King of Hearts

25.

Val turns to ice. What did she just call her? She must have misheard. Or could this lady possibly know, she's a Medéi? Does she mean that Val unknowingly controlled Dánica? Has she already done it before without noticing? Val is taken aback as too many questions encircle her mind, but Dánica already comes out, and Milena struts toward her. Val is still too shocked to be able to move. Who is this woman?

"Hand me the dress so I can pack it up," Milena says to Dánica who just blinks confused. "But I said I wouldn't buy it", she stutters. "Too late. You can thank your friend," Milena winks at Val. 

Dánica's gaze shoots to Val in disbelieve. "Val! I said I didn't want you to spend all your money", she laments. Val regains herself. She will need to think of Milena afterward. 

"I saw how much you love that dress, and it looks stunning on you. Just let me give it to you as a gift", she responds. 

As the girls argue, Milena calmy wraps the dress and stuffs it in a white bag. Val catches her adding a pair of sheer silver gloves and a white feathery thing Val can't make out. She gets distracted by a sudden and familiar presence. For some reason, her heart starts to race, she wonders if it's his magic, or if it's natural.

That good-looking scoundrel enters the shop as if he were a prince. Well, he is. And a king too. Today he's wearing a simple white shirt, dark blue pants, and black leather boots. He's accompanied by two guards. The last one hasn't even entered the shop yet, and Prince Ulio already makes eye contact with Val. At first a little surprised, but he immediately gives her his usual devilish smirk. Val tries to look as unbothered as possible. 

Milena greets Prince Ulio, who struts to Val, ignoring everything and everyone around him. He has the look of a lion who has just found his prey.

"What a marvelous sight, my favorite kitty. Have I caught you buying a cute dress for my masquerade? Are you that confident of winning the game?", he chuckles. He stops when he's only two feet away from her.

"You wish. It's none of your business why I'm here." Val intends to move away but he stops her. "I'm glad you accepted my invitation. And it saddens me that I won't be seeing your adorable face at the palace anymore. Tell me, has Carmen been too strict on you?" he asks. Val can't tell whether he's really concerned. She can't take him seriously, besides he's too difficult to read.

"What do you care? You should be glad not to have me around anymore. I am glad."

"You're wrong. About both things." He closes the tiny space between them. Val wishes to move at least a mile away, but she doesn't want to please him. He's playing with her. Val raises her gaze and looks the prince straight in his deep brown eyes and firmly says, "I'm never wrong." 

Prince Ulio looks impressed and he's the one who steps back. His dark eyes are staring intensively into her soul. He's eating her up with his gaze. The two just stand there, staring at each other. Valimagines how weird it must look. She can feel a few customers watching them, but she dares not take her eyes from him.

"You heard my words? My ball is going to be a masquerade. I hope you'll show up as a cute kitty. Or do you prefer a ferocious tiger? Or a panther perhaps", he says rubbing his chin with an evil smirk.

"I prefer not to come at all," Val responds, and Prince Ulio simply chuckles. At least someone finds this uncomfortable encounter entertaining. But that's exactly what she's to him, a circus monkey, here to entertain the beloved prince of Senfira.

Disgusted by that thought, Val turns to Dánicawho has her head down, bowing to the prince, and Val notices all the other customers have been standing like that as well. The only ones not showing respect are Valand Milena.

"Alright, Dánica, we can go", Val exclaims ignoring him. Dánica awkwardly grabs her shopping bag and follows Val to the exit avoiding eye contact with the prince.

"See you later, Val." Prince Ulio waves at her like a sly snake waving its tail. Val ignores him and rushes out of the shop.