Page 14 of His Cursed Heart

“Have you seen Althea?” I ask, trying to not sound more curious that I already am.

“Yeah, she was hiding around here. She didn’t really

change that much. Still has the same little, scared face.” I clench my palm into fists at the thought.

What did I think when I agreed to this?

I can’t marry a girl that was supposed to be like my little sister. A girl who was too immature to face her sister.

A girl who didn’t came at her sister funeral.

Did I hoped that my future wife would’ve changed a little?

Yes.

Did she?

Don’t think so.

The people’s voices stop when a pair of heels make their way into the golden room. And I just know that the Empress blessed us with her presence.

The only woman who can make men fear everything.

A line of women that made the mafia world a world full of respect. The first Empress was created when my great-grandfather was a toddler. And since then, the first-born daughter takes their place in the throne.

When the times comes and little boys become made men, they need to learn and respect the rules the first Empress put in the underworld.

No, not rules.

Laws.

Never act without the Empress’s approval.

No relationships with people who are not part of the underworld, it is considered betrayal.

Kill who you want, in any way you want, only if the reason behind it is: betrayal, insulting or assaulting family members, rapists.

If the police have evidence on you, you are on your own..

Anyone who betrays the mafia or breaks the law, will

be punished by the Empress in any way she wants.

It may seem weird or funny, but when the Empress killed a child rapist in front of everybody at a party, by beheading him with an axe, people started to respect the law and incidents are gladly avoided.

“Mr. Moretti, I don’t know what to start with. Condolences to your ex-fiancé or congratulations to the new one.” I try to keep my fake smile on, but I can

feel my jaw clenching. "I'm really sorry for Keres. She was a happy girl. Too bad she disappeared so suddenly from our lives."

I narrow my eyes at her, and I just know that she is smiling under that mask of hers.

I need to choose my next words carefully, because either she knows that Keres really disappeared, either she wants to find out information.

“Too bad, indeed.” I hum.

“Are you going to lie to my face, Keaton?”

“Depends on the lie, ma’am.” I’m playing with fire right now, but I’m not risking anything.

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