《The Rise》


 The Storm

    The doorbell rang and Leon peaked through his upstairs window to see two police officers at the front door. At first they were shadowed by the night and the gushing rainwater down the window blocked his view. He leaned closer and tightened his duvet around him. As he saw the police car lights he released his blanket and almost slipped on his way downstairs. He reached halfway down the stairs and stopped upon seeing the silhouette of his father at the door. A cold breeze from the open door, with the scent of wet concrete, gushed passed Leon sending a chill down his spine. His father turned his head around. Leon, barely able to see his father''s face, came closer.


    "Leon. Call your mother." said his father barely moving his lips.


    Leon gulped and nodded obediently holding back his questions. Leon''s father, with a raincoat and slippers, left with the policemen. Time stopped as Leon gazed at the closed door under the hushing of the rain. He shook his head and ran upstairs entering his grandfather''s room.


    "Tim, I need to call mother." said Leon looking for his phone


    His grandfather, Timothy, continued to blankly stare at his television.


    "Father may have just been arrested."


    Timothy changed the channel on his TV.


    Leon dialed his mother. He paced up and down the room waiting for an answer.


    "What''s all the fuss about?" sneered Timothy in annoyance


    Leon stopped pacing, walked towards the TV and turned it off.


    "A-rres-ted." He said enunciating at Tim while holding the arms of his wheelchair


    "Who cares?" replied Tim turning the TV back on.


    His mother picks up.


    "Hello mother."


    "Hello Leon?"


    "Two policemen showed up and took dad."


    "I see. It''s happening already." she replied


    Leon paused.


    "He can''t have that kind of power¡­" said Leon


    "Well, I guess he does. Things this convenient rarely come about by themselves."


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there."Can grandmother do anything?" said Leon


    "Why don''t you call your grandmother by her first name!" shouted Tim


    "Let''s not talk over the phone." She replied


    "Will you be coming back?" he said


    "You know I can''t do that. We''ll talk when you come over after-tomorrow. Get some sleep, you have school tomorrow."


    She hung up.


    Leon stared at his phone and sighed. He drew back his light brown hair and looked up at Tim. Tim''s stomach growled. Leon smiled and left to the kitchen to prepare a quick dinner. Leon didn''t usually have to take care of his granddad, but since his father''s campaigning began ¨C he found himself helping around more. Holding his nose he pulled out the peanut butter jelly. Although he was allergic, it was Tim''s favorite. Applying the jelly onto the toast he heard a heavy meow from the kitchen window. He launched himself towards the window and opened it. The black, green eyed cat, drenched in rain jumped across the kitchen sink onto the table.


    "No, no, no" said Leon as he sloppily picked up the cat off the table. He whipped his wet hands to dry.


    He crumbled chocolate biscuits in front of the black cat, then returned to finish the peanut butter jelly sandwiches, holding his nose and keeping a stern eye on the cat. He rushed upstairs and handed Tim the sandwiches.


    "You''re just like your mother. It''s just me here. You can act a little more worried." Said Tim


    Leon smiles "You were the one playing it cool, Tim"


    "My son will win the election. They''ll try to taint his name, stop his rise, but come three months, he will be Prime Minister." grumbled Tim.


    Leon''s phone vibrated vigorously. He took a look at the cascade of messages from what he assumed to be the media and his friends. He turned off his phone and put it away. The black cat made its way upstairs into Tim''s room. Leon kneeled down and called for it. The cat shyly walked towards Leon and started rubbing its face around his knee. Leon looked at Tim, who was lost in his TV, chomping on his sandwich. He looked back at the cat.


    "Don''t worry" said Leon petting the damp cat "The storm will end soon."

 The Train

    Leon tightened a blue tie on his white shirt and wore around it a black slim-fit blazer. He buttoned up the blazer and checked himself in the mirror. He had a thin, strong nose and brown eyes. His hair was wavy and pushed to one side and his cheekbones were sharp. He held his backpack by one strap around his right shoulder.


    "I''m out, Tim. I''ve left some food in the fridge" said Leon as he makes his way downstairs.


    Leon would usually have his father''s driver take him to school, however ever since his father posted bail last night, the driver has been occupied. Which meant Leon, for the first time, would have to take a train to school.


    As he swung the door open a flood of camera flashes blind him. He raised his arm covering his eyes as the sharp shuttering of the cameras cascaded. It stopped. The lawn was covered with reporters and cameramen, the sidewalk had tent-like camps and the street was blocked by media vans. Leon lowered his head and walked past the sea of reporters as they whispered and mumbled. One reporter jabbed his microphone towards Leon.


    "Your father has been arrested for alleged corruption. Has he spoken to you about anything since?" said the reporter


    Leon forgot to breathe under the piercing glares. And although he was used to large audiences, this time he felt under siege. He gulped as he turned to the microphone.


    "I have no comments"


    As Leon walked past, the reporter noticed his school badge - a badge and uniform that could be recognized by anyone as it belonged to the most prestigious school in the country.


    "Are you running for student council president Mr. Lapuzi?" said the reporter to Leon''s back.


    Stolen novel; please report.Leon stopped and turned his head back slightly. He continued to walk away, looking straight ahead.


    ...


    Leon sat stiff in his train seat with his hands in between his thighs. Everything was unfamiliar ¨C the mechanical beating of the wheels on the rails, the smell of the seat fabrics and the unbearable tight crowding which had him wiping the sweat off his forehead. Leon was the subject of fascination as whispers and glances were all made in his direction. Not because he was the son of Alexander Lapuzi, the opposition leader, but because of his school uniform. He caught the young lady besides him sneaking a peak at his badge ¨C she quickly retracted her glance and flustered as she pretended to pull something from her purse.


    "I-I''m voting for your father." she said quietly, lowering her head. "It''s all lies, they just want the Prime Minister to be re-elected." this time she was louder. The current Prime Minister had an iron grip on the country for several years, until Alexander Lapuzi ran for elections this year to take him on.


    ''She recognized me?'' Leon thought to himself.


    As Leon tried to thank the lady, two young men towered over him. They wore baggy jeans with tattoos covering their arms. They were staring directly at Leon as he avoided eye contact. The lady handed her phone to Leon with a note typed. "They''re after your uniform. They''ll mug you as soon as you leave the train." One of the men snatched the phone and read the note. He clicks his tongue in disgust and threw the phone onto the lady''s lap.


    All eyes were already on Leon, but this intensified the attention. The two young men felt the heat, gave Leon one last look and walked off with a forced nervous smirk. The woman sat and Leon thanked her, for the help¡­ and for the vote.

 The Candidates

    At the front of school, Leon noticed an expensive looking car by the gate that usually wasn''t there. He showed his school ID to the security guards - who were part of the secret service. They were there to ensure the protection of the son of the Prime Minister, George. The royal guard was also in the vicinity for the protection of the emperor''s grandson, Sinclair Vinzent. The school was far too big for the number of students that attended. It looked like a refurbished Victorian castle ¨C it was dubbed the playground of the rich and powerful. Despite being a political school, it had its fair share of influential families from the business and media sectors.


    Leon spent the first three periods dodging the whispers and conversations behind his back. His tie felt tight and his chest constricted as he passed the glares and giggles of his classmates from class to class. It was finally lunchtime and Leon escaped to his usual place on the roof with his friends Justin and Taylor. They sat by the fence at the edge of the roof to the view of looming clouds over the city.


    Justin had light brown hair with blonde strands clearly misplaced from when he failed to bleach his hair. He had a stud earring in his left ear, a sharp nose, green eyes and thick eyebrows.


    Taylor was extremely tall and well built with long black hair. He was almost always smiling aimlessly and found all things amusing.


    "Here" said Justin suddenly giving Leon car keys "You saw that car at the front gate right? It''s yours, my father doesn''t like the idea of you taking the train."


    "Our driver will be freed up soon - but thanks anyways" said Leon as he handed back the keys


    "No he won''t. Your dad was over at our house last night. It doesn''t look like this thing is going away easily." replied Justin pushing Leon''s hand with the keys back towards him.


    "Justin, I still don''t have a license" insisted Leon.


    "But you can drive, right?"


    "That won''t help when I get pulled over."


    Justin closes Leon''s hand around the keys.


    "In that car, you won''t get pulled over." said Justin.


    "Perks of being a Tundra" said Taylor giggling.


    Justin was heir to the largest real-estate conglomerate, Axon - which was owned by the Tundra family, an influential family that has people lining up to marry into it.


    "I heard someone asked your sister out" said Leon taking a bite from his cheese sandwich.


    "She''s not going to be asked out again for quite a while" said Taylor laughing "I heard his face was messed up-"


    "They just don''t learn. No one is allowed to touch her." said Justin clenching his fist


    "Sexist rule if you ask me, in my family, both the boys and girls can date whoever they want" said Taylor winking at Justin


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version."That''s how it is and how it''s always been. Tundra women are off limits till marriage. If father asked me to stop dating ¨C I would." replied Justin


    "You? Stop dating?" Leon smiles slightly


    "But did you really have to mess up his face that bad." said Taylor raising his hands in protest


    "How else are we supposed to send a message?" said Justin


    "Well, in other news" said Taylor, as he drops a school newspaper on the floor and the three huddle around it.


    Taylor points at the headline which read: "Meet the Potential Candidates!" There were three portrait pictures of the three presidential candidates for student council in a pyramid shape. The picture on top was of George Tomhawk ¨C he was the only son of the current Prime Minister, Theodore Tomhawk. The bottom right picture was that of Jessica Twint ¨C the only student who was admitted into the school without a recommendation and based purely on merits. The bottom right picture was of Sinclair Vinzent ¨C he was the grandson of the emperor and fourth in the succession line for the throne.


    "I''m voting for Jessica" said Justin abruptly


    "New crush?" asked Leon


    "She turned me down twice¡­" he replied sulking


    "She''s a tough one" said Leon looking at her picture


    "How would you know?" said Justin with his eyes squinting at Leon


    "S-she just looks like it." he said scratching the back of his head


    "Do you think the royal kiddo has a chance?" said Taylor


    "No way, an emperor''s grandson as ''president'', what''s up with that?" said Justin


    "It might not be too far fetched anymore. His older brother, the crown prince Thomas, is wrecking havoc in the royal family. They say he''s trying to consolidate royal power via politics." said Taylor


    It was far too taboo for the royal family to try to gain any kind of power. Ever since the revolution they were reduced to decoration. The crown price Thomas, however, doesn''t seem to like the idea of being pretty silverware.


    "Sinclair winning student council won''t do much for the crown prince though." said Justin


    "Maybe not, but it''ll set precedent of a royal winning a democratic election. It looks good for Thomas'' agenda." said Leon.


    The roof door opened to a tall, long haired student wearing a red armband written "student council" on it.


    "You! Get back inside now!" she said


    "Crap, patrol caught us." said Justin getting up "Alright, alright, we''ll be on our way, madam" he said tipping his imaginary hat as he walked past her.


    "Not you Leon" she said stopping him


    "Always special treatment for our little prince" said Justin patting Leon on the back as he walked past him.


    Justin and Taylor went downstairs leaving the door open. The girl and Leon faced each other as a gust of cold wind rushed through their hair and ruffled their clothes.


    "From a friend." She handed him a tightly folded note


    Leon took it as she left abruptly before he could ask anything. She closed the door behind her. He walked up towards the fence and examined the note. He looked back at the door then down at the note. He opened it slowly revealing a message:


    ''Meet me at Humming''s at 2:23pm


    -Cleopatra''


    "Cleopatra?" he said to himself.


    He recognized the odd name immediately, since Cleopatra was the secret nickname Leon gave to Justin''s sister when they were kids.

