Mafia's obsession- sweet love

A small, peony flowerlike delicate figure sat at the very corner of the banquet that was being held for the 10th birthday of mafia princess Aurora.

There were various groups of people that were chatting amiably with one another, almost like an illusion of harmony that was being established after being in a cold war for so many years, it was almost like they finally came to their own perception of being united under the rule of Waylons and pledged their loyalty to them.

Rose Cattaneo was the shy girl of merely twelve seasons that looked so out of the place despite being the only daughter of the Cattaneo mafia clan's leader Vincent and the young princess carrying the legacy of a centuryold crime branch.

Nibbling onto a pink macaroon, she observed her parents talking to the Emperor himself and could not help but feel intimidated by the man who was accompanied by a beautiful woman by his side.

She looked at the couple in confusion before realizing that woman was the beloved Queen of the Mafia emperor. Thus for now only by sitting there, she had already encountered half of the royal family. Then her eyes searched for the one for whom the entire party was being held for.

Wasn't the princess required to stay with her parents all the time? Also, where was the prince?

"Hey! you there.." Rose almost tumbled down from her seat, wideeyed like a deer caught in headlights before she looked behind herself to see the purple curtains of velvet fur being parted by small fingers and a brown head peaking from in between the curtains.

"Pass me the plate of cupcakes." The girl was smaller than her own but had a fiery attitude of staring at her without blinking, which made the fragile Rose nervous. With careful hands, Rose picked up the plate and looked all around before passing it to the hand that came out to clutch it.

"YYou should try the jelly sandwiches too, tthey are my favorite." honey eyes looked deep into Rose's brown ones before the girl nodded.

"Alright." But this time when Rose handed her the plate of sandwiches, her whole body was snatched forward and the delicate visage of both the girls disappeared behind the violetdecorated pillars.

Rose pouted, twiddling her fingers in embarrassment, she tried to stop the girl from venturing into strange places, she was sure that she had come way out of the banquet venue and was now heading towards another building that looked more like a palace, thus she was somewhat sure that it was a place that she was not allowed to enter.

"AAm I being kkidnapped? she stopped in the middle of the flower field and could see a few white fluffy clouds running on the ground....were they dogs? Shaking her head off to focus on the present situation, Rose simply stood pouting.

"So you will behave cutely if someone kidnaps you and then what? ask them for a cup of hot chocolate?"

"NNo!" a pink hue covered the cheeks as the beautiful precious angel whined in the complaint.

"Then simply follow me scaredycat."

"Hey! I am older than you and II am taller than you too!"

"You are more naïve than me too." The girl walked ahead and unknowingly Rose nodded twice in blank affirmation before the thing registered in her mind.

"No! I am a smarter person!"

"Its more smart not smarter."

Rose "......."

_________________________________________________________________

"On that side of the room is magic"

"Magic? really?" Rose got pretty excited to see the place with her newly found friend. Till now they have roamed half of the mansion and Rose saw a room full of musical instruments, the other had a sleek gym. The guards passing them seemed to be weird though.

They looked half confused and a little apprehensive but why did they not speak anything or stop them? was it okay to roam inside the personal space of the mafia King and Queen...

"Have they made it like a museum to see." the innocent angel had whispered only for the girl beside her to clutch her stomach and laugh heartily before smacking the back of her head.

Rose had no idea how silly she sounded to her younger friend then, and now when she said there was the magic behind closed doors Rose was a spectacle.

"We should not breach certain boundaries, some mysteries and secrets are close to the heart of royals and they would not wish for us to interfere, we are already so deep inside..... let's head back or our parents would be worried."

"You are pretty smart for your age." The girl tilted her head as if observing Rose for the nth time that day.

"But I am older than you, I will be wiser of course." The soft words were simply facts that the girl stated while she looked around for anyone to come to guide them back.

"No you cannot be, there isn't anyone more intelligent of my age than me, I am a genius." the little browneyed cutie simply whispered the words under her breath before she opened the doors of the room and the person sitting inside made Rose freeze in terror.

Green irises meeting her brown chocolate pools were warm and considerate yet fear made Rose unable to stand still and she staggered back.

"Dad....this is Rose, my best friend. Rose this is my father." The magnificent man who sat inside was the King of all but if Ajax Waylon was this girl's father then she was..."Princess Aurora!"

"MMy aapologies, I am so ssorry." Ajax held the little girl's shoulder to prevent her from falling but Rose was too astonished to see him right infront of her to even feel fear.

"Careful daughter." The innocent girl wished to cry at how warm the emperor was to her despite her thinking the opposite but her confusion got the best of her as tears started streaming down her face.

So that was how the one child who was sitting in the corner of the banquet was found wrapped up like a burrito with Aurora, drinking hot chocolate on a frozen winter night as Ajax read the two children the book of neverland pirates.

[[NOW 2ND CHAPTER OF FRAGILE]]

Time passed as if it had angel wings to fly with.

Cattaneo Clan's leader Vincent was informed about Rose before he had the opportunity to worry about where his little daughter had disappeared off to and just like that evening passed and the darkness of night prevailed, not bothering that the newly bound friends were keeping each other company.

"This is the doll dad brought me from Japan, it has clothes like those of the ancient people. Although last time he traveled to Asia alone yet this time he has promised to bring me and mum along with him. We will first go to Thailand where dad promised to show me the cliff beaches and from there to India for a vacation.

