Valko-Zeke

Chapter 9

"You shouldn't be here," Valko told me.

"I-I- didn't know where else to go."

"It's okay, did anyone see you?" He asked and I shook my head nervously. "Are you crying?"

I nodded and found myself falling to my knees. My head reached just to the bottom of his thigh, and I realized this was the second time I found myself kneeling in front of him in such a way. It was some piercing quality he possessed that made me feel completely transparent and it was like I was unable to stand up to it.

He looked down at me, his eyes softening, and he bent down and sat on the floor in front of me. "Look at me," Valko insisted, pulling my chin up towards his face. I could feel his breath fanning across my face. His finger ran across the bruise where I hit my head. "I'm glad you came."

I nodded, feeling somewhat embarrassed that I did, and as I admired how handsome he was I felt speechless. My mind wouldn't formulate a word or a thought no matter how hard I tried to think of what to say. My eyes drew up to his face and I noticed him looking at the red dress I was wearing. "Thanks for the dress," I told him and he smiled.

"You look so perfect."

I blushed and tucked my hair behind my ear. I felt like a little girl who had her first crush. Every little thing he did made my heart skip a beat in anticipation. "I wish we could be together."

Valko looked down sadly, and nodded. He stood up and beckoned me to come and follow him. We both stood and peered over to the bottom floor where my party had taken place. The men down there were still fighting, some had passed out on the floor.

"I don't think anyone will notice if you stay the night." He said, a hint of mischievousness in his eyes.

I smiled and looked up at his tall figure, "Really?" I said excitedly.

He nodded, "Yea, I don't want you to go back down there tonight. Thank god for Bellamy, I was this close to ripping Jack's heart out of his chest."

I paled at the visuals he provided, "I don't think he really meant any harm, at least not to me."

Valko shook his head, "not harm, but something just as bad." I noticed a dark look spreading across his face and let out a shaky breath.

"I want to get out of here." I confessed. "I hate it here, and I don't think either of us really did anything wrong."

Valko side-eyed me. "I promise," He began, taking my hand. "I'll get us out of here when the time is right."

"How?"

"There's a way," he said. "But it will come at a cost."

I gulped. "Don't tell me," I said. "Let's just enjoy our time together tonight." He nodded and guided me away from the ledge.

As we sat on the bed, Valko and I talked about many things. We talked about our pasts, our families, our hopes, and our dreams. It was strange, talking to someone in such an intimate setting, but it felt right.

The room was dimly lit, the only source of light coming from a small lamp on the nightstand. The bed was comfortable, and I could feel myself getting more and more relaxed as we talked. Valko's deep voice was soothing, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of security being next to him.

As the night went on, we started talking about what life would be like if we weren't in prison. Valko surprised me by talking about his ambition to take over the kingdom again. He spoke about the power struggles and the politics that went on in the kingdom and how he had a plan to regain control. I listened to him with interest, fascinated by this side of him that I had never seen before. It was clear that he was a man with a strong will, who would not back down easily.

Throughout the night, our conversation turned to more personal matters. Valko brought up the topic of children and asked me if I ever wanted to have any. I hesitated for a moment, not sure how to respond.

"I've never really thought about it," I said finally. "I've always been focused on surviving. But I suppose if I were to have kids one day, I would want them to grow up in a world where they can be free and not have to worry about Alpha Dext."

Valko nodded, "I understand that. I want to wait until we are safe too. However, I've come to realize that it's something I really want. I want someone to love, to protect, to guide, and to teach."

We both sat in silence for a moment, contemplating the possibility of having a family one day.

"I would love to have kids with you," Valko said, looking at me with intensity.

I felt my heart race, not knowing what to say. The idea of having a family with Valko was both exciting and terrifying. But, I knew that whatever the future held, I was willing to take that chance with him.

"I would like that," I said, holding his gaze.

The rest of the night we talked about our dreams and aspirations, and how one day we would make them a reality. I told him how most of all I just desired a simple and peaceful life. Somewhere far away from all of these problems.

I could feel Valko's warmth next to me and the sound of his breathing was soothing as we both drifted off. I felt a sense of contentment that I hadn't felt in a long time as I fell asleep.

But my peaceful sleep was interrupted by a loud voice shouting from downstairs. I woke up, confused and disoriented. It was Jack and he was yelling at the top of his lungs "Where is she? She's with him, isn't she?" My heart was pounding in my chest as I tried to shake off the grogginess of sleep.

I sat up in bed, my heart racing. Valko woke up next to me, his expression tense. He whispered "He can't find out."

I nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. If anyone found out about our relationship, it could mean danger for both of us. I asked "What should we do?" feeling a sense of panic rising in my chest.

Valko thought for a moment before suggesting "I'll take you down to the fourth floor. Tell him you slept there because you were scared of all the fighting."

I hesitated, not sure if it was a good idea, but I knew that Valko had a point. I got out of bed and quickly got dressed. I could hear Jack's voice growing angrier as he searched for me, his footsteps echoing through the prison halls. I took a deep breath and opened the door, ready to face whatever lay ahead. The hallway was empty and dimly lit, and as we walked towards the staircase, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.

It was then that he picked me up and told me to hold on to him as tightly as I could. I gripped my arms around him, but he was too large for my hands to meet each other in the back. Suddenly, for a moment, I felt as if I was flying. When I opened my eyes again, I saw I was in a cell, presumably on the 4rth floor, and Valko had already vanished. I gasped, catching my breath in amazement.