 A Hatchling

    Leon tore up the note several times and held the remains tight in his hand. He looked up at the darkening clouds clenching his fists. He knew it was Justin''s sister, Veronica, who sent him the message; no one could''ve known the nickname he gave her ¨C yet he didn''t know why. His heart was racing and his palms began to sweat. He shook his head and put the pieces of the note into his pocket.


    School had ended and Leon''s thoughts about Veronica parasitically took over his mind and drowned out everything else around him. Humming''s was a convenience store on the way to his house and the oddly specific time "2:23pm" was a joke, indicating any time. This was not a request for a meeting, rather a heads-up that the rendezvous will happen whether Leon plans on it or not.


    Leon let Justin and Taylor leave school ahead of him and stayed behind. As he walked down the empty wooden corridors lit up by a warm orange sunlight, he overheard a conversation taking place in the front garden ¨C there were four students huddled around George, the Prime Minister''s son, like fans after the autograph of a celebrity. He was always smiling, volunteering and keeping up appearances ¨C like a true politician. Although their fathers were rivals, Leon had no reason to make an unnecessary enemy of George circumstantially. However, according to Justin, George enjoys defaming the Lapuzi''s - which is why Leon always had his defenses up.


    "Did you hear what happened¡­ to his dad?" said a girl with a red bow-tie on her hair


    "It''s truly unfortunate that the politicians we so dearly trust let us down all the time. My father had always known there was no way someone could get that popular so quickly without something fishy going on." said George.


    Leon shook his head slowly at the smear against his father whilst still eavesdropping. It''s not that he didn''t trust what Justin told him about George; he just wanted to make judgment based on his own findings. He didn''t like treating people unfairly ¨C even George deserved a chance.


    "Now your father is going win for a second time in a row for sure" said another student who held his blazer around his shoulder.


    "Wouldn''t it be awesome if you and your father both won twice, you with the student council and him as prime minister" said bow-tie girl giggling


    "Has it been done before? Winning student council prez twice in a row?" said blazer boy


    "I know that winning the prime minister twice in a row has only been done once before. Well actually, that person won it three times in a row ¨C it was Hilda Cottonwood." said George


    "Ah yes, now I remember, someone did win student council twice in a row ¨C it was Jessica Cottonwood, Hilda''s daughter. The cottonwoods are legendary aren''t they?" said bow-tie girl


    "Isn''t Jessica Cottonwood Leon''s mother?" said another student who was on his phone.


    "Yes, however Leon''s parents are divorced. If only Leon was like his mother, he would''ve made waves" said George


    "Lucky for you he isn''t, having someone like the Cottonwoods around would be serious competition."


    "Come on guys, take it easy on Leon. We''re not all born to be successful politicians ¨C everyone has their calling in life, right?" said George as the four students giggled.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Leon got up and walked away from the conversation. Both his parents were politicians so it seemed natural that he''d follow suit. The question of what he wanted to be never crossed his mind ¨C the path was always paved for him and he walked straight down. Yet George''s words had him defending a profession he never really cared about, it had him wanting to ''prove'' himself. Even though those thoughts lasted a few moments, he hated them.


    He had passed the student council room, stopped and glared through the window of the door. The layout of desks was that of a typical board member meeting room. The chairs were all the same wooden chairs in normal classrooms, except the one at the end. It was larger, looked heavy and seemed brand new. He walked in and towards the chair. He slowly caressed its edges. ''This is where the President must sit. This chair¡­ is nothing short of a throne.'' He thought to himself.


    He pulled back the ''throne'' slowly and took a seat placing his hands in front of him with his fingers intertwined. A surreal feeling overcame him, he felt larger, in control, powerful.


    "Hello?"


    He snapped his head towards the door. It was George.


    "Sorry, just wanted a place to sit and think." said Leon getting up slowly and tucking in the chair. George was smirking as Leon walked passed him.


    "Leon, right?"


    Leon stopped at the doorway and turned around sideways to face George.


    "Sorry, I should''ve recognized you. You are our national debating champion as well as president of the debate club" he said with his poster boy smile


    Leon looked through George looking at the window behind him.


    "Do you talk behind everyone''s back?" said Leon as his eyes locked onto George.


    George pauses


    "Only those that eavesdrop" replied George


    "There was never a reason for us to be at each other''s throats" said Leon


    "That''s quite the high horse you sit on. When you say it like that, it almost makes me feel like I ought to apologize."


    "Don''t, it would ruin your spoiled kid caricature"


    George placed his hands around the large chair. "I was fourteen and my father was running for parliament to represent his district. The daughter of one of his opponents got close to me ¨C we became friends, then more than friends. But little did I know, every time she would come over to my house and I was busy ¨C in the bathroom, kitchen, doing errands ¨C she was in my father''s room scavenging everything she could from policies, speeches and campaigning strategies." Said George looking away, he returned his gaze to Leon "I guess from then on, it just felt natural. Our fathers are fighting for the most powerful position in the country. Nature has decreed that we are enemies."


    "Doesn''t sound natural to me. Just sounds like you have bad luck with girls. I never tried to trick you." Said Leon as he shows his palms


    "How na?ve." George said shaking his head "Your parents are the equivalent of dragons and maybe for now my father has to deal with them - but excuse me for wanting to stop their eggs from hatching." George moved closer to Leon pointing at him "With the kind of parents you have, you are the biggest threat to my future. Tell me now, to my face, you have no interest in politics ¨C that you''ll never run for any office and we''ll be best pals. I''ll take you for burgers and milkshakes every day, my treat."


    Leon smiled and raised his arms as he shrugged.


    "I have no interest in politics" said Leon.


    He retracted his hands and walked to the door. His back to George - he turned his head around slightly. "I also have no interest in being friends with you."

 Cleopatra

    Leon got into his newly gifted car taking a deep breath before starting it up with a press of a button. On his way to meet Veronica at Humming''s, Leon played classical music. He silently allowed the ecstasy of the music to clear his mind - forgetting about his father, George and Veronica. The car was jet black, thick and wide, all its windows were tinted and probably bulletproof. The interior was a first class plane ticket with accessories and buttons that would take Leon months to master. He drove slowly and cautiously.


    Before he realized, he had already reached Humming''s and noticed a car parked on the other side of the road that looked similar to the one he was in. Veronica must be in that car. Leon sunk his head into his seat as he realizes her driver, maybe even her brother is in with her.


    ''Was this all a trick, maybe a test?'' he worried


    He raised his head up remembering his windows are tinted. A young girl with long silky caramel hair, green eyes, thick black eyebrows and a single dimple on her left cheek came out of the car ¨C it was Veronica. She was wearing school uniform with a gray skirt on top of her black leggings as well as a loosely wrapped velvet scarf. She looked either side of the road before crossing and made her way to Leon''s car. She opened the door and slid into the passenger seat closing the door as her hair swung in Leon''s direction.


    "You came" she said with a smile


    "Your driver is here, is this how you got that other kid in trouble and sent to the ambulance?"


    "You think I''m a monster, don''t you?" she said as she sighed. "I don''t tell Justin or my parents anything. Mark was just stupid enough to ask me out in front of everyone ¨C maybe he didn''t know or maybe he was trying to be courageous." She puts her hand on Leon''s shoulder "and don''t worry, Alan doesn''t talk"


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon."Alan?" Leon looks at Veronica''s car "your driver?"


    "Yup"


    "Did you like Mark? We''ve always just referred to him as ''the guy who asked you out'', but you called him by his name."


    She shook her head.


    "Does it suck?" said Leon


    "I don''t know, does it suck Leon?" she said giggling "You haven''t dated anyone either"


    She frowned at Leon''s immediate silence and straight face. She folded her arms "Well if you did, you definitely didn''t tell Justin about her ¨C he always talks about you."


    "Since you''re here and your driver doesn''t talk ¨C I''m assuming the ''virgin'' Tundra girl has definitely had boyfriends." Said Leon


    "Secret relationships are way too much effort. Besides, I''ve already set my eyes on someone ¨C no one has yet been able to compete." She said looking out the car window


    "Veronica. What''s going on?" Said Leon


    "What? Can''t childhood friends hang out every once in a while?" she replied


    Leon unlocked the doors, looked straight ahead and changed the gear to drive.


    "Okay, okay." She said as she returned the gear to park and locked the doors. She pulled her hair behind her ear with her bright red nails. "I''m sorry¡­ about your father. I wanted to make sure everything was okay."


    "You called me out here to meet in secret for moral support?" said Leon


    "Everyone in school is a back-biting two faced bug. Your father is on the front page of every tabloid and newspaper ¨C heck there''s even pictures of you. I can''t imagine what it feels like ¨C but I need you to know, I''m on your side."


    Leon paused and looked down at his feet. "Well, thanks. If that''s all, I think I should leave now."


    Veronica clenched her fists and held her scarf onto her chest. "Why¡­ why are you being so cold¡­"


    "I can''t do this to Justin, not behind his back." Said Leon


    "If that''s how you feel, then this isn''t going to work out after all." Veronica unlocked the door and slowly began to leave the car. Leon grabs her arm before she gets out and pauses.


    "You came all the way here right up to my home, you might as well come in" Said Leon.


    "What about my brother?"


    "I''ll tell him everything tomorrow." Said Leon


    "You''ll be in a lot more trouble than me" she said getting back into the car


    "I''ve seen enough guys ask you out to know how this ends."

 Bibles

    Leon was preparing coffee in the kitchen whilst Veronica was in the living room - lying down on the couch, turning on the news and taking off her socks. Leon wasn''t too worried about his father discovering a girl was in the house since he was most likely meeting with lawyers and preparing press releases.


    "Good afternoon. Today we welcome the crown prince, His Highness, Thomas Vinzent."


    Leon could hear the news on the TV from the kitchen. It was an interview.


    "Recently the leader of the opposition, Mr. Alexander Lapuzi has been struck with allegations of corruption. Do you believe this is the end of the meteoric rise of Mr. Lapuzi?"


    ''Since when are royals asked to comment on politics?'' thought Leon


    "I believe that Mr. Lapuzi is an outstanding politician, I hope he can fight this in court as quickly as possible. If not, no one will be able to stop the Prime Minister''s re-election." said Thomas with a deep, soothing voice.


    "That''s true; Mr. Lapuzi was the favorite to beat Prime Minister Theodore this election. It''s also rumored that the Prime Minister''s son is also running for a re-election as student council President in the esteemed Unitare High School."


    "That''s us Leo! That''s our school! We''re on the news!" Veronica shouted sarcastically from the living room.


    "However it seems that your younger brother, Sinclair, will also be running against the Prime Minister''s son."


    ''Since when do they talk school politics on the news?'' thought Leon


    "Say Leo¡­ isn''t this kind of weird?" said Veronica as if reading Leon''s mind.


    "Yes, it seems the young generation of the Vinzent dynasty is very interested in politics. I personally will be watching my little brother and this election very closely."


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings."What about you, have you considered running for political offi-"


    Veronica turns off the TV. Leon pours the coffee into two separate mugs and makes his way to the living room only to find Veronica is gone. He puts down the coffee mugs and makes his way upstairs and as he reached his dad''s office he noticed she''s already scanning through his bookshelf.


    "I was trying to find your room, but I ended up in this medieval room"


    "It''s my dad''s office."


    "Did you read any of these books? Art of War, 50 Strategies of War, The Mind of a General¡­"


    "My dad taught me everything in those books since I was a little kid ¨C these were my bibles."


    "Was he trying to get you into the army? We''re a neutral country ¨C we don''t fight wars."


