The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

I will be Queen

“… and they shared a kiss that promised love, hope and a future worth dying a hundred deaths. The End”, Vera finished her book and sighed blissfully.

“The question everyone should be asking is: why was the girl in trouble initially”, said Valentina, as she adjusted her leather gloves in the full length mirror.

Rolling her eyes at her best friend, Vera finally admitted, “Fine Valentina! The girl was stupid, dependent and naïve. Satisfied?”

Valentina smirked and resumed back to adjusting her crown. Vanessa, who was sitting on a chaise and reading her magazine, smiled at her sister and her obsession with impossibly romantic tales. She dearly hoped that Vera will not expect such romance in the vampire world. She didn’t have to worry about Valentina, who was rational, realistic and too much of an adult for a 17 year old.

 Frowning sadly at the princess, she pitied her and the destiny that she will have to suffer. She wished that Valentina could freely pick her mate and not be forced to marry Lucius. Realistically, if they were to war with the Vladonov, it will be a long, devastating war. The resources will diminsh and the kingdom will turn on their princess. Valentina knew this but did not want to voice it out.

Feeling Vanessa’s eyes, Valentina looked at her in the mirror and gave her a sisterly smile. “You didn’t have to delay your trip with Nate because the meeting with the Vladonovs in today. Me and Vera can take care of it”, Valentina reassured. Vera gave her sister a pointed look to emphasize the reassurance.

Despite this, Vanessa didn’t feel right to leave with Nate on their trip to Monte Carlo. “No, it’s fine. Besides, more than ten Vladonovs under one roof in a week is not just uncomfortable. One should always be cautious”.

At the mention of the Vladonovs, Vera sighed heavily and crossed her arms. “Valentina, I’ve said this once and I’ll say it again: if they want war because you choose to not marry Lucius, then give it to them. Why are you and Alek waiting and letting the dogs take control?”

“It is because we are equally matched. I don’t know his skills or military prowess nor does he know mine”, explained Valentina. “We have a 50-50 chance and I don’t like it. The war will be long. If it was 40-60, then I will certainly start the war”.

“You have alliances, Valentina, such as the Russian army and the French”, emphasized Vera, “use them!”

“And you don’t think the Vladonovs have some too? I can only guess, and I’m not going to bet on it, that he has alliances south of Russia. I just don’t know”, exhaled Valentina. “Military wise, they are very secretive. Socially…no”

“We can check out his soldiers…” suggested Vera, at which Valentina shook her head.

“I’ve been watching them since the first day the palace started the renovation. His soldiers are widely skilled. I can’t really give them an absolute label. How Lucius uses them is what we need to find out”. Defeated, Valentina said, “And while I was watching, not once did he stepped out to train with the soldiers”.

“Then what do we do?” asked Vera.

“What we do is wait”. At this suggestion, Vera angrily groaned but silenced herself when Valentina raised her hand. “We shall wait and observe. Marriage will not be on the agenda until I’m eighteen, which is around a year away. During this time, we shall make plans and I shall be queen”.

“With Valentina as queen”, interrupted Vanessa, “she will have absolute power. She has better chances of winning against the Vladonovs as a queen then she does as a princess”. Looking as her sister seriously, persuading her to understand, Vanessa continued, “We will not start a war now. We will wait 8 months for the vote of confidence that will make Valentina queen. Till then, Valentina will have to prove her worth and ruthlessness for her crown”.  

Falling back onto the leather chair, Vera sulked, “I would rather be staked than serve under a Vladonov. I hate them and their stupid, pathetic king and his cousins”.

With that, Vanessa moved back to the chaise and reflected, “I know, sister, I know”.