Chapter 6

Elizabeth is silent as Nikolas moves her around the dance floor to Once In A Lifetime. He tries to get her to speak to him.

"Remember the first time we danced?"

She can't help but remember it, she finds herself leaning into him at the happy memories. Then she remembers the first time he gave her a corsage, a far less deadly one. She stiffens and moves back from him.

She asks, "Can we talk?"

Nikolas knows what she's really asking. "Not now. I think what we have to talk about should be done in private."

She looks disappointed and asks, "What can we talk about than... chess?"

He puts his forehead to hers. "Now there's a safe topic. Are you and I reduced to polite conversation only? Small talk?"

She answers him impatiently, "Oh I'll talk about anything, you're the one restricting the conversation."

"Okay, we'll talk about chess." He looks up and sees Alexis and Mac at the ballroom entryway. Nikolas turns his attention back to Elizabeth,."Shall we start with castling?"

She gives him the look.

"Right. Castling is a move that makes the king safer and places the rook into a more active part of the board, center stage if you will."

"When would one castle?"

"Early in the game is best but you can do it at anytime as long as the king and rook haven't been moved from their original position. For instance, I am in the midst of a game where I am about to perform a long castle at the end."

Elizabeth releases an exhale, one she hadn't known she was holding. She relaxes knowing the drama won't happen until after the dance. Feeling lighter she changes the subject. "Enough about chess, if we can't talk about anything real the least you could do is entertain me."

His eyes light up and he smiles at her. "Oh you find me entertaining. Good that means you [i]can[/i] enjoy my company. We've come a long way."

The song ends and Nikolas escorts her to the edge of the ballroom near Alexis and Mac.

"Hello Nikolas dear. Elizabeth it's good to see you out and about," Alexis says in greeting. "I'm sorry I couldn't be here for dinner. Please tell me someone poisoned Helena over dessert."

Nikolas says, "No, no, not over dessert."

"I saw Sam earlier, she sends her regrets too."

"I understand. She and Spinelli have to take every case they get. That's the bad part about running you're own business."

Mac interrupts, "Excuse me Nikolas, but I want to steal your aunt away for a dance."

"Absolutely," Nikolas says. "Be my guest, enjoy the party."

"Just one dance Mac. I need to talk to Tracy about the ELQ contract she gave me to review this morning."

"The contract can wait until later or tomorrow even. Tonight let's just have fun."

Elizabeth looks up at Nikolas searchingly, trying to deduce if Sam is one of Nikolas' pawns. "Sam has a new case? I hope it isn't as dangerous as her last case."

"She told me a little about it, I don't think so. At least it shouldn't be, she only has a small part to play. I'm sorry Elizabeth, as host I need to check on my guests, even if I would rather spend the entire evening with you. Would you do me a favor?"

"Of course," Elizabeth says fiddling with the band of her corsage.

"Be careful there are pins in that. I wouldn't want you to be hurt," Nikolas says putting his hand on top of hers. His finger plays along her wrist. She follows his finger with her eyes and watches as he tucks a little white pill under the band. "Try to get Luke onto the dance floor. I don't want him spending all night playing cards and losing the Haunted Star. I still have a vested interest in that venture. He'll at least consider it if you ask."

"And where will you be while I'm smothering to death in cigar smoke?"

"Trying to get Patrick to allow me a dance with Robin."

"Interfering in their troubled marriage?"

"No, just wanting to dance with an old friend before a bunch of duty dances."

"Hosting a party doesn't seem to be easy or fun."

"I'll get an opportunity to sneak into the game room at some point. It wouldn't be a Cassadine event if I didn't lose money to a few key players."

Elizabeth shakes her head at him, "Bribery."

"No, just good business."

"You'd better hope Mac doesn't go into that room. Last I checked gambling is still illegal in New York."

"Alexis will keep him occupied elsewhere."

Elizabeth hears Robin yelling at Patrick. "You should go and stop Robin's scene."

"I will, you stop Luke from playing too deep. I wouldn't want him to risk more than the Haunted Star."