Villainess Of Hearts

"Oh, that. I think he likes you." The Queen of Spades said it plainly.

Julius Ginellevé's reaction to Olivia Deuce's words was… he was never the outwardly person who made an outburst on what he heard. The Knight simply gritted his teeth as the conversation carried on. And though the Queen of Hearts looked a bit shocked at the Queen of Spades declaring that she and the King of Spades were of no romantic relationship. 

He had already known about it.

Or it was easy for him to surmise. Compared to the Kingdom of Hearts, the Kingdom of Spades was built on strength and power—and love was a weakness to them. Certain philosophies contradicted itself among the four Kingdoms. And he was aware that his own love for the Queen of Hearts was his own downfall in a way.

He loved her too much.

She alone was a good reason for him to stay as nothing but a Knight. Other opportunities presented themselves to him, from being granted lordship or perhaps a more leader role in an army but he didn't take it. It honestly didn't surprise him that the King of Spades would favor her though. She had that effect. Even when he had encountered the Delegate of Clovers within the town in search of her, hearing the man agree that the Queen of Hearts was beautiful made his blood boil… but he couldn't lash out. 

It didn't matter what other people thought of her, what mattered was what she felt.

And as far as the man had seen, Rosalyn's affection and attention had turned elsewhere. Gone were the days that she sought him out on her own, nor did she invite him into her quarters—but she was seeking pleasure elsewhere. In something less sensual but still visceral. Perhaps it was always something close to her heart.

.

.

.

The banquet on the Coronation day was an event that was beheld and envied by many, and even Julius was also amazed of seeing the ballroom used lavishly. The Marmoreal paled in comparison to this and there she was, the newly crowned Queen talked left and right—accompanied by a huge crowd of people. She had a smile on her face and the discussion was no doubt lighthearted. A time of festivity and merriment. 

He could only watch from the sidelines. 

However, there was something missing. Where was the current King of Hearts? Shouldn't the two of them arrive together… The Knight furrowed his brows and kept a watch around the ballroom. Even if Rosalyn was capable on her own—it didn't mean that the man should run off. The young woman was secretly hoping that she and the King would get along, but he was nowhere. 

Julius clicked his tongue.

What were the Trials for if the victor couldn't even make their way here? He could be—the Knight kept himself calm. He did not wish to ruin things, but if the King and the Queen's relationship didn't go in the direction that she wished for it to go, then perhaps…?

It was a foolish dream of his.

And yet, maybe? Maybe there was a chance if things continued to spiral out like this.

.

.

.

Julius Ginellevé snapped out from his memory and watched the back of the Queen of Hearts. He was a considerable distance away to give respect to the two Queens positions, but he could still hear it and if need be, he would move in a moment's notice. They had moved on from the King of Spades obvious interest in the Queen of Hearts to the trade agreement?

"We believe that the Kingdom of Hearts, in particular, the Lockhart House will show more craftsmanship and effort into the swords."

The Knight froze.

The Queen of Hearts had agreed to go back to the Lockhart House—?! His eyes widened and he stumbled for a moment. His head spun and whirled as the image of a man formed in his mind, he squashed it down.

"Huh, I didn't think that your Knight could be taken off guard." The Queen of Spades commented with a slight chuckle. The woman's eyes took a calculative glance at him, and though it was never in the same way that other women wanted to be with him, it was still wanting him for something he could do.

He hated the look.

Julius Ginellevé straightened up, "My apologies that I cannot live up to the rumors that one may have heard of me. But I assure you that I will keep my duty done, Your Majesty of Spades." He inclined his head briefly and smiled. He wouldn't let his own feelings get in the way of what the Queen of Hearts desired, but it didn't mean that he would be a pushover.

Although Knights and Commoners were expected to be more respectful, he was positive that the culture was more relaxed for the Spades—Queen Olivia Deuce pursed her lips before glancing back at Rosalyn. "Thank you for being a good host, Her Majesty of Hearts. Despite your ailing health." The Queen of Spades looked doubtful at her words, "I had a pleasant time here, battling your Soldiers in the barracks was a welcome activity and perhaps it must have helped you understand the need for better military governance."

Arrogance. It was in the nature of Kings and Queens.

It was something that was either they learned or perhaps was born with, Julius wasn't exactly sure but tried as he might to hold back down his tongue, he ended up speaking up. "It is worrisome that the Queen of Spades was able to battle many soldiers—but it was not in their intention to harm you. If it be another occasion however, Your Majesty must still be wary."

He didn't know what Rosalyn would feel, but it was much better than getting mocked.

. . .

The day actually passed on its own and when Rosalyn Lockhart awoke the next day, there were things that had changed but others that remained the same. The Queen of Hearts hadn't exactly been able to discuss much with the Queen of Diamonds nor the King of Diamonds as they were one of the first to leave.

After the signing of the trade agreement, they were swift to leave. The Queen and the King of Hearts both bade them farewell and that was the end of it. Even with the eventful discussion that the Queen of Hearts had with the Queen of Spades, it didn't actually take them too long to depart either. Olivia Deuce had been insistent—and despite the investigation still ongoing (The Lord Warth Duke tasked with it), the King of Spades and company were allowed to leave.

Alfred Villeuce had bade the Queen of Hearts a short farewell, and though she may have thought that their relationship was strained with the trial—she noticed the terse way the King of Spades looked at Alexander, he was nothing but cordial with her.

"There are some situation in the border, but I'll be sure to return and ensure that the sword production—"

The man behind the King suddenly spoke up, "Your Majesty, I think I can take over—"

"I'll be personally overseeing it, Delegate Lucielle." Alfred Villeuce turned to the man behind him and smiled. From the way they stated it, it wasn't the kind that suggested he was going to back down at all. "We'll meet each other hopefully in a month or so, Your Majesty?"

"I see, I will be awaiting your return, Your Majesty of Spades."

A small cough interrupted them, "Indeed, we thank you for deciding to trade with the Lockhart House." The King of Hearts added.

A silence ensued between them.

The Queen of Spades was quick to elbow her counterpart, "Indeed, Your Majesty of Hearts. I'll not be here to oversee this, but thank you for the warm welcome." She inclined her head and made no mention of the court trial at all. 

It didn't take too long for them to leave and it left one remaining Suit Kingdom besides them. The Queen of Hearts watched the carriage leave the distance and the smile on her face disappeared, a sigh escaping her lips. It had already been a drain smiling at Queen Monique and her husband, but doing it while with the man beside her?

She glanced briefly at the King of Hearts.

Alexander Hartsmichdt's smile also fell away as his expression smoothed over. Keeping up with the appearance of a strong united front also managed to tire him out… the Queen of Hearts turned back away from him and the rest of the soldiers. 

"The King and Queen of Clovers will be staying for about a week or so." He suddenly said.

She halted in her steps right before she could escape the door. The image of a Hatter coming to her mind, the reason for their stay. "I know." The Queen of Hearts proceeded to head back into the Castle. She was quite tempted to say that the lack of presence of the other Suits and with only the Clover remaining was something that he perhaps enjoyed—but she bit her tongue down instead.

The woman wasn't eagerly looking for an argument today.

Yesterday had already been enough. The Queen of Hearts flexed her fingers impulsively and walked away. Now that the Suits Gathering was over, she could finally focus on other things. No more entertaining the other Queens, no more escaping the breakfast at the dining hall and such. If she wished to relax a little more, then she could finally do so.. At this moment, the world that she was living in was now under her jurisdiction.