Robin closes the showroom door, sighs and leans on it. "Absolutely fab! The show couldn't have gone any better."
Both Robin and Stefan work hard to keep Elizabeth's spirits up this day. After last weeks news about Ia Drang she has been very anxious for Nikolas. "You do beautiful work Elizabeth," Stefan chimes in, looking at the painting she had painted of him. This painting was labeled not for sale. "I thank you very much for this gift. I shall appreciate it always."
"I had excellent subject matter for that one. How many paintings did you end up buying for Nikolas?"
"Only the one my dear," he replies nodding towards a painting of The Bohemian.
Looking slightly shell shocked Elizabeth asks Robin, "Every painting sold?"
"That's right princess, every painting sold. One woman purchased three of them before the show even started. I couldn't keep her out of the showroom. I've got some of the good stuff in back if you want to join P and me for a little victory celebration."
"It's been a long day, thank you but I think Stefan and I should start back. I'll have to tell Alfred all about the show before I go to bed."
Robin kisses Elizabeth goodbye, "I knew you were mint the first moment I saw you. Night."
"Do you regret renting out the Monterey house?" Stefan asks as they head out of town in Liberty.
"No, it was the right thing to do, well, that or sell it. There are so many military families in need of places to stay. I can't believe every painting sold and someone bought three of them. I want to write Nikolas as soon as we get home."
"You seem surprised at your success. Robin has never had a problem selling your paintings at the store."
"Those were one offs, this was twenty-five paintings all at once and some sold for over $75. They usually sell for $10 to $20. I shall call Ruby tomorrow and tell her that if she needs extra money she can start charging $50 a painting. Emily will gloat, she always said Ruby would become a millionaires off my paintings."
"Enjoy tonight, you deserve it. I know Nikolas would be very proud. Look in the glove box my dear, there is a letter in there for you."
Elizabeth opens the glove box and finds an envelope addressed by Nikolas. "Where did this come from?"
"He gave it to me before he left. He wanted you to have it tonight, after the show."
Unable to wait she opens it.
[i]Elizabeth,
I hope Uncle chose well, the painting he purchased as it is the only one we get to keep at our home. Congratulations on your successful show. They'll be hanging Webbers in museum's before I return. Know that I am thinking of you and are with you in spirit.
Love,
Nikolas[/i]
Looking up at the star filled night Elizabeth silently sends her love to Nikolas. "You raised a good man Stefan."
"He gets his kindness from his mother's side of the family."
"That's not true, you are a very kind man."
"I am a correct man, well trained in courtesy. I am not always kind."
"Well I don't believe you because for that to be true you would have to be an Oscar worthy actor. You've been putting on a good show these past months. You forget I live with you. No one is correct all the time."
Arriving at The Bohemian they see an unfamiliar town car parked near the house. A gorgeous but menacing man stands sentinel. Stefan swears under his breath as he parks Liberty next to the car. The man clicks his heels and bows to both Stefan and Elizabeth before opening her door and assisting her out of the car. "Your highness" he says.
As they walk toward the house Elizabeth asks Stefan, "What's that about?"
"Stand proud and remember Nikolas loves you. You are about to meet my mother, Her Highness Princess Helena Cassadine."
Alfred greets them and ushers them into the living room where the fire is drawn and tea is being served. "Excellent my wayward son and my grandson's new bride. It's about time you both returned, I was getting fatigued with waiting. Come my dear boy, aren't you going to kiss your mother hello."
Stefan walks towards the regal woman and gives her a very perfunctory kiss on the cheek. "Hello mother, as gracious as ever I see. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"
"I thought it was high time I met the new Cassadine. Really my dear, how could you allow Nikolas's bride to parade her wares in a common seaside shop?"
"Excuse me," Elizabeth interjects.
"Oh my dear, don't get me wrong I was prepared to dislike your work but you do have talent. You must or I wouldn't have purchased three. The painting you did of Stefan was a bit indulgent and sentimental but I like your style. I purchased one painting for each of my estates; they are sound investments."
"Thank you."
"I see you are not expecting. What a pity, Nikolas didn't provide us with an heir before going off to that ridiculous war."
"Mother," Stefan snaps putting a supporting hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. "That is quit enough."
"I am not disparaging his calling to the military, the Cassadines have a long and proud military history, just his obsession with this silly country. Greece has need of her best warriors now. He should be home fighting for Constantine."
Alfred enters the room at this time, clearing his throat he interrupts. "I'm sorry to interrupt madame but there are some gentlemen here to see Miss Elizabeth."
Elizabeth's heart crashes as she sees a uniformed officer and the Greek Orthodox priest enter the room. "No," she murmurs. "No this can't be." Elizabeth collapses into the nearest chair. Stefan moves behind her, placing both hands on her shoulders.
"What is the meaning of this interruption?" Helena imperially demands.
"Lieutenant Cassadine's unit was involved in an important battle today. They saved many lives. Several of the group are missing, unfortunately there were five casualties. I regret to tell you Mrs. Cassadine that we recovered your husband's body just a few hours ago. He was killed in action protecting his men."
Elizabeth can only stare down at the letter, crushed tightly in her hands.
****************
History Notes: After the Battle of Ia Drang in mid November of 1965 the army wasn't prepared to make casualty announcements. Julia Compton Moore, wife of Hal Moore lobbied for a more humane method, the army quickly made a change from sending telegrams.
King Constantine of Greece ruled 1964-1967, lives in political exile in England now.