Just One Look By Icemangal   My father's sudden death thrust me a little prematurely into the role for which I had been groomed and prepared all my life. But the truth was, his scientific experiments had preoccupied him to such an extent in the last years of his life that I was already handling most aspects of running the Cassadine Empire… My mother was, as always, helpful, but over the last few months it was my pleasure to let her focus her energies on avenging the deaths of my father and uncles at the hands of Luke and Laura Spencer. And so, traveling from one world financial capital to another, it has been quite some time since I was able to return home, to the island I love, the mother who has always been my best ally… After she welcomed me, I asked how she was enjoying her new pet, and when could I see the captive? Laura Spencer was in one of the guest houses on the south side of the island. She was being kept safely, if not comfortably, her basic needs met. She was, of course, under close guard. There was no problem letting ME in, of course… She was - is - exquisite. There is no other word for it. I introduced myself, we spoke for a few moments. It does not matter what was said. She was spirited, unbeaten, possessing a dignity that shone as deeply as her beauty. Laura - From the first moment I saw her, I knew I would have to have her. What a consort she will make! His name is Stavros. He is Helena's son. Why is it so strange to imagine her having a son? Actually, I'm told she has two… Anyway, he spoke to politely, more so than anyone has since I was brought here. I suppose he could be nice; he said all the right things. But he is a Cassadine… and his eyes… It's Luke's eyes I see in my dreams. And sometimes when I'm awake. When things are so awful I don't think I can bear them, I think of Luke, I call out to him in my mind. He's been my hero so many times, I can't believe that he won't storm this island and release me from my prison. It's been so long. Helena told me soon after I got here that Luke has given me up for dead. Stavros said he might be able to make me more comfortable. He seems nice… It's just… I don't like the way he looks at me… My son is home… my true son, my warrior Prince. When I saw him get off the plane, I was so proud. He is everything I ever dreamed he would be, the force and power of his father, but with an elegance and charisma Mikkos never really had. We had cocktails and discussed business, and I simply enjoyed being with him. He asked about my revenge and I was happy to tell him how well it was going. Stavros has always understood the importance of avenging oneself on one's enemies. He asked if he could see Laura. I saw no problem with that. She will, after all, be with us for a long time. When he came back, though, he was different. There was something in his eyes. We spoke, but he was distracted. I know my son better than anyone does, better than anyone could. I always know when he wants something and, furthermore, I always know how much he wants it. Stavros has never been denied anything he wanted, which has always been right and proper… but this? How could I not have foreseen this possibility? That he would want Laura Spencer for himself… he could have any woman from any of the highest families of Europe. She is not worthy of him. As a plaything, a temporary mistress, perhaps, a woman he could use for his pleasure, as he once did the servants and other women of the Island… but that is not how he looks, that is not what he wants. He wants to possess her completely. I know. I know my son. Laura Spencer was instrumental in destroying Mikkos's grand design, in killing him and his brothers. She can only mean disaster for my precious son. How I wish he had never laid eyes on her…