    "No-"


    Leon would never forget what his father told him once in this room. Leon was sat on his father''s lap when he began to explain to him a philosophy that he lives by to this day:


    "War, business, politics, even everyday conversations are all the same ¨C they all involve people. It involves their emotions, their plans, their thoughts, their behaviors and inner desires. A battle between two generals on an open field is no different to a battle between two politicians or two businessmen. Where there are people, there is politics and there is war."


    "No, not the army, but politics." he said.


    "These books make you a good politician?"


    "They teach you strategy, maneuver and tactics; How to be ahead of your opponent at all times." he replied


    Leon takes out a random book from the shelf and starts flipping through it.


    "Though, it''s all just theory, hardly any of it applies in real life. Only those that have the talent for this kind of stuff can really make it work."


    "No wonder you never lost at hide and seek ¨C you and your ''tactics''." She said as she pulled out a book from the shelf began inspecting it.


    "No actually, you and Justin just sucked at that game."


    "Oh really!? How about one more game of hide and seek then. Though, I haven''t been in this house for a while, so make that two instead" she said putting up two fingers


    "My dad is going to be back soon, and there something I need to take care of before tonight."


    "Tonight? What is it?"


    Veronica''s face suddenly becomes pale as her eyes widen. Leon then hears the clanging of keys downstairs.


    "Leon. Are you home?"

 The Nomination

    Veronica freezes then starts slowly mouthing the words ''what do we do''.


    Leon''s father, Alexander, made his way upstairs as the footsteps grew louder and heavier. Veronica took quickly too out sunglasses from her pocket as well as a hair band and wore them both.


    "What are you doing?" Whispered Leon loudly


    She put her finger to her shushing Leon. Then begins to do up her hair into a lazy top bun.


    "Leon?" asked Alexander again


    Leon clears his voice as Veronica stands next to him stiff as a stick unable to move or breathe, just staring at the door with a blank face.


    "Y-yes father, up here."


    Leon was sure his father would recognize Veronica, he''s known her since she was a baby girl - she''s like his own daughter. He also knew the trouble that comes with Tundra girls, but that fact that she was the daughter of his closest friend only made this situation even worse for Leon.


    ''Father already has enough problems as it is..." he thought to himself.


    "Oh." Said Alexander as he arrived at the door of the office. "Hello there young lady, Leon''s friend I presume?"


    Leon felt a moment of relief as his father seems to have not recognized her yet, however, he still felt the need to be honest with his father deciding to tell him who she was anyway.


    "Dad, this is-"


    "Cleo! I''m Cleo. I go to school with Leo-oon."


    Veronica nearly called Leon by his nickname Leo. Leon didn''t allow for anyone to give him nicknames, but Veronica''s stubbornness bypassed his no-nickname rule.


    "I can go to the other office if you two need my office." He said pointing at the other office across the hallway


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author."No it''s okay father, Cleo was just about to leave."


    "Y-yes, I was. Leon was just showing me all the books you made him read as a child ¨C he calls them his ''bibles''."


    Alexander with a fatherly proud smile walks up towards Leon and takes the book from his hand.


    "Bibles huh?" he said still smiling. He looks at the book cover "A history of feuds. This book, do you remember it Leon?"


    Leon scratches the back of his head trying to remember.


    "Yes, it analyses some of the most popular military, business and political feuds." replied Leon


    "Your mother was raised to only fight the fights she could win. But this book demonstrates that you must fight the fights you could never win. For only in the kind of immense pressure where we cannot afford to lose do we truly learn our limits and how to surpass them."


    Even when she wasn''t around, Alexander was the greatest critic of Leon''s mother, his ex-wife.


    "Did you meet with mother yet?" asked Leon


    "The Tundra''s have been taking care of me for the time being. If I need your mother''s help I will definitely give her a visit - don''t you worry about it" replied Alexander


    Despite the two couples being separated, they still had great respect for each other and often helped each other out. To this day, Leon still doesn''t know why the two divorced.


    Veronica had left and Leon''s father was in his office. Leon was in his dark room at his desk on his laptop that projected a dim blue light on his face. His hands were in between his thighs as he stared blankly at the empty email he had just started writing.


    The sharp painful words of George behind his back, his father''s arrest and how everyone at school changed their attitude towards him. His father''s words about how one should fight the fights that one could never win. It was an accumulation of all these things that drove Leon to finally starting typing and send the email that started everything.

 The Beginning

    The next day, Friday, Leon stayed home and skipped school. Meanwhile the school was having its end of the week assembly. Students lined up in an army-like fashion, they stood upright and quite. No one was allowed to talk during assemblies. Especially since both the Vice Principal and Principal were up on stage. The Principal, old of age and on the verge of retirement, walked slowly on his cane towards the podium as his wooden cane echoed monotonously across the auditorium. He reached the microphone and cleared his throat as he pulled out several poorly folded cue cards from the inside of his dark brown suit.


    "Good morning students."


    All the students replied "good morning" in a harmonious and perfectly synced roar.


    "Now then, there are a few announcements."


    The principal sieved through his cue cards.


    "Congratulations to the girls Volleyball team for winning the national tournament"


    The microphone hissed and that hiss turned into a howl as the microphone malfunctioned. The principal is taken back and proceeded to tap the microphone a few times.


    After making several announcements the principle left the podium for the Vice Principal to continue.Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "There is only one more announcement left ¨C announcing the student council presidential candidates. Unitare High School has always been in the headlines and is watched closely by the nation. However, this year, the student council elections have garnered much more media attention than usual. The reason for this is clear to all of you. However, I want to make it very clear ¨C you will not turn this election into a circus. For that very reason none of our candidates are allowed to gain any unfair advantage by talking to any outside media outlets. Any candidate who speaks to the outside media or newspapers will automatically be removed from the election. Regardless of your name, family and wealth. There will be no meddling as long as I oversee these elections."


    Every student in the room became stiffer and more tense. It wasn''t only because of what the Vice Principal had said, but the room always felt tense when she spoke. She was a tall, stern faced beauty with a tight ponytail and sharp eyes. Everyone feared those piercing eyes and when she spoke, everyone listened and obeyed.


    "Moving on to the candidates for this year''s presidential election. Running for a re-election is: George Tomhawk.


    Your second candidate is:


    Jessica Twint.


    Your third candidate is:


    Sinclair Vinzent.


    Your fourth and final candidate¡­"


    At the utterance of ''fourth'', murmurs broke the holy silence. Students turned their heads around whispering as the room erupted in a silent roar.


    " ¡­ is Leon Lapuzi."

 Secrets

    Earlier that Friday before the announcement at school, Leon was in his room keeping himself busy with school work. The thought of the presidency made him feel nauseous and worried.


    His father knocks on his door and enters the room. His father had posted bail, yet was still battling the corruption allegations in court. It has significantly affected his campaigning.


    "I hope you''re not sick" said his father


    Leon gets up from his desk and puts his hands in his pockets.


    "I''m running for student council president, and the announcement is today, so I couldn''t go to school."


    "Are you afraid of how they will react?" asked his father


    "I already know how they''ll react. I''m only trying to create a spectacle, and for it to work properly I can''t be there when it happens."


    "That may work for a day or two, but the buzz won''t last long. I hope you have something to follow it up with." said his father


    "I''m taking it one step at a time, but I already know it''s not going to be easy, because as it stands, I''m the least favorite to win." replied Leon


    "Does this have anything to do with my recent arrest?"


    Leon takes his hands out of his pockets and shakes his head vigorously


    "Absolutely not, I''ve just never been part of school politics - so I''m not as popular as the other candidates"


    "No Leon, I meant is my arrest the reason why you''re running?"


    Leon paused. He didn''t quite understand his father''s question, yet a part of him understood exactly what he meant.


    "What do you-"


    "Does this explain why Veronica was here yesterday?" said his father interrupting him


    Leon paused again, locking eyes with his father. He felt stupid and ashamed that he thought his father wouldn''t notice the girl with him last night was Veronica.


    "I wouldn''t hide this from you father, but Veronica didn''t want you to know." he explained


    Leon''s father turns around and starts to the leave room. He reaches the door and looks back at Leon over his shoulder


    "You know I don''t step on your toes. You can do as you wish, but whatever is going on with Veronica Tundra" he pauses "that cannot happen. For more reasons than you think you know, understood?"This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Leon looks down avoiding eye contact. He had rarely seen him this serious. He nods gently.


    "Understood."


    ...


    Since it was Friday, Leon would be going to his mother''s house as he would spend the weekends with her. She was Jessica Cottonwood, the founder of the third political party known as the Thread Party. Since its democratic inception the nation was only run by two opposing parties - the Harbor Party and the Red Party. She was only able to pull off such a feat of creating a third party because she was the daughter of one the most influential politicians - Hilda Cottonwood.


    Despite not going to school, he still left to go to his mother''s house at the time when school ended. His father may not care as much if he skipped, but his mother was far stricter.


    As he was leaving his house he heard a knock at the door. It was Taylor, with a huge smile, larger than usual. Justin was parked at the front of the house and stayed in the car.


    "I''m guessing you heard?" said Leon to Taylor


    "Don''t get me wrong Leon, I''m heartbroken you didn''t tell me you were running beforehand, but I''m just so excited at the same time - I can''t stop shaking." said Taylor smiling even more


    "What are you excited about?"


    "How can you be so naive? Leon Lapuzi, the son of the defamed Alexander Lapuzi running against the son of his father''s enemy and an emperor grandson. It''s intense! Why did Leon do it? Was it to defend his father''s name, or was it to-"


    "This has nothing to do with my father."


    Leon barges through Taylor and makes his way to Justin who was still in the car.


    "I''m sorry Justin."


    Justin gives a glance at Leon then looks away ignoring him.


    "I wrote the e-mail so late at night, I fell asleep and the next day I just couldn''t face you to tell you."


    Justin got out of the car.


    "What do you mean you couldn''t face me?" exclaimed Justin


    "Take it easy on him Justin." said Taylor


    "No he''s right, I should''ve told you both. Last night, it felt like everything built up at the same time and I ended up sending that nomination e-mail. And if I''m being completely honest, I''m starting to regret it."


    Normally Justin wouldn''t let this slide easily. Leon and Justin told each other everything, and he would''ve not forgiven this sudden dishonesty. Yet Justin understood Leon was going through his father''s arrest and that his reputation was on the line with this presidential election.


    Justin goes around the car and sticks his face into Leon''s.


    "Regret? That doesn''t sound like you at all. It''s done, there''s no backing out." Justin takes a step back "Though, let me be clear, I''ll always have your back Leon, but not if you don''t trust me." continued Justin


    "He''s right Leon. We''ll always be there for you, especially now. But if you don''t trust us, what''s the point?"


    Leon opens his mouth slightly as if he''s about to say something, then quickly retracts.


    "What is it?" asked Justin


    Leon shakes his head "Nothing. I have a weekend to plan the campaign strategy. I''d appreciate your help."


    "Sounds like a plan." said Justin


    Justin and Taylor make their way into the car. Justin lowers the window and sticks his head out.


    "Let''s win."


    Leon smiled as Justin raised the window and drove off. The smile quickly disappeared as he watched them leave with a blank look on his face. It wasn''t lost on him that, after a speech about trust from his closest companions, he couldn''t muster the courage to tell Justin what happened between him and Veronica last night.

 Mother

    Upon arrival to his mother''s house, Leon went to his room and started planning for the campaign. His mother would return home either early or late, never in between. This time, she came home late at night and immediately took Leon out for dinner. As Leon saw it, his mother would parade him outside in the eyes of the media and people for political gain. He has no doubt his mother loves him, however he''s fully aware of the value of being seen as a family person.


    ''Despite being divorced and a busy woman, she still finds time to take care of her child'' - this was the image she wished to portray. This was the politics that Leon grew up with, everything must be done with consideration of its political value - even family matters.


