Using Aphrodisiac

Valda gave herself a light slap on the cheek, feeling her body snap back into focus. She glanced at the doorway to see the fox man had indeed gone in, leaving her outside, and she immediately went after him.

Upon entering, she instantly halted as she did not expect to be graced with a sea of nobilities. Both the old and young were present, but the youthful ladies were all fashionably dressed to impress. Valda immediately felt like she didn't belong here, the hair on her skin rose from just watching them, but, however, she still needed to find that man who had disappeared without a trace!

Actually, she hopes he disappears, never to come back—forever.

"V?" The familiar voice behind her made her spin around to meet Nelson's awed stare. His gaze raked her from top to bottom, and a look of surprise flickered in his eyes. Before Valda could get a chance to question if her identity was that noticeable, Nelson was holding her by her wrist and leading her away from the crowd.

He brought her to a quieter room, where a few guests roamed. It was an art gallery room, judging from the mesmerizing paintings hanging on the wall, and when they were finally away from prying eyes, her friend Nelson reluctantly let go off her hand.

"Are you fine? You seem fine but are you really alright?" Nelson questioned in concern, and Valda nodded her head assuringly to get him to stop shaking her by her shoulders.

"I'm fine!"

She looked around vigilantly, confirming they were truly alone before settling her gaze on her dear friend.

"It's a good thing you're here." her voice sounded soft, her eyes brimming with gratitude, "I was worried you might encounter difficulty gaining entry, but seeing you safe and sound puts my mind at ease. Honestly, it took me a moment to recognize you. At first, I thought I hit a jackpot and must have stolen the heart of some attractive noble, but then I realized it was you! You should consider upgrading your wardrobe, your legs come out great in those fancy tight pants!"

Valda's hands went to her hips, her gaze scrutinizing his outfit impressively.

Nelson on the other hand was startled by her comment, and he exclaimed, "you know it's quite unfair to jest at your friend's earnest efforts to aid you, and you know I have an unsettled beef with pants like this! They itch and are uncomfortable! Stop staring at me with those mischievous eyes!"

Flustered, he covered her eyes with his palm, perturbed by her scrutiny.

Valda chuckled heartily and removed his hands from her eyes, "okay okay, but I'm serious," she said truthfully, "you should dress like this more often. So tell me, are they here?"

"Yeah." He answered cryptically, satisfied with the change of topic. "I have their confessions recorded, at least their loose mouths are doing us more favors than we expected. I heard His Majesty expelled the gamblers he apprehended last time, since they were doing more than just 'gambling,' and I feared he might take similar actions against you. Fortunately, he's supporting you tonight and desires to see your innocence proven. I always said he had a compassionate side."

"Almost excessively compassionate." Valda murmured, subconsciously biting her cheek. She couldn't grasp why he was assisting her so fervently. In truth, she found his action bothersome, but who was she to question His Majesty when he was merely extending the aid she sought.

"There's something else you need to know." Nelson looked around for any sign of eavesdroppers, and his voice lowered into a whisper. "Your cousin intends to slip His Majesty with an aphrodisiac tonight. Fortunately, he hasn't imbibed any beverages from her thus far, but I'm uncertain of how long I can prevent it."

He sighed, explaining the gravity of the situation, "staying close to His Majesty will make my presence seem like a threat to his life, and I don't need that kind of attention unless you're willing to bail me out if I get into trouble."

"Aphrodisiac? You mean Anna is walking around with an aphrodisiac?" Valda's eyes momentarily widened in astonishment.

Do these people seriously keep their brains in a bush when planning something heinous? Why would anyone in their right senses target His Majesty? And even if he does consume the aphrodisiac, there's no guarantee he would make her his queen.

Valda palmed her face at their rational thinking, unsure of how her father ended up being related to people like them.

"You know what? Go on without me." Valda instructed, "keep a close eye on them. Don't let them out of your sight, and if you truly sense something is amiss, then I need you to speak up. I've already apprised His Majesty of your presence, so you needn't worry about being kept at arm's length."

"What about you?"

"I need to find a creature first, but go on without me." She was already pushing the confused Nelson by his back towards the exit, "I'll be there once the performance starts."

"Okay, I'll go, but be safe."

"I will."

Nelson gave her an affectionate pat on the head before leaving. Valda watched him make his exit from the gallery room, and her chest heaved.

"Things are starting to get a lot more interesting!" Said a voice that nearly made Valda jump out of her own skin.

She immediately turned, and there he was, leaning against a marble column. Eryx's lips curved into a wicked smile, and Valda's pulse quickened.

"Valda darling," he drawled, his voice like velvet dipped in honey. "Planning to dance your way to vengeance, are we?"

"How long have you been standing there?"

"I got bored watching peacocks and parrots strut about in their costumes, and I just happened to have found this art gallery." His judging gaze swept over the passing guests, from their powdered wigs to the silk-clad shoulders.

"Baroque Extravaganza." He tsked, "I see they've all raided the same costume shop. Apparently, you're the only one dressed in an outfit I find rather endearing."

"You mean morally graceful? Valda complimented herself and narrowed her eyes at the man in front of her, "but is that your way of saying I'm not as scandalous as the rest?"

"I don't know, does it sound so? I'm just glad you're not wearing a gown that could double as a circus tent, and your eyes…." He glanced whimsically at her glass eyes, the only part of her face he could see. "They burn with purpose. I like that."

"I don't like you."

"Well ouch." Eryx placed a hand to his chest, feigning pain. "bravo, that's a good one, for it hurts my inexistent heart."

"I need your help."

"Didn't anyone tell you it's dangerous to seek help from 'creatures' you can't stand?" He sneered, as if echoing what she mentioned about him to that cowboy she so fondly praised.

"It's a grave matter," Valda pushed on, "I need my dearest cousin to experience the taste of her own medicine. Can you do that for me?"

"You have to be specific here, cause I handle things a lot differently than you think." He let her know, and for some reason, Valda recalled the shivering incident of last night. Is he supposed to be an evil spirit of some sort?

"What can you do?"

"Don't be frightened, and I can assure you, they won't be the ones dying tonight." Eryx's lips curved into an ostensibly benign smile—a smile that clandestinely promised trouble.

Valda's face went pale in an instant at his response, her eyes widening in sheer horror. Unconsciously, she found herself backing away from him, her mind reeling in shock.

He's planning to murder someone here tonight??

But what is this feeling creeping up her spine?? Why is she… Why does she have this dreadful premonition that she might somehow be connected to this impending murder??

Could she be the unfortunate soul meeting her end this very night?