Caius POV:

An hour into the celebration and I was getting bored. I wasn't particularly interested in having idle conversation with anyone in attendance. Every person inside this room, fall under the same umbrella.

They were all incredibly wealthy, fake and feared the Romanov name and what came with it, which was another reason for majority of them being here, they wanted to hopefully formed an acquaintance with Ivan or Darya , some sort of familiarity so as to hopefully gain support, well the men mostly.

The women , well let's say I have seen at least 30 dozen pair of tits being shamelessly flaunted in my face , under the innocence pretence of sweet conversation.

Russian women are as beautiful as they are cunning and I knew the reason for their shameless flaunting of their goods before my eyes, has to do with the fact that I am the only son Ivan Romanov respects , not the only one he has .

From what I know , Ivan has 5 children, well four now since his first daughter was killed at 5 years old by an enemy, he made absolutely sure that enemy saw hell and felt its wrath before actually sending him there.

Otherwise from Darya and I , he has two other sons not to be taken lightly simply because he doesn't talk about them much,  Ivan Romanov believe in family,  in his own dark , twisted version of the word and he isn't afraid to show who he is if it should ever come to any of his children .

His two other sons Sergei and Dmitri Romanov, didn't really involve themselves in family affairs but, they both shared one thing in common,  their fierce loyalty and respect for Ivan.

Sergei Romanov 33 years old is the eldest, and is who I like to refer to as the Charismatic Strategist.Sergei is charming and diplomatic and  is known for his sharp wit and ability to manipulate situations to his advantage.

While he prefers to stay out of the chaos of the Romanov estate, he is deeply involved in the family’s international dealings, particularly in business ventures that require finesse and persuasion.

He’s a smooth talker, adept at reading people and situations, still hasn't quite managed to read me yet though,  in fact he hates me but, that's great for me for the feeling is mutual.

He Prefers calculated risks and avoids unnecessary violence, but he’s not above using force if it serves a purpose, one of Ivan's contributions to him.

He also has a taste for luxury and sophistication, often residing in major European cities like London or Paris, explains his current French plaything that he is currently flaunting at his side everywhere he goes.

He usually maintains a professional demeanor but can be cold and ruthless when the family’s interests are threatened.

Sergei admires father's power and intellect but, at the same time  maintains a certain distance, partly out of self-preservation. He’s loyal because he believes in the strength of the Romanov empire, not necessarily out of love for Ivan.

Another thing that we share in common was our absolute loathing for Darya. Sergei sees Darya as cunning but immature and has little patience for her theatrics.

Dmitri Romanov , 28 years old mostly mostly resides in the shadows , hence the reason I refer to him as the shadow enforcer as he prefers to stay out things but, still let's his presence known and felt .

Dmitri is quiet and brooding, often underestimated because of his reserved nature. Unlike Sergei, Dmitri doesn’t seek the spotlight but works behind the scenes, handling the darker, more dangerous aspects of the Romanov operations.He’s highly skilled in combat, espionage, and interrogation and he very much prefers action over words and often lets his deeds speak for him.

He has a volatile temper but hides it well, unleashing it only when necessary even though like Ivan, he enjoys pain and blood , sometimes just for his mere  amusement. He Prefers to live in seclusion, often in remote or covert locations, ensuring the family’s enemies can’t track him even though, I believe his main reason for that is so he doesn't have to act as father's guard dog , the poor soul.

Despite him maintaining his distance , he idolizes Ivan and sees him as the epitome of strength and power. His loyalty to him and and the Romanov  name is unwavering, and he strives to live up to Ivan's expectations, even at the cost of his own happiness sometimes.

He tolerates Darya but sees her as a spoiled opportunist which is expected becsuse that's  what she is .He and I have what I like to refer to as a complicated relationship, meaning we have a mutual respect for each other as human beings but, if it comes down to it, we would gladly slit each others throat without an ounce of guilt or remorse.

But, on the bright side, he does feel a sense of kinship with Sergei, appreciating his strategic mind, even if they approach problems differently.

The soft music that was being played stopped as Ivan went up onto the stage set at the front of the ballroom and just by his mere presence, standing there , eyes sweeping over all in attendance, got everyone's attention as they all waited for what he was about to say.

He raised  his glass, his piercing gaze sweeping across the room. The faint clink of glasses echoes as everyone follows suit, their attention unwavering.

“Ladies and gentlemen, tonight, we stand on the precipice of a new era. An era forged not by mere words or fragile agreements, but by blood, loyalty, and an unshakable will to dominate.”

He pauses, letting his words sink in, the weight of his tone chilling the air.

“For decades, the Romanov name has been more than a legacy, it has been a promise. A promise of strength, of control, and of the inevitable consequences for those foolish enough to challenge us. And tonight, with the union of my daughter, Darya, to Mikhail Volkov, we solidify an alliance that will echo through history.”

Ivan shifts his gaze to Mikhail, nodding slightly before continuing,

“The Volkov enterprise is a force to be reckoned with, a power that complements our own. Together, we do not merely expand our reach; we reshape the very fabric of this world. From the ports to the markets, from the whispers in the shadows to the screams of those who defy us, the Romanov and Volkov alliance will be unmatched.”

