The life and death of Nicolae Roman

Chapter 9: Ludwig

After spending a restless night tossing and turning, Nicolae woke up in a cold sweat. His dreams had been vivid and disturbing, and involved his parents, Elizabeth, Irina, Ludwig and Viktor Bartholy. He felt like a yo-yo bouncing between various scenarios: his mother scolding him for not finding a bride; his sister fighting with him about Ludwig; Elizabeth... that particular dream left him feeling unsatisfied and wanting more. And throughout the night, Viktor's emerald green gaze seemed to follow his every move.

As he rubbed his eyes, Nicolae realized with a start that he must have slept in. He jumped out of bed and pulled the curtains wide open. Indeed, the sun was high in the sky. He called out for his servant.

"Ion! I need my basin filled with water and some fresh clothes!"

The valet responded immediately. "Right away, Sir."

Within half an hour, Nicolae was washed, dressed and ready to face the day.

"Any breakfast, Sir?" Ion peeked in on his master. "I can make eggs..."

"No time for it," Nicolae answered. "I'm running late as it is."

Upon seeing Ion's bemused face, Nicolae added: "Don't worry. I will grab something to eat while I'm out."

He then rushed out the door and down the stairs. Luckily, Nicolae was tall and had a long stride. He was able to make it to the University of London quickly, and found himself waiting for Elizabeth by the front sign.

He was not disappointed when he spotted her walking toward him with a smile. Her dress was pale yellow and she held a white parasol over her head. Her luscious red curls cascaded down her shoulders. She looked beautiful and Nicolae found his breathing quickened as she approached.

"Good morning," she greeted him warmly, proffering her right hand. "I hope you haven't been waiting here too long."

"As a matter of fact, I just got here before you," Nicolae removed his hat and lifted her hand up to his lips while gazing deeply into her eyes. He noticed the action made her blush and she unconsciously bit her lower lip. He lowered his gaze to her full mouth and then back to her hazel eyes.

"Shall we?" Elizabeth indicated the main entrance to the university, her voice sounding higher than normal. Did he affect her the same way she affected him?

"Yes. After you," Nicolae bowed his head slightly and placed a hand lightly on her lower back. He thought he felt her shiver under his touch, and withdrew.

Elizabeth walked briskly. Nicolae followed her through the massive oak-framed doorway and into the main hallway.

"I'm sorry, but I have to stop by the laboratory," Elizabeth said apologetically. "I hope that is alright with you."

"Of course," Nicolae smiled. "You lead... I'll follow."

They walked for quite a ways along the hallway, passing various students and professors. Some of them greeted Elizabeth, while others looked immersed in their books. Nicolae noticed a few female students eyeing him.

"You are causing quite a sensation," Elizabeth whispered while glancing at him sideways. "That is... mainly among the female student population." She chuckled, making Nicolae smile.

"They must have never seen a Romanian count before," he replied.

Elizabeth stopped dead in her tracks and turned to him. "Did you say Romanian count?" She narrowed her eyes. "You didn't tell me you were a noble."

Nicolae realized he had not disclosed his social position the previous day. He felt self-conscious and cleared his throat. "It didn't come up yesterday," he tried to cover his tracks nonchalantly.