The Royal Mobster

CHAPTER FOUR: An offer you can not refuse.

(Jack's point of view) 

    " My king Delroy, it is good to see you," I said once I reached him. Even did a slight bow in his presents. " Jack, my friend, welcome to my castle." He said, but his eyes showed that he was worried. That is right, I thought, I am a person to be concerned about, for I have my eyes set on you and your kingdom. " I came to wish your beloved daughter a happy birthday." his eyes looked at me slowly, " Well, my daughter and I appreciate you for taking time out of your busy schedule to do so," he said as he gestured to his daughter, still greeting and talking to her people. When I was about to turn back to look at the king, that is when I saw him. He was a nobleman from a high-class family. His clothes were fanciness that I had not seen before. She looked happy to see him. Almost like she was interested in him, she had the biggest smile I had ever seen before. Helena had a beautiful smile.

The way he looks at her pisses me off. I motioned for Kain, "Find out who that man is." I whispered into his ear. He nodded and disappeared. Turning my attention back to the songbird. I saw that her smile got more prominent when he presented her with a necklace. She happily accepted his gift, but I had to force her to take mine. I balled my hand into a fist, shaking with rage. The man then put his hand all on the song-birds neck. I do not know who this man is, but I will kill him. Touching what is mine. I vowed silently to myself. " Jack, my friend, are you all right?" he was looking down at my clenched hand. Taking a deep breath, I started to regain my composer. I will deal with that man later, now is not the time or place. " Forgive me, my king, I was distracted. I have some business I would like to talk about." He started shaking his head, " Can it wait? we are in the middle of my daughter's-"

" The princess is the business I would like to talk about." The king's eyes widened, " She just turned of age-"

" Are you saying no to me? after all, you have no money." I started to raise my tone. He put his hands up in defense, " hush! lower your voice." he pleaded. " Come follow me." The king started to move from the ballroom. I followed him into a room, " Leave us!" he said to the people in the room. " Yes, your majesty." They quickly scatter from the room. " Have a seat." He gestured to the empty chair. I took a seat, watching him pour two glasses of ale. He passed me a drink. " Jack, my friend. I owe you a great deal. For I would not be where I am today without you." I took the glass and swirled it in my hand. "Yes, for that crown would have been on your brother's head if it wasn't for me." I paused to take a sip, enjoying the sweet taste. " Now I hear that you have no money to support your family or this kingdom." he nodded his head. " I am not surprised you know this, for you would not be the powerful man you are today."

"Knowing that your kingdom is going to fall. I have an offer for you. Give me Helena's hand in marriage, make me a prince. Then once you pass, we will be king and queen to this kingdom. " The king did not respond. He only looked at his drink, looking to find an answer. "Plus, my money and power are growing. I will make sure she is taken care of." He looked up then, " As long as she is taken care of, I accept. It's an offer I can't refuse." I smiled in triumph; I knew he would agree. He would have been an imbecile, not too. He might have known that if he refused, I would kill him. Either way, the beloved songbird is mine. Soon the kingdom will be mine. I will be more than a mobster; I will be king. " I do have one condition. " The king added suddenly, interrupting my daydream. " Which is?" I asked, annoyed. " Let me tell Helena. She is a spirited girl, but I can get her to agree. "

"Well, if she does not, I can guarantee that your kingdom will fall. Either by my hand or by your hand." I snarled at the thought of her saying no. " I understand completely. I have no doubt she will do the right thing for this family." I nodded, satisfied with his answer.

" Then I leave you to handle all the details. I will return soon for my princess. " I stood up, ready to return back to my palace. " She will be ready soon, my friend." The king stood up as well to walk me out. " She better be," I said as I walked out the door. Kain pushed himself off the wall to follow me. " I have the information you asked for, my lord," he announced, trailing behind me. " Good, we shall talk in the carriage." 

