Royal Flush

I sat outside of my father's office, waiting for my father’s meeting to end. I could feel every minute that passed by. I had no idea what my father had been talking about or why I'd been called to meet with him. Even seeing his face in this house these days was a rare occurrence. That was all that I’d ever really known throughout my entire life, a simple, unwritten rule: when my father wanted something, he always got it. It was silent here. I tapped my foot on the ground, and it created an echoing effect off the marble walls. I had walked down these halls countless times, and I always hated it, because I never got used to the silence. Because everything was so spacious and tall. The ceiling. The rooms. How helpless they made me feel. How unattainable everything was. In fact, the size of this house has always felt too big for me, even though we were only a family of three. Beyond the constant presence of the silent, obedient workers, there always seems to be a void present in every room. The only person who could warm this cold, hollow space was my mother. This silence was not able to slow down the pounding of my heart. Thomas, one of the older men with salt-and-pepper colored hair, and one of my father’s most trusted enforcers, came out of the large oak door which creaked as it swung open. “Your father is ready,” his voice flat, before disappearing back into the house. I quickly got up and went inside. My father was at the opposite side of the room, smoking a cigarette. A group of men in dark suits were surrounding him, including Aaron, who was fidgeting and unable to look in my direction. Aaron was the only friend I had among the staff. He was the son of my father’s chauffeur, who was killed in a shootout a long time ago. My father took him under his wing and he had been living here ever since. “Father, you sent for me?” I asked, my voice trembling slightly. “That’s right. Can you guess why?” His deep voice boomed. “Is it... about Mother?” My mother had been sick since I was a child. We never knew the cause. We tried to find out countless times, though. Countless visits to hospitals and doctors were my regular schedule, but they were all for nothing. When I was little, she could take care of me by herself, but the years had taken their toll. She spent nearly every hour lying on her bed, unable to do anything else. “She’s alright.” I felt immense relief. “May I ask what this is about, then?” “What do you know about the Marinos?” The question caught me off guard. What didn't I know? The Marinos were the main rival of the Riccis for a long time. Court battles, territory disputes, bloody shootouts. Money, sweat, and lives had been sacrificed by both for dominance in this city. Every other family was too scared to challenge the two dominating powers. In this house, the Marinos were the only topic of conversation. I was surprised I got asked this question though; I was never allowed to be involved in the family business. “I don’t know much. The only thing I know is they’re our main rival.” “The rivalry has reached a breaking point. If we continue like this, a war will be unavoidable. We risk losing everything.” “I understand. It’s a tragedy that should be avoided at all costs.” “Right. I know you’re bright, Sophia. It’s a shame you can’t be my successor.” I forced a small smile. Being a mafia wasn’t exactly one of my life aspirations, but the rejection still stung. It was a reminder that, in his eyes, I didn’t have what it took. “But you can still serve this family. You can still contribute to our legacy.” “I would be honored.” “Bernando and I have found a way to decide who takes control of St. Alexander once and for all.” Bernando was the leader of the Marinos. If my father was cold and calculating, Bernando was a wild beast, lashing out with claws and leaving blood trails everywhere he went. “That’s wonderful. How?” “A game of poker.” “I’m sorry, what?” “You heard me.” “I don’t know how to play! I’ve never touched a card in my life!” My father suddenly let out a huge cackle, slamming his hand onto the desk. The men around him joined in with low, mocking chuckles, except for Aaron, who kept his blank face and stared at distant nothing. “Is something funny?” “Now, why would I ever put the future of this family in your hands? Perhaps you aren't so bright after all.” My face was hot with embarrassment. “Then why am I here, Father?” “I’m here to inform you of the stakes. You see, we aren't just putting St. Alexander on the table. The game also requires a treasured trophy to seal the pact. And that trophy, Sophia, is you.” “I don’t understand.” “Let me make it simple: If I lose that game, you marry Dante, his son.”