She is the Queen

Chapter 16

As his hand rested gently on the small of my back, we moved gracefully into the grand hall. The atmosphere was alive with anticipation, and I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. The black carpet beneath our feet seemed to stretch out endlessly, leading us toward a night full of possibilities.

As we entered the hall, my carefully orchestrated vision came to life before my eyes. The opulent surroundings were nothing short of breathtaking. The white and black marble floor gleamed under the soft glow of the golden chandeliers above, casting a romantic ambiance throughout the room. The historical charm of the castle was evident in every detail, from the cream-colored walls to the meticulously painted ceiling.

Speaking of the ceiling, it was a work of art in and of itself. Crafted by a French painter in the late 1800s, every stroke portrayed an angelic beauty that mesmerized everyone who gazed upon it. It was as if heaven had descended upon the hall, engulfing us all in its ethereal glory. I couldn't help but feel a swell of pride knowing that I had created this enchanting setting.

As we made our way through the crowd, all eyes turned toward us. The hushed silence was broken only by the soft melodies of an adapted version of Mozart's Moonlight Sonata. It was a fitting choice, a tribute to the elegance and romance of the evening.

I caught sight of my dear grandfather Lorenzo and my father, standing side by side, their eyes filled with a mix of pride and adoration. Their support and love meant the world to me, and I couldn't wait to share this special night with them.

Andrea, the man at my side, had become a trusted ally over the past few months. His transformation from adversary to confidant was nothing short of remarkable. As he kissed my hand, a gesture of respect and loyalty, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. Our paths had intertwined in unexpected ways, and his presence tonight only solidified the bond we had formed.

With a nod from Andrea, I signaled for the guests to continue enjoying the festivities. As the music swelled once more, the room came alive with laughter and conversation. It was a moment of triumph, a testament to the power of love and connection.

As we continued walking, my dad and grandad expressed their admiration for the event I had created. They marveled at the stunning venue, the flawless security measures, and the elegance of the guests. But what truly caught their attention was the Circle, the revolutionary system I had implemented.

The Circle was a network of influential individuals within the shadow world, a covert society that operated behind the scenes, wielding power and influence in the realms of business, politics, and beyond. It was my vision to bring unity and structure to this elusive world, to create an organization that would uplift and strengthen its members, while also maintaining a sense of secrecy and intrigue.

My grandad assured me that the Circle would become a legend, spreading through the whispers of the night like a captivating tale. He commended me for not only bringing our family to the United States but also for earning the prestigious role of president within the legislation. It was a testament to my determination and the legacy I carried from my mother.

My mother, a formidable woman who had guided me through life even after her passing, had instilled in me a sense of pride and honor. She had taught me to be fiercely independent, to not only survive but to thrive in a world that could be ruthless and unforgiving. And so, I pledged to carry on her legacy and honor her memory through my accomplishments.

As we continued our conversation, the excitement in the room grew louder. Laughter filled the air, mingling with the melodies that danced from the grand piano. And so, as I navigated the grand hall, greeted by familiar faces and new acquaintances alike.

 ...

After the successful creation of the Circle and the awe-inspiring ball that followed, it was time for me to deliver a speech. Surprisingly, I wasn't nervous at all. In fact, I hadn't even prepared a speech beforehand. I wanted my words to be spontaneous, to come straight from the heart, and to serve as a promise to everyone present.

As I stood before the crowd, I could sense the tension in the room. All eyes were locked on me, and I could see the varying emotions on each face. Some were trying to conceal their fear with stone cold expressions, while others fidgeted with the tablecloth or nervously shook their legs. A few individuals, however, exuded confidence, and I could tell it stemmed from their unwavering belief in the Circle and its purpose.

With conviction in my voice, I began outlining the rules of the Circle and the consequences of disobedience. It wasn't a threat but rather a promise. I wanted everyone to understand the gravity of the system we had established and the importance of adhering to its principles. As I spoke, I could see heads nodding in agreement, a sign that my words were resonating with the audience.

Reaching the climax of my speech, I raised my glass of champagne and exclaimed, "For the Circle!" The room erupted with cheers and applause as everyone prepared to toast to our collective success. However, I had other plans. In an unexpected twist, I raised my hand, signaling everyone to pause. In one swift motion, I retrieved a concealed pistol from my bag and shot the man who had been waiting on the balcony, seemingly waiting for me to drink my glass. The sound of the gunshot echoed throughout the room, leaving everyone stunned.

I couldn't help but chuckle slightly at the dramatic turn of events. It was an unsettling reminder of the power I held, the lengths I was willing to go to protect the Circle and its members. Turning my attention back to the guests, I continued with my speech, my voice filled with both authority and a touch of dark humor.

As the room fell into a momentary silence, I addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and the consequences of betrayal. It was a stark reminder that in the world of shadows, trust was a scarce commodity, and one wrong move could cost someone their life. The guests listened intently, their expressions a blend of fascination, fear, and respect.

"Do you see that guy I shot, he is Vlad Malkinov, who was sent from the Red Mafia. All of your drinks contain Paraquat Dichloride and mine as well. This is a poison. One sip kills thee one instantly."

"They all had poison in them apart from his." I said pointing to a guy. 

"Did your boss think that I wouldn't see his plan through?" As I raised an eyebrow at him, the room fell into a hushed anticipation. The man trembled, fear evident in every inch of his being. "Bring him here," I commanded, and Andrea swiftly stepped forward, pulling the man towards the stage where I stood

"Alex Kozlov," I announced, my voice laced with a mixture of authority and coldness. The man's body quivered as he fought to maintain his composure. I passed my glass to him, an unspoken order dangling in the air. His eyes pleaded with me, begging for mercy and understanding.

But there was no room for forgiveness or second chances in the world we inhabited. The consequences of betrayal were as stark as they were relentless. And so, the man fell to his knees, tears streaming down his face as he began to beg for his life. His words stumbled and trembled, rooted in fear and regret. "Please...please... I am sorry. It was an order," he managed to utter amidst his sobs.

The severity of the situation was palpable as the room held its breath. I knew that the time for compassion had passed; this was a defining moment, a demonstration of the unyielding power that resided within me. "I am not going to ask one more time," I stated firmly, my resolve cemented.

With trembling hands, the man obeyed, lifting the glass to his lips. As the poison coursed through his veins, he convulsed on the ground, white foam spilling from his mouth. His body went into a seizure, a physical manifestation of his treacherous actions and the swift consequences they entailed.

Addressing the audience, my voice resonated with an air of finality. "That would be the fate awaiting all of us if I had not intervened. No mercy, no traitors, and no mistakes are permissible within the Circle. Defying me or any of my alliances will result in the same consequences. Nothing happens without my knowledge."

And with that, our night came to an end.