    They ate at an exclusive restaurant known as the The Rubric. The two sat facing each other at the table looking at menus. Leon''s mother was sitting with perfect posture with her legs crossed, she had perfectly wavy black hair that only reached her shoulders. She had narrow blue eyes and thin lips. She was a terrifyingly beautiful woman.


    "How was school today?" she asked scanning the menu


    Leon shrugs and looks away.


    "Elizabeth informed me you weren''t at school today. Did you think I wouldn''t find out?" she said raising an eyebrow.


    Elizabeth was the Vice Principle of the school.


    "She has twelve hundred students to worry about, I didn''t think she''d care so much about one student." replied Leon


    "It''s her job to worry about you. You''re a Cottonwood."


    The Cottonwood family was primarily responsible for the creation of the Unitare High School, and in perfect Cottonwood fashion, its creation had significant political value.


    The waiter arrives cutting off the conversation. The two make their orders and hand in their menus.


    Leon tried to explain his reason for skipping school, but his mother already inferred it was due to the student council presidency.


    "I''ve spent many nights trying to convince you to run for student council president, yet you always refused." she said


    "If you want the honest answer, I don''t know why I''m running." he said


    She smiles gently.


    "What?" he asked


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.She looks away slightly and wipes the smile off her face.


    "Mother? Aren''t you going to say something?" he continued


    She locks eyes with Leon and he suddenly becomes tense and cold. Her lips start moving but no sound comes out until he hears her say


    "I hope you''re aware, you won''t win."


    Leon becomes tense and his chest sinks at the piercing words of his mother. She kept looking directly at him without flinching. It wasn''t a joke, but a cold-hard truth. Leon knew his chances were low, but to hear it from his mother dented his confidence. He was unable to reply, unable to move.


    "This must be the influence of your father and his philosophy. I have nothing against losing, but to purposely place yourself in a losing position, that''s madness." she continued


    Leon remembered the words of his father about how ''you must fight the fights you could never win'', when his mother brought up his ''philosophy''.


    The food had arrived and the plates were placed on the table as Leon''s mother stared at him whilst he was looking away like a captive in a hostage situation trying to make his escape.


    "Though, if I''m correct, that is not the reason why you decided to run."


    Leon turned towards his mother waiting for her to continue her thought.


    "How does Justin do at school?" she asked


    "Why?"


    "I''m guessing he''s the type who just barely passes." she continued


    "So?" asked Leon still confused


    "What do you think will be the first thing he does when his father''s empire collapses?" she picks up a knife and fork and starts segmenting her food. "He might just finally decide to pick up a book" she continued.


    Leon''s eyes widened in shock.


    "You foolishly believed you could survive off the success of your parents, you believed that the political world would embrace you with open arms, you believed that you somehow had some genetic advantage, to the point that you no longer worried about the future. But what happens when your parents'' success turns into disgrace and scandal." she said taking the first bite from her food.


    Looking down at his food eyes wide open, his fists were clenched on his thighs beneath the table. "I-I don''t care about politics." he insisted unconvincingly.


    She smirks and her narrow eyes became narrower as she gave Leon a piercing look.


    "If you don''t have politics, then what do you have, Leon?"


    She takes a sip out of her glass of water. He had no reply, everything she was saying felt like arrows to his chest. Completely caught off guard, he had never expected a night out with his mother to end like this. She wasn''t holding back.


    "Well, if your father''s arrest was all that was needed to finally get you to wake up, then fine by me."


    She reaches out with her hand and caresses the side of Leon''s face.


    "You may be late, but since you''ve finally decided to join the family business, tomorrow you''ll finally meet your grandmother." she said with a terrifyingly calm look on her face.


    Leon nodded obediently. Still in shock. He often forgot who his parents were. They were masters of politics, and by extension they were masters of human nature. They could read individuals inside out with just one look. It put into perspective where Leon stood in the world of politics - he was nothing. And tomorrow, he was going to meet the woman at the top of the food chain, his grandmother, Hilda Cottonwood.

 The Thrill of The Rise

    Leon had only heard about his grandmother from others, he had even read about her in political discourse textbooks at school, yet he had never met her himself. Which is why the prospect of meeting her felt less like he was meeting his grandmother, and felt more like he was meeting ''the'' Hilda Cottonwood.


    Leon was supposed to meet with Justin and Taylor that night to plan the campaign, but the emotional residue of the heart-wrenching conversation with his mother left him with no appetite for thinking about anything except his mother''s words and the meeting with his grandmother.


    His mother was already out for work, when first thing in the morning a car arrived at the front of his mother''s house. He entered the large black luxury SUV. At the wheel was a stern faced driver with a muscular build and sitting at the back with Leon was a young man with perfectly combed short hair and a plain white shirt with a thin black tie.


    "Hello Leon, I''m Trevor" said the young man reaching out for a handshake as Leon entered the car.


    Leon shook his hand and nodded nervously.


    Trevor smiled and then signaled the driver to start driving.


    After a long silence Leon asked Trevor if he worked for his grandmother.


    "Yes, but I don''t see it as a job." Replied Trevor


    "I had always thought she was retired" said Leon


    "Yes, from populace politics. But, when you reach the height she did, it''s hard to retire from politics as a whole." Explained Trevor


    Leon took this to mean that his grandmother is no longer running for elections, hence populace politics, but he was confused as to what other politics she was involved in.


    "What else is there besides populace politics?" asked Leon


    The car stopped.


    "Well you can ask her yourself - we''ve arrived." said Trevor


    Leon and Trevor came out of the car, and for this first time, Leon had finally seen his grandmother''s house. It was an estate like he has never seen before. It wasn''t too big, but it was clearly vast. It was a modestly luxurious home with a futuristic exterior that had him glaring at it mesmerized.


    Trevor walked Leon into the home and had him sit at a rouge couch in the center of the spacious living room with a polished marble ground and glowing blue interior walls. Trevor told Leon to wait there and then left the house.


    Leon had been sat stiff as a stick, afraid to damage anything. He had been waiting for a while, but it didn''t feel as long since there were enough pictures, awards and memorabilia in the living room alone to keep him busy as he scanned with his eyes every corner of the room.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    After being alone with his thoughts for a while he finally heard footsteps from the spiral staircase. He immediately turned around and there she was in front of him. The woman he had only seen pictures of and heard myths about, she was walking down the staircase in a gracefully commanding manner. She had perfect posture. Her pure white hair came down her left shoulder reaching her chest; it started off straight and became wavy near the end. She had blue eyes and small nose with plump lips that were perfectly round. Though she had wrinkles it was as if they were hiding, and though you could tell she was an older lady, there was an undeniable youth about her.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting, Leon." She said with a soothing voice that sounded like melted gold


    If he had a shell, he would''ve retracted into it like a turtle in fear. His heart was pounding the moment she spoke and he was frozen in his seat unable to react ¨C then he suddenly stands up.


    "It''s no problem" he said quickly staring at her without a single blink.


    "Please, sit" she said as she sat on the couch facing Leon


    In between them was a glass table with a tea pot and small glass tea cups. She leans forward and pours tea for the two of them. She pushes Leon''s cup towards him then picks up her cup and brings it towards her chest. She sat back comfortably on the couch with her legs crossed looking at Leon with an inquisitive look.


    "How''s your father doing?" she asked


    Leon was taken aback, the two had never met, yet she seemed to have no interest in asking about him, despite being her only grandson. She seemed to be a woman with no time to spare.


    "He''s doing well." Replied Leon holding his cup of tea awkwardly with both hands.


    "He is, isn''t he? Almost too well - how do you feel about that?" she said


    "It just means he didn''t do anything wrong, so I''m not too worried."


    "But you still ran for student council president. I''m sure you''ve realized by now that it was a consequence of your father''s arrest." She said as she took a sip from her tea


    "Mother told me this yesterday, and I spent all night thinking about it. It''s simply not true. I''m doing well in school and I can follow any profession I like. That''s why my father''s career will have no influence over mine."


    "You''re right. I don''t think you ran because you were afraid for your future. At first it may seem like you want to prove you''re in control of your own fate. If you can win the presidency despite the defamation of your father, it will prove that you can take matters into your own hands. But in reality, you''re just like me Leon. You after something else, aren''t you?"


    "And what is that?" he asked


    She calmly takes another sip from her tea as Leon waits in anticipation.


    "It''s no fun reaching the top when you''re already so high up. Having the type of family that you have must''ve made the prospect of being the most powerful person in the country bore-some ¨C because it seemed easy. Which is why politics may have not interested you, but now that everything has changed with your father''s arrest; deep down you''re suddenly excited, because finally there''s a challenge. You see, you''re just like me. You seek the thrill of the rise."

 The Shadow Council

    Whilst Leon and his grandmother were still conversing, George was at home meeting with his father, Prime Minister Theodore. They were in his office, they sat facing each other with a wooden ebony desk in between them. It had perfectly organized paperwork and a computer along with plenty of desk decorations.


    George had a large forehead with strands of hair trying to cover it up. He had sharp cheekbones but wasn''t thin and had faint eyebrows. His lips were barely visible and his eyes were blue. His father was a tall man with a commanding presence, every room that he entered, he was the most visible with his strong protruding chin that was perfectly defined across its edges. He had thick eyebrows and a large nose that seemed small in comparison with his head.


    "Given what''s happening with his father, he shouldn''t be a problem for you" said Theodore sitting back on his chair with his head resting on his fist. He was referring to Leon Lapuzi.


    George had a notepad and was taking short notes. Meetings with his father were like lessons in which his father would lecture him and guide him in almost every aspect of his life. Though they were extremely short, George made sure to note everything down. He wanted to learn as much as he could from his father.


    "The one you should worry about is that emperor grandson" said Theodore


    "Sinclair?" asked George


    "Sinclair." Confirmed Theodore


    "It''s hard enough to deal with the current political climate with the Lapuzi''s and Cottonwood''s, but if the royals get their hands in the system ¨C it''ll be a whole different ball game."


    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author."But I''m already in the shadow council" said George


    The Shadow Council was the equivalent of a secret society in which the most influential individuals plan and discuss the affairs of the nation. It was created and is lead by Hilda Cottonwood but is segmented in such a way that almost no one knows how it works. One way to enter the shadow council is by being the president of Unitare High School or by being on the Student Council of the school. The president hands picks seven to twelve students to be on the student council. Often, if the president is clever, they pick children or relatives of influential and powerful families ¨C this is why Unitare is such a powerful political tool. Of the last seven Prime Ministers, five were once student council presidents at Unitare.


    "Perhaps, but your student council this year was lackluster. There were some good names, but none of them close enough to the top. This year, however, some very important kids came in and whoever has them on their student council may have the strongest council since Jessica." Said Theodore


    Given the fact that there are only a limited number of families that control commerce, business, politics and media, the chances of being a president during a time were these people have their children in Unitare all at once is down to luck. However, decisions are rarely made by one individual in the family which is why close relatives who often end up being involved in the decision making are the next best thing. For example, Justin Tundra would be the most important person to have on your council as he is the direct inheritor of the Tundra fortune and company. Despite George inviting him to the student council ¨C he refused as the Tundra''s are historically loyal to the Lapuzi''s.


    George was still taking down notes of what his father was saying.


    "Thus these are the two most important things you must consider. One, if you do not want to deal with the royals when you grow up, you must not let Sinclair win. Two, if you wish to become Prime Minister one day, winning this election will make that a much easier task." said Theodore


    "Understood father." nodded George


    To Theodore the best way to train George was to allow him to deal with his problems on his own. However, he must tackle them with a kind of wisdom and this was the purpose of these short meetings ¨C to train George in way that gives him a guideline to follow but the rest is in his own hands.


