𝘼𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡 | ✓

15 - Guards

VALENTINA'S POV

I had guessed I was going to spend the whole night wide awake, and sure enough, I was right

My heart was fluttering in my chest, though my head was hurting like hell with thousands of thoughts racing around my head.

I need to break his trust and escape.

But when I thought about last night, it made me feel like I would never escape. This whole estate is surrounded by a brick wall, no doubt patrolled. When Francis flew around, I'd looked around and I couldn't see any sign of civilization for what looked like ages. Though I know I need to escape sooner than later.

But I also wanted to stay and feel the comfort of Francis.

I could see the strong line between want and need. And I had already made up my mind, even though it broke my heart.

-

All of my thoughts came to a halt as there was a knock on the door, I knew it was Xavier, so I didn't do anything to prepare myself.

"Come in," I croaked, rolling my head over on the carpet. That's right, carpet.

I couldn't even make it to bed last night after going to the bathroom, so I just collapsed on the floor and let my mind run wild all night.

As the door opened, the man gasped and frantically put the breakfast on the table, leaning down to see if my eyes were open, and I squinted one open, just to reassure him before closing it again.

"What are you doing on the floor?" Xavier said in a worried tone, pulling me off the floor, sliding one of my arms on his shoulders then laying me on the bed delicately. Which I allowed since my body was too limp of tiredness.

"How long have you been there?" I asked lying next to me to look me in the eye.

"Since last night," I said warily, already being led back into my thoughts, but I was pulled to a stop as Xavier laughed.

"What?" I chuckled, seeing the awe in his eyes.

"You were with Francis weren't you?" he mused.

I looked away not wanting to bare the look in his eyes. "How'd you know?"

"He was acting different today," he explains. "Happier,"

I nod and sit up, taking the plate of food and eating it all with only a few bites. Trying to distract my tiredness with food was working but not well enough to distract me from Xavier staring at me like an eagle to a mouse.

"Not. Another. Word." I demanded as he opened his mouth, making him immediately close it. I rub my temples, as I feel the overwhelming thoughts come back. "Anything else I should know?"

Xavier ponders for a moment before he clicks his tongue looking back at me.

"Oh yes! Francis said that you are allowed outside your room, but whenever you leave there will be two guards waiting for you outside your doors at all times. Do not- I repeat, do not try to escape. He got some of our top guards on you."

I snickered to myself, trying hard not to laugh, and turned around from the door to face the emerald eye man.

"Are you not a top guard ?" I tease and raise an eyebrow, making him scoff.

"No, I'm second in command, " he snaps back, making me roll my eyes.

"Then I won't keep you any longer sir. " I joke, doing a little bow before exiting, closing my bedroom door behind me.