Keeping The Royal Treaty CHAPTER 1

-Francis Dale Donovan (these images do not belong to me)

__________

Francis P.O.V

I said my vows. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. I thought I was prepared enough for whatever comes ahead of me. I am married to a man I didn’t love. Married to a man I’ve only met on the day he slips the ring on my finger. In other words, I didn’t know this man at all.

I keep spinning the ring on my finger. I am wearing an extremely rare blue diamond also known as ‘The Oppenheimer Blue’. It was described as a medium to dark in tone and strong to very strong in color saturation as I was told. But for me, I only wear it for decoration. 

I was nine when my father told me I was born for a reason. He told me that I am to marry a man when the time comes. The firstborn of the biggest Mafia organization. We were a happy family, but everything changed when I lost my mom on my 7th birthday. It was a tragic death. 

I’ve barely seen my father after that. He’s changed. When I do get to see him, he always told me of this royal treaty. At that age, I am too young to comprehend what is happening. Too young to understand marriage and this royal treaty. 

I do wish my mom is still around. They used to call her brains and beauty. If she is here, maybe she has the answer I’ve been looking for. Why do I have to keep the royal treaty?

________

“Good morning, Sir Francis.”

When I heard my name, my brows immediately furrows. “Good morning Hans, and for the hundredth time, please stop the formalities,” I emphasize. 

“Understood, Francis,” he replies. 

“Much better. Anyways, do you know where Vince is?” I ask. 

 Hans remains quiet, debating whether to tell me or not.

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to,” I assure. “Let me guess, Vince is locked up in his office with his secretary.” 

Hans’s eyes twitch and he sighs. Yup, I should have known.

When I moved in eight months ago, Hans was the only person I feel comfortable talking with. He gave me the grand tour and said that he had been serving the Donovan family since Vince was still a toddler.

Hans has always been welcoming. In a short extent of time, I came to adore Hans. I see him as more of a father figure than a butler. He treats me like his own son, and likewise, I think of him as a father. He has this gentle and fatherly aura around him.

“Anyways, what’s for breakfast? It smells amazing in here,” I ask, changing the subject. 

 Hans motions me to take a seat. “The usual, your favorite, a healthy breakfast taco,” he said, emphasizing the healthy. Hans makes the best food in the world. However, he makes sure that I am sticking to my diet plan. One thing Hans is passionate about is staying healthy and eating proper meals. 

“You’re the best! But seriously, when will I get to eat some snack or dessert?” I rest my chin on my hand and made puppy eyes.

“You know how I feel about sugary foods,” he said. “So why are you looking for Sir Vince?” he asks curiously.

I took a bite of my taco. “I need to go somewhere important,” I mumble.

“Manners, dear,” he eyes me. “And where is this “somewhere important” could be?”

“Fine. I need a haircut. And maybe get a muffin or two since you don’t let me have it,” I argue.

Hans stops wiping the plate and looks me in the eye. He took a deep breath, and right away, I know where this is going. “I don’t think that’s a clever idea, Francis. You know what happened last time.”

The last time I was out is very unexpected.

I was having a perfect time in a small café where I usually spend my Sunday afternoon. Little did I know, it wasn’t just any ordinary afternoon. I was savoring my cup of tea and enjoying my book. But everything was ruined when I heard a blaring sound followed by people’s cries.

Someone pushed me down hard enough to fall off my chair. It was hovering over me and yelling to stay down. Before long, I was on my feet and felt arms around me, pushing me out the exit and into an awaiting car.  

“This is ridiculous. Why do I need permission before I can leave the house?” I complain.

“Must we do this every single time?” Hans scoffs. 

“Why can’t you come with me? Vince trusts you more. Then maybe I don’t have to ask him all the time.” 

I saw a twitch in the corner of his mouth. “If it happens again or worst. What can an old man like me do in that situation?” he responds, sounding annoyed. “You can’t even defend yourself.”

“I’m sorry, Hans,” I apologize. “Maybe you can cut my hair?”

Before my mother left, she insists that I live a normal life just like every other kid out there. She lived an ordinary life until she met my father. Her family, whom I never met, owns multiple businesses. Hence, in my belief, is the only reason why my father met her.

Shortly after my mom’s funeral, my dad made an abrupt decision. He claimed that he would honor my mom’s wishes and enjoy my life until I am old enough to understand why I am different from most kids.

I moved to States where he and his trusted men are the only ones who knew where I stay. For the past 12 years, my life was peaceful and quiet. I have big dreams to accomplish, medicine to pursue, places to travel. A bucket list of things to do. And my dad was supportive. 

One afternoon, my father showed up on my doorstep. And I remembered the argument. He said it was time to go and I refused. I called him names and threatened him. And hours after, I begged him and stayed on my knees for hours. Until I cried myself to sleep.

“Why not ask Sir Vince to accompany you?”Hans suggests.

“You know the answer,” I said, losing my appetite. “Vince doesn’t like me.”

“And why do you say that?”

I instinctively roll my eyes at him. “Come on! It’s obvious! The man can’t stand to be in the same room with me. Remember the first time we met? I introduce myself politely, and he responds, ‘I didn’t ask who you are. Nor am I interested.” That’s disrespectful,” I exclaim.

“And how long have you been here?” he asks.

“Eight months!” I bellow. 

For months I’ve entertained myself in the library, and I’ve never read so many books in my life. In the afternoon, I go for a swim to keep my physique. And when I’m not reading, I spend my time practicing the piano. But my mind and body can only last long and will crave something new. I need excitement, a breath of fresh air.

Occasionally on Sundays, if permitted, I get the whole day to roam around the city. But with one condition; keep a low profile. It saves me from losing my mind. But after the incident, my leisure is taken away. Instead, Hans is too nice to join me for a movie or anything we can engage ourselves in. 

“Is this how my life’s going to be?” I ask. 

“There is no one to blame but yourself. You made yourself an easy target.”I flinch when I heard the voice causing my dilemma. “Don’t you think it’s too early for drama?” Vince asks Hans.

“Good morning to you too,” I say in the most sarcastic tone I can muster. 

____________

Yahoo! Please vote or comment if I should keep this story going. Thanks, guys.