The Bed You Make
Chapter 3
He rounded the corner with steps that were too soft to be heard. The two guards faced the west hallway in anticipation of Stefan's arrival from his suite of rooms.
“I am so sorry to disturb your evening with this,” Mrs. Landsbury apologized. The guards swung around at the sound of her voice. They wore identical expressions of surprise at his sudden appearance behind them.
“Do not apologize. I am grateful that you notified me of this situation.” Nikolas stared impassively at the silent guards. “There is no reason to burden my uncle with this now.”
The older guard stepped forward. “Master Nikolas, we meant no disrespect to your uncle.” He cast a quick, angry glance Mrs. Landsbury's way. “What the housekeeper heard was nothing more than the coarse talk of men.”
Nikolas showed no reaction to the statement. “What, exactly, did the housekeeper hear?” He noticed the men's discomfort. “If you are concerned that Mrs. Landsbury might take offense to the ‘coarse talk of men',” he quoted the guard, “then I will dismiss her.”
With a nod and a hidden smile, Mrs. Landsbury gathered up her supplies from the pantry and departed. In many ways Nikolas was an unknown commodity for the Cassadine staff of employees. They were accustomed to dealing with Stefan, the Cassadine Regent. The concept of Nikolas' rule was one they thought of in the future tense. Mrs. Landsbury knew, however, that it was only Stefan's desire to allow Nikolas as many free years as possible that kept the young man from controlling the family reins already.
“There are,” Nikolas repeated, “no women present now. So tell me, what was said?”
From the expressions on the guards' faces, they were finally beginning to realize the extent of their predicament. Nikolas stepped into the doorway of the pantry and thumbed the intercom. “Mrs. Landsbury, it seems there is some difficulty recounting the conversation you overheard.” Without hesitation the housekeeper repeated word-for-word what she'd heard. “Thank you,” Nikolas replied politely.
“Your employment with our family is ended. Immediately .” Nikolas gestured to a cluster of silent guards who stepped out of the shadows at his command. “You will, of course be compensated for the time that you have worked.”
“I wish to speak with Mr. Cassadine about this.”
Nikolas ignored the young guard's insult. By asking to deal with his uncle, the man showed his disrespect for Nikolas' authority as eventual head of the Cassadine family. “You will have that opportunity,” Nikolas replied quietly. “Tomorrow morning. But until then, you will be my guests. And these men will see to your comfort.” The young prince nodded toward the seldom-used north wing. “Take them away.”
