The life and death of Nicolae Roman

Chapter 21: The Favor

Elizabeth sneezed as she opened her eyes and looked around. The first thing she saw was Nicolae's concerned face leaning over her. He was holding a bottle of smelling salts up to her nose. His grey eyes brightened upon seeing her awaken.

"Are you alright, my love? You fainted," he spoke while gently stroking her hair.

"Nicolae," Elizabeth whispered.

She suddenly remembered her reason for fainting.

"Please tell me I had a terrible nightmare," she said pleadingly. "That letter..."

Nicolae's expression darkened. Elizabeth read the pain in his eyes as he shook his head.

"I'm afraid it is all too real," he said sadly.

Elizabeth struggled to sit up. She felt panicky and short of breath.

"But you can't leave.... Not now!" She touched the gold medallion dangling from her neck. "Not after we..."

Nicolae grasped her hands into his, trying to calm her down.

"Shh... calm yourself, my love," he whispered in her hair.

"But... how can I?" Elizabeth's eyes were wild with the fear of losing him.

"Listen to me," Nicolae placed a finger on her lips. "I've given the whole situation some thought and I have a plan."

"You do?" A tiny glimmer of hope warmed Elizabeth's heart.

Nicolae nodded. "I must pretend to go along with father's wishes," he began. "Which means... I have to return home... at least for a while."

"And then?" Elizabeth prodded him.

"Then...I must assess the situation directly on the home front," Nicolae continued pensively. "And decide how to proceed from there."

Elizabeth's hopes were quickly dashed. "So you don't really have a plan...," she muttered.

"Of course I do," Nicolae reassured her. "There is no way I will abandon you, my love," he said firmly. "I just have to figure things out once I know what my parents have in store for me. You must believe me," he caressed her cheek. "And you must stay strong... for both of us."

"But how long will you be gone?" Elizabeth sounded dejected.

"Not very long," Nicolae answered. "The most time will be taken up by the actual travel," he sighed. "But once I'm there... I plan to settle things quickly."

"Alright," Elizabeth sighed.

"Do you trust me?" Nicolae lifted her chin up with one of his fingers. His gaze bore into hers.

"Yes," Elizabeth murmured. "I trust you." She then added under her breath: "I don't have much of a choice, do I?"

Nicolae planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Good," he told her. "The most important thing is that we remain calm... and reasonable. Getting worked up about it won't do either of us any good."

"That's easier said than done," Elizabeth said, looking down.

"I know," Nicolae agreed, pulling her close to him. "Believe me... it isn't any easier for me than it is for you."

"So... when will you go?" Elizabeth asked.

"As soon as possible... probably later today," Nicolae answered sadly. "I want to settle this thing once and for all."

"What shall I do while you're gone?" Elizabeth stroke the top of his hand with her fingers. "How will I manage without you?"