204 - A Moment Alone Before Dinner
“We have to introduce more technology into the system. It is what we need,” Zezi said, her gaze on her dress that Gwen had helped her pick for the dinner. Her fingers traced the neckline of her dress while she sat next to it on the bed.
Valerick had offered to help her get in it but she had stated that she would prefer to get dressed later.
Besides, it was still two hours before dinner.
They had time.
But it seemed Valerick had a different opinion.
“I don't see the need to go beyond what we already have,” he said, checking to see which outfit would suit him better and present him as the best son-in-law.
The perfect one.
Zezi sighed. “I miss a gun.”
“I will get you a gun.” Then he held her gaze in the mirror. “Love, the blue or the black? Or wait, the white?”
For a second, they stared at each other through the mirror; the air seemed to go still and a smile played on her lips.
“Everything looks perfect on you,” her voice hummed in his mind and for that moment, it calmed his nerves.
Then he turned to her, still holding up the suits against his chest.
“Which presents me as the best son-in-law, the perfect one.”
“You are perfect.”
“Zezi,” his voice was laced with a chuckle, an electric feeling sizzled through his veins as he took a step forward. “I’m trying my best not to look like a scary King—”
“Take the blue.”
“Alright then,” he said as he walked back to his wardrobe to hang the black and white suits.
“You know introducing modern weapons to the army will help a lot. Guns will be so wonderful, filled with the right bullets of course. Also, phones will be great for day-to-day activities. We can take pictures!” She ended with excitement. “Really good pictures.”
“Paintings are better, authentic. Like my mother’s own. Our images will be carved in stone.”
“The existence of phones will not erase the value of paintings. Teeland has these things. We can give them to you. Trade! It will bring balance to our relationship.”
He hummed, as he pulled off his towel and began to get dressed.
“And—”
Her heart skipped a beat and for a second, words failed her. He hummed to show that he was listening, then she blinked, finding her way back to what she was about to say before.
“We have cars, phones, different things. If we are to go back to the life we used to live, these technological devices will make their way back. We can’t live our lives without them and if we are to establish a relationship, these things will help with the distance.”
“We are on a small scale usage, and it is all we need. I will do what is best for my kind, and that doesn't restrict your kind. If improvements are needed, then they shall be introduced accordingly.” Then he turned to her, holding up two ties. “This shade of blue or this of blue?”
“It is just a casual dinner. A shirt will be alright, with no ties.”
“It’s not a casual dinner to me,” he said more to himself; then to her, he said, “Or maybe I should just wear my robe, put on my crown? What do you think?”
“I thought you didn't want to look like a scary king,” she said with a teasing smile.
“Right. This is perfect,” he turned to the mirror with a huff. “Perfect, responsible, not scary, not scary at all.” He repeated to himself over and over again but his body must be set on betraying him, because the more he repeated those words to himself, the more his eyes blackened, his fangs elongated, his claws sharpening, and the black webbed ink creeped up his face.
She frowned, feeling how nervous he was through their link.
“Valerick!”
He turned to her sharply. “What if your mother hates me even more after this?”
“What?”
“You have nothing to fear. If my mother were here, she would love you.” His claws slipped into his hair and he pushed back against the wall. “Everything must be perfect.”
“Come here,” she said, patting a side on the bed for him and he obeyed mindlessly.
“My mother,” she started to say as she pulled his hand away from his hair, freeing it from his deadly grip, “is very appreciative of what you are, and the recent announcement about our freedom. She is very open minded to you now. No matter what, I need you to remember that you are perfect the way you are,” her hands slipped over his shoulders, smoothing out the fabric even though it was unnecessary. Then her palms cupped his face.
“I know that what your kind thinks of our relationship matters to you,”
She opened her mouth to speak but he continued.
“Especially your family. Also, it would be nice to have that family accept me.”
“Your effort is enough for me. And no, what others think does not matter. What matters is that I love you.” Her hands slipped into his hair as she brushed away some strands from his forehead. “I love you, Valerick.”
She leaned in for a kiss and he kissed her.
It was comforting, sweet, reassuring.
“So just be yourself,” she said as she pulled away.
His face was no longer webbed with black inks beneath his skin, his fangs had gone back to their normal length, his claws too.
“That is easier said than done.”
“No, it won't be. I will be right by your side.”
“Thank you, my heartbeat.” His hand moved over her bump, and he leaned down to press a kiss on her belly.
He could feel them kicking.
Any day now.
“I have all the company I need.” He said, looking up at Zezi, as she ran her fingers through his hair, with a smile on her face. “My family.”
Tears welled up in his eyes, looking down at her bump and at her once again.
Finally, a family he could call his own.
“Our family,” he said, holding her gaze.
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