His voice grows colder, sharper, as he leans slightly forward, his eyes narrowing.

“To those in this room, let tonight serve as a reminder. The Romanov name is not just a symbol of power, it is a warning. We do not forgive betrayal. We do not forget disloyalty. And we do not tolerate weakness.”

Ivan straightens, his expression unreadable but undeniably menacing.

“Raise your glasses. To the future of the Romanov empire. To the Volkovs, our allies in power. And to those who dare to cross us ......" , he paused for a moment allowing all that he had said so far to be digested and then finished.

"may they learn quickly that there are fates far worse than death.”

He raises his glass higher, his smile cold and calculated.

“To strength. To dominance. To the Romanovs.”

The room erupts in applause, though I could feel the tension in the air and see the worry and fear in the smiles that didn't quite meet the eyes.

Once the room went quite once more , Ivan continued,

" “Tonight is not only a celebration of alliances but also a moment of family. As many of you know, my son , Caius Romanov, has been away for some time. But as they say, blood always returns to blood.”

Ivan’s lips curl into a small, calculated smile, his eyes scanning the room as he continues.

“Caius is a man of many talents, talents that have left an indelible mark on this empire. A strategist, a force of nature, and a Romanov through and through. His absence has been felt, but tonight, we welcome him back where he belongs.”

He gestures towards me at the back of the room and instantly all attention switched from him to me . Yah suh eh fuckry start . Mi nuh plan fi do nuh bag a long talking because Ivan already seh everything weh him wah seh and mi already nuh give a fuck bout nuhbody in yah suh.

I walked to the front of the room , already feeling the intence gaze of every eye on me as I step onto the stage. Mi tek wah moment fi just observe everybody inna eh room and then mi start talk.

" Thank you Ivan . For two years I haven't had the pleasure of being here with family or being an active part of the Romanov empire but, I can say with absolute certainty that I am glad to be back ",  I paused and shift my gaze towards Darya and har likkle plaything as mi lif mi glass up inna eh air.

" congratulations to my sister Darya, the princess of the Romanov empire as I so affectionately likes to call her , and to the union between the Romanov and the Volkovs and i look forward to starting afresh again though that's just refering to business and not skills of course ",and the room interrupted into applause.

The next day was the wedding and as if to disguise the bloodthirsty alliance that's taking place, the sun shone its light and warmth over the estate and the snow started to melt. The perfect day for a wedding really,  if that wedding wasn't this one .

Guests arrive in luxury cars, their breaths visible in the thawing air and  Security is tight . G uards with earpieces and hidden weapons patrol the entire premises.

The air is thick with a mix of anticipation and unease, everyone knows that a Romanov event  is more than just a celebration, it’s a display of power , this one even more so.

The ceremony took place in the  lavishly decorated ballroom with towering crystal chandeliers, gilded columns, and blood-red roses adorning every surface. A string quartet plays hauntingly beautiful classical music.

Darya, stunning in a custom-made gown of white silk and diamonds, walks down the aisle with Ivan Romanov at her side.

Her face is a perfect mask of composure, though her sharp eyes betray her calculating nature.

Ivan, dressed in a tailored black suit, radiates authority as he hands her over to Mikhail Volkov. Hope him ready fi eh cult weh him just sign ova him life to .

Mikhail stands tall, his presence commanding. He’s dressed in a sleek black tuxedo with a crimson pocket square , a subtle indication to the blood that binds the now two most powerful  families.

His expression is calm, but his eyes are sharp, scanning the room for threats , or probably fi tek him two foot dem inna him hand and run , mi wouldn't judge him but,  inna dah family yah him wouda definitely be a weak pussyhole.

The wedding start and dem exchange dem vows , slip on each other ring pon dem finga or handcuff , cause a that mi si it as and then dem kiss but, from eh way how mi si Mikhail grip on pon Darya even as she try fi mek eh kiss short, mi know seh this nah guh last fi long and it aguh end wid most likely wid one whole heap a body inna morgue pon ice .

The reception is a grand affair, held in a massive hall with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the snowy grounds.

The room is bathed in golden light, and the scent of expensive champagne and gourmet food fills the air.

Being her father and the leader of the Romanov empire  as well as the most powerful person in the room , Ivan delivers a chillingly eloquent speech, praising the union and reminding everyone of the Romanov empire’s dominance. He ends with a veiled warning disguise under soft warmth.

“To those who stand with us, prosperity. To those who stand against us, ruin.”

After he was finished it was my turn and reluctantly, I took the stage. My  speech was  short and laced with subtle defiance.

He raised my glass to the happy couple  as I said,   “To Darya and Mikhail , may they find happiness in this...arrangement" and theroom erupted into nervous laughter.

Afterwards we saw the happy couple off pon dem honeymoon wid shouts a congratulations and wishes fi enjoy dem self but, as mi watch dem lef mi know eh chance fi eh two a dem come back alive , very slim because mi know Darya  but, then again she love money and she love pain and Mikhail Volkov have both a dem suh him might survive.

Mi deeven wait fi eh whole celebration done good before mi fawod back up to mi room, pack mi suitcase even though nuhun much neva come out and call mi pilot and mek him know fi mek mi up eh same fucking night , as far as mi seet , eh family reunion ova .