Why Lorie? Part I

Chapter 12: Drogo

"Drogo!  What a surprise," Josette looked up at Viktor's third son.

"For both of us, I assure you," Drogo replied smiling mischievously.

Josette turned toward Viktor.  "I am so happy you brought the whole family, Viktor," she exclaimed.

"It's a very special occasion," Viktor said.  "Plus, it was high time you met everyone," he looked at Drogo and narrowed his eyes, as though in warning.

"Yes, indeed," Drogo remarked.  "Father has finally let me out of the dungeon," he whispered conspiratorially toward Josette, while his eyes remained locked on his father.

Josette studied the young man standing in front of her.  Drogo was extremely tall and well-built, and towered over everyone else in the room.  He had a shock of unruly, almost-white blond hair and the most unusual eyes -- hazel streaked with amber.  As Josette gazed into them, she detected a note of amusement and irony behind his placid demeanor.

"Trying to figure me out?"  Drogo grinned, looking down at Josette.

He had very white teeth, with prominent canines like Viktor's.  His face was square-jawed and masculine.  Overall, he was very handsome.  Apparently, he was fully aware of the effect he had on women because he returned Josette's gaze in a rather insolent way.

"Not exactly," Josette answered.  She felt a bit intimidated by his imposing figure and strong personality.  "I just wanted to take a better look at you... the mysterious son," she joked to cover her unease.

"Well, here I am... in all my glory," Drogo winked.  "So, what is your verdict?  Will I be allowed to come back?"  He grinned again, making Josette blush.

"Of course," she stumbled over her words.  "All of Viktor's sons are welcome in our home."

"Is that so?"  Drogo arched an eyebrow.  "I wasn't informed of it," he looked around at his kin.  "That is good to know."

"Drogo, perhaps you should remember why you're here," Nicolae gave him a meaningful glance.

"Oh, yes... how silly of me," Drogo retorted.  "Happy birthday, dear Josette," he lifted her hand up and pressed it against his lips.  "And I wish you many, many more," he said, locking his eyes on Viktor as he spoke.

"Thank you, Drogo," Josette responded.  She found his touch unnerving.  It made her heart pound inside her chest.  She therefore withdrew her hand quickly out of his grip.

Drogo obviously sensed her discomfort.  He smiled lifting one corner of his full mouth while his amber eyes made contact with Josette's.

Josette looked away.  She was afraid of turning toward Viktor right after his son stirred her emotions like that.  She took a deep breath to regain her composure before facing Count Bartholy who was still carrying Lorie.  Luckily, Lorie stretched her arms out toward her mother as soon as Josette turned.

"Mama, mama," the little one called out to her. 

Josette retrieved her from Viktor and spun her around, to Lorie's delight.

"When are you opening presents?"  Lorie asked, making Josette feel a bit embarrassed.

"Not yet, little one," she told her daughter, while smiling shyly toward Viktor.

"But Lorie is right," Viktor remarked.  "You should open them now."

Josette tried to read the expression on his face, but, as usual he seemed impassive.

"Very well," she acquiesced, lowering her eyelashes.  "If you'd like me to."

Viktor nodded.  "I would, indeed."