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The Masked Queen

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Episode Three: Attraction

"We crave what we can't have."

-Curiano.com

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-Previously On The Masked Queen-

"Your mother sent me, Young Miss." We were now alone in the vast room.

"Aryen!" Callius shouted after me

"She is beautiful but no matter how beautiful a gem is, it's still unfeeling."

I chanced upon the one I vowed to never meet.

'....... Aryen....'

-To be continued

Aryen's POV-

When I left so quickly, I began to think over my reaction. Perhaps it wasn't the best and even it seemed rude. However, I wasn't expecting meeting my supposed half-brother so awkwardly. I had nothing to prosper from befriending rather I'd only enter a dangerous game.

After being sent to the boarding Academy, I was repeatedly warned against making any friendship that'd not benefit me; I was constantly monitored by the teachers, bodyguards, senior students and CCTV tightened after my permanent entry into the Academy. My schedule; from the time I wakeup to when, what and how I study to my diet, excersise and other minorities I was allowed to enjoy was premidiately decided by my mother, Irena lebedev D'mitreyev.

My mother came from the powerful Lebedev branch clan, it has been the pillar of the D'mitreyev family and the Mafia since its establishments. Thus, every other generation a girl from the Lebedev family will become the Matriarch of the Main family; this is ensured to maintain the political and personal relationship.

No woman has ever become the leader of the D'mitreyev Clan so when I was born disappointment and frustration was expected. Nevertheless, our Mafia's fiends were ecstatic, relieved and their constant invasions grew more vicious.

I had never met Father until the day I was turning five. When I did, he told me if I become stronger and prove to be capable, this position is mine and no one will dare to question it.

Mother became obsessed to coach me as the perfect heir and it became worse after Callius D'mitreyev arrived.

'Seriously. Oh, God. Guide us.'

Currently I was in the Rose Garden, looking distractedly at the beautiful and plum roses. They were so soft to my touch, so pretty.

I felt a sudden arrival of foreign presence behind me, instantly turning my head to inspect.

What my eyes met with was a shocked, lost, and nervous masculine and tall figure.

His eyes were a stunning serene green. Locks of thick black hair positioned curtl downwards to the neck. Strangely enough he was the man I had seen earlier with Callius. What is he doing here? 'Is he lost?' I thought.

We stared intently at each other before he awkwardly apologised.

"Wait!" I shout.

"Yes?"

What do I say?

"Um... What is your name?" This is so awkward.

"Do I have a choice?" He asked, glaring at me.

What did he mean by that? "No."

"Lorenzo." The gust blowed heavily, floating my hair and dress.

Lorenzo? That's an Italian name, judging from his current attire he must be an employee of one of the two Italian Families.

He had already turned around and started to walk away.

"This Rose Garden is the symbolic and pure place where everyone wants to be..."

"....It dates back to decades when the forth Capo of the D'mitreyev Clan grandly proposed to his beloved woman because her favorite flower was Crimson roses. Since, every generation has performed this tradition. It symbolises our love and care to everyone."

I felt him snicker mockingly and was now facing me. "What is so funny?' I snap angrily.

"Miss D'mitreyev, indeed, you have a very keen insight." His nerve to mock me!

"Your obviously mocking me, so just speak."

"I dare not." This persistence is annoying.

"Well, I dare you... but do you accept?" Since he won't tell I'll challenge him upfront.

"Is this your first time in The Rose Garden, Miss."

"No, I've been here a few times.Why?"

"Miss, your truly busy. Why don't you look around and you'll find yourself in a different world...."

He leaned closer to my face.

"...Because a true leader seeks for what is beyond the unseen."

Such impudence! Was he implying I am not worthy of this seat?

"Reality of things is in the realm of unseen." He re approached his mark more respectfully and sophisticated.

'Stay calm, you were the one who asked for the storm.'

"...Unseen." I murmur underneath my breath.

I smirk and stare at him deeply, "Doomed are the people who refuses the seen for the unseen."

My height proportioned perfectly against his as I moved closer to him.

"The substance of faith is a hope in the unseen." He curtly retorted.

I won't back of either, "You haven't seen a tree until you've seen it's shadow from the sky."

I giggle victoriosly lightly and he dons a smile on his picture perfect face.

His faint smile was truly unique, mesmerising.

We stare at each other intently and deeply.

"Are you a permanent high-ranking employee of one of the Italian family?" I ask, confirming my doubts.

Lorenzo's POV-

She asks and I look down surprised at my uniform. I was wearing the Eagle Elites uniform to erase any suspicion or unwanted attention yet she was able to determine my standing in the Italian family. This base was

known to only so many; she truly shocked me with her condemning earlier. 'I wasn't expecting this.' I thought.

However, now we have clearly underestimated the only daughter of the D'mitreyev Family. 'We will need to inspect a thorough information on the Young Miss. It seems Cal has got some serious competition.

"Yes." I lie.

"Then what are you doing here?" She questions.

"Ah. I am not on duty, right now."

She contemplates, nodding her head, "Hmm... Do you have time....?" What is she thinking?

I promised myself to keep my distance with her. Only a simple glance of her shakes my world ruthlessly. I don't know why but weakness overpowers me and the strength to hold her firmly in my hands fills me. 'Once I stumble upon your eyes and fall into them, I will never find my out of the depth.'

'I must stay away.' I firmly resolute my thoughts.

"No, I am on duty."

"But you said you were not."

"I just remembered I have duty." I look at my watch then face her disappointed expression.

My chest throbs with pain. As though my heart was clenched and pierced through.

Why? Why? Just why?

"Well, it's fine for today but can you make some time for me the day after tomorrow?" Miss D'mitreyev pleads expectantly with her innocent eyes.

"Sure." I blurt. What did I just do?

She smiles, "Done! The day after tomorrow in the Facilliate Zone."

"Bye!" She waves her hand happily as she enters the grand mansion.

I stare deeply and then move my feet.

A smile creeps on my face.