Viktor shook his umbrella before opening the front door. He was glad to be out of the torrential rain as he stepped into the warm, familiar environment of his home. It was only six o'clock in the evening, but darkness had already descended over Vienna for over an hour. Viktor had decided earlier that day to speak to Josette about his plans involving relocating his sons to Mystery Spell. He had put it off for as long as possible, but the date of their departure was quickly approaching and he could no longer delay. In addition, there was the matter of his wedding to Josette...
"Viktor, I'm so glad you're home," Josette exclaimed as soon as he entered the downstairs den.
Viktor noticed the fireplace was lit. The flames were casting dancing shadows on the walls. Josette sat on the sofa with Lorie by her side. Nicolae was also there, reading in an armchair by the window. The rain was still coming down hard, making the windows rattle from time to time.
Viktor approached his fiancée and placed a kiss on her lips. He then kissed the top of Lorie's head. She was busy coloring a picture. When Viktor took a closer look, he saw it was a drawing of a bride and a groom, with a little girl dressed in pink standing in front of them.
"Look, Papa," Lorie displayed her artwork proudly. "It's not done yet... but do you like it? It's you, Maman and me."
Viktor admired the drawing: "It's quite good, Lorie. You're a talented artist!" The child smiled at the compliment.
"Maman said you have some big news for us today," Lorie suddenly changed topics as she placed her drawing down. "It is true that you are going to America?"
Viktor was startled by Lorie's statement. So Josette found out. He looked at Nicolae who busied himself reading the newspaper, but Viktor knew his son was trying to keep a low profile. Nicolae must've been the one who told Josette about their upcoming trip.
Viktor sat down on the sofa, next to Lorie. He glanced at Josette who met his gaze unflinchingly.
"I thought Lorie should hear the details from you," Josette said.
"What has Nicolae told you?" Viktor asked.
"That you are embarking on a new business venture in America. And that you have to establish a permanent residence there. Therefore, you plan to send him and Drogo to live in Massachusetts. That's about it," Josette replied calmly.
Viktor was relieved that she didn't sound more upset. He had been dreading giving her the news. Nicolae lifted his eyes and Viktor nodded gratefully in his direction before addressing Josette:
"Well then... I suppose you pretty much know everything."
"When were you going to tell me about it yourself?" Josette regarded him closely.
"Today, as a matter of fact," Viktor answered truthfully.
"How long will you be gone, Papa?" Lorie grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Will you be back for Christmas?" Her hazel eyes were large as she spoke.
"I'm afraid I won't, my little one," Viktor answered, his gaze shifting toward Josette's face. "The trip to America is a long one. First, we have to take the train to Germany. And from there, we have to sail across the entire ocean."
"Really? Do you think you'll see some mermaids?" Lorie asked excitedly.
Viktor chuckled. "Maybe... who knows?" His tone became serious once more as he continued. "We leave next Saturday by train, from Vienna to Hamburg. From there, we will board the Victoria Luise and sail to New York Harbor. We are expected to get to New York in eight days. Isn't that exciting?"
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Why Lorie? Part II
Fanfiction** Mature content! **This is the second part of Lorie's story that starts after Drogo is banished to America. I try to alternate chapters between Lorie's life in Vienna, and Drogo and Nicolae's in Mystery Spell. Read on to find out how Lori become...
