The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

The Council

Lucius and Dante were shown into the Dragomir official state room, where all businesses and official meetings were conducted. His cousins and uncles were already there; keen to get the betrothal decree renewed. They were early, of course, and stood in circles conversing. Lucius and Dante were slightly more exhausted than the others as they spent their late hours trying to understand how Valentina speared her victims so easily with her stake.

After being hit countless of times by the wood stakes Lucius threw, Dante was never met by the sharp tips. The stakes would flip slightly. Initially, Lucius thought he was not holding them right and tried countless of times again but never got the tip to face the victims. Dante suggested that it might be due to the material of the stake, and hypothesized that a platinum stake worked better. So they woke the official blacksmith and told him of their task. The vampire only shook his head and apologised that it can’t be done.

When Lucius questioned him, the smith said, “In my existence, I’ve only known of one family to have platinum stakes: The Dragomirs. They have the secret and it is passed down from heir to heir. Did you know that the late King Lucian and Regent King Vladius constructed Princess Valentina’s stake? What a beautiful piece of work! If it was that easy, we would all have metal stakes, Milord. I suggest that you wait until you marry your queen”.

By the large fire sat Elizabetha, who were embroiding the Dragomir emblem, which consist of a large red dragon in flight on white cloth: a handkerchief for Valentina. Lucius felt that he should start conversing with his future-in-laws to establish a peaceful ground and approached Elizabetha.

“Good morning, my lady.”

Elizabetha lifted her blue eyes and immediately, she reminded him of Valentina’s beauty. Lucius suddenly understand why Uncle Flavius remained bitter at Vladius and Elizabetha. Elizabetha was initially betrothed to Flavius but her father changed his mind when a great warrior and prince arrived; Vladius. From their marriage, Vladius inherited Elizabetha’s large land and army.

“Good morning, my lord”, responded Elizabetha and resumed back to her embroidery. Embarrassed, Lucius turned to examine the long table that will be used for the meeting. One end, with the black throne and fur, was for Lucius. On the other side, the throne was gold with red velvet cushions and a golden bear fur tossed across it. Valentina’s side also had an attached red-feathered quill and small elegant ink jars. As Lucius moved closer towards the red oak table, there was a large depression to the left of the quill.

As the start of the meeting neared, the elders, Lucius and Vladius moved to stand behind their seat at the table while his cousins, Elizabetha, Anna and Madam Marion sat on the sides. At ten, the double doors opened and Valentina walked in smartly, followed by the Baniski twins and two guards. Lucius noted Valentina’s tempting figure in her short leather dress and heels. Her forearms were covered by long black leather gloves with a simple signet ring on her right hand. She had her black wavy hair out with a simple gold crown on her head. She was absolutely divine. She was the epitome of power, beauty and fear. Very queenly indeed.

As Valentina walked to her throne, Lucius made a move to pull out her seat but stopped when one of the guards did it instead. Before sitting herself down, Valentina pulled out her blood-stained platinum stake, which made some elders gasp and casually stabbed it down in the depression.

“First meeting in June in Dragomir Palace”, announced Valentina. “You may be seated”. Consulting her notes, she continued, “First issue on the agenda…”

“We must start with the main priority”, interrupted Julius. Lucius scowled at his uncle for his rudeness.

With a sardonic grin, Valentina said, “Of course Lord Julius, you are absolutely right”. Then she turned to address Lord Alexandru, “My Lord, I trust you got the conditions to the trade agreement and are satisfied?”