The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

Riding into Devil's Route

Riding into Devil’s Route, with its slippery grounds and darkness, Valentina and Titan felt…well, free. Adrenaline was rising the deeper she rode through. Upon hearing another thumping of horse hooves, she knew Lucius was behind, determined to share in the glory of killing the stag king. So she nudged Titan to go faster. The horse behind her neighed and she knew, he too was trying to do the same but it protested at the slippery surface, and the sinister atmosphere of Devil’s Route. The horse was not trained to brave through obstacles like her Titan, Vladius’ Wrath, Elizabetha’s Medusa or Vera’s Dread.

“Valentina Dragomir!” shouted Lucius. As she rode faster, she smirked at his outburst. So now he was treating her like a child who was in trouble and not a fiancée? However, that didn’t matter because the atmosphere changed. She could feel it. The smell of moisture and sweat from animals running north east of her became concentrated as she rode further north. When she knew that Lucius was five minutes behind her and that the herd, lead by the stag king, was due east, she jumped off of Titan and persuaded him to run at full speed through Devil’s Route; she knew he would come back. Titan was not afraid because they have gone through this way before; starting when she was 12 and highly curious. Needless to say, Titan was not happy with her afterwards when they came out of the woods hungry and thirsty 3 hours later.

Climbing up a tree to hide behind its dense coverings, she pulled out her bow and arrow and readied. The herd was 3 minutes away while her fiancée would round the corner any second, which he did. Valentina held her breath as Lucius, angry and frustrated, rode through on his jittery horse. He let out a growl and muttered, “Honestly, when I get my hands on her…” Valentina smirked. 3 minutes passed when she heard none of Lucius’ presences but that of thumping of delicate hooves. Looking through the leaves, she readied her arrow and there right in front of the herd, regal and old, with his young strong heir next to him was the stag king. Valentina released her arrow.

Lucius, sweating and frustrated at his scared horse, rounded a corner and was surprised to see Titan, masterless, going the opposite way. He tried to reach out for the horse but it avoided his arms easily. Roughly nudging his ride to turn around, he followed Titan. Finally, he heard the slowing of horse hooves in front of him and looked ahead to see Valentina kneeling next to a body; the deceased stag king. The animal was regal even in death. Lucius could almost see the determination of a leader in its lifeless eyes.

“You took your time”, Valentina said as she got up, removed her gear and tied it to Titan’s back. Lucius grimaced and rubbed away the sweat that trailed down his forehead. At that second, the hunting party came out from the woods with Vladius at the lead. The Vladonovs were astounded at the site in front of them, and the Dragomirs were pleased. “Very good daughter”, clapped Vladius and he nodded at a few servants to take the stag king’s body with a gold arrow in its head whole and back to camp.

 Valentina scowled at the large black and silver tent that Lucius had his servant set up as she walked alongside him into it. Initially, she commanded the party to feast before her because she wanted to make sure that Titan was well-fed and also to avoid Lucius. But he stood back with her and fed and brushed down his own ride. When she went to get a bucket of water from the river for Titan, he insisted, “No, allow me My Love”. No, allow me to push you to your death, she thought as she watched him cautiously.

As she stepped into the tent, Valentina was met by applause and bows from elders and soldiers. Some congratulated her on her kill while others were still marvelling at the princess already ruthless and cunning at 17. She sat on her throne, and then grimaced when she realised it was strategically placed next to Lucius’. Sitting himself down, Lucius handed her a cup of mead and a plate of meat and bread. Valentina took it without any acknowledgement, because she still did not appreciate his interruptions.

She knew that Lucius had Alek followed all the way to his private jet. Alek was not a vampire to easily miss emotionless guards in black Jeeps. In fact, Alek called her this morning to warn her about Lucius’ new approach to watching the couple and also to wish her luck, which he thought she didn’t need. During the feasting, Valentina felt her iPhone vibrate but Lucius did not sense it. Letting out a breath of relief, she waited until Lucius was preoccupied with his food before she checked her phone at her side.

From: Alek

In Russia now. Miss u so much. Hope the hunt went well. I have a raid tonight so will call tomorrow morning. Fucking vamps! Going to play with Nate and Isaac in Barcelona…be there? Love you and remember to think of me tonight. P.s. Kick Lucius in the balls after.

 Smiling, Valentina put her phone away and returned back to the view in front of her only to find Lucius watching her. “So you have a phone”, said Lucius and then he pulled out his Vertu. “Let’s exchange numbers”.

“There is no need”, replied Valentina. “Just call the palace and the servants will take a message. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible”. Lucius frowned and firmly said, “I would like to speak directly to you, My Love”. When Valentina casually asked why, he replied as he moved closer to her, “Well, I want to be first thing you hear in the morning and the last at night”. He wanted to replace her clocks?

“It is fine, My Lord”, said Valentina. “The role has already been filled”.

“By the Tsar no doubt” Lucius spat at Alek’s title.

Valentina hissed at him for his rudeness and coldly said, “Well, at least I don’t have to say it out loud”. They both glared at each other before turning away to seethe.  However, Valentina’s displeasure didn’t last long as a voice called out, “…And my greatest student never fails to amuse me”.