In Our Time Of Mourning
Orion drummed his fingers against the table, it was an unwanted, nervous habit. He hadn't been to the manor in two years, since he had ran away from home at the age of 16. Despite his vows to never return, here he was partaking in his elder brothers wake. The ball room was done in garish black, to prove that people really were in mourning for the beloved Lord of the De Luca family. However the idea of a wake was just a ruse for politics and debauchery. Ladies pressing their slim bodies, and curvaceous breasts at rich men, in hopes of enticing them to spend their money. The men in turn using thinly veiled threats and blackmail to gain power. Yes, the world of the mafia hadn't changed one bit.
"Orion." He glanced up to see the demure face of his little sister looking at him expectantly, "Lorelei?" He said in question.
"Mother wishes to speak to you before the will is read. She waiting in the green room.. please listen to her Ory she's been through a lot."
Orion nodded and stood up. "I know." He said, leaned down to press a chaste kiss to her cheek. "It will all work out."
Orion strode off projecting an air of confidence he really wasn't sure he felt.
Lorelei watched her beloved brother walk away, and sighed. He truly was spectacular, platinum blond hair, a trade mark of their family shown in the lights. It was mostly slicked back but some had fallen down around his forehead. Grey blue eyes looked coldly around the room, as they always did now, and his gait was smooth and self assured. Even at his lowest point he seemed to fairly radiate royalty. Her elder brother Atticus before passing away hadn't attained Orion's grace, but he came in close second, his charm had won over many finicky allies. Lorelei knew mother would have Orion take over the "Family Business" as it was so aptly named. The De Luca family had always been a key player in the mafia, their influence extended everywhere and Atticus and their father before him had commanded respect that was seldom seen.
Orion knocked on the oak door and his mother called for him to enter. He smoothed a non existent wrinkle from his Armani suit and walked in. Orion's mother Sophine sat in a large winged back chair, more wrinkles seeming to have fallen upon her timeless face, as she graced him with a smile that he wasn't entirely sure he deserved.
"Mother," He said, kissing her check, "You look well."
She laughed softly, "Orion Donavyn Alexander De Luca, I have taught you better that to lie."
"Then mother, its a good thing I only speak the truth."
Sophine sighed at her son, he was a charmer like his father, but small talk was not the reason for this particular discussion.
"Ory.." She started hesitantly. "I know you have never wanted to be part of this life, you never wanted the responsibility, but I am begging you, I have no one else. To choose another would be blasphemy, and to vanish would be suicide."
Orion knew well enough what she was talking about. He was the only male heir, she was pleading for him to take over as mafia Lord. If the family placed their trust in another, especially another outside the family, his sister, him and his mother would no longer have ensured protection. If the family were to renounce their titles they would be eaten alive. He was their only chance for survival. Orion already known this, but hearing the words from his mother lips only solidified those nasty little facts. For all that he did not want this, he could and would not fail his family. Orion stood up straight, and gave a small bow.
"Come mother, the will shall be read any time, let us adjourn to the conference hall."
She nodded and stood, following him silently.
"The reading of the will of Lord Atticus Pericles Alexander De Luca will now commence. All readings will be unchangeable, as written by our late Lord." The reader cleared his throat and began,
"I Atticus Pericles Alexander De Luca, being relatively sound of mind am writing this will in hopes that when my unwanted but no less expected end is met you may know my last words. To my lovely little sister Lorelei, I give you the summer home in Italy. You were to young to remember it I know, but I hope you will treat it as a safe haven in times of need, and also as a remembrance of our heritage. To my mother I leave you my love, and memory, you have said many times that you need nothing else and I will not disrespect that. However know that any time you wish, you may claim what you will. To my brother Orion I give you a big dose of harsh reality. You are the sole inheritor of my title, and all responsibilities it carries. Bring our family fame and take care of mama and Lori. I also leave you my private library, key, and Lordship ring. Use them well little brother. I now conclude my will and testimony."
"Orion looked at his mother and sister to see them crying. He sighed quietly to himself, straightening up, he raised his left hand into the air, commanding the rooms attention.
"I Orion Donavyn Alexander De Luca, do accept the De Luca Lordship title, and ring."
Jameson, the will reader bowed low with the rest of the room murmuring their congratulations, before hurrying over to bestow upon him the object he had been gifted. Orion slipped the ring onto his right thumb, noticing the crest, a rearing golden Leopard against the backdrop of dark royal blue. A sense of empowerment came over him, orion vowed never to fail them.