The Mafia Deceptions- A Queen's Gambit

chapter 1: The princess

I was in my room, the room with 7 other rooms in it. It is delicately design in shades of black to match my preference with a few detailed white laces embroided on the bed sheets with the silk white pillow cases.

I went to the left in-room which has a beautiful bookshelf - all lined up with those stupid mafia dark romances- like we mafia princesses got no other job, ugh.

They aren't my choice of course- they are like a cover, a mask, that makes all those people out there believe I am capable of falling in love.

I pull out a book- named '10 ways to kill someone' and take out the hidden key in it and then open the lock behind it. The bookshelf opens up to a dark staircase, which I walk down and end up in our secret basement.

This basement was used by my mom's ancestors, a necessity in our line of business. They were smart enough to hide this and share to only those, who were from the same bloodline and not even the married-in-the-family-kinds like my father. I was led in on this by my mom when I was 7 as the tradition went on.

I spot Alex standing there with the mansion's guard, Lion, my hulking German shepherd. Lion eyes me as I pass. He is a beast, loyal only to me and his mere presence is enough to make most men wet themselves.

Alex trails behind me, like a loyal shadow following me everywhere I go. We reach the empty hall, where today's entertainment is tied to a chair.

The guy looks mid-twenties, tall, with brown hair sticking to his sweaty forehead. His white shirt is wrinkled and dirty. He reeks of fear. Just how I like them.

I strut in, letting my heels click against the cold, hard floor. The sound is a cold shivering threat. Alex grabs a chair, flips it around, and I sit down facing my meat.

His eyes darted around, trying to avoid mine. Good luck with that, buddy.

"Morning, sunshine," I say, my voice sweet but deadly. "Hope you had a good night's sleep."

He swallows hard, saying nothing. Typical.

"Was the breakfast to your liking?" I continue, sarcasm thick. "Oh, wait. You didn't get any, did you? My bad."

I nod to Alex, who unties the guy's hands. He rubs his wrists, still too scared to speak. Pathetic.

Alex brings me a bowl of cereal. I glance at it, then back at my guest. "Since you're not hungry, I'll help myself." I take a bite, grimacing. "Ugh, too dry."

Alex steps forward with a bottle of whiskey, pouring a generous amount into my bowl. I take another bite, savoring the burn. Much better.

"So, tell me," I say, leaning forward. "Who sent you?"

"I-I don't know," he stammers.

Alex shoves the gun deeper with more force in his head as a bead of sweat rolls down his face onto his white shirt.

He stammers, "A tall guy, mid-twenties, Italian accent. He paid me to deliver the box."

I smile, cold and cruel. "Aren't you just a peach? But see, I'm still pissed."

His eyes widen as I pull out my gun. "No, please, I-"

Bang. The shot echoes through the basement, and his body slumps. I turn to Alex. "Get rid of him. And for God's sake, don't spill any blood on the carpet. It's expensive."

Alex smirks, nodding. "Anything for you, princess."

I stride out of the room, heading to my office. The walls are lined with a collection of deadly artifacts: guns, knives, and a few choice bottles of brandy. In the center, there's a bookshelf with a single book titled "People to Kill."

I pull it out, opening it to a fresh page. With a pen dipped in blood-red ink, I write a new name in bold letters: RICCARDO.

No one threatens my throne. Not without paying the price. He has been on the loose, unobserved for too long now. It's been 6 months now since I got that first dead rose with the threat letter attached, "Your world isn't fair, princess. How was your mother's death orchestrated? Dig deeper. Yours and only yours darling, Riccardo"

The rose and the letter were such a cringe, like think of something new bud.

If it hadn't been for the letter I would have been another innocent princess used as a pawn in the game.

These past 6 months I have been trying to find out about my mother's death and have had some shocking revelations- my mom- the mafia queen was cold murdered- by whom? unknown.

But Riccardo was playing a mind game- he definitely knew something. Everytime I get a note in my bag or a surprise gift delivered- I know its him- he is playing some sick game and I am preparing for it.

I glance back at Alex, who's still standing by the door, watching me with that infuriatingly calm expression.

He's always been good at following orders, but sometimes, I wonder what goes on behind those piercing eyes.

"Is that all, princess?" he asks, voice smooth as silk.

"For now," I reply, setting the book back on the shelf. "But keep an eye out. We need to find out who this Riccardo really is. We can't trust anyone."

Alex steps closer, his presence warm and solid. "You know I always have your back, Serina."

Serina. That's what my mom used to call me. I raise an eyebrow. "Flirting again, Alex? We've got work to do."

He chuckles, low and dark. "Can't blame a guy for trying."

I roll my eyes but can't help the smirk that tugs at my lips. "Just focus. We're playing a dangerous game."

"Wouldn't have it any other way," he says, his gaze lingering on mine for a moment longer before he turns to leave.

As the door closes behind him, I sit back in my chair, staring at the name I've written. Riccardo. Whoever he is, he's about to learn a very painful lesson.

Six months ago, I probably was another pawn but now I am playing as the queen of the board, the most dangerous of all- all moves manipulated by me- with each counter attack stronger.

This is my game, and I always play to win.

Hey readers! So this is the first chapter. I know it might be a little too much detail on the first go- so I will be setting go slow for the first few chapters to set a pace for you guys!

Comment me down! Telling how was the story?

Did you like the character of Serafina - the mafia princess?

Do you like this bold personality or do you prefer a timid princess who falls for the strong make lead? No judgements considering I love both!

And I haven't introduced myself -
I am May brown - an university student with a very imaginative soul :)

Introduce yourself and lovely to connect with you! Thank you so much for reading the story.