The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

The Unworthy

Standing outside on one of the towers, and watching the fireworks in the distance erupt and colour the sky with light, Valentina smirked and looked sideways at her grandfather and grandmother, who were also her adoptive father and mother, Regent King Vladius Constantine Dracul Dragomir and Regent Queen Elizabetha Carolina Sonia Dragomir. Yes, they were the original Dracula and bride. How that imbecile Bram Strokes could write of a great vampire and kill him off using petty human devices and of all vegetation, garlic, even a 700 year old vampire such as Vladius does not know.

In fact, when 10 year old Valentina questioned him about the book, he put the girl on his lap and said, “Humans are stupid”. At that answer, he got a stern look from Elizabetha, which made him sigh and gave Valentina a lengthy answer involving human psychology, Bram Stroke’s need for money and popularity, and a bit of inspiration from Vladius.

“Well, we are missing the support of one family,” remarked Vladius. “The Dragos”

“They have been showing signs of disloyalty towards us, Father,” responded Valentina. “I had Emilian and his six sons followed and they have been getting a bit friendly with the Vladonovs. It’s as if they think little of us”.

“They are probably trying to establish a stronger alliance with Lucius,” entered Elizabetha. “Perhaps they think that you will be his queen and hence, will have no power over them after the betrothal is fulfilled”.

“Clearly a mistake that could cost them their lives,” muttered Valentina and then grimaced at her mother. “Mother, please don’t mention the betrothal. I refuse to give my kingdom and power away to a playboy king. He is not worthy”. Since overseeing the reconstruction of her palace, Valentina and her right-hand women/best friends/ladies-in-waiting, the twin sisters, Vera and Vanessa Baniski have been spying on Vladonov members and their associates.

Valentina enlightened herself on the Vladonov’s political alignments and priorities while the twins gathered information on the members’ social background, and they obtained a lot of information. Apparently, gossiping is a common pastime amongst the Vladonovs.

“King Lucius Caesar Aramis Vladonov, 23 years old, black of hair, grey of eyes, he stands at 1.9 metres”, read Vera from her notes as she flicked her short red hair aside. “He is apparently ruthless with a certain elegance…”

“I knew posing as Lady Anna’s maids was a mistake”, remarked Vanessa. “The girl constantly talks about Lucius this and Lucius that, argh, and she called you a Dragomir scum. You were wise to make us do this together; I had to restrain Vera before she tried to stake the girl”. Vanessa smirked at her fiery younger sister, proud at the girl’s growing bravery. “We cross-referenced the gossips and found that he had relationships with a few females…”

“Relationships, which usually lasts a night; I believe they are called ‘one night stands’”, interrupted Vera. Stoic, Valentina nodded for Vera to continue.  “They range from the lowly kitchen maid in the Vladonov’s household to Princess Margaret of Brazil. He is apparently power hungry and have once announced to a few princes and lords at the Royal Romanian College, ‘please call me emperor because the future was written when father signed that betrothal decree with the Dragomir-’”.

“ENOUGH!” Valentina felt betrayed and locked in a future that she could not escape. Her betrothed will benefit from this marriage and what will become of her? After all her military training, political lessons and best education that money could buy, will she be brushed aside and not have a presence in the ruling of the two kingdoms? Absolutely

Turning back to look at both Vera and Vanessa, who looked at her with great pity, Valentina announced, “I will not go through with this sham of a betrothal. May the Vladonov be damned”.

“Can you do that Val?” asked Vanessa, always the cautious twin. “It is a solid decree and if you break it, war will be certain”.

“Chill sister”, Vera turned to her sister. “If it’s war that they want, then I’ll be happy to fight alongside you, Princess. Besides, I am very certain that Tsar Alekzander will ship all his Russian arms at your distress”, and with that last statement, Vera winked. Valentina blushed at this and was quiet for a moment; planning the next steps in her head.

After a while, Valentina said, “I’m also certain Alek will…” 

Coming back to the present, Valentina took her eyes away from the fireworks and looked towards the rattling of the outer golden gates of the palace. There, her mortal eyes could only allow her to see figures on horseback trying to pry the gates open. An impossible feat unless they have a wizard with them, who could open the magic lock.

“Ah… that was quick. The Vladonov king, his cousins and uncles are here”, said Vladius. “They must be keen to get this betrothal underway”.

A few seconds passed before Valentina heard two people come up to the tower. “The Vladonovs are at the gates, do you want it open?” asked Vanessa. “Or we could throw horse dung at them”, suggested Vera.

“No”, answered Valentina. “Let them wait until my official announcement in two weeks.

“I think this may be more of a challenge to you than simply news but amongst the Vladonov, Lucius is known as the best rider and hunter”, stated Vera.

At that Valentina grinned and announced, “Vera, get my horse ready for my night ride at 11:30 and the next day, I want you two to spread the word amongst the villagers about my late night activities”. 

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My vision of Valentina looks a bit like the actress on the side ===>

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