Bloodlines
Part Nine
- flashback -
'Tell Stefan I didn't betray him.' "What do you suppose he meant by that?"
"My family is very powerful," was Stefan's thinly veiled warning. "Such power begets enemies."
"I see. Thank you for your help then, sir."
"One moment, please." The constable turned back toward Stefan. "I would like to speak to your officer, the man first on the scene." Something within him urged the constable to deny the request. He had no doubt that Stefan wasn't being completely honest. But one glance at the quiet determination in the eyes of the man before him shook the constable's resolve. "Of course, Mr. Cassadine," he heard himself say. "I will get him for you."
He quickly returned with an obviously shaken young man. Barely out of his teens, the young man seemed an unlikely law enforcement officer.
"Thank you," Stefan dismissed the constable with a curt nod. When the older man had departed, he turned to the waiting man. "Have we met before?" Stefan asked.
"No, sir, we have not been introduced. But I assisted Piotr in the delivery of your last foal."
"Ah, his young neighbor. I am sorry I do not recall your name."
"I am Arman, Mr. Cassadine."
"The constable has told me what you reported concerning Piotr. I would like to hear the story now from you," Stefan requested quietly.
"You should. There is something I did not put into my report."
********************
". . . Piotr Leonivich had no other focus but you, sir. I asked again and again who had done such a terrible thing to him and his family, but it was as if he did not hear me. 'Tell Stefan I didn't betray him . . . I swore always to protect him.' That was the message he begged me to give you. I assured him I would, hoping to ease his mind. I could see that he was dying."
"And did it ease his mind?" Stefan asked somberly.
"I believe that it did, Mr. Cassadine. He stopped struggling against me. His eyes closed and his breathing eased . . . Piotr seemed to gain strength. He grabbed my uniform - his grip was very weak - and tried to pull me toward him. Even in the absolute silence of the room, it was very difficult to hear him. So I placed my ear against his mouth. The officer fell silent, reflecting. "'He belongs with his son' is what he said to me. Then a peace seemed to come over him. For just a moment I began to think that he might somehow survive his injuries. But then -"
"Yes?"
"The little one came into the room, in the midst of all the blood and death. Oh, it was a terrible thing, Mr. Cassadine. His mother lay dead, and his father was surely dying. I rushed toward him to block his view of the room, but all I did was frighten him and make him cry."
"'Get him out,' I heard Piotr struggle to say. So I picked up the little one and left the room. By the time I returned, Piotr Leonivich had died."
********************
Side by side they stood by the launch, silently watching the unbroken surface of the dark water. It wasn't a companionable silence, but a familiar, uneasy one. Finally, Stefan spoke. "Hello, Mother. To what do I owe this visit?"
"My grandson will turn seventeen this month. And since I do not expect to be invited to his celebration, I thought I would give him his gift."
"Did you?" he asked.
"Oh, yes. Earlier today at General Hospital. He was most appreciative."
"It will not work, Mother, whatever your plan. Andresj' will not be turned against me."
"What is the problem, Stefan? I gave Nikolas a similar gift on his seventeenth birthday. I should think you would be happy that I make no distinctions between the two . . . Really, haven't I always treated Andresj' as my own flesh?
"I am living proof of how you treat 'your own flesh'." He turned toward her. "I will not have my son hurt by your cruelty."
"How pathetic you are, Stefan!" Helena sneered. "I have no intention of harming Andresj'. Unlike his father, the boy has grown into a man worthy of the Cassadine name. And what a beautiful man he has become! I daresay he will decide for himself just what my place in his life will be." Helena waited for Stefan's response to her deliberate taunt.
"Do not make the mistake others have made, Mother, and think me weak. Harm my son and you will discover how true a Cassadine I am."
At that moment Helena saw in him a determination and ruthlessness that matched her own. 'Perhaps there is hope for you yet, Stefan.'
********************
'Maybe I am missing something,' Diane thought, staring at the computer monitor. Thousands of people a day used the internet for all kinds of things. So far, it hadn't been very much use to her. Oh, she'd gotten an occasional hit here or there, but nothing that had led her anywhere. And the few things she'd printed out had been repetitious.
"Hello."
Diane started at the sound of the masculine voice so near her ear.
"I didn't mean to frighten you."
"You didn't, Kris," Diane replied, smiling. "I am afraid I was concentrating on what I was doing. I must say that I am glad you're here today."
"I had some free time, so I thought I would help straighten out the shelves."
