The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

The Wager

Valentina was late for the meeting with the Vladonovs because she had state issues to deal with but she sent her father ahead. Mostly, she was nervous as to what Lucius meant last night AND she wanted to look her best for the meeting.

“God…what is wrong with me?” she asked herself as she found herself deciding between which car to take to the meeting that will accentuate her suit. She grimaced at herself when she realised how sexy she looked in her matching black short suit skirt and tight fitting jacket that showed cleavage. And how did those red sky-high stilettos get on her feet?

The last thing she wanted was Lucius drooling and not releasing her from the decree…or was that what she really wanted. Jesus Valentina, you are supposed to hate him, she quietly reminded herself. Checking her Dior watch, she decided to take the new Lamborghini that Vladius just bought her and hoped the super-fast car will get her there to Vladonov Castle quickly.  She was already late… well, fashionably late.

Well, I might as well arrive late in style, she thought and quickly checked her hair and clothes before turning the car on. The car purred seductively and Valentina sped out of her garage, through Bucharest and towards Lucius’ castle gates. The sports car hummed and many of her people looked admirably at the red car with tinted window. They knew who was behind the wheel and many had bowed as the car passed them.

The gates opened upon her arrival and she noted Lucius standing at the top of the stairs to the entrance with his arms crossed and his famous frown on. He wasn’t alone because behind him stood some elders and unfortunately, his cousins. As she rounded the corners to park before the stairs that lead to the front double-doors, she noticed that Lucius was not so pleased to see her. In fact, he was glaring at her and his watch. Valentina looked down at his feet and as expected, he was tapping his right foot on the stone floor irritably.

Valentina knew exactly what was going through his head because she knew he rarely exercise patience. She reflected on her dinner at Vladonov Castle and remembered how the waiters were punctual and synchronised in their job.

Calm yourself, Valentina, she told herself, you are queen and only you decide what is and isn’t late. In fact, you are on time and everyone else is just… early. Smugly, she turned off the engine and took her time getting out of the car. Taking a deep breath, she opened the door and came out elegantly and seductively. She knew she was doing a good job at it because the footman stopped and admired her as she walked up the stairs, swigging her hips and locking the car.

She nearly laughed when she noted Lucius’ eyes turning dark with a deep want and knew that he was no longer pissed off. The crowd at the top of the stairs were silent as they watched her and when she reached the landing, she just walked straight pass them. Fiona walked up to her and bowed. When the woman looked up, Valentina saw a knowing smirk. “If you would follow me, my queen”, said Fiona and Valentina nodded for her to lead the way.

Feeling a bit hungry, she grabbed an apple from a passing servant and followed Fiona. As she progressed deeper into Lucius’ gothic castle, which was decorated in black and silver (his colour), she heard footsteps on marble and knew the crowd was following her or watching her backside swing from side to side. A deep sigh sounded from Valentina’s left and she knew that it belonged to Lucius.

“You are late”, he said quietly. “Pray tell what kept you?”

“I had more demanding things to deal with than a mere meeting”, replied Valentina casually and then took a bite from her apple. “And good morning to you too.”

They walked in silence, while Lucius checked her out. Valentina wanted to smile gleefully but caught herself. Remember that you hate him and do not want to marry him, she reminded herself again.