EN's

e. The weight of my title, the expectations, and the sharp stares that followed me were things I'd grown used to. I

out being the center of attention. It was a habit I'd developed over the years-watch, l

wasn'

fit for this?" a low vo

my head, but my

diculous," another voice added, dripping with disdain. "Th

y were practical. My father had chosen me, and they'd respected his decision. Bu

spered again, and I could hear the bitterness i

acting. I'd heard worse before. Besides, I didn't need their appro

ia families. Each one had their own agenda, their own alliances, and their own opinions about me.

't like t

edge of the hall, her gaze fixed on the floor as if afraid to look up. Her dress, though neat, didn't mat

y lifted her hea

... striking. Not because they were beautiful, though they were, but because they h

uickly looked away, her cheeks flushing as

s about to start, and I didn't have time for dis

encing the crowd. "We are gathered here to crown the new king of

pplause as I was summoned

er stage. The Castellano crest gleamed behind me, and the weight of every eye in the room fe

seat. It wasn't just a chair; it was a symbol, a throne that came with power, loyalty, and enem

velvet box in his hands. Inside was the Mafia crown-a simple yet commanding piece

f the Castellano family, the King of this City, the ruler and Godfather of the underworld

voice steady, even thou

heard the faint gasp of awe ripple through the crowd, an

gainst the wall, his eyes narrowed. He

ad as the crowd continued their cheers. I didn't let my face betray any e

gain. ""we honor the royal tradition of crowning a new king by unitin

ual always left a bit

this tr

mother's life-and

he was forced to marry someone chosen for him, someone who fit the Mafia's definition of a "perfect q

with this fate because

me. "She is the daughter of a close ally of the Castellano family, chose

he room briefly, catching glimpses of people watching ea

s announced. My eyes found her in the crowd as she stepped f

eutral, nodding politel

our eyes met, but there was no spark, no wa

practiced. I offered her my hand because

murmured, her voice s

"It's an honor, Cassandra,"

replied, her voice as po

o congratulate us, my mind drifted. This wasn't about love or

pised it, I had no ch

der, we also uphold another tradition-the pur

and politicians present here today to show our new ki

much for it. Women from various families would be auctioned off as maids to serve the new Mafia king. It was mea

Mafias to brag about their w

er's Seat, watching with mild d

r the murmuring crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, let us begin! First up, a cap

pression unreadable. Her dress was simple yet neat, and she carried he

thousand!" the announcer declared

someone called al

ce followed smoothly, and the b

from the front row, his

ty tho

he podium. "Sold fo

d off the stage, her composure intact ev

aste of m