The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

Turned

Lucius in his traditional kingly outfit ====>

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It was Lucius’ birthday and also the day of the hunt and ball. Since she discovered Margaret in Lucius’ room and heard their argument, she hadn’t seen her fiancée nor heard from him. Valentina didn’t call him because she felt embarrassed for calling him names that he didn’t deserve and offending him by suggesting that he was unlike his father.

It was morning and Valentina was waiting for a note from Lucius saying that she was no longer invited.

“Why don’t you just text him?” suggested Vera, who have heard about what had happened and didn’t really enjoy seeing her queen sad for the past 3 silent days. “I’m sure he will respond.”

“He had 3 days to say something to me”, muttered Valentina, who was looking towards Vladonov Castle with longing. For the past 3 days, Valentina had watched the castle become grander and grander with black flags fluttering on each tower and torches turned on every night. Without anyone’s knowledge, she had sent men to spy on Lucius and so far, the reports were that he was unusually busy going to meetings that she wasn’t invited to and visiting his military sites.

She angered when Margaret was reported to be there, hovering in the elite crowd but never with Lucius. Why hasn’t he said anything? Has he decided to end the marriage after all?

Valentina saddened because marriage to Lucius Vladonov seen to look exciting and it was the only thing she knew was going to happen until now. Suddenly, a knock sounded at her door and Elizabetha, Anastasia and Fiona fluttered in happily with servants carrying many boxes.

“My ladies”, bowed Vera but she soon straightened to make a beeline to the boxes. Within seconds, Valentina heard Vera shouted with glee and excitement. “Oh my gosh, Val, you have to see this! It is the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Where did he get it?”

Upon realising that Valentina was still in her night gown, Elizabetha frowned and pulled her daughter inside to look at the boxes. “Young lady, you may be queen but it doesn’t mean you can be late to the hunt. Why look at what arrived this morning? They are from Lucius.”

Elizabetha pointed to the opened black boxes and Valentina was in awe. There in front of her were clothes for the hunt and ball. The dress for the hunt was similar to the design that Madam Marion wore once but it was extravagant in the finest black velvet and silver lining; Lucius’ colour. “It is the Vladonov’s traditional hunt dress. The design has been this way since the 15th century. Lucius is having those traditional hunts with the bows and arrows”, Elizabetha said gleefully.

Valentina saw the feathered hat and jewelleries that came with it and itched to brush her hand over the smooth feathers.

“Oh fuck! Look at this, Val”, shouted Vera and she lifted up a black velvet dress for the ball. “And it comes with these.” Vera pointed to the opened jewellery boxes to reveal a large emerald and diamond crown with matching necklaces, earrings and bracelets.

“Don’t forget these”, added Fiona who held up strapped shoes that was covered in diamonds and a diamond and emerald covered mask with black ribbons.

“He’s so thoughtful”, beamed Anastasia as she fingered the gown. “I didn’t think he was the type to think of these things…he reminds me too much of Vladius to do such things. No offense sister.”

“Then you don’t know Vladius that well”, Elizabetha said with a smirk before dismissing the servants.

“Is there a note?” Valentina asked before the four women shook their head, confused at her question. Disappointed, Valentina dropped to her bed and sighed sadly. She wanted some form of communication from Lucius. She would rather a note from him than the extravagant gifts.