Chapter 18

Three months later

The richness of the castle during the holidays seemed to brighten everyone's spirits. The tree alone was twelve feet of dazzling lights and handmade glass ornaments from artisans from several centuries. The tables were weighted down with fresh food for servants and guests to enjoy. Even he was feeling particularly joyful this holiday season. However, he was only concerned with her happiness. They had never loved or truly cared about her. From the time of his escape until five years ago, his alliance with Helena had brought him to this moment in his life. He had his grand-daughter back. She was all that was left of his beloved Andromeda and only he could truly love her. It was this single thought that kept him alive all those years in prison. Mikkos had married well, Helena was a true Cassadine. She paid the man's family handsomely for his life in exchange for Viktor's freedom. The reconstructive surgeon had created a work of art that daVinci himself would have envied. It was a pity the surgeon didn't live long enough to publish his work to receive recognition for his talents. He was a true pioneer in the field of plastic surgery. The only people who knew he was alive were dead. Viktor drew in a breath of fleeting anger at the thought. Another fallen Cassadine to Luke Spencer, Stephan really was worthless! It was Viktor's understanding that he had fallen on his own sword. Spencer was brought up on charges, but avoided prosecution for his crimes as usual. "In the book of judgment, Luke Spencer should be persecuted for all eternity by the Cassadines. That would be a fitting punishment." he mused. Viktor shook his head and grinned at the irony of how true Helena words were, "What could she say about her second son, other than, he was second in every way." Over the years, she began to see Luke Spencer as a worthy adversary that was to be admired. Viktor didn't share her sentiments regarding Luke Spencer. He would delight in carving out Spencer's heart given half a chance for killing Mikkos and Stavros. If they were alive, then he wouldn't have lost Elizabeth. She wouldn't have had to suffer through learning her rightful place in the Cassadine family. Elizabeth would have grown up a true princess and constant companion to Nikolas. Together, they would have ruled the empire. Then a slight wave of sadness over took him. The other person who knew, of course, was Helena. She had been thrown from the cliffs at Wyndimere for trying to spare Nikolas from Emily Quartermain. Viktor often wondered if Nikolas regretted having killed his own grandmother for that unworthy peasant. Helena would have made a good wife and grandmother to Elizabeth, once he established the boundaries for her. None of that matters, he thought as walked through the castle looking for his most beloved treasure. He was going to give her a Christmas gift this year that would ensure her love for him. He wanted to give her something he knew she missed dearly, her son.