King of Hearts

34.

"The Prince's birthday ball is the only time everyone gets to dance with everyone. The King doesn't quite tolerate mixing royals with non-royals but fortunately, Prince Ulio has a different opinion on that. I feel like he will become a great King," Dánica explains while lacing up the back of Val's extravagant dress. The dress felt rather heavy in her hands, but now that it's on her, it feels like she's wearing nothing but her skin. Val has difficulty in deciding whether this is perfect or just creepy. 

Val reflects on Dánica's words. That explains why she felt like some of the servants at the palace are treated unfairly. The King, or rather the Awakening King, must be one of those arrogant and ruthless royals she has read many times about in books, or that's at least how she imagines him to be. If that's the case, she isn't really interested in meeting him. She has seen him from afar at the Royal Maze War but only for a short moment.

She imagines his youngest son and future heir to be not much different. Or maybe she's just too fixed on her hatred toward the prince. Maybe she should give him a chance, perhaps he isn't that bad as the first impression he has given. Maybe this masquerade is her chance to reconcile with Prince Ulio and start over. Her mission would be much easier if they got along.

Dánica looks absolutely marvelous. The girls decided to help each other out with putting on the dresses and styling. Dánica is almost ready. She's already wearing her waterfall gown which makes her look like a goddess. Val styled her hair into an elegant hairstyle. She braided two front sections and fixed them at the back into a half-up half-down hairdo, her angelic brown curls flowing downward like ocean waves. Val added white and silver pearls and beads, and now she looks like a princess. Milena had put long silver gloves which she will be putting on later. The feathery thing Val had glimpsed back at the shop was in fact a mask. It's white and silver with lots of glitter on it and a long white feather on one side. Val assumes it's supposed to be a swan which fits Dánica just perfectly. She looks so beautiful, Val could cry. 

Val thought putting on her dress would turn out to be a huge mess with the many feathers but not even one has fallen off. And honestly, Val isn't surprised. The dress is so fluffy, and she loves how the feathers bounce when she moves. The front of the dress is cut shorter than the back, revealing her legs up until above her knees. As Val is analyzing herself in the mirror, she can't shake off a whisper of insecurity. Is it too revealing? Is it too extravagant? She has no idea what the people are like here in Senfira. And the fact that Prince Ulio chose exactly this dress makes her somewhat uncomfortable. 

"You look like a queen," Dánica raves clasping her hands in front of her chest. "And you look like a goddess! Good thing we bought the dress. And you said you wouldn't get a chance to wear it," Val grins mocking her."You mean, good thing you bought the dress. I know I've thanked you a million times, but I just will never be thankful enough. It's almost like you knew I would get to wear it soon," Dánica's voice becomes thinner as she narrows her eyes in fake suspicion. Val laughs, "I have the power of seeing the future!" she exclaims playfully. 

They look like two opposite figures. One elegant and light like the wind caressing the ocean, and the other wild and bright like an explosion of passionate and festive feelings. So different, yet they both stand there admiring one another and looking powerful.

"Don't you think it's a little too much?" Val asks unsure. She's close to undressing and forgetting about the ball. The idea of showing herself like that is too terrifying. "Are you kidding? You look stunning, just perfect. All eyes will be on you tonight!" her friend assures although all this attention is not assuring at all. Val is starting to sweat. Oh no, this is not good. The dress!

"Let me do your hair," Dánica kindly suggests. "What hairstyle do you have in mind?"

"I'll let you decide. Be creative," Val responds resting her hands on her hips for her armpits to breathe. Why on earth is she so nervous?

Two minutes later and Val's raven black hair is styled into a simple yet elegant hairstyle. Her bangs are neatly combed to the front and Dánica added two silver pins fixing her hair behind her ears. Her waves are hanging loose at the back. Val is ultimately happy with her appearance although she just can't calm down. Dánica notices Val's uneasiness and grabs her friend's hand, squeezing it tightly and warm. "You look amazing, Val. You'll be fine!" She smiles at Val wholeheartedly. Val is glad she's not alone in this. Having Dánica as a supporter is the only thing that can calm her down now. Val just nods firmly and lets go of Dánica's hand to put on her gloves.

The sun is already setting, the night is approaching, and the stars coming along, ready to dance with Senfira. The streets are already lit and only a few people are outside. The others must be either at home getting ready, on their way to the palace, or already there. 

Once the girls are ready, they enter the shop where they find Garan watering a plant taller than him. At their sight, he gasps enthusiastically. "What a ravishing sight you are. Are you planning on making every girl jealous tonight and swoon every man you pass?" he winks playfully placing the watering can on a short table. He then turns to Val. "Do you have the Queen of Sighting's Jade?" Val unnoticeably runs red. "Yes, I have it with me." Fortunately, he doesn't ask where she could have possibly hidden it since the dress is pocketless and the girls aren't taking any bags with them.

Garan nods in approval. "Perfect. Make sure to show it to the prince when you have the chance to. The carriage will soon arrive to pick you up, I'm joining soon as well. I only need to finish a few things."
 Val recalls a thought that occupied her the whole afternoon." Garan, I was thinking about Prince Sulo's demons, and what if they plan to attack the masquerade?" she blinks concerned. Garan lets out a deep sigh and replies, "I'm not denying the fact that it's possible. All Senfira will be present, it would be perfect for him. However, something tells me tonight's not the right time. Prince Sulo has always been very cautious, he always thinks his plans through. You don't need to worry. You just go and have fun," he smiles.

It's impossible for Val not to worry. How can he be sure that nothing will happen? This masquerade just feels wrong on many levels, but she can't back down now. She's still nervous about meeting Prince Ulio and talking to him. What if he turns her down and decides to go search for the remaining Sacred Gemstones by himself? It would be a weight off her shoulders but also a disappointment. Val's now in it. She has started to feel responsible for this city. If there is something she can do, then why not do it? She won't let Ulio get in her way. 

How will he react when he sees her in this dress? Will he recognize her? What the hell is she thinking, of course, he will recognize her, he gave her this dress! Val is clearly in a state of deliriousness. She only regains her sanity once Dánica, already at the door, calls her. "Come on, the carriage's already here," she waves. Val glances one last time at Garan who nods and flashes a warm smile. His dark eyes tell her to trust him, and this is what she'll do. She has no other choice anyway.