We will first go to Thailand where dad promised to show me the cliff beaches and from there to India for a vacation

Have you heard about the rock temples there? It was said to be constructed thousands of years ago

Have you heard about the rock temples there? It was said to be constructed thousands of years ago. I want to see how they look like.

Then I might go to France to see Palace of Versailles...I have read about that in a book.

Unlike other families, we do not like to travel every year unless a problem arises in an area. I love home and Ares too likes to stay back sometimes.....oh! and when he does, we play with dolls. Earlier he was kind of sketical about it but when I threw a tantrum he had no option hehe."

'sketical?'

Oh, skeptical...although Rose wanted to laugh out but controlled the bubbly feeling as if not wishing for Aurora to be at disadvantage.

Aurora opened up another metallic box to see what else she can show to her new friend while rambling on and on about everything and anything she could talk to Rose about.

How absurd was it to know that the Prince that was known to be ruthless and brutal was this kind to his sister? Rose earlier feared even coming to the Palace because of the tales she had heard about the mafia royalty but the moment she met Aurora and Ajax so many of her emotions were in turmoil.

She soon realized that no matter how sparkling and shiny Aurora's life looked from outside, in reality, she had no close friends thus unlike the girls in her schools who had a 'holier than thou' attitude, Aurora was a very simple person.

Rose gingerly picked up the doll wrapped in shiny white and yellow sewn crochet fabric which had its designs like a kimono. Her face was round and plump with eyes drawn as dots. The thing Rose liked about Aurora was that the girl despite being the mafia princess did not know how to boast her wealth and flaunt her power unless arrogance was needed to be displayed.

Was it possible to be friends?

Only time will tell.

"Here this is what Ares brought me and mum, mom likes it simple so her bracelet contained hundred blue gems that were smaller but mine are bigger and see, it's pink!"

A beautifully decorated bracelet made of teardrops of dangling pink rubies was what Aurora wished for Rose to see yet the girl could not move her eyes from the picture kept at the bottom of the jewelry box. An angel was smiling so devastatingly that the girl found it harder to breathe, his blue eyes looking at the camera were filled with joy as a little girl was sitting on his shoulders.

It looked like they were going to attend a wedding, that magnificent man had a violet tuxedo on while his tiny sister sitting on his shoulder was adorned with a lilac lace dress and her head embellished with tens of flowers twisted together. It looked like a fairy tale fantasy as they both laughed without a care in the world.

Rose felt her heart beating erratically. She wanted that too, who was that man that appeared to be so caring......like a god.

"Do you like it, Rose?"

"Huh Ah nno..I mean yes."

"That is the photograph that we took on our parents' 14th wedding anniversary. I became a bridesmaid and Ares was the best man and infront of the holy saint out parents took their wedding oaths once more.

You must not know it because it was a very closedoff ceremony, only four of us were there and none of the clans were called."

"That...That is your older brother?" That tiny girl had seen Ares not once but many times but dared not think that all of that would later resort to this..... to this unfathomable feeling that seemed to be like a cluster of butterflies circling around her heart made up of rose petals and she could not express what she felt.

"Yes! That's Ares.

II am sorry Rose, next time.....um when I marry I will invite you for sure."

"TThen I will Iinvite you too."

____________________________________________________________________

"Rose! how many times do I have to tell you, dear, you are a lady, can't you behave like one? Where did you disappeared off to? I and your father were worried." Sierra Cattaneo was the wife of Vincent, the leader of the Cattaneo clan, and Rose's father.

The woman was known to be strict and commanding discipline from each of her branch members but despite her conservative ways, there was no doubt that she loved Rose just as a mother would.

Even though the head maid had informed the couple that Rose was with Aurora yet they were not convinced. On contacting Rose on her personal cellular device she replied that she was with her friend thus they had their anxiety calm down a little.

"I was with Aurora."

"With the princess"

"Hello" People parted like the red sea when an azure frilled lace elf came bouncing from in between filled with laughter followed by someone who had Sierra's eyes widening.

The Queen

It was miraculous how the world revolved and changed with every passing moment. The meeting of Mafia Queen Alaina and Rose's parents was cut short due to the magnanimity of the event and then Sierra and Vincent had thought that this might be the first and last time of confrontation with the mafia rulers yet unknown to them it was merely the beginning.

From then onwards Rose was frequently invited to the Axaina palace in Switzerland to celebrate events as common as friendship day and as profound as Thanksgiving and Christmas. Aurora also visited their home in Italy when she was traveling with Ares for he was attaining his education from the place or sometimes with her parents when they were on a vacation.

They were best friends and thus the angel felt her utmost love and devotion to her friend instead of any greed and lust for power.

"I have packed an entire closet of teal colored dresses! Aand the bowties that you have suggested, those stickers that mom got from me from Spain.

Ho il mio spazzolino da denti e le ciabatte di pelliccia di ciliegia.... oh Dio, sto avendo un attacco di panico."

(I have my toothbrush and cherry fur slippers .... oh God, I'm having a panic attack)

Rose blabbered in Italian whenever she was nervous, and right now it seemed to be the best time to lose her wits. Her bodyguards driving two cars ahead of her, while two black Phantoms were following her mediumpaced car as she was visiting Axaina Palace once again.

They were already within the sevenkilometer radius of the castle and due to the King and Queen being out to Russia, the place was even more tightly sealed thus it required them four check posts to pass inside this inner circle which accessed the necessary protocol of supervising each vehicle through sensors.

