Chapter 25

Robin checked the vitals on her patient. BP, pulse, pulse ox, and temperature were all normal. Why wouldn't they be? The patient wasn't sick, they were just in a medically induced coma courtesy of Helena.

Robin should have known that Helena wouldn't let her go that easy. When Nikolas told her that he would talk Helena into agreeing not to harm Patrick, Robin had given into a weak moment and allowed herself to have a little hope for the future. But Helena still had one card left to play.

Flashback

"Dear Robin, I want to discuss your plans for the future." Helena was leading Robin to the one of the many entrances to the catacombs. "I know you want to leave here and take Emma and Mal, my great grandson, to go back to that Patrick. I am asking you to think about it before you do anything rash."

"Why should I?" Robin followed her into the catacombs, nervous but knowing what was at risk if she didn't. "I don't understand, why are you so intent on me marrying Nikolas?"

Helena smirked at her. "How do I explain this to you?" Helena took a moment and led Robin into a room. The room was full of furniture and she led Robin to a table and chairs in the corner. Helena took a seat and then gestured for Robin to join her.

As Robin sat down, Helena spoke. "My grandson has made some horrible decisions with the women in his life - Emily, Courtney, Liz, and, of course, that dreadful Britt. None of them have been worthy of him or the Cassadine name. But he always held a torch for you, Dr. Scorpio, always."

"I want to expand the Cassadine interests. Nikolas is free of scandal and that makes him the perfect person to do it. But he needs an appropriate mate to help him. Someone who is not just another pretty face but also brilliant, well rounded, a paragon of virtue and respected, someone that everyone trusts. You, my dear doctor, are all those things. Luckily for Nikolas, he also loves you very much. "

Robin was beginning to understand where Helena was going with this – Helena was hoping to remove some of the stain to the Cassadine name using her and Nikolas to do it. There were many companies that did not want to work with Cassadine Industries because of past dealings with the family but a new generation, especially two upstanding citizens like Robin and Nikolas, would open up many doors.

Robin tried to reason with her. "But I don't have to marry Nikolas, I could just work with him."

Helena gave Robin a condescending smile. "No, no – there are many social obligations that come with my plans and Nikolas needs you by his side personally and professionally. In addition, I want to give my grandson a gift. Your wedding dress is my version of a bow."

Robin shook her head, stood up and headed towards the door. "Well, I am returning your gift to where it belongs – with Patrick. We had a deal - I took your walk with you and listened to what you had to say. Now, I am going to go get our things packed and leave."

Helena's guards stepped in front of the door and stopped her. "Oh, but our walk is not over. This was just a short rest for a little conversation. Now please come with me." Helena walked over to the door and the guards moved to let her and Robin through it. She walked down the hallway to another door, stopped and turned around to face Robin.

"What you are about to see you will not tell anyone. My grandson has no idea what is going on down here and it will remain that way. Now, after I show you what is in this room I am sure that you will go to Nikolas and assure him that you want to marry him and build a life with him and the children. I suggest you offer to work from home."

Robin was scared. "Why would I do that?"

"Because I imagine you will want to stay close to home my dear. You have a special patient to take care of here." Helena smiled at Robin and opened the door. Robin stepped in and saw a familiar figure lying in the bed. She ran to his bedside.

"Daddy?"

End Flashback

Helena told her that after Victor's death, partially due to Robert's sending in of agents to assist Anna, she had spent months tracking down and then kidnapping Robert. She had originally planned on taking out her revenge on him but soon realized that he held much more value as leverage to get Robin to do what she wanted.

Robin had been allowed to cut the medication off that put him in this condition. If all went well, he would be awake by the wedding but he would remain a permanent guest of Helena's. Any action Robin took after the wedding would have a direct effect on Robert's care. If she did as she was told, Robert would be treated well and she would be allowed to visit him. If she didn't do as she was told, Helena would take it out on him and Robin would have to witness it.

One point Helena made very clear: if Robin didn't say I do, Robert would die.

Robin reluctantly left the catacombs and headed back up to the house. She had to get ready for the rehearsal dinner.