King of Hearts

40.

Val doesn't know where she's tramping to, just as far away from him will do. Her feet lead her to the balcony. From the reflection of the balcony's glass door, she sees Satyn approaching Prince Ulio.

The cold night air caressing her bare shoulders is steadily cooling her down. Her rage is slowly disappearing as she's viewing the city. Incredible how a simple view can fill her up with joy and peace.

Val is alone out here. Different music has started playing, therefore, everyone is occupied dancing till their feet hurt. The moon and the stars are the only ones keeping her company.

The night kisses her skin, leaving goosebumps all over her arms and legs. Val is startled by the sudden touch of warmth. The cloth that is laid on her shoulder smells of disappointment and roses. Val doesn't need to turn around to know what disappointing rose is standing behind her.

"Why have you come outside? I think Satyn wants to dance with you." She didn't think her voice would sound that raspy and hurt. "I prefer to freeze to death with you," his honey voice replies unwillingly warming up her heart. She needs to remind herself that he doesn't mean the words he says. He's a liar, a wicked monster who is unable to love.

Val tugs his jacket off her shoulder. "I don't need it." She hands him his fancy and warm jacket. He isn't wearing his mask anymore, showing now his shiny and soft face. "Do you want me to warm you up with these strong arms of mine?" he opens his arms and grins like an idiot. Val's face sinks. She has never been that irritated in her whole life. Her silence says it all.

"I see you're not in the mood for jokes," he for once openly admits he's joking. Val leans onto the edge of the balcony and stares into the night. He does the same, leaving enough space between the two.

 "Why are you like this?" Val suddenly snaps. She didn't mean to ask him. She didn't mean to be that upfront. But she really wants to know what his problem is. The prince turns his head in her direction and looks unrecognizable. The moonlight has washed away all his mischief and arrogance. He looks hurt and vulnerable as if her question upset him.

"You mean, why am I such a monster? You're a monster too if you wish to," he reminds her of her powers. "Exactly, if I wished to. If I had developed my powers, I would do anything to prevent from becoming one," she states firmly staring straight into his golden-brown eyes. He wordlessly stares back at her. Although his smile is almost as thin as a line, his eyes seem so vivid and sparkly. As they always do when he looks at her.

"Sometimes, it can be quite a curse. Some would think that it's amazing to have all women at my feet, but it's not amazing at all when you know it's all fake. Having false suitors feels lonelier than being actually alone. I envy couples. You know, those couples that are really in love. I want that too. To have someone who is always on my side and not feel lonely anymore. Someone to love. To accept and respect. Someone I would either kill or die for. True love is so rare, but it does exist. But then I wonder, when will I meet my true love? Will I have to force every girl in Senfira to date me to find the right one? How can I ever fall in love continuing like this?" Val is taken aback by the sudden sincerity that she doesn't know how to respond. She thinks to hear a glimpse of anger in his voice but soon notices that it's actually pain that she's hearing. She decides to take her mask off too. Val has never seen him beaten. He's opening up to her and Val doesn't know how to handle this situation. He still hasn't answered her question therefore she continues listening

Prince Ulio lays his hand next to hers on the edge, avoiding her touch, however. "Having powers can be so weakening. You end up depending on it. If you hold on to it for too long, you might lose everything else. And in the end, your powers are all you got. Nothing more. And when you're scared, you try to hold on to something, no matter how terrible it is. You want protection because loneliness can be quite scary."

His eyes are shifting from his sapphire ring to her ruby one. He listens to her silence. He probably doesn't expect her to respond. He's just glad he has someone to talk to. He sighs. "I want you to know, I have never used my powers on you." The stars reflect in his gorgeous eyes. Val unwillingly smiles.

"You expect me to believe it?", she smirks jokingly.

"No. I just don't want you to hate me too much."

"I'll try," she lowers her voice.

"That's enough to me," he almost whispers.

Val has nothing to add, still shocked by his unfamiliar emotional side. So, they just stand there in silence. Not paying attention to the music and laughter from the warmth of the inside.

"You know, admitting your weakness proves immense strength. And it proves that you have a heart that is able to love and be loved," Val answers after some time. Surprised by her sudden sweet voice, he admires her with the most loving eyes. She can't do anything else other than look at him as well. His smile is genuine and sincere, almost adorable. His eyes are full of emotions. He's grateful for her words. The flame in her eyes warms the cold and wild tsunami in his. Val doesn't hear anything. It's as if everything and everyone has stopped living. She believes to only hear the soft whisper of the stars above them. They stare at each other for so long that they even start to breathe in cohesion. Their hearts become one.

Prince Ulio looks like he would've added something if Garan and Dánica wouldn't have appeared at the door frame.