Stefan's New Love

Chapter 5

"..It's gotta put a
ball and chain
On your soul."


The rest of his time Stefan kept himself occupied studying the Crowning Ceremony and instructing Nicholas on the proper protocol. The Ceremony would be held here at the Cassadine Compound. There were many details to see to and he was glad Mrs. Landsbury came to help. The Arch Bishop Leopold of the Russian Orthodox Church would be preforming the ceremony. Cassadines from all over the world would be attending including the Prince's mother. Stefan didn't relish seeing Laura so soon but it couldn't be helped. He planned to keep his distance. Nicholas would be the host so he had no obligation to even speak to her save one instance.

Stefan didn't invite Brie to the Crowning Ceremony and she was a little hurt. They had attended many functions together. Was he ashamed of her? She had met Nicholas and they got along famously. Why didn't he want her there? Her curiosity was piqued. She planned on attending any way to see what was up. She had never heard of Laura Spencer.

Laura arrived on the island two days before the ceremony. She expected to be greeted by Stefan. Her disappointment was evident on her face when Nicholas came to welcome her. Nicholas wasn't hurt but a little amused.

N I'm sorry mother but I am acting host for the festivities as is my duty.
L Oh Nicholas I'm so happy to be here to witness this momentous event in your life. Are you ready?
N As ready as I'll ever be. Stefan has seen to that.
L Where is Stefan?

Nicholas smiled and told her he was seeing to the finishing touches on the festivities. He couldn't help but notice her face fall. He showed her to her room and dismissed himself to take care of the rest of his duties.

Laura unpacked then headed downstairs. She went directly for Stefan's study hoping to find him there. He was no where to be found inside the house. Maybe?.....Laura walked the gardens. She went to all of "their" places hoping he was thinking the same thing. She had no luck. The sun was starting to set and she knew she had to dress for dinner. She wasn't looking forward to sitting across the table from Stefan, with who knows how many other family members in attendence. Hopefully after dinner she could ask to speak to him privately.

She took great care in dressing for the evening. The blue of her gown matched her eyes perfectly. Her hair she wore up and off of her bare shoulders. The dress was modest enough for the mother of the Prince but just a little daring. She wore no jewelry save a choker of pearls.

Stefan was already seated at the far end of the vast table. He rose as she entered the room. Their eyes met briefly before Nicholas came forward to seat her. She saw the hurt in Stefan's eyes and her heart lurched. Her place was beside her son at the other end of the table with many people she'd never met. So much for dinner conversation she thought to herself. Thankfully Helena was seated at the middle of the table. The seven course meal took forever. Laura's gaze was always directed toward Stefan. Stefan was afraid to look her way. She was so beautiful. It would be easy to pretend this was a time long ago when they would catch each others glance clandestinely. No, he told himself. That was the past. His future didn't include Laura. She had made her choice. It'd be best to remind himself of that often! He forced himself to be charming and interested in the conversation of those around him. A servant came and whispered in Stefan's ear just as dessert was being served. He made his apologizes and excused himself. Laura's heart fell.

The next day found Laura wondering the grounds again. The secret garden had always been her favorite spot and she found herself there again. The flowers gave off such a sweet scent and were so colorful. Many memories invaded her thoughts. This was where they first met. She had literally run into him. He was so handsome he took her breath away. His soothing voice calmed her that night. He led her behind the hedge and misdirected the guards. He was a Cassadine! His intense green eyes belied his gentle heart. Laura sighed. "Stefan" she whispered out loud hoping he would appear.

Stefan made himself scarce and kept busy with the smallest detail that didn't need his attention. He avoided all of "their" spots knowing she would be there. Hopefully she would find closure as he was beginning to. He wished only for her happiness and that she could lay the past to rest once and for all.

Stefan's New Love

Chapter 6

"All those angels running..."


The Crowning Ceremony was the biggest gala in memory. The Ceremony went very well with the pomp and grandure befitting the occasion. Nicholas was prepared for his role. Stefan was proud. Laura had expected to be seated next to Stefan for the ceremony but since he was only the "uncle" he delegated himself a seat farther back. Nicholas protested, wanting his father front and center but he deferred, taking into account Stefan's feelings. He knew things would be awkward as it was.

Brie sat even farther back unnoticed by Stefan. Her eyes never left his regally attired back. He was so handsome in his cut away black tails, white tie, and purple cummerbund and sash.

Stefan gave the toast before the feast was to begin.

S To the Cassadine Prince Nicholas! May you rule with the wisdom of the ages. Remember your ancestery and learn from their mistakes, celebrate their successes. Most importantly rule from the heart. I am honored to turn over the Cassadine Empire to the rightful Prince. Long live Prince Nicholas!

Cheers went up from the crowd after the single mass voiced "Long live Prince Nicholas"!

The feast for the hundreds in attendence was varied and bountiful. Wine and champagne flowed freely. There was great anticipation for the ball to follow.

Laura had since given up trying to find time alone with Stefan. She just took in the sights and tried her best to put on a happy face for Nicholas. He was striking in his formal attire. His handsomness and elegibility weren't lost on the young women in the crowd. Laura smiled at the flirtatious looks and smiles that were bestowed on her oldest son. She wished with her whole heart that he would find a love like Lucky did with Elizabeth, like she had at one time with Luke and like she still felt for Stefan. Laura felt his presence before she saw him as she always did. She didn't turn around hoping to grant his obvious wish to ignore her. She knew she had the dance as the one and only chance to talk to Stefan.

Stefan saw her stiff back thinking eroneously that she was ignoring him. Just as well he thought, after tomorrow he will no longer have an occasion to see her. Unfortunatly there would be the first dance. One in which Stefan had to start with Laura to show the united Cassadine family. Nicholas would then cut in to show his respect for his parentage, an old Russian custom that Stefan wished with his whole heart they could ignore.