"Morning my Queen."
Looking up feeling really relaxed for reasons that was obvious only for her and whomever witnessed it. The always guarded woman Raphaelli had come to respect smiled at him, however surprised the soldier kept his face straight but inside high-fiving the hidden reason behind. THIS was rare.
He knew for a fact that she was all the week inside with no visitors. So maybe it was one of those days you wake up feeling happy for no reason.
"Commander Raphaelli. The man I wanted to see just now. How is everything going on?"
" Just fine Ma'am. The process is secured."
Going on with the true he responded wondering why he was there since she was the one who wanted him to stay with his father. Not suicidal enough to ask he stood at his usual place waiting as she nodded, after a moment her eyes met his, it was like a really warm stare which he was not accustomed to. She was just being a human being at the moment which was like experiencing a parallel universe. Very unsettling ground to stand on.
"Hmmm. Good. Seat please." Pointing the seat directly in front of hers she saw how hesitant he reacted by double checking her to be sure before putting his body in motion. his body and mind battling for once. The leg kept moving while his mind not sure it was doing the right thing was just spectator of the unfolding event.
Holding herself from laughing Katiandra patiently waited for the man to settle in the seat, to lean forward intertwining her fingers on the marble table of her desk. His face was nothing different of the one Norman once did when she had asked him the same thing decades ago. It was priceless, but she knew it was nothing she could hold again him. To be seated at the Royal table wherever it was was a privilege.
" I called you for a reason I could not express with a phone call as you already know dear. Better be cautious, even if your loyalty, I have nothing to say against. I trust you."
Just blinking multiples times at her words commander Raphaelli just nodded confirming he understood her not trusting his voice to speak Which she understood too.
"I need you to send this file to Norman it explains how I want the money to be handle on their side. But make sure to repeat him, it all go to professor Kamali. She will know how to deal with it on her own."
Doing a poor job to hide his surprised face, because he felt it a bit extreme she would forward all her treasure to the young woman, when her daughters was there too, he had to remind himself that not only was it none of his businesses but young professor Kamali was certainly the wiser out of the three women there. Nodding he took the portfolio out of the Queen's fingers meeting her gaze as he did.
"You think it is extreme to do that while my daughters are there."
Not a question but a statement she uttered holding his gaze and a firm grip on the file she was giving him causing him to freeze in an uncomfortable position searching for his words.
Seeing him struggled to get on his guarded self, the woman let go of him and the grasp she had on the portfolio leaning back in her leather seat. All the while still looking at him, the way he was with himself was way better, he felt less tensed around her she could tell, so she waited.
"You can speak you mind."
Glancing at her for a moment, the soldier was doubtful she wanted to hear the things she asked of him, but her sincere stare made him a bit cooler, just wondering but he went with it nonetheless.
" It can be shocking to hear since your daughters are there. To be realistic and though, they would give it all in shopping materials in a blink of an eye. But then Ma'am there's a lot of foxes out there too. If you think she needed it all, then it is good to give."
Analysing his body language while he spoke all he could through his mouth. What Katiandra was hearing was what he did not say.
"I feel like there are many 'But' you are holding." As per usual again a statement came from the Queen's untouchable face. The woman was so beautiful that one thing Raphaelli had to work out was to get accustomed to it.
Looking up he bite the inside of his left cheek deeply weighing whether to go for it then decided to take the chance by looking straight in his Queen eyes. The way she breathed out with reliefs surprised Katiandra herself, because it means she was valuing his input.
"Money is good while it last."
Frowning at his world, Katiandra arched a perfectly trimmed eyebrow her piercing face pinned on him, though not as menacing as before. He came to realize that, it was the same look the future heir always wore when in deep thoughts. Many not aware of that would often think she was scolding at them when she was in her own head.
"You told me to speak as I feel it?"
Nodding positively, Katiandra eyes never left him as she was waiting. Reassured he nodded worries fading from him.
"I, uhm. The first time we had to stay at Miss Lorelei place, she was like, normal. What I mean is that she had just met the Royal family. Was now the protégé of the Queen herself. But, not once did she looked us up like she was this high person because of it. Contrary, She had treated us as humanly as no one did before. I mean, her existence by itself make everyone feel better about themselves. It was never about money or position."
