Dara
took the seat that was proffered to her.She was a bit surprised when only Nikolas sat down opposite her at the
dark wood table.
“I
have spoken to Nikolas of my proposal to you,” Stefan explained to Dara from
his place behind the younger man’s chair.“I have enumerated the reasons for my choice and put forth to him my
expectations for my alliance with you.And while I do not require his approval for my decision,” the Cassadine
Regent placed a loving hand on his nephew’s shoulder, “I am pleased that
Nikolai has chosen to extend it.”
Nikolas
spoke.“Uncle has told me of his expectations of you, Miss Jensen.”He leaned forward.“I would like an opportunity to hear what your expectations are of us.As well as share with you my own.”
Dara
considered Nikolas closely.Stefan was in such control of the Cassadine family, its wealth and its
direction, that she forgot that Nikolas was in fact the Cassadine Prince.There was a depth of intelligence and concern in the young man’s dark
eyes that caught Dara a bit by surprise.
She
did not know Nikolas personally, but had always thought him just a well-mannered
boy born into wealth.In the young man seated opposite her at the moment, though, Dara saw and
understood Stefan’s hope for the future of the Cassadine dynasty.Nikolas did not take his responsibility to his family lightly.
“I
will have the servants bring only light refreshment,” Stefan announced.“We will lunch shortly in the conservatory.”He nodded politely to Dara.“I will leave you to talk.”
In
silence Dara and Nikolas watched Stefan depart gracefully from the library.They sat that way until the faint sound of his footsteps could no longer
be heard moving away from them.
Nikolas
turned back to the woman seated opposite him. “Miss Jensen-”
Dara
interrupted Nikolas with a shake of her head.“Please, call me Dara.”
“Dara,”
he complied, “I just wanted to thank you for accepting Uncle’s proposal.I know,” Nikolas tilted his head and considered the attorney, “and I
think you do as well, that the true reasons he did so may never be disclosed.”
“Yes,”
she nodded, “I do realize that.”Dara found herself liking Nikolas more and more.His honesty was refreshing.She decided to return the favor.“But your uncle’s true motives aren’t important as long as he keeps
his word to me.Stefan agreed to certain conditions, and I intend to hold him to each one
of them.”
“I
do believe,” Nikolas chuckled to himself quietly, “that Uncle just
may have made a tactical error.”