"Does that mean you won't be able to help me? I haven't had much success using the internet for my search. And time is getting a little short."
Pushing the short locks back off his face, Kris asked, "Has something happened since last week?"
"Not really. I just realized that the boy I am looking for will celebrate his seventeenth birthday next week. I think it would be a nice surprise to give him the letter his mother wrote to him."
"I can imagine it would be nice," he agreed. Grabbing a chair from a nearby table, he sat and reached for Diane's stack of printouts. "Let's see what you've got so far."
Diane sat, silently studying the young man as he concentrated on the documents at hand. Kris had been so helpful to her. It was too bad that the media didn't spend more time discussing young people like him. 'He's not much older than Andresj' would be.'
"You've got the whole world at your fingertips," he declared, interrupting her thoughts, "but you've narrowed your search down to one continent. Let's send this out to the whole world and see what we get." He placed the keyboard on his lap, typed in a few keystrokes, and with a flourish hit the *enter* key. Almost instantaneously, the screen began to fill with responses to his query.
"How did you do that?" she asked in disbelief.
"There's no magic involved. I'll explain it while we work. That is, if you still want my help."
"Are you kidding? Let's get to work."
********************
It was a fact that remained unacknowledged between them for nearly fourteen years. Helena, in her zeal to deny him one son, had unwittingly given him another.
The irony of the situation was not lost on Stefan. His actions that terrible day were motivated solely by thoughts of maintaining the secret and protecting his son. How, then, had he ended up so favored?
Stefan had taken Andresj' into the Cassadine household with every intention of finding him a suitable home. He owed that to Piotr. But almost immediately the benefits of having the small boy became obvious to him. Andresj's presence in his home and life had presented Stefan with a golden opportunity - the opportunity to have moments of fatherhood with Nikolas. After such tragedy in his young life, it was only fitting that Stefan show care and attention to Andresj'; to spend time with him, and watch him grow. How natural, then, during those first few months to simply extend that attention to his 'nephew'. As Cassadine prince and heir apparent, it was Nikolas' right to have that same attention and more. The townspeople, in discussing the tragedy, were forced to admit that Stefan showed great generosity toward the orphaned child. But there had been no generosity involved.
It seemed to Stefan a winning scenario for everyone but Helena. Nikolas had quickly become attached to the quiet, watchful child only a year or so younger than himself. When the two boys were together Nikolas enjoyed the carefree childhood he forfeited as Cassadine prince.
Despite the loss of his parents, Andresj' had gained all that the Cassadine fortune and power could buy. He would be educated in the best schools and provided with a secure upbringing. Some day he would take his place as Nikolas' faithful employee - much as his father Piotr had done with Stefan.
As for Stefan,- Well, the tragedy Helena spawned had become his salvation . . .
"Mr. Cassadine?" Stefan was shaken from his reverie by the soft voice of the Cassadine housekeeper, Mrs. Landsbury. "Miss Davis has arrived. She is in the dining room with the young masters."
"Thank you, Mrs. Landsbury. You may serve dessert there."
"Of course, Mr. Cassadine." With a nod, Stefan dismissed his longtime servant.
The sound of laughter drifted toward him from the dining room. Silently he traveled down the narrow hallway until he reached its doorway. Stefan stood just inside the room and observed its three occupants. Alexis and Nikolas sat smiling at Andresj', who no doubt imitated someone they all knew.
"I trust I am not the object of your amusement," Stefan remarked drily, causing Andresj' to pause momentarily.
"Not this time, Papa."
"No. We were discussing Edward Quartermaine," Alexis explained.
"Really, Alexis, you should not encourage him. It is not-"
"Proper Cassadine behavior," Alexis recited. "I know."
"Grandmother must disagree with you, Father," Nikolas commented, with a glance at his younger brother. "She obviously thinks 'Dre is an ideal Cassadine. She gave him a Cassadine stone for his birthday."
Alexis' eyebrows rose in disbelief. "Helena gave you a Cassadine stone? Where is it?"
Silently reaching into his pocket, Andresj' produced the object in question. Called the Cassadine stone by those who wore it, it was in truth a demantoid garnet, a rare gemstone long associated with Russia and its nobility. So rare was the stone that collectors worldwide often paid small fortunes for the occasional flawed example. The stone Andresj' held had no flaws. Set into a heavy, handcrafted ring, the fiery green gem shone brilliantly.