Feeling pensive at how trueful he was being Katiandra could almost hear what was coming after keeping her mouth shut she waited for him to finish.
"You know, I do not pretend to understand it all but what I gathered in my modest intelligence is that her love is not for sale. This is good really good. But my Queen - it will backfire."
Closing her eyes at the words said almost in a murmur, she stood like that while he looked at the sky through the window, the image of that night Miss Lorelei had had a panick attack playing in his mind. He knew there was no selfishness in that soul of hers, like at all.
"I remember when I was annouced I would be trained to be working for you. I could not sleep. I was charged like an electrified line. Buzzing and boasting around the house and my family. Everyone I could meet was immediately the next one to tell how lucky I was."
Amused at his words the older woman did not have to think it through, she knew it was true how humanly sometimes humans could react. She had witnessed it all to the point she had blended herself of its ability to touch her. Opening her eyes to looked at him she was met with the side of his face, feeling her gaxe on him he looked her way. She could see he was really serious.
" I have seen many people do it. Literally everyone, crushing people on their way to what they know is their way to the light. But her. For her it, all came like, the next breath a human being has to take. We do not even think about it. For sure human never fail to take it for granted because why will we not breathe? It is a fact we will untill it is not anymore."
Breathing out as he finished the Queen massaged her neck doing a face that said ' I'm trying',her next words proving it.
"I Know all of that but. Let make it one step at a time. I do not have all the picture here so let's bear with fate. Alright?"
Going from surprise to surprise, Raphaelli just nodded in a daze at how not commanding she for the first time was. But serenity was all he could see. Sensing it was the end of the moment he was blessed to share, the commander stood bowing to her before stepping two feet backwards.
" Thanks you for your sincere words commander. You can go back now. Have a safe trip back home."
Bowing again, the man saluted her at last then entered the elevator that had opened as he was approached it. To say he was in cloud nine Raphaelli knew, would not translated how he felt. This was all, smiling his back to her he had to fix a straight face to stand in the elevator, arms down. The right on holding the portfolio, the other perfectly still by his side like a mirror of the perfect trained soldier he was built to represent.
Closing her eyes the moment the elevator closed on Raphaelli straight face, Katiandra breathed out a bit relaxed. Now thing have to go as planned and the issue of money will be clear. The rest she pushed far away from her mind choosing to deal with it the moment it will ever occur. At least she believed now that there was a way even if she could not see it at the moment.
Arthur she was aware was closing all doors by his drastic changes not even hiding his anymosity anymore. At this point she did not care anymore knowing the girls were far away from where he could use his dark power. She knew they were protected there.
Shaking her head she massages her neck knowing it was time to rest but she could not do it in fear to have images she had blocked invading her, neither could she take pills, no time to be drugged. She wanted to stay alert in case something happen. Or at least to have meaningful ideas, those she knew had to be provoke not dream.
Imagining Lorelei scolding face at her last thought she smiled not certain anymore after the experience she had. How was she to call it? A dream? She was not sleeping when it occurred though. That she was certain.
"So I beg to differ my love. Until I am proven wrong? " Thinking back at some episodes her lover had countered her she winced like her solid argument had holes.
" Yeah although you could do just that .This is a conversation for another day I wish."
Focusing on her work, her smile still on, she lost herself in it like she had mastered the way for decades her mind only vibrating in letters and numbers. Giving herself another hour before tiredness took over her, that was her routine after all. Work was the solution to forget.
~~~
On the other side of the town at Raphaelli house, in the warehouse.
It's been two days since the encounter in the queen office but the soldier was still feeling the buzz of it. She had called him commander a tittle that was well deserved around. One could be at service for years or all their service but never get call that. It was the ruler making it clear they respected you in the work you do.
Walking around the place like a lion evaluating when to pounce on its prey he failed to see the amused face his father arbhored knowing what had him so on edges. He wanted everything to be perfect, after telling him how the woman he served treated him it was to be expected.
