside? Your Highness, is this rebel harassing you?" Carmen appears out of nowhere and what terrifies Val the most is her hair. It's even wilder than last time. She looks like a hedgehog, it's frightening. Ulio rolls his eyes and gives her an irritated look. "I'm just here to help Garan," Val replies instead. Carmen looks over to her and to Ulio a couple of times. "Perfect. Then you can help me", she grabs Val's arm and pulls her out of the room. Ulio wants to intervene, but someone calls him from the other room. Val gives him an encouraging grin and lets herself get dragged away.

The rest of the evening is full of bringing new bandages or water to the king. Servants running up and down the hallways, messengers carrying letters to and from other kingdoms. Val has seen the injuries his son has caused him. The bruises indicate they must have fought for a while. But the most concerning wound is the deep cut down his spine that urgently needed to be sewn. She wonders how no one has seen or heard Prince Sulo arrive. Where were the guards? Or are they injured as well? Every now and then she brings tea to Garan and other doctors that are in the king's bedroom. After the operation, it turned out that he'll be alright. But he still hasn't woken up yet. Val comes across Ulio a few times. He can hardly hide his worries as time passes. Sometimes he winks at her or tells a brief joke, but Val notices even by the way he walks, he's not as relaxed as he shows.

Hours pass and more and more people leave the palace. Fewer servants are still active, and the letters have all been sent. Garan is the only medical specialist who's still here. Val wants to bring him another cup of tea. He has been working way too hard. Although he seems very fit for his age. As she enters the room, she almost jumps at the horrific sight of him. His face is pale, and he has heavy bags under his dull eyes. He looks like a corpse. If Val had to draw him, she would just splash shades of grey on a canvas and that would be it. Nonetheless, there is a satisfied look in his tired eyes. Val also notices how Dánica cannot be found, even though she has always remained by his side. "Val, you're such a sweetheart", Garan says completely lost in his thoughts, staring at King Zain.

The king looks not at all like the last time she saw him. At the masquerade, he was glowing and radiating with powerful and bright energy. His golden skin is now almost yellow. There's no sight of his blinding smile. His eyes are closed, his lips grey and ashy and his hair messy. He looks much older and so fragile. It's a scary view.

"Dánica was so tired, she's currently resting in a servant's room. I think I'm also going to lie down a bit", Garan explains in a weak voice. "Please go rest. You've done more than a person is capable of. You have taken good care of the king, now you should go take care of yourself. Like you always say, health is the most important thing", Val smiles sheepishly. Garan chuckles softly in response and pats her cheek. "You're an angel, Val", he gives her his typical eye smile and leaves the room, leaving her alone.