BLOOD OATH

CHAPTER EIGHT: THE WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT

CHAPTER EIGHT

THE WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT

The kitchen was busier than it had been that morning.

Servants hurried from one end to another carrying trays of vegetables, sacks of flour, baskets of fruits and freshly slaughtered meat. The air was filled with the sound of chopping boards, sizzling oil and countless conversations.

I tied my apron and quietly took my place.

"You really came early," Maria said as she walked over carrying a basket of tomatoes.

"I couldn't sleep."

"First day excitement?"

"If that's what you want to call it."

She giggled.

"You'll fit in just fine."

I doubted that.

Olivia walked into the kitchen, instantly silencing everyone.

"Today's lunch must be ready before noon. Young Master Cassian dislikes waiting."

Everyone nodded before returning to work.

I picked up a knife and began slicing vegetables.

Not too fast.

Not too slow.

Just enough to blend in.

An assassin never stood out unless necessary.

"Isabella."

I looked up.

Maria was standing beside me.

"You'll be preparing Young Master Cassian's meals from today onward."

I nodded.

"That's all?"

She blinked.

"That's... a huge responsibility."

"It is."

"You don't look excited."

"I cooked yesterday."

She laughed.

"I really don't understand you."

Neither did I.

Not anymore.

As I continued cooking, I noticed someone watching me.

The same girl from yesterday.

The one who had mocked my cooking.

She folded her arms.

"I still think yesterday was luck."

I continued stirring the soup.

"Good for you."

She frowned.

"Aren't you going to argue?"

"No."

"Hmph."

She walked away looking disappointed.

People here were strange.

Even insults required participation.

...

By noon, the meal was ready.

I arranged everything neatly on a silver tray.

Maria smiled proudly.

"You've improved the presentation."

"I got bored."

She chuckled.

"I'll take you to Young Master Cassian's quarters."

We left the kitchen together.

As we walked through the corridors, Maria couldn't stop talking.

"Young Master Cassian rarely complains about food."

"Hm."

"He thanks everyone."

"I've noticed."

"He even helps the gardeners sometimes."

I looked at her.

"A mafia prince?"

She nodded enthusiastically.

"I know! Isn't he amazing?"

Amazing?

No.

Weird.

That was the right word.

"People love him."

"I can see."

"He remembers everyone's names too."

I frowned slightly.

That wasn't good.

Kind people were difficult to understand.

Cruel people were predictable.

Kind people...

Made mistakes harder to exploit.

...

The northern wing was quieter than the rest of the empire.

The guards standing outside the entrance immediately recognized Maria.

"You may enter."

One of them looked at me.

"The new chef?"

Maria nodded.

"She'll be bringing Young Master's meals from now on."

The guard stepped aside.

"Go in."

I silently memorized his face.

Knowing who stood where would become useful later.

Maria knocked gently.

"Young Master?"

"Come in."

His voice was calm.

She opened the door and gestured for me to enter first.

I stepped inside.

The room surprised me.

No expensive decorations.

No golden furniture.

Just books.

Lots of books.

A fireplace.

Two sofas.

A writing desk.

Fresh flowers near the window.

Again with the flowers.

Cassian sat on one of the sofas reading.

He looked up when we entered.

"Oh."

His eyes landed on the tray.

"Lunch."

"Yes, Young Master," Maria answered.

I quietly placed the tray on the table.

Cassian closed the book.

"You must be Isabella."

"I am."

He smiled politely.

"I didn't get the chance to properly welcome you yesterday."

I simply nodded.

"Thank you for accepting the position."

I stared at him.

Was he...

Thanking me?

Again?

"You don't have to thank me."

"Why not?"

"It's my job."

He smiled.

"And I'm grateful."

Strange man.

I began arranging the dishes while Maria stood quietly nearby.

Cassian suddenly looked at me.

"You've adjusted well?"

"I have."

"If you need anything, let Olivia know."

"I will."

He picked up the spoon and tasted the soup.

His eyes brightened slightly.

"This is good."

"Thank you."

He continued eating in silence.

Maria gently nudged my arm.

That was our cue to leave.

Just as we reached the door—

A loud knock echoed through the room.

"Come in."

The door opened.

A middle-aged man wearing an elegant black suit stepped inside.

Although age had begun to show on his face, his presence immediately changed the atmosphere.

His sharp eyes swept across the room before stopping on Cassian.

"Ethan," I thought.

So this was the infamous mafia boss.

Cassian stood up.

"Father."

Ethan nodded.

"I hope I'm not interrupting."

"Not at all."

His gaze shifted briefly toward Maria and me.

"You may leave."

We bowed slightly before stepping outside.

The door closed behind us.

I wasn't ready to leave.

Not yet.

I quietly remained beside the wall.

Maria looked at me.

"What are you doing?"

"Adjusting my shoe."

She nodded and walked ahead.

The moment her footsteps faded...

I moved closer to the door.

"...I've already made my decision," Ethan's voice came from inside.

There was silence.

Then Cassian spoke.

"If that's what you want."

"You agreed."

"I know."

"You won't change your mind?"

"No."

Ethan let out a relieved breath.

"Good."

"I'll announce it this evening."

Announce what?

I leaned a little closer.

"I'll inform Xena's family immediately."

Xena?

"I expect the wedding to take place in seven days."

My eyes widened.

Wedding?

Cassian was getting married?

There was another brief silence before Cassian spoke again.

"Do whatever you think is best."

His voice held no excitement.

No happiness.

Nothing.

He sounded...

Empty.

I quietly stepped away from the door before anyone noticed me.

So...

The gentle mafia prince was getting married in seven days.

A wedding.

Hundreds of guests.

Countless distractions.

Security spread thin.

A perfect opportunity.

The corners of my lips slowly curved upward.

Perhaps...

I had just found the perfect day to kill him.