The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

The Villa in Amalfi Coast

Sitting in Lucius’ jet, Valentina questioned him about her gift.

“It is a dog?” she joked.

“No, I could’ve given you that in Russia but the animal might freeze to death. So it would’ve been a corpse instead”.

“Diamonds…?”

“Isn’t your engagement ring enough?” countered Lucius smiling.

“Your kingdom?”

“You will get that when we marry, obviously”, smirked Lucius. “Patience, my love, you will see it soon”.

The jet landed at Pontecagnano Airport where a black Mercedes-Benz waited. Suspicious as to where they were going, Valentina made a grab for her suitcase, which was not where she left it. Instead, she found Lucius pulling it towards the car along with his own. Running up to him, she said, “I’m not so fragile that I can’t carry my own belongings” but of course, Lucius never listens when he is being the gentleman.

Sitting in the car, Valentina looked out the window and admired the coastal view. It was blue and so carefree. Valentina couldn’t think of anything better to describe it but she felt relaxed and at peace. Besides holidaying for a few days here after receiving her present, she has an agenda and she is not ready to fulfil it yet. Vladius’ signal back in Russia was constantly reminding her of the fact that after Christmas, the ball will start rolling. An hour later, they arrived at the Amalfi Coast. Following Lucius as he got out of the car, she noticed that they were in front of a beautiful villa with ancient stones and well-tended gardens. The villa looked like it had an ocean view and perhaps a boat in the boat house.

“I hope you like your present”, Lucius said pointing to the villa and smirkied at Valentina’s surprised face.

“Wait…the whole villa?” asked Valentina curiously.

“Of course…were you expecting a piece of the wall?” joked Lucius. “Well I do expect that we holiday here TOGETHER …with our children”. He said the last bit nervously. “I thought it would be a nice break away from the confines of the palace where spies are many. I bought this two years ago and only since your return that I started renovating the place”.

Valentina smiled pleasantly and made her way towards the villa, leaving Lucius to carry the suitcases. Lucius showed her to her recently refurnished room while his suite was right next door. He then gave her a tour of the villa. Upon arriving at the spacious kitchen, Valentina was introduced to an old woman who was their cook.

“She’s mortal”, said Valentina in Romanian.

“I know”, responded Lucius. “She knows that we are vampires…well, I am, you, soon to be. I’ve known her since I was young…Father rescued her family from the Mafia and she has since been grateful”.

“Your Highness”, the cook greeted while she bowed. “I am Maria. I am humble to be in the presence of Lucius’ fiancée. If you have any request at all, please just ask”.

“Thank you Maria…if you need one of us to come with you anywhere, please don’t hesitate”, stressed Valentina as she eyed the old woman who had a certain strength but not enough to fight off big men and their weapons. However, Maria only brushed her offer aside and told her that this area was relatively safe.

Lucius watched the admiration for the house and possibly for the future with him grow in Valentina’s eyes. She continued to smile at him even at dinner while eating her pasta.

“Thank you so much”, she said for the hundredth time, which didn’t tire Lucius at all. “This place is beautiful. Yes, it is a great place to raise children”. Realising what she just said, Valentina concentrated on her food but Lucius noticed the blush. His heart leaped at her discomfort. After dinner, Lucius went to get a bottle of wine from the cellar while Valentina cleaned up their supper.