The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

Tsarina Valentina Dragomir

They were seated at the head of the hall and to Lucius’ disappointment; they were seated in separate chairs. I’m going to fix that, Lucius thought, my queen will not have more than a few inches between us. He noticed that she wasn’t lounging her arms on the armrest but keeping it to herself. He knew that in the antechamber, she had lost control of her feelings for a few seconds and right now, she refused to lose it again in the presences of an audience.

Lucius wanted a reaction. They have not talked or seen each other for more than 12 hours and he was growing restless. So he lounge his arms over on the armrest with his right going over to Valentina’s own. She glared at him but said nothing and continued to look ahead but not really looking. Alek was standing on the side in his official uniform.

Lucius noticed the Tsar (or Prince, according to his spies) did not look too good. In fact, Lucius wouldn’t be surprised if the prince was drugged up with alcohol or something else. The prince looked at a Valentina trying to catch her attention but it was unnecessary; Alek cannot beg his way out of this.

Uther with his son, Arthur and Arthur’s wife, Gwen, stood not so far from Alek and his family. Like Alek, the three looked worse than the last time Lucius had seen them. Well, as worst as you can get when your manor was taken away from you. Gwen looked at him and winked but of course, he didn’t react to it and he wondered whether Arthur knew that Gwen had once begged him to take her as his queen during a regrettable night together.

Valentina must’ve been watching him because she leaned over with a disgusted sneer. “Be sure to offer Gwen a room in your castle when I take away everything that Uther owns”, she said with such hatred that Lucius’ own pretence cracked. She then gave him a sardonic smile before looking away, waiting for the crowd to settle.

At this point, Lucius was in a dilemma. Should I make her jealous so that she will come to me quicker or correct her? If I correct her, nothing will change and she will still have that delusional idea that we shouldn’t marry. Make her jealous it is!

Lucius leaned in his throne and said casually, “Well…I am single AND I have no fiancée holding me back.” He looked a Valentina, to find her shocked and annoyed. “A splendid idea Dragomir!” Valentina gave him one last chilled look before she held up her hand for quiet.

Once the crowd had settled down to a deadly silence, Valentina stood up and announced in a strong voice, “I’ve called this hearing today to decide the fate of Uther Pendragon and Prince Alek Romanov for allying with my enemy, Rog. King Lucius Vladonov, who allied himself with me during the war, will also have say in their fate. Come forth, Lord Uther and present your case or would you rather I destroy you now and end the Pendragon line and not waste time?”

At those damning words, Uther paled and he and his companion quickly kneeled before Valentina and in a solemn voice said, “My…my princess, we beg your pardon. We were tricked and threatened by Rog and so we agreed. But when he was busy, we abandoned him at the last minute. Please see that we were scared of him.”

“Yes…and last minute was when I decree for your heart on a platter”, said Lucius casually, and he also stood up to stand next to Valentina. He was glad to see her whole body relax when he drew closer. “How very convenient…wouldn’t you say?”

“Lucius… don’t you remember me, your friend?” Uther laughed shakily. “I wouldn’t betray you.”

“But you did”, countered Lucius, “You allied with a Dragomir enemy, MY fiancée’s enemy and hence, MY enemy.” Uther was quiet after that and looked down defeated. “I should destroy you now because there is no friendship to save you…”

At this, Uther looked up in fear and said, “Please, My Lord, I’ll do anything.”

“Anything?” Lucius asked with a deadly smile. “Even handing over your title and land to the Dragomirs? By right, they should have your land…this is what happens after your line ends.” Uther was silent thinking through his choices. Lucius can almost see his brain working; drawing up a list of advantages and disadvantages about handing over his lordship and land.