TOB 2: THE MARRIAGE I NEVER EXPECT

CHAPTER 2: THE MARRIAGE I NEVER EXPECTED

ROSE AMARA’S POV

After the passing of my mom seven years ago. My parents have made a commitment. I have to be married down south. My mother and father met there. However, I have nothing to offer him, because I had had a romantic relationship with Ethan, the West Chamber's heir.

Working covertly and setting up meetings with the security group, the support group, and the four clans, the operational wing of the East fortress—I endured the worst of times. Even hiring the prominent leaders whom they trusted more than their own families was something I did.

My grandpa passed to me the black book, which details the contacts the royals have with powerful individuals. Whoever holds that book, he claimed, is destined to reign. It goes without saying that no one in the brotherhood would have tolerated a woman ruling over them without first killing me.

Although I didn't want to, my father has now given me the family name. To preserve the honor of my family is my life's work. The fact that I am a woman does not give anyone the right to treat me disrespectfully.

But I knew that I would lose if I put up any fight. I presented the book to him. That's all, The kingdom's leader is located in the west. Because of this, their decision is among the most crucial compared to ours.

At least on the surface.

Ethan's grandfather is battling a disease, and only he, I, and our most devoted member of the elite group are aware of this. It will all be over as soon as the other members of the elite group find out. A weak West is unthinkable. If he can't stand up straight, he can't lead the four chambers.

The four clans—the literal monarchs who bring wealth into the brotherhood—will engage in all-out battle when they remove him. The group's leaders from a system that protects them may also join. One thing is certain: Bella and I will either be forced to wed into their families or slaughtered if we refuse. It will be wolves versus wolves.

They'll end up killing me given my violent spirit. They won't be able to force me out of the prosperous brotherhood of my father's era. This heritage was begun by him, and I shall carry it on.

I've advanced in the chamber ranks since Uncle Raven has been in charge. It is the brotherhood's official front, and it uses a lot of money to handle the majority of the tax business. A year ago, I grabbed the executive director's position away from a selfish clan member. London's net profit increased by 50% in such a short period of time, and it will do so going forward.

Uncle Raven is the CEO, but it’s only in image. In reality, all the work falls on my shoulders.

But since that's how I get a seat at their table, I've never seen it as a hardship. Due to the successes I've been sharing with the brotherhood, Uncle started to proudly invite me to the clan meetings—but evidently not all of them, since I wasn't invited to this one.

Inhaling deeply, I stood in front of the dining room. Its double doors are rimmed with golden ornamentation, and I use the intricate design as an opportunity to meditate.

Right on, war. Here I come.

“Young Lady, Amber.” The sound of my last name coming from my left stops me. I stare at Von Hades or Hades, as I like to call him.

He is a member of the top class and a monarch, who serves as the primary liaison between the chambers and the clan. He plays a significant part in maintaining harmony among the four chambers and ensuring that they are profitable for the nation.

I only have faith in Hades among the elite group, or more specifically, I have faith in his loyalty. He was admitted by his father and advanced through the ranks to become who he is now. Like me, he wants to keep the East name in the ruling position.

“Morning, Hades.”

“It’s Von, Young Lady. Don’t use nicknames on me.” He speaks with a Russian accent, but it’s not as distinctive as everyone else in the brotherhood.

“I will use whatever I want.”

He responds with a grunt. He frequently responds to that by groaning and exhaling. He is incredibly moody, which is especially evident when he reveals how much he despises the American part of him or the way that part approaches him.

Generally speaking, Hades is an aggressive and cantankerous individual who yells instructions at his warriors in a way that is only intended to be followed. In addition to his grouchy disposition, he also has the features to match. I'm not short by any means, but when he stands in front of me, his height and size completely obstruct my eyesight. His size outweighs the jacket of his suit, and his beard increases his intimidating presence.

“Now, move, Hades. I have a meeting to attend.”

His small pale eyes remain the same, but he steps between me and the door. “You were not invited.”

“Still, I have something to say.”

“I think it’s better if you keep your words to yourself, Young Lady.”

“Guess what, Hades? I don’t care what you think.”

“Rose,”

“Hades.” I met his gaze with my own.

“You don’t want to be inside.”

“Why not?”

“The kings and their heirs are there.”

“The more the merrier. They all need to hear this.”

He grunts. “You cannot embarrass the East in front of them. It’s a sign of weakness.”

“I know that, and it’s exactly why I try not to displease him in front of them, but if you think I will let them rot his mind while I stand by and say nothing, then you don’t know Rose Amara Amber.”

“They want to have Bella. Uncle told her to get ready for marriage, and do you know who’s behind this? Those royal people, that’s who, because uncle wouldn’t want to marry her off.”

Hades’s expression doesn’t change, but he says in a monotone tone, “No.”

“What do you mean by no? I can’t allow them to coerce Bella into marriage. She’s fucking twenty, a kid who doesn’t even understand the world yet and wants to continue studying. I will claw their eyes out before they put her into a wedding dress.”

Hades stares down at me with what seems like condescension mixed with bemusement. “I’m sure you will.”

“You bet I will, so don’t stand there telling me no.”

“I meant no, as Uncle Raven won’t force her into this.”

“How would you know if neither you nor I were there, huh?”

“You are not allowed to weaken the boss, Young Lady.”

“Yeah, yeah.” I waved my hand in dismissal at his severe attitude. Every day he reminds me of it.

He remains silent for a second, and I think he’ll fight me tooth and nail on this, but then he asks in a contemplative tone, “How about you do it?”

“Do what?”

“Get married.”

“Get what?”

“ If you’re older, you can have a husband.”

“Have you lost your mind?”

“This is, in fact, a perfectly sane solution. The only way to protect Bella and to continue ruling is to get married.”

“You think I haven’t thought about that? But any husband within the brotherhood will make me into his obedient tool. I would rather die first.”

“What if you could make him your obedient tool?”

“What do you mean?”

“Don’t have a husband to rule for you. Take an heir you can rule through.”

“And you think such a man exists in the royal? Every last one of them is hungry for power.”

“There are those who, like you, have other people ruling in the background on their behalf. You can just take that position.”

Oh. I have heard stories about that, but I always thought they were myths.

“And how would I be sure such men exist?”

“They do. I’ve encountered a few, and that’s how I came up with this plan.”

“I like the way you think, Hades.”

I grin as he groans. Despite the fact that he has some imperfections. Hades wants what's best for me. If we can locate someone who meets the requirements, both Bella's and my issues will be resolved. If I can get my puppet spouse to the top, I'll be able to safeguard Bella from any horrific nuptials while simultaneously upholding my grandfather's heritage.

“Any candidates in mind?” I asked Hades with a smile.

“I will look into it and bring you complete files.”

I grab his chin with my thumb and forefinger. “Have I told you lately that you’re the best?”

“More than enough.” He pushes back, muttering under his breath, “ the British and their need to touch.”

“I heard that, and I’m as much of a Russian as you are, Hades.”

His face remains the same. “If you go inside, it’s to tell Uncle Raven you’re available for marriage.”

I am.

Am I, though?

As images of menacing blue eyes fill my mind, I exhale deeply. They might be the highlight of a dream or the most terrifying aspect of a nightmare, the thing that wakes me up in the middle of the night trembling, shivering, and excessive sweating.

No. I’m over that bastard.

He betrayed me first. Now, it’s my turn.