BY DEMARCO'S STANDARDS (Part 5)

Introductions

As my plane touched down my heart slumped. I was a ball of emotions at wondering what to expect. Would my return be welcomed? Is my parent's nice people? What will be expected of me?

I gripped the phone Mr. Harper appointed me and recalled his word's. "Call me if you need anything".

Scanning through the contacts I saw he listed his number under asshole like we had joked. Moment's later I exited the plane carrying only a small bag and Capone. Just as promised a car was waiting for me. The drive was long but I enjoyed taking in the sights of this strange country. My home country I thought but it didn't feel like home.

Eventually we arrived at a pair of iron gate's and the driver pulled up to the security station. I rolled my window down as the guard peered in. "State your name and business."

"I'm Ivanya Kerverso Russian mafia queen. I'm here to see my father Vadler Kerverso".

The guard stepped back with a shocked exspression. "Yes maim, please pass through".

The driveway was long but when my family home came into view I was stunned. It was a palace, a very beautiful yet intimidating monster of a home. The car came to a halt in front of the wide double doors. Two men dressed in suits opened the doors and came to the car. They exchanged a few word's with my driver then opened my door.

"Good day Miss Kerverso. This way please". One of the men spoke.

I allowed them to help me out of the car. As we made our way up the marble steps my driver started to pull away. I looked back and my heart sank as I saw the car retteat. That was my last connection to the Harper's and more importantly, Demarco.

Then it hit me, I would never see Demarco again and if I did it wouldn't be on friendly terms because once I entered those doors I would officially become the queen of the Kerverso Empire. Within the depths of my soul for the first time I wondered if I had made the right decision. As I stood there immobile the sweet sound of Demarco's laugh rang in my head as the image of his smile warmed my heart. A small gasp escaped my lips as the realization dawned on me....I love Demarco Harper. I was in love with the ItalianMafia king.

The men brought me from my thoughts by softly urging me forward toward the now foreboding doors. I knew once I entered everything would change. Glancing over my shoulder one last time I saw my car disappear and I wanted nothing more than to run after it but that was impossible now. I was here and there was no turning back.

The outside beauty if the home vanished once I stepped inside. The sun was blocked out with the heavy sound of the shutting doors. The house seemed to be draped in gray darkness. No curtains were open to allow the light of day in. Even the furniture added to the drab atmosphere. One of the men spoke up. "Wait here. Your father will join you momentarily". After that was said the men disappeared down a dark hall.

What was suppose to be moment's turned into a very long time. You would think after being away for so long your parent's would be in a rush to see you. I felt like a child once again as I held Capone close and whispered for his ears. "Well it's definitely not Dem's beautiful place".

Capone responded by nudging his head into my chin and giving a unsure meow. "I miss him to baby".

Finally I heard footsteps approaching and saw a man coming toward me. He stopped about three feet from my reach and gave a tight smile. "Ivanya. I see you finally found your way home?"

"Yes". I answered meekly.

He only nodded and nodded toward another set of doors". Come this way, we will finish our discussion".

"Are you my father?" I blurted out needing to know.

"Yes, I am he" he said blandly.

"And my mother?" I questioned.

Without showing any emotion he replied as he walked. "She was killed several year's back".

This news shocked me, however I can't honestly say that I was hurt. How can I be hurt over losing something I never had or someone I didn't know. Yet I was angry. I felt that he should have at least attempted to contact me and let me know. "Why wasn't I informed?" I asked irritability.

"Wasn't you concern". He replied smartly as we reached his office.

His office was just as bleak as the rest of the house. I took a seat on a stiff leather chair as he cozied himself behind his desk. "So Ivanya, I trust Amercia treated you well?"

"Well after I was free from that oraphnange you placed me in, it was great". I bit out disturbed by this cold homecoming.

I guess I imagined I would be showered in hugs and tears along with apologies. Even a mother to kiss all my woes away but even that was hopeless. "I understand your a lawyer?"

"Yes I am".

His eye's narrowed down on me as he asked. "Is that all the state's offered you? No power, no romance?"

I suddenly felt uneasy and knew I had to keep my relationship with Demarco and the Harper's well hidden. "I mostly worked but yes I was engaged for a brief time but the love fizzled out".

"Splendid". He said with the first genuine smile to be seen.

"You see, if you had married it would make a mess of your new status. Not only are you my heir but you are also betrothed."

"Excuse me?" I hissed.

Smiling like the devil himself he informed me that I was to be married soon. "You've been betrothed since the day you was born. I couldn't very leave my Empire to a woman and your mother wasn't able to produce me a legit son. Within a month you will marry Micha Schultz. He's a very powerful man and will make a great king. My Empire will be left in good hands. A meeting will be arranged soon between the both of you. Do not disappoint me daughter".

Losing my control I laughed out loud. "It's obvious you don't know me father. I will not be marring anyone let alone a stranger."

With murder in his eye's he stared me down. "You will not defy me. If you refuse it means war between our families. But I'm not worried because I will not allow you to refuse".

He beckoned his men back in indicating our meeting was over. As the men led me out he called. "Don't think of trying anything. This home is well guarded and you will be under surveillance at all time's".

I was taken to my room and once the door was shut I rushed to jerk the curtains open. With my room bathed in sunlight, I sat on my bed with Capone trying to piece together my new reality. Had I known this is how my life would have been I'd never left.

Within the hour a few maids waltzed in and took my measurements for new clothes. Father wanted to make sure I looked every bit of a queen. However I'm sure Micha wasn't thrilled about marrying someone he didn't know either. Maybe duiring our meeting we could come up with a solution where everyone wins.