    "That is all. Best of luck son." Said Theodore dismissing George

 The Fundamental Flaw of Democracy

    The conversation between Leon and his grandmother, Hilda, was nearing its end. She already explained to him the mechanisms of the Shadow Council and the role of Unitare High School in politics.


    "Your mother, Jessica, had one of the strongest student councils to date. Of the seven she picked for her second student council, six of them are either on the board or are chairpersons of the most powerful companies in the country. Two of them are currently running media conglomerates." said his grandmother


    "That''s why she was able to create a third party so easily" added Leon


    His grandmother puts down her finished tea cup


    "In politics, if you have the media on your side, anything is possible." she said


    His grandmother continued to explain how Unitare High School was made to create a Cottonwood dynasty. It was no coincidence that Jessica Cottonwood won the presidency twice in a row. The idea was that the next generation of influencers - who were the children of those currently in power - would get used to Jessica being their leader, it also allowed for them create bonds that last to this day. This trust and psychological imposition that is built across the years in the school was manufactured by Hilda to ensure that when Jessica entered politics she would have the most powerful people supporting her.


    "However, that alone wasn''t enough. People grow up and forget their high school days and their high school friends. This is where the Shadow Council comes in. There are levels in the shadow council and those that enter from the high school are at the lowest of the hierarchy. They work together in order to reach higher levels and thus higher levels of influence. This allows them to build even stronger bonds and loyalty. Jessica and her student council have reached the heights of the Shadow Council." expanded his grandmother


    Notable names on the shadow council are Alexander Lapuzi - Leon''s father, Theodore Tomhawk - the current Prime Minister and Kevin Tundra - Justin''s father. However, there are no royals on the shadow council. Not being in the shadow council essentially meant you have no influence over political matters.


    "You see Leon, if you''re not on the shadow council, you have no chance to make it in politics. That''s how I designed the system."


    "That way, you make sure everything goes through you first." inquired Leon


    "Yes." she replied


    "Then that must be boring. You''re the lioness of the political world - you''re already at the top. Where''s the so-called thrill of the rise in that?" said Leon


    "I live that thrill through those around me. Primarily, the rise of my daughter is indescribably thrilling." she uncrosses her legs and stands upright on the couch "And perhaps, the rise of my grandson may be on its way." she smiled gently


    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Leon places his hands on his thighs and looks down


    "So far all I''ve heard is that I don''t stand a chance in this election." he said


    "I won''t lie and tell you it''s going to be easy. Especially that a royal is now running." she said


    "Sinclair?"


    "Correct. A few years back I could choose the winner of every high school election - since Elizabeth, your vice principle, worked directly for me. After all, this wasn''t a real election. Kids would vote and the vice principle would announce the winner, no one was checking if the winner actually won. But that principle sold himself to the Vinzents."


    "The principle is checking the votes on behalf of the royal family?" asked Leon


    "Not only checking them, but making sure I can''t tamper with them. The royals knew I would never let them touch that position, which is why they waited until they had someone on the inside to have one of their own run." she explained


    His grandmother poured some more tea for herself and Leon, then began drinking.


    "And I can''t get rid of that principle, he''s untouchable, at least for now." she continued


    "But even if the royals get into the Shadow Council, you have full control over it don''t you? Why would you be worried?" asked Leon


    "There are still some fanatic royalists in the Shadow Council that will die just to see the royals back in power. I could deal with them, but frankly at my age, I''m not quite confident in my ability to squash a rebellion" she said


    "By creating a system in which a select few control entire power structures in the country, you''ve created a perfect way for the royals to reinstate their power." lashed out Leon


    His grandmother smiles and takes a deep breath.


    "Am I being lectured by my grandson? That''s how the world has always worked, a group of elites controlling the masses under the guise of freedom. Ordinary people cannot be trusted with the matters of a nation, it''s the fundamental flaw of democracy."


    His grandmother''s words kept him silent. Whether she was right or not, everything she said had a supreme sense of authority that Leon felt helpless against her. She was always right when she spoke like that.


    But he still felt comfortable around her, he was afraid to speak up but at the same time he felt like he could tell her anything. He stood up from the couch suddenly. She raises her eyebrows looking up at him with a wonder on her face.


    "I think I''m starting to understand why I''m here. It was suspicious, you never cared to meet your grandson until you found yourself in trouble with the royals. It just so happens that I suddenly decided to run and that it''s convenient for your cause. But I guess it all makes sense now, maybe you knew how I''d react to my father''s arrest and maybe you thought that was the only way to get me to run."


    His grandmother stood up slowly with her head down at first then raising it looking directly at Leon. Her hands were cupped together in front of her as she tilts her head smiling at Leon amused. She was towering over him, Leon felt small in her presence as she stood up. He became nervous as his grandmother showed her true colors and just how menacing she can be by simply imposing her dominance over him.


    "Go ahead Leon, don''t hold back. What do you have to say?" she said still amusingly smiling


    Leon pauses


    "You''re behind my father''s arrest, aren''t you..."

 Decoration

    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.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation."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.

 Removing the Competition

    Immediately after arriving back home after meeting his grandmother, Leon took his notebook and drove to Justin''s home to talk campaign strategy. Upon arriving he was let through the gates of the Tundra mansion. He found the car of his father''s driver parked in the front.


    Leon came storming out the car rushing towards the house ready to confess to Justin what happened between him and Veronica. Veronica came out suddenly of the house walking past him on the stairway towards door.


    Talking through her forced smile "Don''t tell him." she said as she momentarily paused then continued to walk past him.


    Leon looked at her then looked at the door to see Justin suddenly appear


    "Leon! You''re late, come on let''s get moving." said Justin


    "Veronica, where are you going?" said Leon turning around towards Veronica


    Veronica stopped abruptly then turned her heard around slowly with a distraught look on her face.


    "F-for a walk?" she said barely able to make a sentence.


    Leon turns towards Justin


    "Justin, I need Veronica if I''m going to win this election. She''s president of the newspaper club right? I need her to sit on all our meetings from now on." said Leon locking eyes with Justin.


    Justin had never seen Leon so serious. Justin looked at Veronica confused and she looked back with her eyebrows burrowed worriedly.


    "All right, that makes sense. I don''t see why not." said Justin rubbing the side of his forehead.


    On their way to Justin''s room they passed their fathers sitting in the living room with several other people surrounding them. They were most likely party members, campaign leaders and lawyers. Leon convinced himself that they looked far too busy for him to stop and say hello, but a deeper part of him didn''t want to confront his father.


    Inside Justin''s room was Taylor laying upside down on Justin''s king size bed playing with a rubix cube. His room was vast enough to have its own vending machine and drum set with a row of guitars perfectly placed for display.


    Taylor with his head still upside down rolls his eyes back to see the three enter the room, he rolls around upright as soon as he sees Veronica. He stares at her with his mouth in a circle, then looks back and forth between Leon and Justin for a few seconds of silence.


    "She''s just here because she runs the school newspaper" said Justin


    "Oh! Am I allowed to make eye contact?" said Taylor smiling


    "Very funny, stop making it into a big deal. We don''t have a lot of time." said Justin


    Taylor sat on the bed with his legs crossed, whilst Justin and Leon sat upright on large bean bags facing Taylor. Veronica was in the corner sitting at Justin''s desk facing the three from afar, with her head resting on her hand unamused. Her and Leon''s eyes would meet every once in a while.


    Leon briefly described what his grandmother told him about the shadow council and the election.


    "I always thought the shadow council was just a conspiracy theory." said Taylor


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon."The only reason I knew about it was cause my dad didn''t want me to accept George''s student council invitation last year." said Justin


    ''Why Jessica?'' thought Veronica to herself about why did Hilda choose to back her


    "The principle and Thomas are backing Sinclair, Hilda and the vice principle are backing Jessica and we can only guess the prime minister is supporting his son George." said Leon


    He looks at everyone in the room "Which means, we''re not dealing with high school kids anymore. Every move we make will have to take into consideration who''s pulling the strings behind the scenes. This changes everything." he continued.


    Taylor raises his hand after a short silence.


    "Just talk" said Justin


    "I''ve got you some numbers Leon" said Taylor taking out his laptop


    "Your stat dad help you out with those?" said Justin jokingly


    "If by ''stat dad'' you mean CEO of the largest consulting firm, then no. And once again Justin, he''s not my dad" said Taylor


    "Oh ~ CEO of the largest consulting firm" said Justin laughing teasingly


    It''s popular among large family dynasties to marry within the family, even Justin''s parents are cousins. . However, to avoid the genetic complications of rampant inbreeding, some families used to pay large amounts of money for sperm donors with desirable characteristics. Taylor was part of this generation, his true father is an unknown sperm donor. However, fifteen years ago, it became extremely unpopular after in-vitro fertilization became a norm allowing for birth without genetic deficiencies despite inbreeding.


    "Usually 30-40% of the high school population just doesn''t vote, but you can expect that number to drop cause of the huge attention the election is getting. Meaning around 60-80% of the population can be targeted." said Taylor


    "Not really, each candidate most likely has a group of loyal voters based on their interaction in school. For example, George was previously the president so he probably has the most amount of people that will vote for him regardless. Jessica is president of three clubs and vice president of two more - most likely all those people in those clubs are loyal to Jessica so she most likely has the second highest." said Veronica


    The three look at her in bewilderment


    "What? I covered last year''s election, I know this stuff." she said fiercely


    "That means those that haven''t made up their mind up will decide the election. The problem is they usually ride bandwagons and vote for whoever they ''feel'' should win. No one really cares about student council elections - so policies and promises mean nothing. It''s nothing more than a popularity contest and as it stands Leon, your very unpopular but George is extremely so." said Taylor


    "I wouldn''t be so sure, Leon''s dad has some cult like followers." said Justin


    Leon remembered the woman on the train who seemed to support her father regardless of the corruption allegations.


    "I think I may have met one them..." said Leon


    "If the children of those loyal to your dad are in high school, then they may support you as well." said Justin


    "If they were there, I think you would''ve met them by now." said Veronica


    "Would you talk to the son of your boss? You''d probably be afraid to mess things up. But this election may make them come out of their shells thinking they have something to offer." said Justin


    "Nevertheless, that leaves two ways to win. Either sway the voters to believe I''m the one that should win, or" Leon pauses "effectively remove everyone else from the race."

 Occupy the Center

    Veronica smiled at Leon''s remarks.


    "Well, that''s what worries me." said Taylor "Whilst it''s true Sinclair has been doing extensive volunteer work as well as tutoring students, he seems to have lowest amount of baseline supporters."


    "Which means he doesn''t care about the voters. He''s focused on the candidates." said Leon


    "He doesn''t plan to win by default does he?" said Justin


    "Whatever he''s planning, I can''t slip up; I can''t break any rules or make any mistakes." said Leon


    Veronica got up from her seat in the corner and walked towards the three.


    "He doesn''t need to get rid of everyone and win by default, he only needs to get rid of those more popular than him. Which means you''re probably the safest if he plans on getting any of the candidates disqualified or taint their name." she said


    "Regardless, tomorrow is when candidates usually send out e-mails for any events they plan doing. You can count on George to have the morning all for himself - last year he had a standup comedy event that was a huge hit." said Taylor


    "If you can make people happy, they''re more likely to vote for you." said Leon


    "But the events can only last for so long, given that each candidate can''t pass a certain budget that''s handed out by the school. Meaning candidates usually do one big event" said Veronica


    Justin gets up from his bean bag.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon."But we can''t sit around and wait Leon, we have to hit first." said Justin


    "He already did Justin, his shock last minute nomination has everyone talking." said Veronica


    "Sure, everyone''s talking about Leon, it''s all over social media, but the problem is what they''re saying..." said Taylor


    Taylor shows Leon his laptop with social media messages from the kids at high school:


    "Like father like son, don''t trust Leon Lapuzi!"


