King of Hearts

52.

Val places the teacup on the king's bedside table and plans to leave as well when a painting catches her attention. It hangs above a white dresser with golden handles which is positioned on the left side of the door. It's a portrait of a beautiful woman, smiling ravishingly at the viewer, showing shining white teeth. Her dark long locks form a heart-shaped face and full red lips. Her round golden eyes sparkle like gemstones. Her olive skin glows. She's wearing a white and gold dress and a golden crown. She looks like a female version of Ulio, which is why Val believes she must be the late Queen of Senfira. Her smile shouts determination and confidence and her eyes talk about compassion and warmth.

"You're Medéi Mars", a low grunt surprises her. Val gasps loudly and barely escapes a heart attack. She almost believed that voice came out of the painting. Since Ulio's painting at the museum, she doesn't trust portraits anymore. When she turns around, she figures the king's golden eyes are open and staring vividly at her. He's awake! The king is awake, Val ought to tell everyone in the palace.

As if the king sensed her intent, he murmurs still a little weak "Please, do not call anyone yet. I want to enjoy the tranquility for once." Val nods anxiously. Val is alone with the King of Senfira. With the Awakening King. She doesn't know, what's the right way to act. What if she angers him? Timidly, she says, "We were all scared for you, Your Majesty." Is this the right way to address him? Should she make a bow? The king doesn't look bothered at all, instead, he chuckles weakly. "It takes more than a few demons to kill me. Although, I wonder how long I will keep on going like this." He sighs and gets lost in his thoughts. Val's unsure what he's exactly talking about. "Lately all I have been wanting was just some peace. You know, to read a good book in the garden. Perhaps go somewhere for a nice trip. I don't want responsibilities anymore." Is the king of Senfira and main Medéi actually ranting? Val didn't at all expect him to be like that. The king appeared to be full of energy, loving to be the center, wanting all the attention and having people around him. Val doesn't know how to react, or what to say. Val picks up the teacup and offers it to him but he just waves off. This situation is really awkward.

"Tell me, will you reign next to my son?" King Zain breaks the silence. "Please tell me you will. I think you're smarter than him. He needs someone strong. Someone who not only helps him in making decisions but someone who reminds him of who he is and what he's capable of. He's too sensitive, but not as much as his older brother." A dark cloud passes his emerald eyes. Why is he asking her this? Is he asking her to marry Ulio? Is it because she's Medéi Mars? This feels like a joke. If Val wasn't too shocked, she might have laughed out loud. Either he's delirious or he's very desperate. Val can't imagine becoming queen.

"I'm afraid I can't promise you that", she answers honestly. "But I think Prince Ulio is worthy of the role of a king", she adds, also honestly. King Zain's eyes shift to her, and he gives her a half-smile. "You must know him well to say that. Therefore, I won't give up hope", he leans his head back. "And even if he weren't, I'd still be proud of him. Just don't tell him or he won't stop bragging about it for days", he adds grinning playfully. He looks much more youthful when he smiles like that. Just by his words, Val can tell how good of a father he is. Especially considering the fact he's a single parent. Unlike her own father, King Zain is proud of just seeing his son alive. Val wishes her father to feel the same thing for her.

"Would you approve of me, even though I'm just a princess?", Val asks him and wonders where she got the guts from. "You're not a princess. You may be lacking in technique, but you have the heart of a queen, I can tell. Something my other son lacks. If you don't want to end up like my oldest son, don't let your emotions take over you", he advises her. "Even though it's all my fault. I created the monster he turned into." She can tell how much he's hurting for his first-born son. He must have expected more from Prince Sulo. Instead, he was betrayed. Or did the king betray him? The job of a parent is extremely hard, if not the hardest. But it's not easy to be a perfect daughter or a son either. It's difficult to follow someone's instinct while equally considering their parent's feelings and living by their expectations. Val knows how evil Prince Sulo is, but she's sure he wasn't born this way. Val somewhat feels compassion for him.

Val is happy to have been able to talk to him and get a piece of his wisdom. Val forgot about it because of today's tragedy, but now she remembers. Earlier today, she managed to push Prince Sulo once but failed the second time because she didn't concentrate enough. She allowed her fury to overcome her and that was her mistake. Next time, she'll need to remain focused.

"Father", Ulio appears in the doorway and looks back and forth between Val and the king. His eyes are open wide in confusion and surprise. "You're awake", he affirms not hiding his relief and joy. "Of course. Did you underestimate my strength, son?", he shouts but Val can tell he's joking. Ulio grins like a child and steps inside. "Garan's angel right here", he indicates to Val, "has brought me back to life." Val's eyes widen and she feels her cheeks heating up. "Oh no, I didn't do more than standing still", she admits shyly. "I guess you're natural talent", king Zain responds playfully. Ulio looks over at her and there's nothing more beautiful on earth than his gaze. His eyes are filled with so much warmth and love. His expression softens and Val feels like she's hovering over clouds. Ulio clearly can't take away his gaze. Val is the first one to look away or her face might explode, that's how much she's blushing.

King Zain notices the heated atmosphere, which makes the situation even more embarrassing. Val turns to the king. "Garan, Dánica, and many other doctors and servants have been by your side to cure you", Val stutters and internally slaps herself. Why is she feeling this way? She's probably as red as a tomato. She needs to pull herself together. She unwillingly looks back at Ulio who's still staring at her like that, so she turns her gaze away once again. Why can't she look him in the eye? And why is he giving her that look? Where's his composure and his cold and arrogant look?

"I will thank each and everyone later, of course. I knew I can always count on my people and my best friend Garan", the king responds proudly. "I'm clearly doing much better now. I just want to rest for a bit", he informs, indirectly kicking them out. "Of course, father. We'll inform everyone that you're awake and need to rest for tonight. Although I believe Garan might want to visit you", Ulio says smiling. He is both tired and relieved. The king just nods in response and Ulio approaches Val. "We'll leave now, shall we?" he wraps an arm around her shoulder, although touching her only delicately. His warm eyes could melt her. Val nods awkwardly in response not knowing where to look at. She's afraid if she'll look him in the eyes for too long, she might get lost in them and never come back. Or even go insane.

A male servant awaits in front of the door and he might pass out very soon if he's not going to bed now. "Dion, please inform everyone that King Zain has awakened but is resting right now. No one, except for Garan of course, shall enter his room", Ulio instructs the sleepy servant whose eyes widen at his words. He nods fiercely and runs off.

"Alright. I guess I'll leave now too", Val brushes a hair strand behind her ear. Hopefully, she doesn't look too nervous. "You can stay a little longer if you want", he says a little too excited. "We should talk. I know where to find Medéi Uranus", he adds with a devilish smirk with an adventurous spark in his eyes.