"Why are you not wearing it?" Stefan asked his younger son. "Cassadine men throughout history have worn rings such as this."
"I wasn't sure that I should. Did Grandmother give it to me because she really accepts me as your son? Or was it just to irritate you? I know she does that sometimes, and I didn't know if this was one of those times."
"Yes, Father," Nikolas added, "I understand what 'Dre means. At times Helena seems to detest you, yet she seems genuinely to care for Andresj' and me. In fact, she seems proud that 'Dre is a part of our family."
"Understanding my mother is a task for others far more devious than we. But as much as she is capable," Stefan said carefully, "Helena loves you. And Andresj' as well. But you must also never forget that she will use you to further her own plans, even at the risk of your life."
Bloodlines
Part Ten
'This is how life should be,' Stefan mused. He and Alexis sat in companionable silence, enjoying a glass of wine. He was reminded of all the times they'd spent together in Greece, each determined to be the other's safe haven.
"Do you remember," Alexis asked fondly, "the promises we made to one another?"
"Yes." Stefan was not surprised that his sister's thoughts had taken the same path as his own.
"We agreed that we would always be there for one another. And that we would always be truthful with each other," Alexis recalled. "And most importantly, we would make sure our own families knew the kind of love and stability we never had."
"How simple those promises seemed then," Stefan marveled. "We had no idea of the obstacles life would place before us."
"But we've done pretty well, Stefan. We have had some rough spots-"
"Such as the revelation of my true relationship to Laura and Nikolas."
"Or my bid for a share of the family empire," Alexis countered. "We have both made mistakes. But when I look at you, and think of Nikolas and Andresj', I feel that all those promises have come true."
Stefan smiled his agreement. "The Cassadines have become a family."
********************
Two dark-haired siblings sat across the table from one another. Each one seemed totally focused on the task at hand. The older sibling worked methodically and painstakingly, but with an assurance born of experience. The younger was more carefree, indulging occasionally in moments of exuberance.
Laura observed quietly as Lulu held up a drawing for her older brother to see. Nikolas smilingly complimented her work, then returned the favor by displaying his artwork.
'Why?' Laura berated herself. 'Why wasn't I strong enough to fight for him?'
Nikolas looked up and saw Laura standing in the shadowed doorway. Instinctively he raised his emotional barriers against her. After all the hurt he'd suffered at her hands, such an action was automatic. It didn't go unnoticed by Laura.
Masking the pain she felt at his withdrawal, Laura smiled brightly and entered the room. "Alright, sweetheart, we had better let Brother get home. He's got a big day tomorrow."
"Tomorrow is Andresj's day. Father and I just want to make sure it goes perfectly."
"Will it be as large an occasion as your seventeenth birthday?" Laura asked carefully.
"Not quite," Nikolas acknowledged. "That was a celebration for the Cassadine Prince. But Andresj's party will be among the biggest the family has seen."
"It was very nice of you to include me."
"'Dre suggested it," Nikolas corrected her softly. "But I am glad he did."
********************
A soft humming filled the small kitchen as the young woman checked the pots on the stove. Obviously enjoying herself, the dark-haired beauty lovingly prepared that evening's meal.
"How domestic," came a voice from the doorway, causing her to spin around in alarm. A thrill of fear ran through her. Helena Cassadine stood before her, a small, cruel smile upon her face.
Disguising her unease, the young woman demanded, "What are you doing here?"
"I am in search of the truth, my dear. You knew eventually I would come."
"What truth would I have for you, Mrs. Cassadine?"
"Let us not play games, girl. I have no patience for them." Helena's precise, refined speech could not disguise the menace it held.
"And I have no patience for this," the young woman countered angrily.
"I am sorry. Have I interrupted your preparation of supper?"
The young woman was thrown off by Helena's change of subject and did not reply.
"I see that you have set another place at the table," Helena pointed out.
Seizing the opportunity before her, the dark-haired girl informed Helena, "Piotr is due to arrive at any moment."
"I would not rely on that, my dear. Piotr has been . . . detained."
Instinctively the young woman's eyes darted toward the next room.
"Your son is fine. I have seen to it," Helena assured her.
"If you have hurt him-"
Helena threw her head back in amusement. "Bravado? I am impressed!" But just as quickly as it had appeared, her amusement disappeared. "Did you think you could keep Stefan's secret?"
When the young woman failed to respond, Helena advanced toward her until they stood eye-to-eye. "Make no mistake," she continued, "I will have the truth about the child's paternity - any way I must."