"Come se tu fossi mio amico a causa delle tue stupide pantofole... stupido, sono in ritardo perché ci sarà una bufera di neve in arrivo, non perché il mondo sta finendo."

(As if you were my friend because of your stupid slippers ... silly, I'm late because there will be a blizzard coming, not because the world is ending.)

Rose whined not paying attention to the way those words slipped past the lips of the mafia princess, earlier it used to be like a miracle when Rose was most of the time startled with how many languages Aurora could converse in fluently yet now it was like winds blowing past.

"Alright Rose sweety, listen to me, take a deep breath and chant 'I can do this' till you reach my home since now I need to go to my hotel room. The blizzard is going to hit the city in the next seven hours and dad has given strict instructions to the bodyguards to take me to the next city so I need to get going."

"YYou remain safe alright, eat frequently and cover yourself well, don't let the winter wind get into your body, ah, and turn the heater in full blasts!"

"Yes ma'am!"

The phone was disconnected with a beep and then the holy chant of 'I can do this' began. The most terrifying part was not staying without Aurora, it was more about being alone with her crush.

It was already one year since Rose came to know Ares through the photo in Aurora's box and since then her heart had been unable to relinquish the feeling of liking him. She was not ready at all, not ready to come to see him infront of her.

She wanted him to like her, would he like her? The girl wanted to rip off her silky strands in anxiety and nervousness.

Was it too late to run away? Rose took a shaky breath in when she realized that yes it indeed was, as her guards parked the car infront of Axaina Palace.

She had arrived a day early in Switzerland only to find out that Aurora's flight has been delayed due to blizzards. Although the girl could afford the best hotels in the country but her best friend insisted to live in her house.

And after getting a glimpse of the castle years ago, Rose knew exactly why.

She was a Cattaneo princess and her safety was always at stake but not here...not even a person can breathe without getting it noticed in this place.

The guards were heavily guarding the arena, not even a single car was visible in the route from miles away from here. This was a web impossible to reach unless permitted to...The underworld establishment to the most powerful mafia family, their dream home.

Rose stepped out of the car trembling when a guard came forward bowing respectfully.

"Miss Cattaneo, please, this way." Two bulky men followed the lead taking the suitcases from Rose's hand as their chief led the way.

It was a windy day with dark grey clouds looming over, the intoxicating scent of flowers swirled around the girl whose mouth was gaped open with the magnificence she saw.

White lotuses were floating in the crystal blue lake which had a small wooden bridge that connected two sides.

It looked as if she had been transported to an ancient era. The little girl almost jumped when she saw a pair of black swans in the pond forming the heart shape with their crimson beaks, there were white ones as well, their icy feathers fluttering as they swam from one place to another. Last time these things were not here.

Did they renovate with magic?

Till the time Rose had reached the inside part of the palace grounds she wished she could go out again, Switzerland was known for its coniferous trees yet she had seen an apple orchard and strawberry creepers on her pathway to here. God knows what else was in here.

If previous times were stunning then this was something magnanimous beyond comprehension.

PAST

Rose fiddled with the strap of her backpack, being terrified of the castle grounds. She felt it was a maze and if she got lost she might disappear with a poof. Earlier being surrounded by her best friend she never noticed how scary can this castle could be if one lost their way. The anxiousness on her face was evident and it looked as if she was going to meltdown before a meek 'hello' left her mouth.

The mafia prince was raged, not only the little devil did not come but also left him to take care of god knows which spoiled child of a forsaken clan.

He of course had known about Aurora's best friend but could not help and think that no one was worthy enough to get closer to his precious sister. His entire life has been spent among these clans and he had never met a person who was devoid of greed, they wished for something or the other from him and it might be the same for Aurora yet since his parents approved he too had somewhat of a much better view of this 'best friend' than others.

The angry steps caused Rose to stiffen and look up at the balcony to see the man in complete black with dark ripped jeans and a shirt that was folded up to his biceps only to contract around it making her face flustered like a peach.

ARES

Aurora's brother

Mafia Prince

The person whose picture was shown to every clan to let them know the hierarchy of the rulers but that was not the only picture she had seen of his, not the only side she was made aware of.

He was a god.....her crush.

Before Rose realize that the man she was watching was not a mirage and could cry from nervousness, stormy irises locked with her warm honey ones and the steps halted making her freeze.

Real

He was infront of her.

He saw her...

Ares looked at the girl who he was sure was no older than thirteen, clutching her belongings close like a timid rabbit watching a scene unfold yet being hauntingly unaware of her charm and aura. She was adorable with wide fearful eyes that had a tinge of excitement, she was an angel.

A precious doll

It was like the air got knocked out of his lungs and he was left breathless when she took a step back as he slowly receded down the steps in a haze. The flowery dress made her look like a Disney princess that came straight out of a fairytale. Those tales of elves and fairies all coming to life.

She looked anywhere but at him when he walked toward her, his head bending down to look at her opalescent eyes which now watched his every step keenly. Ares could not tell why but he felt a sudden tinge of pain in his heart, such a precious person, and how come he thought bad of her.

"What is your name doll?" warmth spread bursting in each pore all the while filling it with a sugary sweet feeling when the frail princess relished in the deep voice of Ares.

He gently took her suitcases in one hand while the other palm left feathery touch on hers as he took her small palm leading her into the castle.

"Rose" she whispered biting her teeth into the red flesh of her supple lips, the man said absolutely nothing but smiled as his eyes twinkled.

