The Rise - Chapter 14

His grandmother giggled showing her glowing white teeth for the first time.

“It’s true that I needed to deal with the royals, and it’s true I could manufacture your father’s arrest. But that seems far too much work for an outcome that wouldn’t be a hundred percent reliable.” she said

“You are disappointing me Leon, you think strategically, but you must understand that the world doesn’t revolve around you. Detach yourself from your own ego.” she continued

A man entered the living room in a butler uniform and walked up to Hilda whispering in her ear. She nodded and dismissed him.

“I’m glad to have finally met you Leon. I apologize we didn’t get to meet sooner. Before you leave, I don’t want you to think that I’m a monster that had your father arrested. So I’ll ask you one question: If you were in my position, how would you stop Sinclair from winning?” she asked

The two were still standing. Leon pondered over it hesitantly, still distrusting his grandmother’s words.

“I would make sure someone else won instead of him.” said Leon

Hilda kept silent as Leon continued thinking. His head suddenly snaps towards his grandmother as if he reached an epiphany.

“Jessica Twint” he bursted out

“You see, when you stop thinking everything has to do with you, things become clearer.” She said

“She’s the only student in school without an influential family name, the only one in school who entered without a recommendation.” said Leon as he recalls the time on the roof with Justin and Taylor as they spoke about the presidential candidates.

‘Grandmother must be the reason she was able to enter…’ thought Leon to himself

Hilda places her hand over Leon’s shoulder and takes him towards the door. She opens it and allows him to pass through.

“You should also know, even though my grandson is running, nothing has changed. Jessica Twint is still the only one I’m backing to win. I only have one horse in this race, and it’s not you.” she said unemotionally.

…

That afternoon Sinclair Vinzent was in the back of a silver limousine with his brother the crown prince, Thomas Vinzent. The couches in an elongated circular configuration were purple – the color of the royals. The limousine had television screens, a minibar and a large rectangular table in the middle.

Sinclair had wavy dark blonde hair combed back and bright red cheeks on his baby-like face. Whilst Thomas had a viking-like blonde beard perfectly groomed and his long silky hair was tied into a short pony tail with strands from the front passing over his face. His green eyes and sharp nose were characteristic of his royal heritage. The two were like elegant, fragile vases – truly royalty.

“The plan stays the same, Lapuzi’s son doesn’t change anything” said Thomas with a drink in his hand

“It’s all this media attention – there’s a lot of pressure” said Sinclair looking a muted television that was running one of Thomas’ interviews.

“It’s necessary, Hilda thrives in secrecy. This school election would be garnering more attention than the current Prime Minister elections if it wasn’t for Lapuzi’s arrest.”

“Every time you say their names.” Sinclair pauses “They’re the people grandfather warned us about, they’re monsters.”

Thomas grabs Sinclair by the back of his neck and brings him right up to his face leaving no room for Sinclair to move. It was less of a forceful grab and more of a brotherly roughing up.

“Before our great grandfathers became senile and lazy, we too were monsters, much scarier than these ‘politicians’ who boxed us up and put us up for decoration.”

He let go of Sinclair who then rubs the back of his neck

“Don’t be worried Sinclair, be confident. Hilda’s shadow council can’t operate without those in power helping her make the decisions. She doesn’t have the control she would like to. Once you’re in the shadow council fair and square, those loyal to the royal family at the heights of the council will usher you to the top. If Hilda defies them, the council will surely split into two.”

Sinclair looks at his brother helplessly and then lowers his head

“The pressure isn’t on your shoulders, it’s on mine. If you lose this election, I’ll find another way to rally the royalists to my side. If not the shadow council then something else. So just think of it as a normal student council election and your big brother will take care of the rest.” said Thomas

Sinclair nods

“I don’t want to end up like grandfather.” said Sinclair looking up at his brother

“Then don’t.” replied Thomas.