Going back to his work he hummed happy his son felt like that. His prayers had been granded when he had learned back in his son beginnings that he was to serve in the Queen squad. The woman was a tale by her mere existence. How she married a man like the king was " fate work" like it is said around to make arranged marriage look less hideous.
For Porysians everything was made for a reason. One could take a path that was force on them but found out later it was the only road to be taken. The old man wished the human kind would stop idealising this life. He knew for a fact that royalty had no other choice than ruling. You are the first in line you have no choice but do it because life of an entire territory depend on you. It was the same for everyone that breathe. You have people you will encounter on the path or field that is yours. The only goal is to be your best even in your worse days.
To crush or to build that was a soul decision to process in this life. No need to be the highest or the richest. It is each one decision. Right on the spot of adversity to make the best come out of it. The Queen's attitude as a woman had inspired many generation of others that was ordered by theirs families to contract a marriage. Many had he heard saying
"If this woman can be the best of herself and everyone while being married to the king. Then I can do it Also." And just like that that is woman just surpassed all the challenge of her prison for the best.
It was well know in Porys that the Royal marriage was still up because the woman was an angel compared to her husband no one ever evoke in conversation for fear to be heard by the wrong ear.
From terrible situations could come out beauty. Queen Katiandra had changed his son life when she could have done as others, that he was sure. There was no way he could ever repay her.
Oblivious of his father line of thoughts, the son finally stopped near him, pointedly looking at the shining material that was being poured in transparent bottles.
" Dad, make sure nothing stay. We do not want problem remember. I did not tell you first but twenty boxes of it is ours. You told me that, that amount could make two of those small bottles right? Okay. You put them aside. So please now anything else have to go as said."
Almost ripping his head off his shoulders the father shouted him a mix of bewildered and not so fun stare. The need to slap the back of his son head overtaking him. Right away deflated he could only shake his head knowing what the weight of that information meant for them.
"What?? And you tell me that now!! We are rich! God! I understand now all the precision you needed. I can tell you that it almost felt like you did not trusted me."
Laughing at his dad still daze face, Raphaelli let him hugged him straight away. They always shared a friendly relationship. Letting go the son nodded but shook his index no at his father who arched his eyebrows at him.
"It is not that I didn't. But I prefer you alive and with me. And we will not be rich if we do not conclude this on the dot. Now really make sure nothing is left." Knowing how his father love could get, Raphaelli insisted looking straight in his eyes.
Pulling a safe box from a wall that looked like a rock, the old man retrieved four golden barrels.
"What? I hide them for you. Now that you are telling me that you have something there I don't think it is necessary anymore. You have the best boss ever it true but I will always think about your well-being. I would have not let anyone see it to endanger your life or mine."
Knowing the old man too well, the son did not discussed it but chosed to nod at him. That was a discussion to not entertained if he did not want to relearn how his love ran deeper since the moment her had met his mother.
You know the regular
'I knew I will love my children more than life itself'
Smirking the son put his hand in his jeans pockets. That pose was one for conquerors, those who take life for a game they knew they already won.
His father and some people he knew had acknowledged it with some remarks about his new job position treating him well. Now the older man recognized it for what it was. Legitimacy, the one money coupled with the right call in life only coul give. His son standing tall was the result of the stars alignements. Hé would be a fool thinking the reverse.
" you called your man?" Raphaelli asked sitting on the edge of a rustic table.
"Yes Raphy. We will meet with them tonight."
"Where? Why do you tell me that now?! This kind of thing I should know to have everything...."
"Under control. I know. But there are things that call for more discretion. I know this guy for very long. He really is interested in our deal. This much gold is not something to trust anyone with. This sunnis my line of experience. He will not say a word for his own good. To anyone."
"I trust you dad, but we better be cautious." Nodding the old man pointed at a bottle for him to help.
Five hours later, in the valley of Zea very far East the parked near a couple of cars whose owners were standing in front of them. The only light provided was the one of Raphaelli car. After getting out they walked in silence toward the four men present.
"Alexander long time no see. Now you brought me the graal!" Overjoyed at the amount of gold he would be back home with, the one who seemed to be the chief said moving towards them.
Clasping hands with the bald man that greeted them in a very unusual way. Like they knew each others for long, he had his strenght in show, by clapping his arms with Raphaelli father who salute him the same. Where the strength came from he had no idea.