The hallways were long and well furnished with high almighty ceilings, chandeliers pouring out light, they stopped infront of a door carved with turquoise flowers patterns.

"This will be your room princess, once you get settled down, please come to my room, we need to have a very important discussion." Ares pointed to the door beside her, indicating that it was his personal suite and the matter was serious.

Was it?

______________________________________

"Not to scare you Rose but you have broken the rules of the palace, even if I want I cannot exempt you from the punishment." Rose stiffened, she was not knowing that there were a set of etiquettes that one had to follow and thus did everything out of instinct.

"WWhat did I do? What will II do now?"

"When you came inside, you did now bowed down your head infront of me so you have to do it now and then I can decide your punishment."

"ppunishment?" the girl got tearyeyed, she just got here and she actually managed to embarrass herself infront of her crush...

She bowed, soft black hair reflecting light, and the braids bounced down in the process, the heart of the mafia prince broke with how divine Rose was, she did not even challenge him.....that needs to be changed, she should bow to no one, listen to no one......not even him and do whatever she wished for.

His frame emerged closer as he pressed a very light kiss to her scalp making the girl gasp lightly while he arranged her small braids in the process, those luscious hair patterns left a silky texture of touch on his calloused palm.

His body moved away giving her space as the tears that previously gathered in those cocoa pools of innocence were forgotten. Rose hated people coming into her personal space but the way Ares did it, with those kind touches that were devoid of all malice and greed. The way he smiled at her so brightly....was this alright to do?

"What do you love doing in your leisure time?" Rose was in a flustered, dazed state when her mouth automatically replied.

"ballet" as soon as the word left the lips, her eyes widened. She just started learning!

"Then you will dance for me.....that's your punishment princess."

"I ccan't, I ddon't do it well." a palm patted her head softly making her break out from the fear.

"I will not judge you, Rose."

PAST

ROSE 13

ARES 17

The Cattaneo princess remained afraid and wary, people were not always kind, and assuming that everyone was good because they have sweettalked you can be lethal. For the next few days after she met Ares, Rose maintained a safe distance.

What if he was merely engaging and indulging with her because he was nice and she was his sister's friend but in reality he hated her. What if he was disgusted with her? the thought brought nothing but pain and agony to the innocent girl who felt her heart breaking.

It was morning when she sneaked out after having breakfast, Ares was in a meeting so he had sent a female guard to give Rose a hearty meal of whatever she loved, the blackhaired beauty was moved by his kindness and told to thank Ares in return from her side.

When the guards watched the thirteenyearold girl bouncing in the gardens from one rock to another and plucking red strawberries they turned a blind eye and minded their own business.

Rose was content, she searched the whole garden filled with creepers and plucked the biggest and juiciest of the berries, till now she had a handful of those so she decided to ask a nearby guard for a basket.

"ccan I have something to keep these?...please." the guard bowed when he saw her palm filled and the things overflowing her dainty hand.

The said the blue basket was filled with fruits after an hour and had become too much heavy for her to carry so Rose decided it was best that now she returns to her room and sleep for a while.

The idea sounded perfect and she hummed a euphonious melody while walking as her white frock swayed with the wind.

The breeze was light and the season cloudy, with every inch of the ominous sky being covered with a blanket of clouds Rose stopped at the wooden bridge to look at the reflection of passing clouds in the lake, the swans were nowhere in sight, most likely they were under the bridge in their nest but what attracted the girl most was a big white lotus flower in the middle of the lake.

She looked around and none of the guards were at this inner side of the mansion, the girl who never got into trouble before decided to be a little rebellious that day and went down the bridge, taking off her shoes she dipped her toes in the water to check the temperature.

The artificial lagoon was shallow and was not at all enough to drown her, also her dress would not be dirtied if she would be careful.

The girl stepped her foot inside the water raising her dress above her knees to stop it from getting wet, with cautious baby steps she went further in the middle towards the lotus she wished to have.

When the desired bloom floated near her she was too excited to notice the mud beneath it making her feet slip as she fell down in the mud with a heavy thump. The mafia prince was searching for her when he saw a white visage from far away in the pond and the pretty princess lose her footing, Ares ran towards the girl.

"Rose!" Rose was blank for a moment, all dirtied by mud with soil splashed on her face ,flock all stained, her ears started ringing as soon as she heard Ares's call. She did not even dared to look up as tears filled her eyes.

The water sloshed and Rose trembled in terror, now he would not be nice to her, he would truly hate

"Baby" Ares cupped her face gently, wiping off the mud on her cheeks and nose.

"Here, don't cry doll. You almost made it there." The man plucked the big white lotus from its floating leaves and kept it infront of Rose, who looked at him in utter surprise, the shame washing away. Those dusty cyans had nothing but concern and longing.

"YYou got dirty for me?" Her voice was a whisper as she saw his shirt no better than her own dress.

"Absolutely not! I saw a fairy in pond and wished to catch hold of her. My intentions are pure evil." Rose giggled forgetting every little insecurity as Ares spread his arms to welcome her into his hold to take her out of this mess.

_______________________________________________________

"Half of your berries belong to me now." Rose gasped as Ares took a handful of her hardwork washing it in the sink.

Her hair was wet from a fresh bath, clothes new and fresh while Ares changed too. Rose pouted when he also took the lotus from her hand washing its petals, before she could protest he cut down the dark green stem placing the snow lotus on her shiny black head making her look as if she descended from a ancient tale.

