The Game Of Power "

Prologue It was a cool evening in Dublin's O'Connell street, in the capital of the Republic of Ireland. The street poses to be the most dangerous street in the city, where mafians, drunks, and beggars litter the streets from morning till night, harassing and extorting from passersby, and unwary visitors of the city. The buzzing city was filled with people as usual, cars hooting their horns impatiently, lights and music from the many pubs along the street fills the air. A mafian kingpin is spotted walking down the street on foot, with smokes puffing out from his mouth and nostrils and flowing round his head as he walks. Beggars on the road goes to him, and he roughly pushed them away, swearing. "Get outta me way, ye bleedin' eejit!". The beggars are used to this kind of treatments, they moved away and approached the next person. The mafian kingpin walked to a popular pub in the street, adorned with shinny flower boxes, with overflowing colourful blooms, that adds a touch of whimsy to pubs overview. A warm inviting glow emanates from the pub, and spilling onto the bustling street. A traditional Irish sign is seen on the wall, bearing the Pub's name in bold Celtic inspired letters. The kingpin pushed the sturdy wooden door of the pub open, and a familiar creak sound echoed in the air. Inside the pub, a cheerful doorman, donning a crops white shirt and a friendly smile, greeted him. "Fáilte". The doorman said with a warm smile. "Thank you". The kingpin replied absentmindedly. He removed his long coat and handed it over to the doorman, looking straight into the ballroom at an event going on inside. The famous ballroom was ablaze with lights, and laughter. The crème de la crème of Dublin's underworld criminals had gathered to celebrate the union of two families; the O'Connor and the Kennedy's, who has come into alliance, and has decided to seal their bond of friendship with a marriage relationship between the Mafia prince Aidan O'Connor, and Saoirse kennedy. The kingpin walked into the ballroom, fully decorated for a grand engagement party. With luxurious and extravagant decorations to reflect the wealth and status of the Mafia boss. Dark red, and black velvet drapes adorn the walls, creating a sense of mystery and sophistication. Gold and silver balloons and trimmings, we're tied on all the poles in the room, complementing the mafia and gangsters' flashy jewelries and tailored suits. Crystal glasses, and fine china sparkled on the tables, and exquisite cuisines and premium liquor, made the event reflect the caliber of the host. A DJ played a curated selection of music on a low tone; ranging from classical to contemporary hits, catering to the diverse taste of the criminal elites present. The kingpin took in the whole room in a single glance, and spotting a single table unoccupied, he walked down to it, and slide into the empty single seat, with no other occupant on the table with him. Soon, the voice of the chief host; Seamus O'Connor, the Mafia boss of the criminal underworld, was heard as he stood to give a speech. "Tá fáilte, romhat! I welcome you all specially for honouring my invitation, and for coming to witness this grand occasion of two families, who has come together to become one big family!". The ruthless leader, and patriarch of the O'Connor family stood tall, with his piecing blue eyes surveying the room with a calculating gaze. "Aidan my son, and the prince of the mafia underworld, is here today to engage the beautiful daughter of the Kennedy's, Saoirse, into a beautiful union that will shake the foundations of power of the Irish underworld". Seamus continued, with a quick glance at Ronan kennedy, the brother to Saoirse, who nodded in approval and they both smiled. "Aidan, come forward!". Seamus boomed, his voice echoing through the hall. And Aidan, looking dashing in his neatly tailored suit, stepped forward with his eyes locked on his father. "Tonight is all about you my son. To solidify our alliance with the Kennedy family, you will marry Saoirse Kennedy. I call her Sasha, because she is as beautiful as a pearl. And Aidan, the Mafia most eligible bachelor. And this union is to unite our families, and securing our dominance over this city!". Seamus declared, with a voice dripping with conviction. The room erupted in applause, as Saoirse Kennedy, resplendent in her designer gown, smiled calculatively, with her eyes firmly fixed on Aidan. Ronan kennedy also nodded again in approval, his cold gray eyes gleaming with satisfaction. The kingpin shifted uneasily in his seat, lit his cigar and began to puff smoke into the air, while his ruthless red eyes moved from Seamus O'Connor to Ronan kennedy, and finally around the who is who's of Dublin underworld criminals who has gathered to witness the ceremony. Standing at the periphery, Lila kennedy, Saoirse Kennedy's younger sister, has her eyes fixed on Aidan O'Connor, with a mixture of sadness and longing. "Aidan you will make a great leader, and Saoirse will be a worthy partner". Seamus continued, his voice still dripping with confidence and pride. "An' together, ye two will run this town like a tight ship, with an iron grip, an' honour, so ye will!". As the crowd stand in an ovation to the proposed couple, and with their glasses raised for a toast, Aidan's eyes met Lila's, and a fleeting moment of connection that hinted at a forth coming secrets and lies exudes. The kingpin, following Lila's expressions, and her gaze traced her stare to Aidan. After a calculating stare at both Lila, and Aiden, the kingpin adjusted his hat properly, stood up while still puffing on his cigar, and walked briskly away out of the pub the same way he arrived.