Never losing eye contact, the young woman replied, "Do what you will, old woman. I have nothing to say."
"Defiant to the end. Very well."
Something in Helena's tone finally alerted the young woman to the absolute danger she faced. And with a flash of realization, all of Piotr's veiled warnings about Helena Cassadine made sense. But too late. There was a sudden pain, and the young woman felt herself slipping toward the floor - and darkness.
As she fell, Helena remarked "You chose unwisely, dear girl." Bending down, she gently brushed the hair from the young woman's face. "But I am not without maternal feelings. Rest easy in the knowledge that I will allow your little one to live."
********************
Andresj' padded barefoot down the hallway to Nikolas' suite of rooms. He tapped twice softly on the door, a childhood signal between the two brothers.
"What's wrong?" Nikolas sat up in bed to ask.
"Nothing," Andresj' responded quickly. "I couldn't sleep and I wanted to see if you were still awake."
"I was just lying here," Nikolas reassured his younger brother as he flipped on the small bedside lamp. He motioned for Andresj' to sit on the bed. "What's going on?"
"Have you talked to Papa about my birthday celebration?"
Nikolas chuckled. "Is that what you're in here for? To try and get information out of me about your party?"
"Why are so many deliveries being made? And there is food constantly being flown in. Even security has been increased."
"You're serious, aren't you?" Nikolas frowned. "'Dre, it's your seventeenth birthday! Cassadine tradition says the family should mark the occasion with a celebration."
"But all I want is something simple and small."
"Come on, you know that's not possible. Our Cassadine cousins as well as our European allies will all attend."
"Why?" Andresj' protested. "I mean, I understood them coming and showing their allegiance to you. You were the Cassadine prince, after all. I'm just the son Stefan adopted."
Nikolas straightened up in indignation. "You are as much a Cassadine as anyone born into the name."
"I know that you feel that way, Nik. That's not what I meant."
"Andresj', when Father adopted you and officially gave you the Cassadine name, he told the world that you were his. But more importantly, your adoption told the family - and Helena - that you were his son in every way."
"I know all that, but-"
"But it won't be so bad, 'Dre. I have been through it. The evening actually goes by pretty quickly." Nikolas noticed the skeptical expression on Andresj's face. "Well, think of it as the small price you have to pay for everything you have."
"I realize how blessed I am. Really I do, Nik. It's just that I can't help thinking about Piotr and Ariana."
"It's probably natural that you would think about your parents at a time like this," Nikolas said.
"That's just it," Andresj' explained, "they're not my parents. I mean, they are . . . But every year it gets harder to feel any kind of attachment to them. And I never think of them as my mother and father." He paused. "I guess I'm feeling guilty about that."
Nikolas nodded emphatically. "I can definitely understand that feeling. Before the truth came out, not a day would pass that someone didn't remind me about my responsibility to preserve my father's memory. And they would tell me all these stories about him. But none of it seemed real to me, because I never really knew him. And all the time, Stefan was becoming more and more a father to me. After awhile, Stavros became just another piece of Cassadine history for me to remember." Nikolas leaned toward his younger brother. "I finally realized that I couldn't create a relationship that had never existed, and that it was okay to accept the love Stefan gave me without feeling guilty about it."
"Sometimes you actually make sense," Andresj' teased, lightening the mood. "You know, it's a shame that you aren't the Cassadine Prince anymore. You sure sounded like one just then."
"Good night, 'Dre," Nikolas said pointedly.
"Good night, m'lord."
Nikolas good-naturedly threw a pillow at his younger brother. "Get out!"
Hearing the underlying affection in Nikolas' command, Andresj' smiled and left the room.
********************
The clouds stretched endlessly toward the morning sun. Or so it seemed from the plane's small window. Diane had noticed them early in the flight. Now, however, she stared sightlessly at the vast expanse of sky outside her window.
'You don't know me,' she mentally rehearsed, 'but I know a lot about you.' Shaking her head, she discarded that as an opening phrase.
Diane had spent the majority of the previous three days making arrangements to travel to Port Charles, and rehearsing just what she would say to Andresj' when she saw him. It occurred to her that she might not get an opportunity to meet the young man. Her story was, after all, rather strange. Just trying to explain that she'd been sent to find Andresj' by his long-deceased mother would be an accomplishment in itself.
"We are now approaching New York," came the announcement from the pilot. "Welcome to our city. We hope your stay with us is a pleasant one."