A flash made Rose blink in surprise as she realized Ares has taken a photo of hers with the flower at the top of her head which was bigger than her face.

"See, I caught the fairy."

Rose blushed at his compliment while he ate the strawberry appreciating her.

"This one is juicy" She nodded shyly as he kept the berry infront of her mouth as she took a bite.

"You broke the rules again....are you ready to pay for your sins." the girl slowly chewed on the fruit inside her mouth as her cheeks turn pink.

"OOk"

"Let me kiss your head then."

__________________________________

"Clean them well." The pouting lips and mahogany eyes watched Ares who talked on phone with Aurora to reassure that Rose was very well with him.

It has been three months and Aurora was unable to travel due to her contracting flu, the doctors had advised the girl that travelling under such conditions might worsen her health. After Ares talked with Rose's parents assuring them that he will take care of her very well in Switzerland only then did Rose was allowed to extend her stay.

Whispers from other side of the call seceded and Rose pointed an accusing finger at Ares. After the incident of her falling into the pond and Ares holding her crying face to sooth her feeling of shame, the girl was confident enough that he did not hated her, instead he spoiled her rotten thus now the stubbornness had decided to come out.

"I don't wanna clean." her cherry cheeks were squished together by the masculine man who kissed her head making her blush and hmph in return, Ares chuckled when he saw the innocent doll using a thin cloth wrapped around her one delicate finger to cleanse the interior of the guns despite complaining endlessly.

"No matter how much you try...I don't want to."

"Then how is my fairy going to learn about the weapons?"

Since the children of caporegimes and mafia members had more to learn than the rest of the common households, there was a system of education created, 7 months of training in school was compulsory while the rest 5 months, the clan heirs and heiress's were allowed to go around the world and attend meeting and meet influential entities to solidify their own statures and then present a report on everything they learned to the head office in school upon returning.

In three months Rose had learned Spanish and Greek as the elite languages, learned to shoot targets up to ten meters with excellent precision, all the while going through the rigorous exercise of walking etiquette with as many as five books on her head. Although she might have to make a report for all of this when these five months were finished and at the same time teachers excelling in their fields might test her skills yet the angel was confident with how well Ares has taught her.

"BBut they are scary!" she complained relentlessly with glazed chocolate irises, she was accustomed to Beretta 92FS, which was a simple pistol of Italian origins yet Ares had soon replaced it with SIG Sauer P226 pistol who did nothing but scare the sweet princess.

"But my fairy does wants to learn doesn't she or is it something else......are you fine darling?"

It was not a kind of spoiling where Ares did everything and Rose must simply sit like a doll and observe instead a kind where he will cook for her and ask her to wash vegetables, where he might teach her ballet yet for returning the favor would ask her to dance to his tune of violin.

Rose was not too good at ballet, not that he was going to tell her.

There was a sense of equality in the entirety of his adoration and possessive approach towards her, thus even though Rose was ordered around the entire day to basically stick to his side, she could not make herself have any complaints. Usually no matter what he said the fleeting flower stuck to his side pretending to be his assistant and helped him in doing various work thus today Ares felt something was out of the place.

"I feel a bit dizzy......." Her head had been aching since the morning yet she did not wished to worry Ares thus resorting to being a brat...once she was inside her suite she will get a rest and be well, that was what Rose told herself over and over.

Those words were spoken in a whisper, Rose was feeling fatigue when she woke up and took a medicine on her own in order to not disrupt Ares from his work and as soon as she felt a bit better she thought to follow the prince like usual.

"Baby your face....why is your face so red my love?" The tone started as of a question but when he saw Rose's eyes drooping dangerously the mafia prince could not help but feel terrified for once in his life.

She was trying to speak yet no words seem to escape her throat as black dots danced in her vision.

Strong arms came around to pick the fragile girl up in his hold as his heart thumped erratically, what has happened to his fairy, she was aright yesterday...he has been too hard on her......it was all his fault. The man's frantic actions alerted the servants making them wide eyed.

Was this the man who was the Dark Prince of Styx?

He at this moment certainly looked more humane than ever.

"Call the doctor at once!" Absolute fear engulfed him when Rose who was feeble till now but still had energy for holding his shoulders for support passed out the other moment with her fingers slipping down his chest.

"RRose" Pulling her inside his suit the man laid his pretty princess down on the bed while taking off her shoes to make her more comfortable. The temperature of the room seemed to drop as the man had an increasingly fearsome aura looking at the girl who was so fragile as if she might blow with the wind when the doctor was rushed in by the servants.

The doctor wanted to hurry out soon as he saw the dark look looming over Ares and the murderous aura seemed to make him feel like things were going to be a little complicated yet the sharp tone made him stop.

"You must stay, check Rose time to time in my presence." The doctor was hired as the personal physician by Waylons thus there were no areas of unprofessional behaviors, despite feeling like he had been called in a lion's den, the white collared man who had spend thirty years practicing medicine simply bowed and left with a servant by his side.

Although the servants were rarely reprimanded, it was majorly because of the selection. An amount of money which was equal to an year of the wage of regular servants in the rich mansions was what Waylon's awarded per month plus the bonus that was given every once in a while.

Yet there were absolutely no chances of making a mistake.

"What did you feed her in morning today?" The chef trembled as the greyish blue irises looked at him with venomous intentions. He had a meeting outside thus his lunch and breakfast differed from Rose.

"Sir it was tomato sandwiches and cheese pasta."

