“I don’t understand, what do you mean the human condition?”
“I have been led to believe that you are one of the richest women in California, yet you do nothing to enjoy your riches. I am curious why you live such a cloistered life.”
“I never realized I lead such an existence. I’m not a nun if that’s what you’re saying.”
“No, we can discuss your virginity later. What I was suggesting is you live a simple life. You could be traveling the world like I am enjoying your wealth.”
“I never thought about it, I like my life here in San Francisco.”
“Is there nothing you would want to change?”
Helena let her eyes wander from the ocean over the Count’s right hand and then up to his golden eyes. How can someone have eyes that color? She thought, “I don’t think I understand what you’re saying.”
The Count’s hand slowly catching her elbow turning her to face the French doors which lined the terrace. Inside the elite of San Francisco danced, completely ignoring the pair as they stood in the soft light conversing, “Nietzsche believes that humans live with a herd mentality. Most of our laws, our religion, the very morals we are brought up believing in, is the more common people of the world trying to hold back the few exceptional people. Do you want to be one of the herd, or do you want to be exceptional?”
“I’ve seen so much pain the past two days I don’t know if I can forget it. Why do people need to be so cruel to one another?”
“Because genuinely extraordinary people have nothing in common with the mundane refuse. The very names indicate a difference.”
“But I’ve seen so much evil, so many things that can be changed.”
“You must be careful, the longer you stare into the abyss, the abyss will change you.”
Helena said, “You said you thought you knew me, but I know we’ve never met,” trying to change the subject.
“No, I was mistaken. I see no possible way it could’ve been you. I saw a great man lecture at Cambridge a few years ago. He had your last name and a great bushy fiery beard. When I first learned your name, I thought you might be related, but after speaking to you, I don’t think so. The man spoke of many wondrous things, adventure, and how the earth is doomed because of the common people. I don’t think he was related to you.”
“No, I’m sorry my father has been gone for some time, and from what I understand he would not be lecturing at Cambridge.”
“I’m sorry to hear that I thought we might be brothers and sisters, bound together by ideals.”
“I’m afraid you’re mistaken.”
Ludmila, the Countess Stroganov sashayed past the guards and Sigmund approaching the pair as they spoke.
“Alexei dear, have you found a new pet for our trip around America?” Ludmila said, then walked up and placed her left arm around Alexei’s waist giving her brother a passionate kiss more suitable for lovers than siblings.
“No, my darling, I was simply discussing philosophy with this young lady. It appears we both hold a love of Nietzsche.”
“Alexei, you bore people with your philosophy. Just tell her the world is coming to an end, and we should live and have a good time while we can.”
“What do you mean the world is coming to an end?”
“Just as she said, if you read the Bible it will be here any day. I plan on leaving this earth with a smile on my face. One way or another I’m going to be enjoying myself when I die.”
“You’re the second person in two days that told me the world was coming to an end. Should I believe it?”
“Everything ends dear, Christ did say he would return it has been a thousand years since the Romans and the Jews killed him. It makes sense that he would come back that the prophecies of the revelations would be a roadmap to the world.”
“But that’s insane, I have too many things to do before the world ends. I, I think the world can be a better place. There has to be more than what you offer.”
“We offer a new physical delight at every turn, pleasures of the body, mind and the soul are our specialties,” Ludmila’s lips spreading into a seductive smile.
“What you offer sounds strangely appealing. I need to think over what you told me,” Helena took two steps back away from the royal couple.
“You can only think for so long. We leave one week from tonight. It will be glorious the full moon over our heads as we take off for our next destination,” said Ludmila.
The Count finished, “I invite you to join us, we offer many things. Remember one thing before you go fighting monsters, you must take care lest you become one yourself,” the royal pair pushed off from the rail and strolled to the two guards holding Sigmund back. The royal couple secured inside the Cliff House, the guards released Sigmund to confer with Helena.
“What did that bloody bastard say?” Sigmund’s accent reverted to his childhood manner of speaking before he caught himself and spoke in a more refined toned.
“Did that man hurt you?” he said after straightening his vest.
“No, he talked a lot of philosophy. I didn’t understand most of it. He said he knew me or knew my family, someone that used to lecture in Cambridge.”
“It couldn’t be your father, he never as far as I know, lectured at University. Perhaps your grandfather, he did study and teach in England, but I was serving in India then. However, it couldn’t be your grandfather, that royal ass is much too young to have attended your grandfather’s lectures.”
“I don’t know, I feel lightheaded after our conversation. I’m going to go sit down on that bench, might you bring me something to drink?” she said as she pointed towards a bench only thirty paces away.
Helena made her way to a darker part of the terrace out of
