The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

Dinner with the Vladonovs

Hence, that was how their relationship at the very beginning of their engagement proceeded: as friends not courting couples. Lucius did not like it and hated watching Valentina admire Alek with too much awe than was necessary. He was lucky that Valentina invited him and Dante to watch Alek, Nathaniel and Isaac play soccer against Barcelona two weeks later.

The Vladonovs had become friendly with the Dimitus cousins to the point of exchanging casual jokes. However, the same could not be said with the Romanov, who eyed Lucius with hate and suspicion when they were in the same room. It didn’t bother Lucius much. What was the point in establishing a friendly relationship when it will break down after Lucius’ marriage?

Lucius sat next to Valentina at the stand of the stadium watching the match, and sharing a large packet of chips with her. Dante, next to him, was not paying attention to the game as he chatted with Vera. Their relationship has gotten better or so the absence of a black eye told him.

Now watching Alek juggle the soccer ball, Lucius noted how the Russian refused to pass it to Nathaniel, the other mid-fielder even though the chances of scoring was high. “Not one to share in the glory”, whispered Dante next to him. Turning to Valentina, Lucius saw her frown at Alek but applauded when he scored. So she did notice this tendency in Alek’s behaviour?

Happy with their friendly terms, Lucius didn’t voice out his comment. Instead, he asked, “There will be a family dinner at my castle next week, will you and your ladies be joining me? I would like that very much”.

Vanessa, who had just gotten engaged to Nate and has recently turned, smiled and said, “I’m sorry Lucius but I must return back to Dimitus Castle. I am to be tutored on the ways of Queens”.

“That is fine, Vanessa and once again, congratulations on your engagement. Might I suggest the Spain 1504 as the blood of choice?” Lucius said, which made Vanessa blush and admit that Dimitus Castle do not hold such prized refreshments. “Then I will send you and Nathaniel 25 crates full as your engagement present”.

“Thank you Lucius. It is very kind of you” At this, Valentina smiled at him and patted his arms in her way of ‘thanks’. Yes, progress, thought Lucius.

“Me and Vera will be at your dinner then” answered Valentina. They continue to watch the game with Lucius losing interest. He found it predictable; you just have to watch the muscle of the human player ripple to determine who will score or miss. But he indulged his fiancée anyways and continued to pretend to be animated.  

Arriving at the front of Castle Vladonov, Valentina and Vera were greeted by Lucius, in his dark navy suit, and Dante, in a grey one. Valentina happily accepted her fiancée’s arm and together they made their way to the grand dinner room. “I don’t have to say that you are beautiful tonight, do I?” joked Lucius, as he eyed her navy blue long halter dress. “Because you are”.

Smiling, Valentina accepted his compliments and his gesture as he pulled out her seat next to his at the head of the table. “Did Nate call you?” she asked. Upon receiving the gift from Lucius, Nate asked Valentina for his mobile number, which she gave under strict instructions.

“Yes, he did. I was glad that he was happy with the gift, which was nothing because I have around ten thousand bottles in my cellar. Grandfather LOVED it”, answered Lucius. Valentina was glad to have Lucius beside her throughout dinner because it made Madam Marion’s presences and that of her students tolerable.

“I noticed you’ve never been in one of my classes”, the Madam stated.

“A very observant eye you have”, said Valentina sarcastically. Vera looked up from her dessert and smirked. “My etiquette education was never as grand as yours, Madam”.