CHAPTER SIXTY-NINE
Debts and Duties
Hours later, Kristina was still worrying about Alexis as she and Nikolas stepped off the launch onto the Port Charles pier. And it was with a huge sense of relief that she saw Alexis waiting for them at the end of the dock. She hurried forward into Alexis' embrace.
"I was wondering what had happened to you!" She exclaimed, wrapping her arms around her sister. After squeezing her tightly, Kristina let go and stepped aside so that Nikolas could hug his aunt.
"I won't disagree with Kristina – you gave us both a scare until we'd heard from you." he said, trying to keep a scolding tone out of his voice.
Alexis took both of their hands in her own and squeezed them, as happy to see them as they were to see her. "I do apologize, but there were things that needed to be done. Stefan left instructions…in case..." she paused for a moment and took a deep breath before continuing. "He left instructions and I have already put them into motion. That necessitated an immediate trip to New York City. I'm sorry I didn't tell you before I left."
Nikolas nodded. "You explained all of this on the phone already - and you were right. Already there are rumblings in Europe of ripples in the Cassadine holdings. The jet is ready, and I'll be there by morning."
"It's Helena." Alexis said, sure of it. Only Helena would be this cold and heartless to make a power play before Stefan's body was even recovered. She'd had almost as little use for Stefan as she had for Alexis. Unshed tears stung her eyes at the thought with equal amounts of loss and rage.
Nikolas' face twisted in disgust. "My grandmother is transparently clear- if she can get a majority control of the Cassadine assets, then she imagines she can gain some sort of control over me."
"Be careful, Nikolas."
Nikolas shook his head. "The one thing I don't have to worry about is her harming me. But you and Kristina..." His voice hardened. "That's why I have to go. Kristina and I have been talking, and I want her to come with me. I have to make it clear to everyone, that my conception of the Cassadine Empire – such as it is - includes you and Kristina. Anyone that would even contemplate coming against either one of you will have me – and the entire might of what we control - to deal with. Stefan made that clear to all - and I will do the same. I look forward to perhaps running into my grandmother, because trust me, I will make that point abundantly clear to her."
"But I can stay, if you think it's best." Kristina said, her eyes full of concern. Watching Alexis, she could see the strain that she tried to hide, the soft shadows under her eyes that spoke of too many sleepless hours and the sorrow in her gaze that went unreleased.
Alexis knew that Kristina was speaking out of concern for her. She also knew that Kristina and Nikolas had grown close since their meeting. They were closer in age than she and Kristina were, and they'd be good for one another, at this time more than any other. They needed each other, there was no denying that fact. She could take care of herself, and the things here that needed taking care of, until they got back.
Her decision was made; Alexis shook her head. "Nikolas is right on this one. If we present a united front, anyone in the employ of the Cassadine holdings even thinking remotely of betraying us, either to Helena or to their own schemes, will more than likely think twice if you are by his side.
"No, Kristina, you go with Nikolas. Everything will be fine." But her last words trembled as the lie passed her lips. Everything was not fine, Stefan was gone...forever and ever. She turned back to Nikolas. "Where you would be heading to?"
"London first, to check in with the main offices there. After that..." Nikolas shrugged. "It depends on how much damage is already done – and where.." His eyes darkened. "But what about Stefan?...a memorial, what will we do...?"
"First things first, and what you've already put into motion is precisely what Stefan would want you to do." Alexis said. They were all going to do what Stefan would expect of them. "You must show yourself able to step into his position immediately and seamlessly, show yourself to be the Cassadine Prince Stefan raised you to be, and negate any influence or power Helena might try and usurp for herself. Your presence and swift action will nullify any overt acts of betrayal undertaken on her behalf. Kristina's presence might even be helpful, to show that our bloodline is united on all fronts and Helena is the true outsider.
"I..I will begin to make all arrangements necessary for Stefan's final memorial. I'll call you before making any final decisions..."
"No, you do what you think best." Nikolas assured her of his total trust.
"You are the head of this family, and it is for you to give your final approval to whatever decisions are to be made." Alexis said as she shook her head. She knew what he wanted, but she had to drive home the point that he was the Prince and this was the position Stefan had spent the majority of his adult life insuring. "But we are family, Nikolas - and we will make these decisions as a family. I've already begun making inquiries about our north and south american assets and make sure they are secure. We need to begin moving on this as soon as possible - Stefan would expect no less." She forced back the tears that threatened to blur her eyesight.
Stefan trained me in my duties well. I just never thought that the time would come so soon. It's a debt I can never repay." Nikolas said quietly.
"There's no debt." Alexis said, her own eyes filling with tears to match his. "What he did, he did out of love. And what we do now, honors him and that love."
"We'll make Stefan proud." Kristina declared.
"You two have already done that. He was prouder of you than you could ever know."
"You too, Alexis." Nikolas told her. "Stefan loved you as a sister - always. You were always family to him."
"I know." Alexis said. She did know it, all the way down to the very marrow of her bones. Stefan had always been there, the one certainty in her life. Even when she had told herself she'd hated him, it was a fierce hate born of her need to be loved by him. A truly royal Russian passion, as Stefan used to tease her.
He was the rock they all had leaned on. How were they going to survive without him? That same thought echoed through them, unspoken, and silence followed in its wake.
"You two have a plan to catch." Alexis reminded them, at last. She watched as they left for the waiting limo, then once she was alone, turned back to the dock. Alexis walked along the dock, along the railing but away from the dock, pausing to stare out over the dark waters.
A soft drizzling mist began, drenching the air in a soft haze of fog. Alexis stood there for an eternity of time, not wanting to think or feel, just letting herself go blessedly numb. She welcomed the welcoming shroud of fog that closed in around her. Despite the growing chill, she stood there, never feeling more alone in her life than she did at that moment. She stood there in silence, until she sensed another presence approaching. Alexis turned her head, really not caring who it might be.