(Helena's point of view)  

    "Would you like some tea? My love," I said happily, holding up the flower teapot. " I want anything you make for me, my love." Alex smiled at me. " Oh, you sweet-talking king you." I laughed as I poured him some rose tea. " Well, it pleases my queen." He joked. "In truth, it does," I said, blushing. " When you blush like that, it makes me want to tease you more." Then, grabbing my hand that was reaching for a biscuit. He kissed the top of it sweetly. " Even though we have known each other forever. I still can't get enough of you, my queen." He pulled me closer then. " I can't get enough of you, my king," I said dreamily as I went to kiss his lips. " My lady, please wake up." Then I was shaken awake. My cherished dream is gone. " What is it?" I was annoyed because I didn't get to kiss Alex, my first love. " I'm sorry to wake you, my lady, but the king has requested your presence at the breakfast table today." I groaned even more, for I was being awakened early for business. He ruined my happy dream for the company. " Ugh, I will get up," I said drowsily. " I had a sweet dream too."

" I'm sorry, my lady. I hope you have a better dream tonight," she said as she was pulling clothes out for me to wear. I looked down at my necklace, hoping that I do have a better one soon. " I had to check mine too, to make sure it was not a dream seeing Alex again." I nodded, " I was a nice surprise, seeing our first crush again."

" It was nice; I hope he does keep his promise."

" Me too," I whispered as I was stuffed into my dress for the day.

" Now, let us go see what my father wants." I started to the great hall for breakfast. Once I entered, I saw both my father and mother at the table waiting for me. This is weird; I thought my parents hardly ever ate together. So this must be an important business. "Good morning, mother and father." I bowed in their presence. ""Leave us for now." my father looked directly at Sara, who was behind me. " Yes, your majesty." she then closed the doors behind her. So I was left totally alone with my parents. " Please take a seat and have some breakfast," I took my seat and started drinking some tea. It helps relax my nerves. " What news do you have?" I looked at them. My mother put her bread down and looked at my father. " The reason for this early meeting is that we have news that will save this family and possibly the kingdom." I gasped in shock. " So we have a way to help our people?"

" Yes, but to do that, you must marry," he said point-blank.

" Marry? But I just turned of age yesterday. But, mother, you said that I should start thinking about it. Not that it was decided for me."

" I know Helena, it is not what you wanted, but it is best for this family. Also, you may not believe it now, but it is what's best for you."

"Better this way? I don't even who I am marrying?"

"Jack Dagger has made an offer for your hand. So naturally, I have agreed, for we owe him a great deal."

"Jack? I don't even know that man. And I'm not some bargaining chip. I don't want to marry him."

"Helena-" my mother pleaded.

" Jack has money and power to save this kingdom. Plus, he will take care of you; this decision is Final!" my father interrupted to my dismay.

"No, I will not, father; I don't love him." I pleaded again.

" Love is a childish thing; you are a princess. Therefore, you have a duty to this kingdom. Even if I have to force you down the aisle myself. You will marry Jack."

I stood up, knocking the chair to the floor. Tears streaming down my face, I couldn't look at them anymore. I turned around and just ran. My world just stopped, and the only thing I had control over was my legs. I ran to the garden; it was the only place I felt comfortable. I sat down on my favorite bench and just started crying. Didn't even respond to Sara as she was calling for me. I just wanted to be alone, to kiss my dreams away. A small part of me believed that my dream this morning about Alex was a sign. That could be together. " I had a feeling she would be here." I heard Sara's voice right next to me, but I didn't lookup. " My lady, I have someone here to see you."

"GO AWAY! I do not wish to see anyone."

"Wow, you must have gotten some horrible news."

"Alex?" I said, looking up in surprise.

"Yeah, I'm here." he squatted down next to me.

"I will leave you two alone," Sara whispered before disappearing.

" I can't believe you are here."

" Well, I came to visit, but then Sara said she couldn't find you."

"What is wrong?" he sat down next to me.

"Well, I was just told that I have to get married to an older man that I do not know."

"Married? You just turned of age yesterday. I thought you would have more time before your hand was taken."

"Lord Dagger has made an offer to my father, and he has accepted."

"Wait, Dagger? Jack Dagger, I have heard some bad things about this man. I can't believe your father has agreed to give you to such a man." He stood up and kneeled before me. " I can see why you are so upset." Alex then puts my hand in his. " I can't stand this; I will have words with your father. I promise Helena, I am here now." He then placed a white handkerchief in my hand. " Sweet Helena, dry your tears. Let me see what I can do. I will be back." He then gets up and heads back to the castle. " Oh Alex, there is so much you do not know. Goodbye, my sweet prince." I held his handkerchief to my heart as I said goodbye. My people need me to save them.