"Even after knowing that my princess is still in her growth years you still give her only these. Get out of my vision this instant!"

_______________________________________________________

Unaware of the mayhem Rose slept like a tiny flower bud that has yet to blossom its scented petals.

When the Cattaneo princess was born she was merely 5 pounds in weight, barely breathing with that small body, so fragile that her mother, Sierra was afraid of even touching her thus once she learnt to crawl her father, Vincent had installed her entire room with sponge mattress so she might not hurt herself.

Hearing those stories Rose felt that she was pampered but she did not have any thoughts about how she might be treated in future since mafia women did not loved, did not married according to their will and not even expressed their real emotions...mafia families had a strict code to follow so when she fluttered her long lashes open, squinting her eyes from the sunlight coming, rubbing them with closed fists.

The clock infront on the side table displayed 10 AM in morning making her even forget that she was sick and hurriedly climb out of the bed. If it was home she might have had an earful and would be punished with an hour of standing in the etiquette posture which was considerably not much.

Legs tangled in the velvet sheets made her stumble before two arms came to stabilize her body and held her body in those muscular veiny arms.

"Ares!"

"Go to sleep" The tiny angel was again dumped on the bed where she bounced twice before blinking in confusion.

"But Ares.....IIts morning already"

"Oh is it? Its still night for you though. You fainted on me yesterday and from now onwards you are not falling sick on me anymore so go on ,sleep." Saying those words a purple blanket was wrapped around Rose making her look like a chocolate roll with her arms not able to move and only the small fragile head with shiny black hair visible.

Ares picked her up before settling the fluffy pillows beside her head and making her sit partially.

"I am so sorry" Rose did not recalled of the incidents of yesterday earlier but now when Ares said she did remember falling in his hold before black covered her vision. She was going to apologize before a spoonful of vegetable rice was pushed in her mouth making her cheek swell like a chipmunk.

Ares pretended as if the girl was not glaring at him cutely and made her drink the orange juice slowly with his hands.

"Can we bargain" another spoonful of chopped kiwi and peeled pistachio dry fruit was inserted in her mouth making her groan adorably in protest.

The atmosphere between Ares and Rose was tense, although the mafia Prince tried his best to appear as if he was not bothered and fed Rose, the girl could still feel his bottled up anxiety.

"Ares, I am sorry to scare you. Please don't be mad at me, I usually faint when my blood pressure is low, its nothing new and the doctor also said that this is temporary."

Ruffling the shiny black locks on her head, a kiss was pressed on her scalp making Rose blush.

"Come here baby." The man sighed, his mind in turmoil but he could not help and open his arms to welcome the angel in his embrace. She was still shy, delicate eyelashes trembling as she scooted closer before he pulled her up on his lap.

Two warm arms came to engulf her entire body, that was the place that made Rose forget all the worries in the world, a place so safe and secure with his warmth and protectiveness that she could sleep in it without feeling a worry in the world. Her head buried in his chest, ears right against his thrumming heart that pulsed a bit erratically made her feel like she could not breathe.

"You are very precious to me baby, can you please take care of yourself for me hmm? Eat at scheduled time and have full meals, be happy and don't fall sick, can you do that for me precious?"

"II will do that Ares, I promise." honey like voice came out after sometime, the deep voice of the man made Rose get lost for a while so she registered late what was the prince saying.

He was the prince then why did he need to talk to her so gently? That was the biggest reason that Rose could not control her heart for him....Ares was not demanding, he was not someone that used fear to gain respect from her, he spoiled her and listened to her.

While Rose remained in his hold lost in her thoughts, the man was thinking about how quickly the time passed, she was here for four months and the next week she will be going back to her estate.

Will she miss him too?

He cannot stop her from going so it would be much better if he could create some memorable memories all the while taking the pretty princess out since she was cooped up here all day long.

"Baby how about.....would you like to go for a swim today, the left side swimming pool is having warm water springs, would you like to explore it with me?" That was one place that Rose might enjoy and might be able to explore without exerting too much of her energy.

Rose who was slightly emotional a moment ago looked up at the man with twinkling eyes and smiling wide as if she wanted to do this since a long time.

"Can I?"

"Ofcourse! Do you have your swimming suit or shall I arrange one for you?" Rose tilted her head slightly contemplating.

"I thought that this place was cold so I don't have one."

After their conversation ended with Ares going out for doing arrangements for their outing, the angel pouted thinking that she forgot to inform her crush that she would prefer a onepiece swimsuit.

It was not that she disliked showing her skin but at the same time this was different, going together with Ares she was a little shy in completely exposing herself, a little uncomfortable in her own body shape.

The tiny princess walked here and there thinking about what to do when a knock sounded on the door making her peek out a bit.

"YYes?"

"Miss your suit, please see to it if you like it."

"Iits ok" Rose did not had the courage to refuse Ares's gift thus she stuttered out making the maid hand her the packet before bowing down and leaving.

Cold fingers opened the package and the moment Rose eyed the outfit her entire being felt lighter as if the weight upon her shoulders had been taken away and she could breathe a little better.

The outfit was a sports wear which covered not only her sleeves but also was modest enough so she would not feel uncomfortable in front of Ares.

The outfit was a sports wear which covered not only her sleeves but also was modest enough so she would not feel uncomfortable in front of Ares

The mafia prince had not forgotten that his baby was simply a child of thirteen and in the age where he himself was quite disgusted to even a touch from others, she too might be like him in some aspects

The mafia prince had not forgotten that his baby was simply a child of thirteen and in the age where he himself was quite disgusted to even a touch from others, she too might be like him in some aspects.