    "Does he really think he can beat George?"


    "He didn''t even show up when his name was being called - talk about arrogant!"


    Leon took a deep breath and held it in then closed the laptop. He got up and turned away from the three with his hand on his chin clearly distressed.


    "Leon, it''s just the bandwagon. When something ambiguous like you running happens, people don''t know what to think, so they look to everyone else and adopt the most extreme views. It''s classic group think." said Veronica


    "I know. Rather, I knew. This is what my father meant by following up the shock of the nomination. I had to make sure favorable views of my nomination were in the airwaves. But I was naive, I can''t win if I''m this naive." said Leon with his back still to them.


    "We can still change popular opinion, the election has just begun" said Taylor


    Justin places his hand on Leon''s shoulder.


    Leon didn''t need comforting. He knew he was in a bad situation, but the way he saw it, is that he''s the only one everyone is talking about. Everyone''s watching his next move, he''s in the center - and the other candidates would kill to be where he was right now. However, at the same time this meant his next move may decide the entire election.


    There was a knock a door all of a sudden. Justin opened the door and began speaking with a man in a white shirt and tie. The others couldn''t hear the conversation. Justin closed the door then turned around.


    "It''s my dad, he''s calling you downstairs."

 The Distraction

    Leon goes downstairs whilst the rest stay in the room. In the living room, he stood facing the crowd of people with his father and Justin''s father in the middle. They were all staring at Leon like he were an antique in a museum - carefully.


    "Leon! I just wanted to cheer you up. You seemed so tense when you came in, you didn''t even say hello" said Justin''s father. He had short black hair and a rich man''s smile that showed no worry or care. He had a larger nose than Justin and thinner eyebrows but the same green eyes.


    "I''m sure Justin and Veronica are doing everything they can to help you out, but don''t take the election too seriously. You''re still young, just have fun" he continued


    Leon turned his attention to his father and then looked back at Justin''s father, Kevin.


    Kevin puts his arm around Leon''s father and pats his chest. The two were extremely close friends with undying loyalty to each other for years.


    "You see those secret service guys around George? Well, soon they''re gonna be all around you! So cheer up, your dad is about to become the most important person in the country." said Kevin


    "Thanks Mr. Tundra, but I don''t think this election is just an ordinary high school election." said Leon


    "The election only matters because the crown prince made it matter. He wants to send a message to the royalist that he can take down the biggest names in politics." said Alexander, Leon''s father.


    Leon looks around at the men in the room thinking twice before what he was about to say. He then turns to his father.


    "So you knew what was going on. A head''s up would''ve been helpful." said Leon


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original."You''re running against people who will do whatever it takes to win. You already knew that and whether you knew about what was happening behind the scenes or not, that fact doesn''t change." said Alexander


    "Everyone is getting help from a big name, yet I''m here with a Lapuzi and a Cottowood for parents, and left alone like an orphan. At least tell me about the shadow council." said Leon


    "It was too soon to meet your grandmother." said Alexander


    "No, it was too late. Way too late." replied Leon


    Alexander stood up.


    "The reason you didn''t need to know, is because I didn''t want you to know." he said


    "It''s true your father is on the shadow council, but they''re terrified of him because he doesn''t rely on them in the slightest. Sure, you can rise through the shadow council, but you become dependent on it - to the point that they control you." said Kevin


    "I didn''t need them. Everyone in this room, including myself, I built from the dirt up. We''re only loyal to each other. Which is why if you ever wanted to join politics, I wanted it to be through me, not your grandmother and the shadow council." said Alexander


    Leon starts smiling uncontrollably.


    "I finally understand why you''re so calm about these allegations." said Leon changing the subject


    Kevin looks at Alexander but Alexander was still fixated on Leon, as was everyone else in the room.


    "You know she''s onto to you right? Just a heads up - Hilda knows how calm you are about the allegations." continued Leon "I understand now, since the shadow council doesn''t have you under control, they would want to stop you from reaching office. So the best way to distract them, is to manufacture your own fall. That way you don''t have to worry about them coming after you."


    "Leon, I don''t think you know what you''re talking about." said Kevin in a serious tone.


    "Father, don''t tell me they don''t know." said Leon


    "They all know, continue your thought." said Alexander


    "Why?" said Leon


    "I was worried everything I taught you was for nothing. But if you figured this out Leon and at your age... Then you will surely surpass me, your mother and your grandmother. So continue. Continue and make me proud." he said locking eyes with Leon intensely


    Leon pauses returning the stare at his father for a few seconds.


    "I don''t know how you did it, but I''m sure, that you''re behind your own corruption allegations."

 Manufactured Popularity

    After the conversation with his father, Leon went back up to Justin''s room. They were in the middle of a conversation before Leon entered.


    "All I''m saying is looking at you up close, I don''t see how you two are twins" said Taylor to Veronica and Justin


    "We''re non-identical twins you idiot" said Justin


    "What does that even mean?! Twins are twins how can they be non-identical?" said Taylor placing his hands on head


    As Leon enters they all turn towards him ending the conversation immediately.


    "Welcome back Leon!" said Taylor


    "What did he want?" asked Justin


    "Nothing important" said Leon as he stayed by the door. He wasn''t planning on staying long and the rest could feel it.


    "I''ll keep this brief. My first biggest move will rely entirely on the presidential speeches on Tuesday and the school newspaper" said Leon


    "I know you said you needed me cause of my position, but you should know that the newspaper club is huge, we have dozens of editors all trying to make the final cut and my vice principle is head over heels for George. It''s not going to be easy to control what the school newspaper says about you." said Veronica interrupting LeonUnauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "That''s fine. We can control popular opinion differently. For the first time, the newspaper club will be taking polls. At the start of homeroom, on Monday, you will have your club members hand out short surveys to poll the school population. They will fill in their names, and they can check the box for the candidate they plan to vote for or they can check the box for not voting."


    Taylor gets up and opens the laptop in front of Leon showing him the social media feed again.


    "I know. The polls won''t favor me, but we will still publish them before the presidential speeches. Then, after the speeches, you will take another poll."


    "What are you planning to do for the speech?" said Justin


    "Like Veronica said, something ambiguous. And when people don''t know what to think about my speech, the polls will do that for them." said Leon


    Veronica smiles excitedly


    "So you want me to fake the second round of polls in your favor so that everyone thinks favorably about your speech." said Veronica


    "Can you manage it?" asked Leon


    She crosses her arms


    "Of course." she replied


    "That''s it for now" said Leon


    "Wait, the speeches are on Tuesday, but what are you going to do on Monday? You can''t just go to school and do nothing." said Justin


    "I''m still working on it. We still have Sunday to plan for things. I''ll keep you updated." said Leon


    "And thank you. I won''t-"


    "Boo!" said Taylor throwing a pillow interrupting Leon


    "Don''t thank us, that goes without saying" said Justin


    Leon smiled at their unconditional support, then he looked at Veronica and the smile disappeared. She noticed and shook her head slowly and subtly as if telling him ''Don''t think about telling Justin at a time like this...''. Leon looked away then abruptly left the room.

 The Violin

    As Leon leaves Justin''s room he walks past Veronica''s room with the door open. He stands staring inside the room noticing the light brown delicate violin. He remembers that exact violin from his childhood.


    Justin, Veronica and Leon were all around eleven years old playing hide and seek in the Tundra mansion whilst their fathers were meeting. Justin was ''it'' and he promptly covered his eyes with his arm and leaned his head on the wall. He started counting from twenty out loud. Just as Veronica was about to run to her hiding spot Leon grabs her arm and puts his finger to his mouth telling her to stay quite.


    He quickly takes her outside to the backyard porch and grabs a dog bone. He throws it as far as he can into the backyard bushes prompting the resident Tundra bulldog to chase after it. The bulldog caused noises and ruffling sounds in the bushes as he ran for the bone.


    "Ten! Nine!..." continued Justin counting


    Still holding her arm, Leon and Veronica already tip-toed upstairs whilst Veronica held her mouth trying to stop herself from giggling. They went into Veronica''s room leaving the door open. Veronica was about to speak when Leon put his finger on his mouth once again, then he pointed at the window in her room that gave a perfect view of the Tundra backyard.


    Justin had already stopped counting. She was waiting eagerly for something to happen, when Justin suddenly appears on the back porch making his way towards the bushes trying to be as sneaky as possible hoping to scare the two. Veronica turns around towards Leon and opens her mouth exaggeratedly.


    "He thinks were in the bushes!" she said


    "No duh." said Leon


    "Shut up!" she said shoving him "But why are we in my room, it''s not even a real hiding spot"


    "It''s obvious loser, Justin will check all the hardest spots first like closets and stuff, but the last place he''ll check is your room." said Leon looking around Veronica''s room.


    "Ooooh, You''re such a-" Veronica stops midway as Leon picks up her violin "Hey! put that down!" said Veronica reaching out to grab it. Leon quickly evades the grab holding onto the violin.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    "Keep it down" said Leon still evading Veronica''s attempts to take back the violin.


    "Leo, dad says it costs a fortune, please don''t play around with it." she said giving up


    "Can you even use it?" said Leon examining all its sides


    "Uh, yeah!" she said snatching it whilst his attention was diverted on the violin.


    She picks up the violin bow and jumps onto her bright pink bed with a plethora of pillows. She amateurishly places the violin onto her chin trying helplessly to adjust it properly onto her small body. She places the bow onto the violin strings and plays a terrible sound that makes Leon places his hands on his ears.


    "You suck!" he said forgetting all about the hide and seek game


    "Shut up, just wait, it takes me time to get the right feel" she said sticking her tongue out giving it another try


    A slow melody quickly picked up the pace as she played an almost perfect symphony that had Leon mesmerized looking at her as she concentrated intensely on the strings. To Leon, those few seconds felt like hours as he allowed the tune to enchant him. She stopped playing and Leon, with a dumbfounded look on his face, felt like clapping but didn''t. The two were locking eyes with Veronica panting slightly when they felt a presence at the door. They turned around simultaneously and saw Justin standing there with a bone in his hand and the Tundra dog by his side.


    "Are you guys even taking this seriously!" said Justin "I could hear the violin from all the way in the bushes."


    Leon and Veronica try to hold in their laughter.


    Leon''s pushed suddenly into Veronica''s room as his daydream of his childhood is interrupted. He turns around to see Veronica closing the door.


    "What are you doing?" he said whispering loudly


    "Relax, Taylor''s been at our house since the morning, the two will still be in the room for a while" she said


    "I have to tell him." said Leon


    "I know, and you will, but not right now. You need his help and my help. If you tell him, you''ll lose Justin, the election and me." she said


    "You don''t want me to tell him at all, don''t you."


    Veronica stays silent


    "And another thing, you realize the girl you used as your little messenger for your note is on the student council right?" said Leon


    "Don''t worry, she won''t rat. And even if George does find out, the worse he can do is spread rumors, and there''s already hundreds of those going around school about you anyway."


    "All I''m saying is if you want to keep this thing quite, you''re going to need to be more careful than that." said Leon


    Leon wasn''t only worried about how this will affect his relationship with Justin, but also how the school population will see him. Not only will it show to people that he is dishonest to his closest friends, but also that he''s in cahoots with the president of the newspaper club.


    Veronica walks up towards Leon


    "I know better than anyone what will happen to you and your chances in the election if people find out about this." she said


    Leon pauses.


    "And what is ''this'' anyway, Veronica..." said Leon


    Justin''s door suddenly opened. The sudden murmurs of Justin and Taylor talking causes the two to suddenly freeze.

