The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

Alekzander of Russia

Valentina looked into Alek’s blue eyes and smiled. She was gifted with a grin and a look that told her that its owner wanted more.

“You are beautiful, my princess” commented Alek as he waltzed her around dancing couples. “You are dashing tonight, Alek, but I do hope you stay that way. Vladonov looks murderous”, joked Valentina as she glanced at her brooding betrothed.

“Bring it on”, laughed Alek. “You know that duelling with a Vladonov is nothing. Actually, I think I can do it while knitting you some gloves”.

“Of course, my domestic goddess”, laughed Valentina but then grew serious as she continued, “I suggest that you don’t. We haven’t even studied his skills on the battlefield yet. We don’t know whether he value strength or agility”.

“As you wish my lady” said Alek and he playfully nipped on Valentina’s ear. It was this action that caused Lucius to fasten his movement towards the princess.

“Great, here comes Lucius”, sighed Valentina. Turning to Alek, she sternly said, “You obviously want to be assassinated by a Vladonov”.

“Well, I haven’t had a single rebel for the past year”, reflected Alek. “This could be a nice break from obese Mafia vampires trying to oppose my rule. God, I miss the raids and the hunt”.

“Me too”, said Valentina as she and Alek shared a secret smile.

“May I interrupt?” announced Lucius. “A waltz with my betrothed?”

At this, Alek rolled his eyes and at Valentina's persuasion, he transferred her hand into Lucius waiting ones and stalked off to Nathaniel and Vanessa.

“Interesting person is he not?” asked Lucius, as he pulled Valentina into a waltz. When Valentina did not respond, he continued impatiently, “Where have you been these past few years? I thought your elders would allow our first meeting to be earlier than this.”

“I’m sure my absence was not missed by you, especially with many admirers that throw themselves at you, allowing you to whore yourself”, said Valentina coldly. This angered Lucius  but he pulled himself together as she looked away from him.

“You do know about the betrothal decree, yes? That you cannot remove yourself from it,” sighing annoyingly at Lucius’ persistence to own her kingdom through marriage, Valentina ignored him. “Tell me that you’re not with that peacock because if you are, I recommend that you end it tonight”.

Valentina turned and gave Lucius her coldest look. How dare he try to take over her future like this even when they are not married? Alek, a peacock? He spent most of his existence so far strengthening his rule and destroying his enemies. It was at the glorious moment for Valentina that Alek shove his way between Lucius and Valentina and resumed their waltz.

“So what did he say?” questioned Alek. “Were you two swapping cooking recipes?”

“No, it was business-like”, answered Valentina sadly. “He wanted me to end our relationship and he called you a peacock! Of all animals, he chose the vane and harmless one!"

"Well, I will admit that Lucius is not blind to my devastating good looks", joked Alek, which made Valentina laugh. Soberly, Valentina pleaded to Alek, "Please don’t leave my side tonight”.

“As you wish”, said Alek as he kissed her forehead. As they danced, they ignored Lucius eyeing them in the background as he danced with the lady of this and the lady of that. When the waltz end, Alek signalled to the conductor to delay his next number and announced to the room, “I would like to congratulate Princess Valentina on her debut and solemnly asked that she accept my gift from amongst my ancestors’ royal jewels, which I have selected”.

At this the crowd gasped and turning to Valentina, Alek said, “My lady, accept this necklace, as a token of my affection and admiration”.  A Russian royal guard walked towards Alek with a velvet blue jewellery box in hand. Once it was transferred to Alek, he opened the box and gently lifted a necklace encrusted with many diamonds from the box. Spinning Valentina around, he secured the necklace around her neck and noted her smooth slender neck. How he was going to resist her was still problematic to Alek.

The crowd clapped and dancing resumed. Looking over to Lucius, Alek noted murder in his eyes and an aim to take action as soon as possible. “Yep, my dear, you are definitely suicidal tonight”, commented Valentina of which Alek laughed and pulled the princess towards the garden. “Come, my love, shall we 'explore' your new garden?”

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Alek ====>