His Virgin Queen - MINK

1

Sophia

Most little girls dream of their wedding day. I was no different growing up. It’s funny how your youth blinds you to reality. Maybe if I had been born into a normal family, I’d still be fantasizing about my big day, but I was not. I was born a Scalingi. It didn’t take me long to notice that my family was different. We don’t play by the same rules as everyone else. Even the kids at school stayed away from me. I’d heard their parents whispering not to play with me. It only pushed me to stay among my own family and the people they brought around. They were all I had. All I knew. It’s not my fault that most of my family members aren't good people. I didn’t choose this life, and I would never get to.

I lie on the bed looking at the garment bag that hangs in my closet, and my stomach turns at what’s to come. I want to run, but I know that’s not an option. Where would I go? They would find me no matter where I hid. There is no escaping this life. They know I can’t escape. I’d never leave my little brother Marco behind. I can't be positive they wouldn’t use him against me.

Hell, for all I know, he could become like our own father and grandfather one day, but right now, he’s the only person I truly love on this earth. There’s still hope for him to grow up and be different than those ruthless men. He’s the one thing that can hurt me, and they all know it. They haven't used him as a threat, but they wouldn’t hesitate if I decided to buck their authority. There’s not a line my father wouldn’t cross to get what he wants. I don’t have to be told the rules to know what they are. So I do as I’m supposed to. I knew this day would come, the day I’d be sold to some made man looking for a mafia princess. It is common for daughters to be married off, but it’s as though they were counting down the seconds until I turned eighteen to hand me over. But it doesn’t matter. I’ve accepted my fate in the name of giving Marco a chance.

I don’t want to marry Antonio Tuscani, but my grandfather has other plans for me. I almost can’t stomach being in the same room as my vile groom, but I’ll walk down the aisle to give him my hand in marriage in only a few hours. All to please my family. All to be loyal. All for Marco. Marriages in my family aren’t about love, but power and position. I’m a pawn in this game of chess. My grandfather, Pasquale, by using me, will guarantee our family’s position, and my father, Lorenzo, will do whatever my grandfather orders. From any angle, I’m screwed.

Not wanting to stare at the bag any longer, I roll over. A tear slips out of my eye, but I quickly wipe it away. There’s no use crying because it won’t change anything.

My family name is too important to me. I was raised to honor it, and that’s what I plan to do. That’s what we're told time and time again as we’re growing up. Nothing else matters. There is no loyalty except to family. I’m so mired in it that it’s always an inner battle to determine right from wrong. That’s the crazy thing about families like mine. We speak of loyalty, love and respect, yet those things only apply if you do as you’re told.

I sit up, knowing I need to get ready. Normal weddings like these between two powerful families would have been twice the size of the one I’m having. There were only two hundred people invited to watch the Scalingi and Tuscani affair. Only the top of our society merited an invite for the merger. That’s what I’ve been calling this wedding in my head--a business transaction. A merger of fortunes and old names. This marriage will solidify us as one of the most powerful families. That’s why they’re rushing to get it done. At least that’s what I think. I'm not privy to any of those details because I’m not allowed to ask such questions. Even though it’s supposed to be a smaller occasion, no expense will be spared. We have an image to maintain. I’m surprised my room isn't already being bombarded by people hired to get me