The Rise

Sinclair quickly blinks nervously at Leon's question. He was about to gulp, but held it in. He took a deep breath. He shook his head several times.

"I have nothing to say to you" said Sinclair readjusting his hold on the box of items then giving one last stare at Justin and Taylor before walking away.

"Disqualify George?" asked Justin

"It was just a hunch, but I guess it's more than that." said Leon turning around towards Justin and Taylor "it seems George isn't our greatest worry in this election, Sinclair and his ruthlessly determined brother are."

__________

Thomas Vinzent was in the grand chambers of the Emperor, his grandfather. The Emperor has fallen sick and was burrowed deep into his bed barely able to open his eyes. His thick grey eyebrows curtained over his eyes and his heavy and wrinkled skin put his face in a constant frown. Thomas was in a slim fit suit dressed up perfectly as if for a photo shoot. He was far away from the Emperor, leaning by the door looking away with his hand in his pocket.

"Thomas, come closer" said the Emperor with his rusty voice

"I can hear you just fine from here grandfather." replied Thomas still looking away

The Emperor stays silent and his silence weighs heavily on Thomas. It draws a stare from Thomas. Thomas looks at his watch, then rolls his eyes and walks unwillingly towards the Emperor's bed.

"Your forefathers worked hard to make sure we didn't end up like our neighbors. When the revolution spread to the neighboring regions" the emperor coughed into his napkin "do you know what they did to them? They dragged the royal families and nobles into the streets and painted it with their blood beheading every single one of them" said the emperor as he began coughing vigorously.

Thomas looks down at his grandfather in disgust every time he coughed.

"I'd rather lose my head than live the rest of my life the way you did." he said aggressively

"You were truly born gifted. Shrewd and cunning ever since you were a little child. If anyone can restore the monarchy to what it once was - it would only be you." the emperor's voice became heavier as he spoke "But the price that you and this family will pay, the price that our people will pay, the bloodshed and the pain - will never be worth it. Choose the higher path, Thomas, smile for them so that your children can too." he said wheezing

Thomas looks away dismissively.

"I will have no children until I am sure they will be born as true kings." said Thomas as he moves closer towards his grandfather until their noses were touching "I hope you live to see what you could've been had you not lived your life as a coward."

Thomas moves away then walks out of the room closing the door behind him swiftly.

Right in front of the door one of the Thomas' men holding a tablet was waiting. He quickly chases after the rushing Thomas who stormed down the red carpeted halls of the Royal Palace.

"Sir, a brief recap about today's arrangements" said the man

"Talk."

"You'll be meeting with the President of Ceramia* at the palace 7pm tonight. There will be a short reception with the press as they take photos and ask a few questions. Then the two of you will dine until 8:15pm" said the man scrolling through his tablet.

Due to the emperor's sudden illness Thomas will have to take his place in diplomatic meetings.

"And what will the President do after that?" asked Thomas

The man hesitates before answering

"He'll be sent directly to the Prime Minister" said the man

"And can we intrude on that meeting?" said Thomas

"Well, I-I'm sure if the Palace makes a special request the Prime Minister's office won't refuse... But, the Palace never interferes with the political affairs of th-"

"Enough. Make it happen." said Thomas

The man stopped and quickly turned around to make the arrangements. Whereas Thomas made his way towards Sinclair's room.

Upon entering, he saw Sinclair diligently making paper animals. Sinclair gently places his work-in-progress down as he hears Thomas walk in.

"Brother." said Sinclair turning around to face Thomas "You look really good in that suit"

"Thank you. How was the first day?" asked Thomas

Sinclair looks away and starts playing with his ear lobe.

"What is it?" said Thomas

"It's Leon Lapuzi... He asked me about George" said Sinclair

Thomas strokes his beard pondering.

"Interesting. Perhaps I've underestimated Lapuzi's son. Why are you worried? It makes no difference if he knows or not." said Thomas

"I feel like I don't belong - they're all so... quick and intelligent, they can read people so easily but I'm just-"

"Sinclair. They're commoners. You're royalty. Don't ever forget that." said Thomas "As for Lapuzi's son, I'll put an end to him and his ambitions before he becomes a problem."