There was a difference in his love, he liked Rose and wished to be with her but at the same time there was not a feeling of sexual involvement. Rose was Ares's solace and friend, when he held her it was like peace and tranquility was blossoming in the surroundings.

He felt happy with her.

The angel smiled in joy before quickly getting ready, her glimmering locks bouncing behind the strawberry pink hairband that she had put on. Rose came out of her chambers practically flying to Ares's room.

"Ares! I am ready." The man who wore a similar sportswear but in all ink black was closing the windows, the moment he looked back and saw the adorable princess with cherry shaped gem clips on both side of her hair and the pink hairband that had encrusted strawberries on them as she looked at him with those glimmering big eyes he could not help but coo at her.

" The man who wore a similar sportswear but in all ink black was closing the windows, the moment he looked back and saw the adorable princess with cherry shaped gem clips on both side of her hair and the pink hairband that had encrusted strawberri...

"You are the most beautiful baby in the world aren't you my love?"

"You are the most beautiful baby in the world aren't you my love?"

Rose bit her lip shyly before holding one of his arm with both her hands in reply.

"I have prepared a flower bath for you, wanna see?"

"Flowers? Yes!"

"Aren't we going to the pool Ares?" The chocolate irises were looking at the artificial lagoon from which they were going away adorably confused when Ares instead of taking Rose to the swimming pool in the backyard of their house kissed her glimmering black hair before holding her hand and leading her out to his car.

"We are going to the beach house little doll, you can collect shells and shiny stones there, also I have asked the maids to pack our lunch so think it as I am taking you on a picnic baby, you need to soak in the soothing sun to regain your strength."

Rose who was pretty excited for the time being almost jumped at the man before remembering that he was the mafia prince and instead resorted to embracing him with her delicate arms around his stomach.

"Thankyou Ares." The prince ruffled the shiny black locks making Rose shut one of her eye with the impact looking like a kitten.

"You are welcome little love."

The journey after that moment went smoothly. Crossing various roads that entwined with one another like paths to a heavenly realm surrounded by peach trees and blueberry shrubs, Rose could not help but plaster her face against the window making Ares laugh. Sun cascading its soothing rays from in between the porous clouds indicated that indeed it was spring.

The beach house was three miles away from the main palace and usually the artificial lake like swimming pool that was freezing cold in winters now had gentle warm water that was heavenly to bathe in.

It took the couple only half an hour to drive and reach the villa near beach which had a humongous lagoon like pool made on the outer boundaries of the house and was a story above the ground. The reason of constructing a pool connected to the beach were the various types of sea animals that usually came along with the waves.

Starfish and turtles were alright yet sometimes slugs and small jellyfish that had poison also washed along the shore in this region so to prevent any such accidents, a system that had small pores was made to extract sea water and drain it in the ...

Starfish and turtles were alright yet sometimes slugs and small jellyfish that had poison also washed along the shore in this region so to prevent any such accidents, a system that had small pores was made to extract sea water and drain it in the swimming pool.

"We are here love." A very joyous Rose bounced out of the car before taking hold of Ares's forefinger and getting inside the place that looked luxurious with marble and white stone foundations yet gave off the vibe of a homey beach house with a kitchen and five rooms on either side and a staircase spiraling upwards to the second story.

As soon as the girl was led upwards her eyes widen in astonishment making her look at Ares who smiled in return. Huge French windows lead to the outer portico that had three steps to go down and submerge in the pool.

"You like this darling?" The mafia prince climbed down and took hold of Rose's waist with both his palm on either side of her and picked the angel up in his hold to make her come down the stairs without slipping

"You like this darling?" The mafia prince climbed down and took hold of Rose's waist with both his palm on either side of her and picked the angel up in his hold to make her come down the stairs without slipping.

Violet and pink roses with pure snow plumeria flowers were floating into the warm azure water of the pool that was attached with the sea. Light colored wooden trays that were floating while containing strawberries, cherries, oranges and peaches all stuffed inside a coconut bowl along with a small tub of honey and chocolate to dip so as to provide light nutrition.

"I love it!" The mirth and joy that reflected in those eyes was so pure and raw that the man could not help but cup her face before smothering her wet black hair with kisses, providing one and two of those to that her forehead

"I love it!" The mirth and joy that reflected in those eyes was so pure and raw that the man could not help but cup her face before smothering her wet black hair with kisses, providing one and two of those to that her forehead.

After yesterday's warning the cooks were on their toes to impress the princess of the Cattaneo clan and had arranged a three course menu for today. After fruits and refreshments, salad and juice would be served in an hour, later today evening after swimming, evening snacks shall be included and at night finally the dinner will be there.

The fruits were in small proportions but had a variety making Rose happy, as soon as she glided her hand in water, the ripples made those frail flowers dangle away from her.

"They are running away from you Ares." The girl giggled with how cute the entire setting was. They swam in the waters, talking and laughing with Rose asking Ares questions about what he liked and what were his hobbies making him answer to each of her queries.

Time passed in between their conversations but neither Rose not Ares were satisfied enough. The girl that was earlier talking was now a little distracted by the tangles in her hair due to the water movement and grumbled under her breath about it while her fingers tried to resolve the issue.

"Little baby, are you trying to rip off your locks?"

