The Dragomir Heir (Watty Award)

Rog the Fraud

Derrick stepped forward and watched as Lucius’ expression merged from suspicious to utter surprise. Derrick smirked at this and took his place next to Valentina so that the Vladonov could see the similarities.

“You were reported dead. Thrown from the window”, stated Lucius. “Are your sisters and brothers alive too?”

“No…it is only me, my adopted parents Radius and Anastasia, Valentina and her adopted parents”, replied Derrick sadly. He still pained when he thought about his siblings. His eldest sister Isabella was 17 and was to be engage while his brother Seth, 19, was a skilled soldier in Lucian’s army and was about to be promoted to field commander.

 “This is going to be…big”, concluded Lucius, shocked and he fell back to sit on the bench.

“I know Lucius…but it is evidence that Rog is a fraud”, said Valentina gently and she stroked his shoulder to soothe him. Lucius smiled up at her and held her hand. He breathed out a sigh of relief when she did not release his.

After a while, Lucius seemed to sober and he turned to Derrick again, “You said something about Rog?”

Derrick suddenly realised why he was out in the garden again and reported, “Rog has sent a message to announce his arrival in 2 days. Rumours from the south has said that he means to propose to you dear cousin. I think he would like to combine the two kingdoms”.

“Doesn’t he realise that I am engaged to Lucius?” asked Valentina. “It is quite offensive”.

“It is also an act of war”, added Lucius and then staring blankly at the fountain in deep thought, he continued, “Unless he believes he can take me on…”

“Or maybe he is as delusional as Alekzander…” said Derrick, which made Valentina frown. At this, Lucius immediately turned to Derrick and with a grin, he said smugly, “An enemy of Alekzander is also a friend of mine. No, Rog is not that stupid…he will have allies”.

“Allies who will suffer if they side with Rog”, said Valentina menacingly. “I have been preparing my armies since Christmas… we are ready for the confrontation”.

Derrick watched as Lucius beamed and admired his cousin. He could see the love and longing in the king’s eyes fringed by sadness. Derrick smirked to himself knowing what Lucius went through at the hands of his cousin. If a girl had locked him in a back room of a club, he wouldn’t pursuit her affection or love. He instantly felt sorry for Lucius but the king still must prove himself first. The worst thing that could happen to his cousin is that she marries for lust and not love or companionship. Lust dies horribly and eternity will only draw out disrespect and betrayal from such a union.

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“I think those alliances will not fight if they know that you’re my fiancée”, said Lucius. Valentina knew Lucius wasn’t being arrogant. It was a fact that Lucius has fought and won many wars against many rebels or challengers from the south trying to occupy his official land. Lucius is feared by all across the world. Every vampire knows his wrath and those who try to disobey him are usually 'taken care of'. 

When she was 15 years old, a large group of rogue vampires was trying to overtake her ruined palace and the land it presided on. They attacked vampires from the Dragomir kingdom without reason besides the fact that they can.

That day, Valentina was in her law lecture and had just received a message from Vladius about the attack. She walked out of Cambridge University and was flying over to Romania in her jet within minutes. When she landed at the airport, she received news that Lucius, her betrothed, had gathered his army and slaughtered the rogues. Since then, none has attempted to test the Dragomirs for fear of Lucius’ wrath. Her admiration for Lucius grew then and she began to like him from a far. But this was before she sent Vera and Vanessa to spy on him.