"No news good news William."
They share a hard slap that could moved some bones in someone. Next William Ripholl looked at the young man way his eyes hardening at his face that was covered for Raphaelli protection. No one needs to know he worked for the queen here. Since he was the one appearing everywhere behind her on TV now.
"And who is your company? Getting higher?"
Meeting his cold stare Raphaelli did nothing to give it softer, holding it for as long as necessary until his opponent drew a sky smile on his lips.
Knowing better than to do the same, the younger man tilted his head from right to left acknowledging his words.
"Who am I, do not count Mr Ripholl. Who I could become is the real deal. The packages are all there you can see it. Now the change is my concern."
"Direct I see. I could have all you need as soon as..."
"No. Not as soon as. You have everything here. Now the counterpart -- Ripholl. This is a great matter -- You certainly know that to have this much gold, the owner may be someone to not mess with. I can assure you. Blood will be shed if something get wrong and trust me it will not be from our side. Do not play games. Make no errors. The gold is here. It stay with you untill everything is sorted out. You will not try to run away, this land is like an open book for me. No way to run away."
They shared a hard and very polar cold stare Ripholl figuring out if he was bluffing. The gleam in his eyes said it all. Fighting for his life, Raphaelli remembered the Queen words, the expectation he had to meet, his blood directly running cold. It was known to be a warning she had made first. Her new found trust even though warming was more deathly even if she did not intend it like it. There were no scenario he would betray it.
"How do you want the change to be then?" Refocusing on the other man his face straight he tilted his head left lihe thinking.
"Money and diamonds in the USA. You can manage that much? We need it clean, Alexander told you that I believe."
"USA!? This is a lot of money we are talking about, who will..."
"I have men there. You will have your men to finalize it there. Arrange everything and we will all be free of any thread. So I do not need to remind you that this is also a lot of gold in your possession. Do as you wish with it as long as you keep it law, and do nothing illegal with it."
Glancing at Alexander, Ripholl was about to talk when the gathered turned to Raphaelli.
" Importation with Chinese jewellers. He himself is a great one. That is why I told you it was secured. We have been doing businesses for as long as we started our adults life. He is clean."
Nodding at the words his mate said the bald man met the displayed eyes of Raphaelli.
"What I wanted to say is that, this way will be easier. I mean I have ressources There that would want to make a change, you Know since you want it clean. Your man will have to forward them some information to make the certificate from the diamond valid. You know there are so many restrictions to possessed them it is better to work that way. I know the rights person that will be interested to do just that. I assured you it is all legal with them, for the rest I will do as we talked about Alexander for the money. "
Hearing that the son and father nodded in acceptance.
"Hmm. It is a deal then." Clearly stating those words, Alexander gaze at his son again who tilted his head to the left before moving towards his client.
As he held his hand up to seal the deal, his sweater that was a little loose around his arms moved up. Ripholl eyes widened doubling in size when they fell on the tattoo on Raphaelli forearm.
Fear for the first time of his life almost momified him as they shook hand with the soldier just looking at him calmly, waited for him to regain his awareness of the surrounding, knowing the difference the sight he just had brought in his opponent to have a member of the Royal defense in front of him. It was not planned but nonetheless useful.
The equation was visibly playing in the man head while replaying the warning about " This land is like an open book for me. No way to run away."
He was aware the amount of gold was really insane not to come from there. This he knew could become messy if things was not handle nice.
The tattoo was the sign it came from higher than he thought, in fact it was the one of the Royal family itself. The Queen's squad. That he knew. For many reasons he never wanted to cross the woman road whenever that had those researches in the desert. She was harder than her husband when it comes to work. No pity she had been tell and even saw the consequences in numerous occurrences. Taking notes he played it safe shaking the hard palm still up in his.
" Deal?" Raphaelli asked tilting his head, like the psychopath he knew his eyes could make him looked like when he wanted them to. He had worked on that vibe.
Swallowing with submission, the man shook his head recoiling.
He knew Alexander had called him because he trusted this to be smooth, only intended on doing that he opened his mouth clearly stating it.
" Deal "