 A Good Salesman is like a Good Politican

    The two kept quite as they heard the murmurs and laughs of Taylor and Justin become quieter as they walked down the corridor passing Veronica''s room. She opens the door slowly and takes a peak, then grabs Leon and throws him out of the room and points at the toilet that was down the corridor.


    "Go in. Flush. Go out." she said


    Leon does as she says trying to not be seen as Taylor and Justin made their way downstairs.


    The two hear the flush and the toilet door opening in a purposefully forceful way by Leon. They both look up and see Leon coming out of the toilet.


    "You couldn''t hold it till you got back home" said Justin sneering


    "Maybe that''s why he was so eager to leave" said Taylor laughing


    ...


    As soon as Leon gets into his car he receives a call from his mother.


    "Leon, where are you? I''ve been expecting you home right after you were done with your grandmother." she said


    Earlier Leon went home before going to Justin''s house but his mother wasn''t there. This must''ve been one of the days that she came home early.


    "Sorry mother, I''m coming right over" he said


    The weekends were the only time he could spend time with his mother and he didn''t want to take that away from her. Upon entering the house he sees the back of his mother in the living room with her hair tied back and glasses resting on the tip of her nose. She was meticulously scanning through several papers and files when she turned around as soon as she heard Leon come in. With her body half turned around and her left elbow resting on the back of the chair she signals Leon to come towards her with a nod of her head.


    She stands up and grabs his back and the back of his head with her hands and pulls him towards her body hugging him. She rests her nose on the top of his head kissing and smelling his hair - she was still slightly taller than him.


    "If I''m ever cold to you, it''s out of love. That''s how your grandmother raised me, she never wanted me to feel comfortable that I had a powerful family name so she hung me out to dry. It''s what made me who I am today." she said speaking softly


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    She grabs his shoulders and gently brings him in front of her.


    "Even though your father and I agreed to not help you, you''re still my son. That''s why, I will answer any one question you have. And I don''t want to hear generic questions Leon, don''t disappoint me." she said


    She sat back at her seat and Leon sat next to her at the living room desk.


    "Take your time, whenever you come up with something you need help with, let me know." she said going back to her work


    After a short silence Leon takes out his phone and starts going through his contacts. He stops at a name and is about to call them, but holds his finger back, then locks his phone. He looks up at his mother.


    "I do have a question actually." he said


    She puts down the paper she was holding and takes off her glasses giving Leon her full attention.


    "The election is a popularity contest, which means I''m playing with a disadvantage - one that I may not be able to overcome in just a week." he said adjusting his seat


    "People don''t care about the student council or its policies, it doesn''t affect them. But if I can make them care, I can shift the entire frame of this election putting everyone else at a disadvantage." he continued


    "So you need a way to make them care about the election non-superficially?" she said


    "I''m sure I can come up with something, but I''m running out of time, I need a way to change the narrative right from the first day." he said


    His mother stood up and places her right hand on the desk.


    "A good salesman is like a good politician, he''s able to sell you something you never knew you wanted. If you''re happy with your phone a salesman will create a problem you never knew existed, such as telling you that your battery only lasts eighty percent of its maximum length, buy this and it will last a hundred percent. It doesn''t have to be a full truth, but truthful enough to make the customer buy it." she said picking up her phone that was on the desk and showing it to Leon


    "If you want to change the narrative, you need to show the school that they have more problems than they imagined. And if you want to make it truly effective, you must convince them that you are the only one capable of solving their problems." she said placing her phone down and getting back into her seat.


    Leon silently thinks about what his mother says and murmurs to himself "A good salesman, huh?"


    "Good question, and good strategy, but hell of a hard task to pull off." she said


    ...


    After spending some time with his mother, Leon asked permission to leave the house to meet a friend. Leon''s mother and father lived in the rich part of the city, on its outskirts. However Leon drove into the inner city finding himself in the poorer areas. Every time he drove the Tundra car he was always afraid of being pulled over, even if Justin had promised him it would never happen, he was especially afraid in this part of town.


    He parked in front of a small modest home with two stories that has been worn down over the years by its many residents that have come and gone. He knew this part of town well and he remembered exactly how to get this house. The sky was starting to darken with heavy clouds. He knocked on the door and was promptly met by a gorgeous young woman with the most endearing smile. She was wiping her hands onto her apron and fiddling with her teeth using her tongue trying to remove a piece of food.


    "Oh! Leon! How are you, we haven''t seen you in so long" she pinches his cheeks "You''ve grown so much I can''t believe it, you''re such a handsome young man now." she said in a tender motherly voice


    "How''s your father, all with what''s happening in the news, I really hope he''s holding up fine. Don''t you worry, me and my husband are still voting for him - he''s going to change the country!" she said not allowing Leon to interject


    He finally sees an opening to talk back, he smiles gently and politely and says


    "He''s holding up just fine, I truly appreciate your concern and your support, Mrs. Twint."

 The Grand Deception

    "That''s so great to hear. I''m assuming you''re here to meet with Jessica?" said Mrs. Twint


    "Yes ma''am, is she home?"


    "She is, we''re actually about to have dinner." she said pointing back into the house with her thumb


    "Oh, sorry, I''ll come around later then-"


    "No! Come on in, have dinner with us, it''s been a while." she said grabbing Leon''s arm with her greasy hands pulling him into the house.


    Leon scanned the house, he knew exactly where the kitchen was. He could smell the food - spaghetti with meatballs.


    "Jessica! Tony! Look what the cat dragged in!" shouted Mrs. Twint into the kitchen


    First Tony, Mr.Twint, appears followed by a stunned Jessica who locked eyes with Leon and her eyebrows burrowed into a slightly furious expression.


    At the dinner table the Twint parents faced each other whereas Jessica and her little brother sat opposite to Leon. The Twint family closed their eyes and cupped their hands making a prayer before eating - Leon had almost forgot the ritual and quickly joined in.


    The Twint''s were like Leon''s second family, which is why even though he broke up with their daughter after two years of dating in middle school, they still treat him like their own son. One of the main reasons why their relationship lasted so long was that Jessica''s parents would often intervene and help settle arguments between the two - it was the most unorthodox relationship, nothing was kept from them. Which is why the two felt comfortable talking about anything in their presence.


    Jessica''s little brother, Carl, was inquisitively staring at Leon with every bite he took from his food.


    "Who''s he!" said Carl tugging on his sister''s blue shirt. Jessica was a natural beauty that rarely wore makeup, she barely took time fixing her hair yet it was always perfectly messy. She had plump lips, light black hair with brown eyes.


    "Just an old friend from middle school Carl" she said patting Carl on the head.


    "I''m sorry I didn''t talk to you when you came to Unitare." said Leon suddenly


    "No Leon, it''s not that you didn''t talk to me, it''s that we didn''t talk to each other." she said continuing to eat her food


    "Do you know why I''m here?" said Leon


    Jessica shrugs


    "No idea" she said almost sarcastically


    "It''s about my grandmother, why didn''t you ever tell me that you two met?" he said


    "I met her after middle school Leon, we weren''t together anymore so I had no reason to tell you." she saidThis book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "Why did she choose you? Out of all people."


    "I don''t know Leon. I won the presidential election at my old high school in my first year, next thing I know some man is at our door saying that Hilda Cottonwood wanted to meet with me." said Jessica


    Tony points his fork at Jessica with his mouth half full and says


    "Your grandmother was nice enough to give Jessica a full scholarship at Unitare"


    "Tony and I always thought it had something to do you with you Leon" said Mrs. Twint


    "I''m not so sure about that" he said politely, then diverts his attention to Jessica "There was a catch, wasn''t there?"


    "I have to win this election. My scholarship won''t get renewed if I lose, meaning I can''t graduate from Unitare unless I win." said Jessica


    Being from a poor family, Jessica understood the importance of graduating from a school like Unitare. Her dream of becoming a lawyer will become easier and it will open her to several elitist clients if she is able to network well with the students at Unitare, and thus their family businesses. This is her stepping stone to reaching the top of the food chain as a lawyer.


    "And do you think that you''re the only one in the country that won a school election on their first try?" he said


    "Are you saying she chose me for another reason?" she replied


    "My mother had always tried to get me to run for the election, but I hadn''t noticed until just now that she was especially forceful around the same time when you came to school. Hilda was using my mother to try and get me to run, she needed me to run." said Leon


    "That doesn''t add up Leon, I heard from Hilda as soon as you ran, she told me nothing changes." said Jessica


    "That''s right, but that''s how good she is. Let me walk you through this. How many times have you met with Hilda directly after your first meeting?" he said


    Jessica looks at her mother as she tries to remember.


    "None." she said


    "Exactly, sixteen years of my life, I''ve never met my grandmother - she''s the most exclusive person to meet in the country. You have a better chance to land a meeting with the emperor himself. Yet as soon as I ran, I met with her immediately."


    "Which means she was waiting for you to run and had the meeting time allotted just for you." said Jessica finishing Leon''s thought.


    "She also made sure that I left that meeting believing two things, first - that she wanted me to run and second - that she''s supporting you behind the scenes." continued Leon


    Carl''s head was turning back and forth between Jessica and Leon as they seamlessly bounced the conversation between each other. Whilst the Twint parents were attentively listening.


    "Hilda doesn''t need you to win, she only needs Sinclair to lose. She can''t trust George to win it because he''s got the biggest target on his back, but she knows that neither of us can win it alone. She chose you purposefully - because of our history." said Leon


    "Blood is thicker than water, your grandmother probably trusts family more than anyone else. And to you Jessica is closer than family" said Mrs. Twint


    "Not anymore. Unless your grandmother still thinks were dating, this is terrible speculation on your part Leon. Even though I hate to admit that subconsciously, maybe I was more open to Hilda''s suggestion because she was your grandmother, but this is Hilda Cottonwood we''re talking about. Winning an election is child''s play for her, being undefeated, you think she needs us both to win? She would win if a wooden stick was running in my place." said Jessica


    Tony suddenly spilled his drink on his trousers. Mrs. Twint bursts into laughter and quickly gets up to dry the spill with her handkerchief, Carl points and laughs.


    "She''s the smartest woman I''ve met, up until you told me how she chose you, I genuinely came here to ask that we work together without even considering that she set this all up. She''s not where she is because she''s some kind of divine figure that''s invisible, but because she knows what she can and cannot do and works around that. Running a proxy election through you is completely different if she were running herself, especially with the current situation of the election. You know as well as I do, winning alone is near impossible." said Leon


    "Sorry Leon. I only do as she orders. She didn''t tell me to work with you, so I won''t." said Jessica taking the last bite out of her food.


    "And if she did, would you have agreed?"


    Jessica kept silent


    "Exactly, she couldn''t ever tell you to do it, it would be like parents forcing their children to go on a date. It had to seem like it came out naturally - and it nearly did, until I figured this all out." he said


    "Well why did you tell me what her plan was if you knew I was less likely to accept? You could''ve pretended it was natural and you genuinely wanted to work together." she said


    "Because Jess, I''ve always been honest with you." he replied

 For the Prince

    Jessica walks Leon to the front door after the end of dinner and their conversation. They were alone as Leon was on the steps outside of the house under the dark cloudy sky.


    "We only work together to the point that we surpass Sinclair and George. Once we''re sure of that, it''s every person for themselves. That''s my condition." said Jessica


    Leon nods


    Leon and Jessica understood that working together in the election doesn''t necessarily only mean planning and coordinating with each other. Since it''s often more important to play the players than the game itself. Focusing on the candidates and predicting and countering their moves will prove effective in an election. Thus Jessica and Leon have essentially agreed to not play against each other and overcome any common obstacles that may arise from George and Sinclair, together rather than alone.


