The life and death of Nicolae Roman

Chapter 1: Count Nicolae Roman

Count Nicolae Roman was bored. He was sitting in the library of his parents' luxurious mansion, leafing through a book without really reading any of the words. It was a beautiful day in June, in the year 1825. The Romans were one of Transylvania's oldest and most prestigious families. Their mansion was centrally located in the capital, Cluj. That day happened to be Nicolae's twenty-fifth birthday. Through the open window, he could see the green poplars swaying in the gentle breeze and smell the freshly cut grass in the large courtyard.

The door to the library opened and a beautiful young woman waltzed in. She had curly brown hair that was styled in a lovely updo. Her eyes were light grey, with hues of green and blue, depending on the color of her dress. That day, her riding gown was azure velvet and she looked and felt especially sophisticated. She ran up to Nicolae and snatched the book out of his hand.

"What are you doing?" Nicolae was more surprised than upset.

"Don't pretend you were reading!" The young woman teased. "Look outside! It's a lovely day! You should be out there riding... or at least walking through the garden."

"And why would I do that?" Nicolae raised an eyebrow.

"Because..." the woman smiled, "... you will soon be too old to enjoy any of those activities!" She laughed and carelessly threw the book on the ground.

"Be careful with that!" Nicolae scolded her. "It's an original manuscript and it's very valuable."

"Come on, big brother... time to do something active!" The young woman ignored his comment. She grabbed Nicolae's hand, pulling him out of the armchair.

Nicolae pretended to put up a fight, but in reality, his little sister entertained him. Perhaps it was just what he needed to overcome his gloom.

"Irina... I don't feel like going outside," he whined, but reluctantly stood up, towering over her. Nicolae was quite tall and well built. His brown hair fell loosely to his shoulders, barely grazing them. His eyes were the same hue of grey as his sister's. They were twinkling with amusement at her excited demeanor.

"Come, come... you have to get a little color in those pale cheeks of yours," Irina continued her chatter. "Tonight is a big night, after all!"

Nicolae scoffed. "Oh no... I forgot all about it." He rolled his eyes, annoyed.

"Liar!" Irina teased. "Who could forget his own birthday party?" There was a mischievous twinkle in her eyes as she added: "And the fact that every high society bachelorette will attend your special gala?"

"That's what I'm afraid of," Nicolae sighed. "All those crazy women... trying to pin me down."

"That's because you are such a great catch!" Irina nudged him playfully. "Behold the heir to the great Roman fortune!" She said pompously.

"More like the heir to the great Roman debt!" Nicolae smirked. "Don't forget, our family may have the right name, but we lack the funds to back it."

"Which is why you must marry well," Irina started imitating their father's stern tone. "Now, Nicolae... you know that marriage isn't about love. It's about making the right choices!" Irina marched around the library wiggling her finger at her brother.

Nicolae grinned at her silly militaristic display.

"A-ha! I got a smile out of you!" Irina said triumphantly. "Now, come on... don't keep me waiting all day! I have our horses saddled and ready to go."

The siblings made their way down the grand staircase. It was made of white marble and covered with a fine red Persian runner from top to bottom. The round atrium had an intricate mosaic floor, displaying various heroic deeds performed by some of Nicolae's predecessors. Irina stopped smack in the middle of the rotunda pointing to the floor.