Two by Day, Three by Night by Breanna Hayse

in the rear view mirror.
    “We’re here? I feel so… fuzzy in the head. I can’t believe you drugged me, Marcas. Why the hell would you do such a terrible thing?!”
    “Please, let me taste your anger later. Right now, I wish you to enjoy my home. She is beautiful, yes?”
    The view caught Courtney’s attention, distracting her from her fury. “This is… magnificent. I always thought this gothic stuff would be creepy and dark. There is so much color and, is that a river? Those mountains are so intimidating! They make me feel so small.”
    “That is why I am called to be an ambassador. My work is to dispel the rumors and fears brought by imagination and bring about the truth of my country. I wish to show the world Romania’s true beauty and her many wonders.”
    “Are those castles? Oh my God… this is amazing!” Courtney leaned forward, absorbing the scenery as they drove by. Like an eager child, she excitedly pointed out the clock tower, the historic sites, the tiny cobble stone pathways and the green hills with the mountain background. Courtney held her breath as they traveled up the narrow road and through dense thickets of primeval trees, and bounced in her seat as the family home came into her view.
    Kalnovky Manor was designed to resemble a small German castle, with high, pointed turrets, elaborate wood work, and crisp, white washed stone. Pebbled paths and hand-laid stone stairs led the way to the main structure, bordered by lush, neatly manicured grounds, and speckled with myriads of orchids.
    “How in the world do you grow orchids here? Marcas, this is breathtaking.”
    “Romania is home to many species of orchids as well as other natural wonders. One day, I will take you to see all… the waterfalls… the blood forest… the hidden glens where we shall make love under the stars…”
    “Marcas, let’s get this clear. First, I am not on this trip to be a sex toy. Second, I remind you that I am really pissed at you. How dare you drug me? You had no idea what it could have done to me!”
    “I researched carefully. I wished you to sleep well so that you would enjoy your first day home,” he said quietly, parking the car next to the entryway of the manor. “I apologize, but I knew no other means of getting you to rest.”
    “We will talk about this later,” Courtney snapped, pointing her finger at him. “In the meantime, you are on my shit list.”
    “Do not use that language in front of Sebastian. He is…”
    “Yes, yes, a man of God. He is also a sneaky little butthead. He knew what you were up to, didn’t he?”
    “ Da , and he agreed it was needed to get you to relax.”
    “It was my idea, little angel. Please, do not be angry with the boy,” Sebastian said softly, yawning as he woke. “This trip can be hard for someone who has not experienced it and we both wished you to see our home in the light of the morning sun. Like the unwrapping of a gift. Forgive us, please?”
    “Well…” Courtney wrinkled her nose, finding it impossible to be angry with the tiny old man who held her hand so gently. “You both owe me.”
    “Whatever you wish, we shall pay.” Sebastian grinned. He inhaled deeply. “Ahh, the scent of home awakens my heart. Please, allow me to sit under the trees and enjoy the morning light.”
    Marcas quickly procured a wheelchair that he had ordered ahead of time and lifted his friend into the seat. He wheeled the chair to a cove under some sloping trees that face the deep, wide valley below, including the winding river below the village.
    “Courtney, you stay with him. I will make arrangements with the staff for breakfast. Ahh, no arguments.”
    “You aren’t always going to get the last word, Baron Kalnovky. You should consider yourself fortunate that I’m still groggy.”
    “That I do. Your anger sends fear to travel my spine.”
    “Yeah, right,” Courtney scoffed, knowing he was, once again, teasing her. She sat next to Sebastian on a small wooden swing,