Mafia Queen

Mr. President

Teela's POV

Once in the car, I looked at Sophia. “What is on the itinerary for this meeting?”

“The meeting with the President is primarily focused on discussing trade agreements and border security. We also want to touch on the recent tensions with the Southside Gang. It's expected that the President will push for increased cooperation between our organizations to maintain stability. It's crucial that we present a united front, showing that our interests align with the nation's, while ensuring our autonomy remains intact,” she replied.

“Perfect,” I say.

We ride in silence the rest of the way. When we reach the White House, we go through the checkpoints and our driver parks the car. The door is opened and I step out first. Followed by the others. Sophia adjusts the folders in her arms and looks at me. “Remember, stay focused on our goals. We've got this.”

I smile cold and calculated. “I am always focused.”

We step inside and hand our IDs to the inside checkpoint. “We have a meeting with the President. The Royal Court,” I reply, staring at the Secret Service with indifference.

They nod and lead us to the Oval Office. We enter when the door opens. The President is sitting at his desk. He rises when we step in and shakes each of our hands. He lingered on Aria, having never seen her before, he looked confused. “Mr. President, this is the newest member of the Court, Aria,” I said to him.

His eyes narrow slightly, but he nods and indicates for us to sit. We take our seats, and he sits back behind his desk. “A pleasure to meet you Aria. How long have you been on the court?”

“She has only just joined. Her brother had an untimely accident that left a void in her family. She stepped up to fill it,” I explained.

The President nods thoughtfully, his expression softening slightly. “I see, my condolences on your loss, Aria. And congratulations on joining such an influential group. We have a lot to discuss, ladies.”

“We do,” I reply, “Sophia, the floor is yours.”

Sophia clears her throat and sits up straighter. “Thank you, my Queen. Mr. President, we appreciate the opportunity to discuss the current state of our trade agreements and border security. As you're aware, our organizations have enjoyed a long-standing partnership that has benefited both parties greatly. However, recent developments require our attention.”

I study the President closely. I have never liked having the court this close to such a powerful man. With his connections, he could crush us and he knows it. What keeps him in line is knowing that we have holdings all over the world and there are countries that depend on what we do for them. I know he is aware of how each of us rose to power. We keep him in power as well as the peace and he looks the other way. “There is a new threat. I know you know about it. The question on the table is, do you want to handle it or will you call in the Army?”

The President leans back in his chair, tapping his fingers together as he considers the question. Well aware of the delicate balance between the court and the government. “While the Army is certainly an option. I believe the Royal Court's unique approach could be more effective in this situation,” he has chosen his words carefully. “However. I would like assurances that you can contain this threat without drawing unnecessary attention to our alliance,” his eyes flicker to Aria. He is still curious about her. “How confident are you in your new member's abilities, Majesty?” his voice showed his disdain for what I call myself.

“She has given us no indication that she will fold. For now, she has the trust and backing of all members if the court. You will do well to fall in line and back her yourself,” I stared him down. He knows who is really in charge at this meeting.

His face remains impassive, but his eyes flicker with a brief flash of irritation before he masks it with a smile. “I meant no disrespect, I trust you and your judgment.” He turns to Aria, “My apologies. You are certainly starting off on the right foot. I hope you prove yourself worthy of the Court's confidence.”

His words appear polite. But I can tell by his tone that there is something under the surface, almost a challenge. “Watch your tongue, Mr. President. You are speaking to someone above you. You might have these nation's armed forces at your beckoning call. But remember who gets those forces the weapons they use.”

I watch his smile falter for a split second, there is a flicker of annoyance that creeps across his face. But he quickly regains his composure. When he speaks, there is a new edge to his voice. “Of course, Your Majesty. I was only offering a warm welcome to the newest member of your esteemed court.” He smiles at Aria, but his eyes remain wary.

I look at Aria, “Do you have anything you would like to say to the President?”

Meeting the President's gaze, she speaks in a clear, confident voice, “Thank you for your kind words, Mr. President. I am honored to serve on the royal court and I assure you, I am fully committed to upholding our organization's values and goals,” she inclines her head slightly, a subtle sign of deference without appearing subservient. “I understand the importance of discretion and professionalism in our dealings. I will do my utmost to ensure that our collaboration remains fruitful and mutually beneficial.”

“That should settle things on the matter. Sophia, any further bullet points?” I say, turning the meeting back to why we were there.

“Next, we would like to discuss the tariff negotiations for the upcoming quarter. Our analysts project a 3.2% increase in revenue if we can secure a favorable agreement.” Sophia finished and set down her paperwork.

“Pearl, with our holdings overseas, would we be able to acquire that?” I asked, turning to Pearl.

Pearl clears her throat and looks at the president. “I have already begun exploring opportunities to expand our influence in the Middle East, which could prove highly lucrative. As well as looking at how to offset potential losses from domestic tariffs by working with our connections overseas. Our operations in Asia and Europe are experiencing steady growth, which would more than compensate for any minor setbacks here.”

I look at the President, “Say the word and the tariff increase will be permanent. If any company doesn't want to pay the tariff they will have to move their operations back to the states. We will make sure that our overseas companies don't make a fuse about paying the tariff. We will also negotiate the building of plants here in the states. It will increase jobs and drop unemployment.”

The President nods thoughtfully, his expression calculated. “I like where this is going. It will boost the economy, and with your assurance that there will be compliance, I can't see where this would be bad. However, we must consider the potential backlash from foreign investors. We don't want to scare them off entirely. Perhaps a gradual increase, over several quarters. Offering incentives for those who establish operations within our borders?”

I look at the other girls, and we nod, “Having anticipated your answer, we already have all the needed legal documentation for you to sign.”

Sophia slides a folder across to the President. He takes it, reads and signs. “Efficient as always I see. I assume you'll want a copy for your own records.”

Pearl stands and takes her tablet out, snapping pictures in the document app and saving them to a file. She then slides to folder back to the president. “We keep ours in digital as well as a master printed file that only the Queen knows where it is,” she replied.

The President nods, “If there was nothing else, good day ladies.”

“One last thing,” I say, leaning forward and placing my hands on the desk. “If you know of anyone who is trying to overthrow the court, I want names and organizations. You might be the sitting President, but remember what happens when you go against the court and who really keeps the peace.”

The president's face darkens, he drops his fake smile. Clearing his throat, he speaks carefully. “I have heard whispers. Rumors of a movement, not affiliated with any major factions. A new player, operating in the shadows,” he leans forward, and drops his voice to a whisper. “They call themselves, The Silent Syndicate.”