It was clear to Valerie that everyone in the palace was against him; how else could no one have told him that Islinda was in the palace? Thinking of the hours he could have spent with her if only he hadn't been sleeping left him in anguish.
Derek had claimed he had no choice, that he — Valerie — needed the rest. However, Valerie couldn't care less for any sleep even though his body demanded it after nearly burning himself out. If he had known Islinda was around, perhaps she would have kept him company. He couldn't help but relish the thought of placing his head on her thigh and drifting off to sleep.
It brought back the memories of when they were still together. Being with Islinda was the best thing that had ever happened to him. He had been the happiest then. But now, his life was nothing but misery.
"Islinda, open up. It's me," he knocked on her door and waited patiently for her to answer.
