King of Hearts

39.

Dánica has been eating and eating as Val has been staring at the floor for almost five minutes now, wandering through the chaotic halls of her mind.

"Are you sure you don't want to try one of these?" Dánica holds out her plate to Val. A chocolate muffin shaped like a squirrel is staring at her with its squirrel-eyes as if scared to be eaten by a hungry swan, like the rest of his family. "No, thank you," Val absently declines.

The girls decided to go eat in the ballroom because a group of teenage boys has been trying to flirt with them. Leaving for "the restroom" seemed to be the only solution to get away from them. And now they're here, almost suffocated by the music, chatting, and laughter of the guests. People are singing, shouting, and having the moment of their lives. Everyone is happy and enjoying themselves. Especially Prince Ulio and Satyn. All eyes are on them. They are dancing for quite some time now, not seeming to stop any time soon. He's smiling down at her, not moving a single muscle and she can't take her eyes off him. They look like two statues come alive.

The room is exploding in festive colors, only Val shines a dull dark grey. At least she's wearing this vibrant blood-red dress, to balance off her feelings.

She's worried. Worried about everything. Hamza's cards have left a heavy weight on her. Val is not the superstitious type, but Hamza knew so much about her, as though he was reading her mind, and that kind of left her impressed. And skeptical. Although she doesn't fully believe in his reading, she still has a bad feeling about what he said. She didn't like the results of the cards at all. Why was the third card so negative? Will she have to sacrifice something? What loss could transform her life and leave her suffering? Could it be, that she'll fail the mission and won't be able to save Senfira? Maybe she'll disappoint Garan and Dánica. Val doesn't know what to think. Anything could be possible. Lost in her thoughts, Val doesn't realize the music stopping. She doesn't even notice the sudden figure in front of her either.

"May I have this dance?" Prince Ulio asks in a honey-sweet voice. Her mind tells her no. Why would she want to dance with the King of Hearts? Val feels everyone's eyes on them. Some shocked, some envious, others excited. "No, thank you," she replies, acting uninterested.

"I'll take it as a yes." 

Before Val can protest, they already stand in the middle of the ballroom. Panic and terror blur her mind. Not only because he's holding her hands but also because she didn't really pay attention to the steps earlier. This is totally unexpected, she isn't prepared. She doesn't know how to dance! Her palms beneath her gloves are sweating. Prince Ulio doesn't notice this, but he does notice the fear in her eyes. He suddenly starts laughing. It's not one of his arrogant or mischievous chuckles. He's laughing whole-heartedly that even his eyes appear unnaturally pure. 

"Aren't you a scaredy-cat," he jokes in his sweet voice. Val hopes that her blushing can't be seen through her mask. "To your misfortune, I can't dance," she announces firmly. He chuckles once more. He seems very joyful tonight. Unlike earlier, his smile doesn't look like it's made from stone but it's more genuine and sincere. Val hates that she likes it.

"I already imagined it. It would've been too shocking if you had a talent," he grins. She sighs, annoyed. Val is not really in the mood for fights. "If you're going to insult me during the whole dance as well, then I might as well do without it," Val intends to leave but he doesn't let go of her. It's too late anyway. The music has started playing. Every couple has started dancing, only the two are still arguing. He spins her around.

"Correct me if I'm wrong but is that blushing I see on your beautiful cheeks?" he chirms placing one hand on her waist and holding the other one high. Val is dangerously close to smacking his smirk off his face. 

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think you're lying when calling me beautiful. You definitely hate me as much as I hate you", she responds irritated and nervous because of his touch. She can feel his warmth even through her dress and her gloves. Prince Ulio holds her in position and starts to sway slowly.

 "You're wrong," he bluntly responds, staring intensively at her. Val has nothing to add. Mainly because she's too focused on dancing. Soon their synchronized steps tune in with the music and background noises of the ball.

We dance. We sway. We fly. We dream. Dream for another life. For another chance.

This feels strangely natural. Val doesn't know where her knowledge of the steps comes from, but she's doing it. She's dancing. And she's doing pretty well too. Val tries not to look down to her feet, and as she raises her gaze, she meets a pair of chocolate brown eyes, watching her dreamily. It's strange how loving his eyes can appear sometimes. He looks at her like the night sky looks at the earth. Deep, sparkly, and full of hidden mysteries. Somewhat protective and somewhat magical. His grip feels warm and firm but somewhat insecure. As though he's afraid of touching her but also doesn't want her to leave.

"You know you're staring?" she asks provocatively.

"I know," he replies foxily. He's doing it on purpose. He wants to get on her nerves. But Val won't allow it. She can be straightforward too.

"I still haven't thanked you for this dress. You sure know my tastes."

His smile deepens. "You're very welcome, my dear. I'm glad you like it. At least you're wearing something decent for once," he smirks.

"You must be well informed about that", she rolls her eyes.

"You have no idea," he answers making her gulp nervously. His eyes haven't left her not even once during the whole dance. "Like you had no idea that it was all thanks to me that you have finally awakened your powers at the Royal Maze War." 

Val furrows her eyebrows, confused by his statement. But as she relives that horrible event in her mind and remembers fighting the knight, it all makes sense. Rage is now boiling her blood. 

"You sent that knight to kill me?", she accuses furiously. She can't believe it. It was his idea and fault she almost died. What if she hadn't awakened her powers? What if it didn't work?

"It took you some time to figure it out," he grins like an idiot. He soon notices the hatred in her fiery eyes. "Why are you mad, honey? I did it to help you and it worked. I'm clearly a genius," he smirks confidently. 

"You're clearly an asshole," she grits and tries to get free of him, but his grip has tightened. Unlike earlier, and unlike the look on his face, it feels panicked.

"Careful with that tongue, sweetie, or I might have to kiss you to silence," his smirk intensifies and so does Val's anger. She hates how she can't control herself. She wished to care less and tolerate more, but she just can't when in his presence.

"You can't imagine how much I hate you."

"At least I know you have some sort of strong feelings for me," he grins satisfied, ending the dance of sharp words. 

The breathless and exhausted people come to a halt, the music has stopped playing. The dance is over and so are her nerves. Val, unfortunately, danced so well, that she didn't even step on his foot once. She should've at least slapped him. She could make a huge fuss, now that she could get everyone's attention, but she won't do him another favor and make him feel even more important. 

"It was delightful dancing with you, Queen of Blood." He knows she's not a Queen yet. Bastard.

"I don't quite agree, King of Hearts." She storms away. He smirks, aware of her lie.