44
It was a bright sunny day. A beautiful day for a wedding. Cheers of good fortune ring out as Beth and Nikolas emerge into the Cassadine garden, now Prince and Princess Cassadine. Pictures are taken of the happy couple and toasts are made. Nikolas looked at the garden, feeling completely happy for the first time in his life.
"Well your highness," Lucky came up from behind his eyes shining with happiness for his brother. Your days of freedom are officially over. How does it feel?"
Nikolas laughed, looking over at Beth, who was talking to Emily. "Wonderful. Thanks to you. If it weren’t for you, I’d be wed to Katherine right now, awaiting a baby that didn’t even exist."
"But now you’re married to Beth, awaiting a baby that does. Everything worked out for the best if I do say so myself."
Nikolas laughed and hugged his brother, happy that they were close and not at odds like they were in the beginning.
"Now let’s go collect our women and show your relatives a real party," Lucky grinned, spotting Elizabeth at their table, admiring the decorations.
Meanwhile, Luke was standing, near the entrance, keeping a very suspicious eye on the room full of Cassadines. To him, this was the wolves den. It was best to trend lightly.
"Luke," Stefan approached him, a two glasses of champagne in hand. "Glass of champagne?" He offered one of the glasses to Luke, who glared at him suspiciously.
"It’s not poison is it?" Luke eyed the glass skeptically.
"Of course not. In fact, it’s a peace offering. It’s time we stopped fighting Luke. Laura’s yours and always will be. I accept that now," Stefan sighed.
"Oh you do? So no more trying to woo her into your bed?"
Stefan nodded. He’s had enough of chasing Laura Spencer, trying to make her love him the way she loves Luke. He’ll always love her, but he had to move on. He had little Laura to think about now. "No more trying to get Laura to love me. She’s all yours.."
"She always was," Luke snorted, taking the glass. "So no more fighting?"
"No more fighting," Stefan lifted his glass. "Here’s to new beginnings. For both of our families."
"To new beginnings," Luke toasted. "Well, I guess we better get back to the wedding. I promised Laura a dance."
Stefan could only laugh, watching Luke disappear into the crowd to search for his wife. Yes this was a new beginning for them all.
~*~
The McCoy’s stood on the dock, just gazing at the lit mansion. Paula sighed, wishing that they had been invited. But they weren’t. All they could do was stare and plot their next move against the Spencers.
"There you are," Helena approached, her eyes gleaming with determination. "I have some errands for you two to run."
Calvin frowned. He didn’t recall anything about doing errands. In fact, this deal has not profitted him at all. Lucas was now with the Spencers and their daughter was with the Cassadines. They have been nothing but losers. As far as Calvin was concerned, Helena had lied and he wasn’t taking any more orders from Madame Cassadine. Not until there was something in it for them.
"We’re not doing errands for you! We had a deal Helena! We were supposed to have our son and daughter back by now. But instead, they’re still with the blasted Spencers, plus Paula’s brother is dead. So, no errands until we get what we want!" Calvin narrowed his eyes in determination, not noticing the dangerous glint in the older woman’s eyes.
"Oh really?" Helena’s voice lowered, motioning for two of her manservant’s to join her. "Very well then, you don’t have to if you don’t want to."
Paula shifted from one foot to the other, not having a good feeling about this. Women like Helena Cassadine never gave up this easily. She must be up to something. "Well…maybe a couple…," She tried to repair the damage Calvin’s speech had caused, but Helena stopped any attempt to make amends with the raise of her hand and a stern glance.
"That’s quite alright Mrs. McCoy. I will no longer need your services. Hector. Renaldo. Take care of these two for me. After you’re done, return to the yacht. I’ll have your payment ready." She looked at the cowering couple in distaste. "Pity." She sighed, before sauntering off to her yacht to make other arrangements for her errands.
The two men grinned in anticipation as they descended on the cowering McCoys. They were ready to have some much needed fun. And that was what they had for the next two hours.