The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

Mircea and Draco Dragomir

Upon entering the Dragomir Palace, Lucius realised that it had gone a massive change. Every room that he entered was richly decorated in red and gold. It was all very queenly and the soft touches of a princess were gone. Expensive gold and marble statues greeted each doorway like immortals guarding secrets behind the double doors.

Lucius was guided to his seat, which was near the front and luckily for him, Darim’s throne was next to his. He was in no mood to chat ‘politely’ with other royals, who had evil thoughts and ideas. Looking around, he recognised minor royal families from across the world, who had gathered to celebrate Valentina’s coronation. Darim was doing the same, adding his own commentaries, which had a bias view. Lucius snickered when Darim pointed out King Ferdinand of Spain.

Personally, Lucius has never met him but he had heard rumours of the spineless ruler. “Has no control over his people that one”, said Darim nodding to the greasy-haired and oily-skinned vampire.

“That is very advantageous…to us”, remarked Lucius. Lucius looked to the opposite side and saw King Julian Lima and behind him…Princess Margaret Lima, who gave him a seductive wink. He groaned and knew his plan to seduce Valentina will be more difficult.  Great, just great, thought Lucius and he turned back to Darim, only to find the Sultan watching the Limas as well.

When Darim gave him a care-to-explain look, Lucius replied “I was young and reckless”, to which Darim nodded.

“I would be vigilant of that one”, Darim nodded to Margaret.  “She doesn’t look like one who will give up. She makes Anna look like a nun.” He gave Lucius a thoughtful look before turning to the vampire in an official red and gold tunic with an attached sword who came to sit on Darim’s left; Radius. 

“My lord”, greet the Sultan and shook hands with Radius. “Congratulations! Finally, the dragon flies again.”

Radius roared with laughter and shouted, “Long live the Dragomir!” and all around, many of the Dragomir supporters echoed his praise. Radius nodded to Lucius and then shook his hand. Radius was indeed very unlike his older brother, Vladius, who was serious and quiet; even haughty at times. There was a happy and carefree nature about this vampire and he reminded Lucius of Derrick. “You are going to enjoy tonight. It will be better than theatre!”

Lucius continued to look around, more for someone who he had commanded to return to Romania. He finally located her against the wall, trying to avoid being seen by any Vladonov elites. Her raven hair was up in a bun and she wore a simple purple gown. She had a quiet and kind disposition like an English lady; she reminded Lucius of Elinor Dashwood from Sense and Sensibility. She was unfortunately plain though her Vladonov brow made her look important.

When Fiona Balcescu met Lucius’ eyes, she frowned a bit before making her way towards him. After pushing past Anna and the other Vladonov elites with a sneer and some unkind words, Fiona was behind Lucius. “Cousin”, she greeted dejectedly.

“My dear Fiona”, Lucius greeted enthusiastically. “It has been quite long.”

“Unfortunately, not long enough”, she muttered. She looked behind her and noted the sneer from Madam Marion and her students and blushed with embarrassment. She did not belong in the Vladonov clan; full stop. “I shall not bother you any longer, I must return to the Dragomir side…”

“Oh, you are not bothering me”, said Lucius lightly, which made Fiona’s eyes narrowed with suspicion. “Stay here Fiona.” Darim looked confused during the exchange and so Lucius made the introduction. “This is my second cousin Fiona Balcescu. Her mother was my father’s cousin and she married a Dragomir soldier.” Darim’s eyes widen with understanding and Lucius was glad to not explain the eloping and banishing part of the story to the Sultan. Lucius’ grandfather was not pleased with the secret marriage.