The life and death of Nicolae Roman

Chapter 4: Decisions...

"Wake up, Sir."

Nicolae had a hard time opening his eyes.  He squinted at the attack of the harsh bright morning light coming through his bedroom window.

"Close the curtains, Ion," he grunted while covering his face with his arm.

"But, Sir... it is ten o'clock," his manservant mumbled.  "You are expected downstairs, at breakfast."

"Oh, no...." Nicolae pulled his satin coverlet over his head.  "The interrogation thus begins," he sighed heavily.

He knew that after his birthday party, his mother would be questioning him to no end.  He also knew this was inevitable.  With a heavy heart, Nicolae got out of bed and let Ion help him get dressed.

"Cheer up, Sir," Ion tried to elevate his mood.  "It's a beautiful morning."

"Mm-hm," Nicolae mumbled.  "The weather might be fine outside, but there is a tornado waiting for me downstairs..."

As he entered the dining room, Nicolae saw that his parents and sister were already seated at the long table.  There was a plethora of breakfast pastries, eggs, sausages, hams and fruits in front of them, but their porcelain plates were untouched.  Nicolae gave an inward grunt, realizing they were waiting for him to arrive before they ate.

"Good morning, Darling," his mother greeted him.

"Good morning, Mamma," Nicolae kissed her lightly on the cheek.  He then greeted his father:  "Good morning, Papa."

His father nodded his head in response.  "You're late today," he then added gruffly.  "Did you drink too much last night?"

"No... I didn't even touch a glass of wine... didn't have an opportunity to," Nicolae answered as he sat and placed a white napkin on his lap.

He then looked at Irina, who sat across from him.  Her expression was grim and she didn't return his gaze. Nicolae kicked her lightly under the table.  This usually made his sister smile, but today, it did not have the desired effect.  Instead, Irina gave him a cross look.  Nicolae tried a different method.

"Good morning, dear sister," he beamed at her.  "You looked positively radiant yesterday.  Did you enjoy the party?"

Irina scowled and addressed their father.  "May I be excused, Papa?"

"But Darling, you haven't had a single bite yet," their mother answered instead.

"I'm not very hungry today," Irina looked at Countess Roman.  "In fact, I have no appetite at all."

"Very well, then," her mother said.  "You best go back to your room and lie down.  Perhaps you are coming down with something."

Irina got up brusquely and left without giving Nicolae a glance.  Both of their parents turned their attention to him.

"I wonder what's gotten into her?"  Countess Roman asked.  "She seems so glum today."

Nicolae cleared his throat but did not comment.  Instead, he took a spoonful of scrambled eggs and a couple of sausage links, and placed them on his plate.  The maid immediately served him coffee and water.  Nicolae began to eat, but felt dejected.  He realized he was the reason for his sister's misery.  To be more precise, he knew that his treatment of Ludwig Eberwald caused her anger.  But he did not want to broach the subject with his parents.

"Nicolae," his mother asked, cocking her head. "Tell me... did anyone catch your attention at last night's party?" 

"Several people did," Nicolae said.  "The Mayor, for example, talked my head off about needing our support for his new proposed plans to improve the city sewer system..."