"NNo! But this is frustrating..." When Ares realized that the little girl would not relent till she had made more damage his hands stopped her movements with his arms embracing her.

"Rose hear me out, the coconuts here are very rare but right now is their season so I was able to get a bunch for both of us, earlier the maids had stored it for food purpose but do you want me to wash your hair with coconut water since they are so entangled? Ma says its miraculous so let me try it on for you."

A maid was called to deliver the things even before the girl could refuse, Rose was embarrassed, how can she make Ares do such things for her, he was already providing more than what she deserved and now this.....he should not be doing so much for her.

Her hesitant face was ignored when Ares ruffled her hair again drawing out a whine of protest from the pouting girl who realized her locks were now a bird's nest.

Rose sat on a stair with only her feet in the water and Ares two steps higher as callused fingers threaded through the silky strands, applying the essence, massaging it so gently that it made the girl yawn feeling sleepy. Again a small quantity of coconut water was poured onto her head before Ares applied it through the very ends of the long hair.

Rose did not realized when her head was lulled onto the knees of the mafia prince and she fell asleep.

Ares smiled washing her hair tenderly and wrapped a towel around her head before picking her up in his arms and bringing inside to let a maid change her clothes and finally fall into the dreams of wonderland

It was only a week left till she leaves for her home.

Rose sighed, looking up at the starry night sky, her heart fluttering. Her eyelids drooped heavily, head lulling down but she refused to go into the arms of dreamless sleep.

The room although extremely lavish and equipped with every single necessity and want was too big for her liking, she had tried sleeping only to be woken up after a terrible nightmare so here she was with all her lights turned on trying to stop the monster under her bed from haunting her.

An headache made her rub her head with a soft palm as she tried to think of something else than the nightmares.

She was exhausted and only wanted to sleep now, the girl hardened her cottony soft heart and got hold of her blanket dragging her body and soft fur blanket all the way to Ares's room.

She entered without knocking after contemplating for five minutes that was it worth to wake him up at 2 a.m in the night.

She was standing beside the bed watching the mafia prince sleep shirtless, with his body sculpted by god she wanted to stand an hour and stare creepily but decided against the judgment. The adorable princess rushed on top of Ares, sitting on his stomach, she made herself comfortable making him call out her name in a whisper.

"Rose"

"Don't trouble me princess." His eyes remained closed as he whispered in his masculine rough voice, pulling her body closer. Rose kept her head on his chest as his arms encircled around her waist making both of them fall into the cocoon of warmth.

Rose was floating on a cloud, jumping from one place to another, sliding on a rainbow when a knock on the door made her jump in alarm as she sat up groggily.

"What!" squinting her eyes to see that Ares was not in bed and the sound of water running made her conclude that he was bathing. She hurried to the door opening it a little to see who was outside. A guard bowed his head when he came to see himself in the innocent eyes watching him.

"YYes?"

"Miss, the prince has a call from Russia."

"Oh..I will tell him." The guard respectfully left.

Ares had turned off the water coming out in half dressed state in haste. His wild greycyan irises meeting her when Rose turned around were not happy to say in least. His dark hair was tousled and shirt opened upto his chest.

____________________________

"If somebody knocks our door what do we do Rose?" Ares tilted his head, gazing into the warm chocolate pools of his girl who sat on the kitchen island kicking her feet gently as he cracked an egg pouring its contenting into the frying pan that sizzled with the cooking vegetables.

"wwe open it?" She bit her lip knowing that they were talking about today morning.

"You little thing...you had absolutely no idea who was outside your room but you still opened your door.If you are alone and someone is dying outside of your house, you let them die Rose."

"bbut he was insider the house." Rose shut her mouth knowing that the backtalking was doing more bad than good, even though the guard was inside but she was a Cattaneo princess, they can never know when will an assassin strike. Rose knew nothing about fists and guns, one moment of carelessness can cost her, her life.

They were no longer inside Axaina Palace or her homeland, this beach house was even though guarded at the end of the day was still foreign to them.

"I will say this once and I dare you to do anything rather than this. If you don't know people who are asking for your help, I don't care if they are the angels that have descended from heaven you don't fufreaking help them.

You let them wait or you have guards for a reason, if you want to help somebody.....tell them and they will do it for you or I swear on my mother Rose, I will hunt that person down and kill them."

The small legs swinging back and forth gently stopped as Rose stared at Ares incredulously.

"Bbut how? You aare so nice Ares."

The guard stationed at the entrance of the house turned around, a series of clearing of the throat made Rose blush while Ares looked at her as if she murdered his cat.

That would be a very bad thing. Moreover Rose loved animals

"I am never leaving her alone." Ares mumbled coherently under his breath making Rose inch closer to hear.

The Soufflé was ready and served in her plate. Rose wanted to ask Aurora what Ares loved to eat and she would learn to cook for him just like he did for her. In silence, she ate and fed him from her plate as he made more of those.

"You took liberties with me yesterday, you found out that I was vulnerable in the night and took advantage of me."Ares said breaking the barrier of calm making Rose stop mideating as she gasped wideeyed.

"II promise, I did nnothing Ares. I was unable to sleep, I"

The endearing girl remembered herself staring at him too long, was it that bad?

"What is done, is absolutely done." Ares sighed seemingly in distress making Rose a stuttering mess.

"There is only one way out, only one way to bring back my lost soul." Ares looked at Rose mischievously who bit her lip ready to redeem herself.

"In future you have to be my girlfriend."