The Rise

Thomas' eldest sister, Joan, looked at him through the front window from the back of the car in horror. Her older brother was looking straight at her with a menacing stare. He made his way towards the car as the rest of the royal guards stayed where they were blocking the exit. Joan proactively stormed out of the car before Thomas could reach her. The royal guard driver followed suit.

"What's the meaning of this." she protested

Thomas stopped as soon as she suddenly came out of the car. He then continued to move forward with the same dark smile.

"You didn't tell me you were leaving today." he said condescendingly - like an a.d.u.l.t talking to a child.

"I don't need to inform you when I decide to leave. That's my business." she said. Then she diverted her attention to the royal guards blocking the exit "I am the princess, you will get out of my way immediately - that's an order" she commanded

"And I'm the emperor." said Thomas to Joan in a low sharp whisper

"No you're not. Grandfather is still alive." she said

"Only for as long as I see it fit." said Thomas

"I won't let you lay a finger on him." she threatened

"There you go again with your threats. When you told me that you'd stop me in my tracks - I didn't think you'd stoop so low as to go to Hilda Cottonwood."

Joan's eyes widen as she takes a clumsy step back. Thomas advances forward intimidatingly.

"None of these men will touch you, and if you need to be restrained - I will have to do it myself. Even after what you've done, you're still a damn Vinzent. Don't make me humiliate you in front of the guards." he said

Joan curls her lip in disgust and swiftly turns away from Thomas entering the car. Thomas watches her enter and then turns around to Sinclair.

"Sinclair!" he called

Sinclair, who was watching from afar unable to hear the conversation, ran to his brother obediently. Two guards followed Sinclair and apprehended the driver taking him away immediately.

As soon as Sinclair arrived, Thomas signaled Joan to lower the window and she did reluctantly.

Thomas placed his hands over Sinclair's shoulders and moved him forward towards Joan.

"It's a big day tomorrow for our little brother, the election results will be decided tomorrow. Given the new rules, he needs someone to count the votes for him and he decided to choose you" said Thomas in a completely different tone to his previous one.

"You know I don't like going out in public." she said barely moving her lips

"I know, I know - too much media attention. I get it sister, you've always been more popular than me. But I can't be there, it's a big day for me too. And Sinclair needs someone he trusts to be there." said Thomas.

Joan didn't reply knowing any protest will be in vain.

"Great! See, I told you she'd be okay with it." said Thomas to Sinclair

"Thanks Joan. Sorry if it's too much trouble." said Sinclair lowering his eyes nervously

Joan reaches her hand out to Sinclair and grabs his hand tightly.

"You don't have to apologize." she said barely mustering a smile.

He nodded and was shooed away by Thomas back to the guards. As soon as Sinclair was far enough Thomas turned his attention towards Joan who was ignoring him.

"Tell me everything." he commanded with a furious tone

Joan continued to ignore him. Thomas went around the car and entered from the other side in a rush - slamming the door as he entered.

"Can't you see? Everything is in place, one more day and I'll be in power. The Vinzents will rule once again - why must you still oppose me? Even after everything I've done!" said Thomas in a rage.

Joan looks away.

Thomas relaxes his shoulders and sighs.

"Has grandfather's inferiority complex infected you to the point you can't even think for yourself?" he said "No matter. Soon he'll no longer infect anyone anymore."

Joan snapped her head towards Thomas.

"He's also a 'Vinzent' you know. You won't dare murder your own." said Joan

"Oh he's already been dead for a while Joan. Where do you think his sudden illness came from?" said Thomas

Joan slaps Thomas clenching her teeth.

"Monster!" she screamed

Thomas rubs his cheek indifferently.

"The only reason he's still around is so that he can live to see the greatness to which the Vinzents will ascend." said Thomas

Joan frowns uncontrollably.

"Don't." she said barely able to make a sentence. "Don't do it." she said slowly. "Keep him alive, fake his death if you have to - promise me that. And..." she said stopping "And I'll tell you everything you want to know."

Thomas cracked his neck.

"Very well. I'll keep the old man alive." he said as he turned to Joan with piercing eyes "And remember sister, if you lie, I'll know."