The Bed You Make
Chapter 18, concluded
By the time the launch bumped into place, both Arman and Anton had moved to form a protective cocoon about him. Nikolas did not truly fear his grandmother; the guards were under orders by his Uncle Stefan to always assume Helena to be a threat to the young prince.
The rear door of Helena's distinctive limousine opened and her latest male plaything emerged. This year's model, Nikolas noted, was much like all the previous years before – slender and possessed of sharp features that were just shy of being pretty. Helena liked them that way, almost angelic. It was not until a close-up view was taken that one could see the toll of years of emotional prostitution in the cruel little lines that bracketed the men's eyes and mouths.
“My darling!” Nikolas had almost missed his grandmother's exit from the limousine. He stoically allowed his grandmother the kiss upon his cheek. He stepped immediately away afterward, a silent reminder that his acceptance of the show of affection was quite perfunctory on his part. “What do you want, Grandmother?”
Helena's lips thinned, as Nikolas knew they would. Nothing shook the Cassadine dowager from her icy demeanor like a disregard for protocol and etiquette. Ill behavior, Helena believed, was the mark of the poorest breeding. “Is this an example of what Stefan has taught you?” she asked.
“You should,” Nikolas warned softly, “speak carefully where my uncle is concerned.” His dark eyes were like flint.
“My darling,” Helena changed her approach, “I am only concerned about you… and what is proper for a Cassadine Prince.”
Nikolas let his impatience show. “Yes. As you have said many times. Again, Grandmother, why did you arrange to see me? Can this be your only way to find out how well Uncle's new wife has adapted to becoming a part of our family?”
“Stefan's farce of a marriage is of no consequence to me.”
“Hmm… I am glad to hear that.” Nikolas paused. “You know, Dara really is an ideal choice for Cassadine Trustee. She is smart and honest and actually cares about my vision for the family.” Nikolas gave his grandmother a humorless smile. “She is a welcome change of pace from the previous trustee.” A man, Nikolas did not bother to remind Helena, that she had handpicked and put into place to do her bidding.
“Good day, Grandmother.” His point made, Nikolas stepped around Helena and made his way toward the waiting limousine.