King of Hearts

37.

Val is panicking. What the hell was that? Did he put a spell on her? He's Medéi Venus, for god's sake, he's the King of Hearts. Val let herself be touched by him and didn't even bother to do anything against him. He was probably putting a spell on her, and she just stood there. Unable to move. 

Val stops once she's alone in a corridor. She leans against a wall and tries to control her breathing. Val has never felt such strong feelings at once. It was wild. She's afraid that he might have manipulated her but there was something about that short moment that made her feel a special way, in an unexpectedly good way. It was as if Val had missed his touch even though they have never touched before. How is it possible? She can't let this happen again. A thought flashes her and her already calmed down heart rate restarts to beat sharply.

Dánica!

Goodness gracious, how could Val let herself get distracted for so long? How could she let herself get distracted at all! Poor Dánica was feeling sick and disappeared probably to a restroom. Val needs to find her at once!

She starts running through the corridors, not caring about the guests' irritated looks. Once she peeks inside the ballroom, fortunately, she finds her friend disoriented at the same spot they were standing before. Relieved, Val rushes to her.
"Heavens, Dánica, where have you been? Are you alright?" Breathlessly, Val grabs Dánica's hands. "Where have you been? I have been waiting for you for ten minutes", she answers concerned. Val lets out a sigh of relief. Thank god, she seems to be feeling better.

"I was looking for you," Val exclaims in her defense although feeling somewhat guilty. Dánica's eyebrows curve upward in compassion. "I'm sorry I worried you," she apologizes. "I'm allergic to peaches and whenever I happen to taste one, I urgently need to use the restroom," she smiles awkwardly. "I'm fine now, no need to worry," she assures. Val is glad she's feeling better. She wants to add something, but a sudden fanfare makes her heart jump. Even the music has stopped. Val is having traumatizing flashbacks of the Royal Maze War as she turns her head in every direction like a paranoid. If a knight appears, she'll run for her life.

Most of the people rush to the entrance hall. The mass drags Val and Dánica away so they have no other choice than to follow. A voice that reminds Val of the sound of a bass or the growl of a bear rings in her ears. Dragged and pulled by the guests, the girls have now reached the entrance hall where the clear voice is much louder now.

No knight in sight (thank god) but the Awakening King himself is standing on the very top of the stairs with Prince Ulio and Satyn beside him. 

King Zain is built like a rock. Muscles. Muscles everywhere. He looks rather young to be Ulio's father. Unlike the Prince, his hair is jet-black. His eyes are light-green and his olive skin is slightly darker than Ulio's. He seems to be glowing. Literally. You can tell from afar that he's not fully human. He's wearing a shiny gold cape, a white and gold suit, and a spiky crown bigger than his head. He looks almighty and strong. You can tell he has power in his veins and he loves it. He looks quite intimidating yet fascinating. It's impossible to look away. 

"My precious Senfira. I am honored to call you my guests for tonight's masquerade", the King announces with an orotund voice. "Today is my son and heir Prince Ulio's birthday. Tonight, we are celebrating twenty-two precious years of pride and honor. May the rest of your days be blessed, my son," he affectionately pats Prince Ulio'sshoulder. The King's eyes glitter as he congratulates his son. He has the look of a proud and caring father. Quite unfair considering his relation to PrinceSulo.  

Prince Ulio, pleased by all the attention, pridefully raises his head and puffs his chest, smirking obnoxiously. What a jerk.

"And let's not forget about the lucky winner of this year's Royal Maze War, Satyn Louise Archambeau!" The crowd applauds. All of her previous rage has left her body and she too shines like a gemstone. Satyn is waving at the crowd like the queen of England.
"I'd say the two of you immediately go have a dance. And you, dear people of Senfira, I command you all to forget about your worries for tonight and enjoy yourselves. The masquerade has officially begun", the King roars powerfully. The crowd cheers and claps festively. People spread throughout the corridors. The music starts playing again and a few guests are already flying across the ballroom. 

As Val is watching the dancing people, a hand brushes against hers, her ring which she's wearing above her gloves suddenly electrifying. Prince Ulio is passing her, now glancing at her with an irritated look. He noticed the vibration too, but he seems not to have expected that electric feeling. Did he touch her on purpose? He only gazes at her for a moment for he soon gets pulled away by Satyn the snake. Val has no intention of watching them having fun. 

"Are you hungry?" she asks Dánica.

"Are you?"

"Kind of," Val admits. All these emotions have worn her out, she needs reinforcement. "Very well then," Dánica smiles, and the girls link arms as they head to the buffet room.

Once there, Val can't even have a bite of the most delicious-looking pastries. She just has no appetite. Something is bothering her, but she can't put her finger on it. Of course, Dánica senses it. She has already eaten some cake and loads of sun-shaped cookies, and she doesn't seem to stop yet. 

"What's the matter with you? Aren't you enjoying yourself?" Dánica finally asks. Val shrugs, "Not really." Only a few feet away stands Hamza looking directly at her. A strange feeling is crawling up her body and an imaginative voice in her head tells her to act now.

"Can you wait here for a second? I'll be right back," Val focuses on him, who disappears as if he already knows what's on her mind. Dánica stuffs her face with some more food. "Alright," she murmurs. 

Val sprints out of the room, looking for Hamza. He isn't outside. He must already be waiting for her. She passes a few rooms until she reaches his. The dim light is still blue and the door is slightly open. Hesitantly, she pushes herself in.