    Back in the Twint''s home, Mrs. Twint and Tony (Mr.Twint) are talking in the kitchen whilst Jessica was helping clean up.


    "I don''t get it, why would you agree to something like that? Even if Leon makes a good case, it''s still Hilda Cottonwood backing you. You can win without his help for sure." said Tony


    "It''s not that simple dear." said Mrs. Twint with a smile looking at her daughter affectionately "Isn''t it Jessica?"


    Jessica turns towards her mother trying to hold in her frown, then takes a deep breath and walks out of the kitchen.


    "It is okay for us to let Leon play with our daughter''s emotions like that? All for his own gain." said Tony whispering loudly at Mrs. Twint


    "He''s a good boy, Tony, we know him well. Besides, I still think those two are meant for each other." she said finishing up the dishes that Jessica had left cleaning midway


    "Talia. He''s Alexander Lapuzi''s son, who might just become the next Prime Minister, he hangs out with Tundra kids, he''s from a different world to us. He''s not for our daughter." said Tony shaking his head defeatedly.


    "That''s something for them to decide." said Talia, Mrs. Twint, leaving the conversation at that.The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    ...


    That night in the home of one of the senior Shadow Council members, Gideon Faraday, sat four other elite members at a fireplace. This was an unofficial meeting. As more and more shadow council members are being discovered as royalists with the recent threat of rebellion from Thomas Vinzent, certain council members meet in secret in order to avoid being spied on by royalists. This was a group of purist shadow council members with deep rooted anti-royal sentiments.


    "Last on the agenda. The Unitare election." said one of the members holding a notebook and a pencil going through a checklist


    "For God''s sake, get rid of that royalist pig principle and let Hilda choose her winner like she always does" said another man with a large cigar


    "Unfortunately only the Minister of Education can fire the traitor principle, and she herself is refusing. Our sources are certain she''s a royalist." said the man holding the notebook


    "They''re coming out of every corner like roaches, some of my closest peers turned out to be royalist scum." said another man with his legs crossed holding a glass of sparkling water


    "We just have to sit back and trust Hilda can win it with her little puppet and end this nonsense before Thomas gets any wind in his sail." said a woman with dark red hair


    Gideon rubs his chin as the four members eagerly await for him to say something. He smiles while in thought.


    "Interesting she''s not backing her own grandson. Perhaps we can intervene in that regard." he said


    "We questioned Hilda''s way of raising her daughter in the past with her cold hearted approach. And look how she turned out. We should not tamper with Hilda''s methods" said the man with the notebook


    Gideon lays back into his large red leather wooden chair.


    "Jessica was different, she only had one parent raising her. Whereas Leon, he has Alexander as his father and we cannot ignore his influence over his son. If we lose control over Leon like we did with Alexander, that''ll be a huge blow for the council." said Gideon


    Gideon was the only one in the council that would dare to question Hilda''s authority. Had she not been around, he would''ve surely been the most powerful person in the country. Although he questions her methods, he still had immense loyalty to her, as she''s the reason he is where he is today - the head of the Secret Services for the past twenty years.


    "What do you propose we do?" said the woman with the red hair


    "The poor boy probably doesn''t know he''s more of a prince than Thomas Vinzent himself. We show him what''s at his disposal and provide any help he needs for the election." said Gideon as he out-stretches his hand slightly then brings it back into a fist "In a time where his parents abandoned him, he will remember our generosity and support, making him trust us."


    "I still think we should let Hilda and her daughter deal with their children as they see fit. It is not our place to interfere with family issues." insisted the man with the notebook.


    "We''ll put it to a vote." said the man with the cigar. He then raises his arm and says "I''m in favor, let''s take in the boy and turn him into a man."


    The man with the notebook keeps his hand down "I''m against it. We know what happens when we invoke Hilda''s wrath."


    The man with the sparkling water raises his glass in favor "For the prince" he said


    The woman with the red hair keeps her hand down "Growth is only valuable if it comes from within, let the boy be" she said


    Finally Gideon smiling, raises his hand "Well it seems it''s three against two in favor. I''ll meet with Leon personally and get this started."

 The Potrait

    Leon woke up in his room in his mother''s house. It was the last day of the weekend, Sunday. Tomorrow was the start of election week. Leon goes through is usual routine of showering, brushing his teeth and breakfast with his mother that only lasted a few minutes as she left immediately for work. He finished up homework left over from last night then took out his brown notebook and started brainstorming problems that the student body never knew they had.


    Placing the rubber end of his pencil on his lips he looks at the window in front of his desk thinking. He knew it wasn''t enough to present these problems to the student body, rather he needed to make it seem as if they themselves see these as problems that they want solved. He continued to write down problems, then started separating them in terms of urgency and importance. Most of the issues he thought of were not good enough to spark a strong desire for change - no one really cared that the water fountain tasted terrible since they all brought in their own water bottles. No one cared if the cafeteria prices were terrible, since the student body was mostly rich. It was going to be a tough task to find problems that exist for rich and powerful children that have everything they want already.


    "Think like a rich kid" he said to himself knocking on his head.


    ...


    Meanwhile George Tomhawk was in the Lance''s estate posing for the eldest daughter of the Lance family, Layla Lance. They were in the back garden that was perfectly lit by the warm sun - the green leaves surrounding them and blades of grass shined in the presence of its rays. The peaceful breeze carried with it the aroma of roses and the harsh scent of grass creating a calm and cozy feeling that was blissfully soothing.


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    Layla Lance sat, wearing a large brown sunhat, by the outstretched shade of a tree. Her loose blue blouse glistened as she had a small painting canvas laid on her lap. She wrapped her fingers around the bottom top of the canvas whilst holding a sketch pencil with the other hand with light blue nails. George was in front of her sitting on a chair with his head facing the opposite direction. Looking away, he would often peak at his girlfriend without moving his head as to not inflict her wrath. She had red rosy lips and chubby pale cheeks with blue eyes and short blonde hair.


    "I spoke to my father about what happened with Leon" said George staying perfectly still as Layla was putting the finishing touches on her portrait of George.


    "Hmm, and what did he say?" she said focusing completely on the canvas


    "Talking behind someone''s back shows weakness. He wasn''t happy. The more I think about it, the more I feel Leon is only running cause of what I said behind his back." said George


    "He''s right George. I told you, you shouldn''t hang out with those kids. The second something happens to you, they''ll be talking behind your back without thinking twice." she said


    "I''ve got to be a friend to everyone Layla." he said turning his head towards her breaking the pose


    "George. Your head." she said intensely looking George prompting him to quickly return to his pose.


    "Well then be a friend to Leon. I think you owe him an apology." she continued


    The two kept silent as the symphony of bird chirping echoed in the Lance''s garden. The Lance family was prominent in the entertainment business, owning several scouting and entertainment companies.


    "It''s been two days, when is the portrait going to be ready?" asked George breaking the silence


    "It''ll be worth it. It''s better than an uninspired photo-shoot, this portrait will show character and creativity. It''s nearly done, quit complaining." she said.


    Layla was helping George by creating a hand-drawn campaign poster in her own style. She also personally leads his campaign.


    She noticed George being slightly tense.


    "I wouldn''t worry too much about Leon, these elections have always been predictable; the favorite always wins. There has never been an upset." she said assuring George


    "I know, but I can''t relax." he pauses. "This may just be the longest week of my life."

 A Meeting with the Devil

    That afternoon Leon went to one of his father''s rallies in the country as it was close by to his mother''s house. He had usually not attended the rallies due to their timing and distance. The rally was out in the open with a large stage and posters of Alexander Lapuzi on either side. There were thousands of people huddled together with flags, shirts and posters of Alexander screaming and chanting his last name. Security guards secured the perimeter around the crowd. There was a small section near the stage with a few metal seats where Leon and some of Alexander''s men sat.


    Alexander was backstage waiting to be introduced. Leon was watching the crowd over his shoulder that was eagerly awaiting for his father''s appearance. He remembered the words of Justin when he told him about his father''s cult like followers. That''s what it looked like to Leon, a cult that had never met his father, and despite allegations of corruption, follow him almost blindly.


    An announcer began speaking and building up Alexander before calling him onto the stage.


    "He''s one of us! He built himself up from the dirt! He knows what it means to be at the bottom! Meet your next Prime Minister! The true champion of the people! Alexander Lapuzi!" said the announcer in a strong radio voice.


    Alexander makes his way up the stairs from the side of the stage waving his hand as he slowly makes his way to the podium. The crowd roars uncontrollably causing Leon''s chair and his chest to vibrate in the quake caused by their thunderous shouts. Alexander reaches the podium and stays quite allowing for the crowd to continue as he smiles. After a few seconds, all Alexander needed to do was move his head closer into the mic to cause an immediate silence in the crowd as they prepare to listen with attentive ears.


    "I won''t hide." he said pausing "I know what''s on your minds, these so-called allegations" he said as the crowd boos at the idea that their beloved prime-minister-to-be is corrupt. "I know, I know!" he said calming the crowd down "The jealousy of men will never cease to amaze me, they can''t wrap their heads around how quickly we rose to the top, they''re afraid of what we''ll do when we take power, and so they try to taint my name!" he said lashing his fist forward and the crowd reacts exactly how he wants chanting his name.


    Leon was in awe at his father''s command of the crowd, like a composer leading an orchestra, he had them under his spell. Leon himself was a talented orator, winning the national debating championship a few months ago, but was nothing compared to his father.


    At the edge of the rally a black car parked at a no parking area. A security guard quickly ran to the car to usher it away, when the back window of the car suddenly opens to produce a man with defined facial features - Gideon Faraday. The security guard made the regrettable mistake of making eye-contact with Gideon. He quickly averts his eyes as soon as he realizes who the man in front of him was and allows the car to stay parked where it was. The security guard then opens the door for Gideon submissively. Gideon was a supremely tall man, he had to duck half his height to simply exit the car. As he stood upright his neck slightly arched as it was virtually impossible for him to maintain perfect posture with his height.


    "Thank you" he said in a intensely deep voice that rumbled from his chest like thunder. His gratitude was like that of an owner thanking his dog for bringing him the newspaper. He continued to walk towards the rally making his way towards the seats where Leon was sitting. Each stride was a long step as he moved in a graciously smooth manner.The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    A security guard in the metal chair area noticed Gideon coming and quickly prepared a metal chair and placed it next to Leon who was sitting at the edge. Leon looks at the security guard''s odd addition of a chair then sees him quickly return to his post stiffer than he was before standing like a solider. Gideon appears suddenly in Leon''s vision causing his head to go all the way up just to catch a glimpse of Gideon''s face. Gideon sat down by Leon and crossed his long legs over each other and placed his cupped hands neatly onto his lap. Leon was inquisitively fixated on his face, whilst Gideon was simply observing Alexander on stage pretending Leon wasn''t there.


    "Your father is truly a political genius" said Gideon suddenly. Leon could hear his deep heavy voice clearly despite the commotion of the crowd.


    Leon unsure how to react kept silent, hoping it would be seen by this mysterious man as an acceptance of the compliment.


    "I remember quite clearly many years ago when your father was nobody, he purposefully ran in a district that was continuously won by a powerhouse politician for several years. No one could even imagine winning in this district against this particular politician. But your father needed to make a statement by taking on the biggest fish in the sea. If he lost, no one would care since he was a nobody, but if he won - he would be hailed as a political phenomenon." said Gideon still fixated on Alexander


    Leon believed that the man in front of him must be a friend of his father''s or perhaps worked in his campaign team. Otherwise, why would he be able to sit in the restricted area with the blessing of the security guards? He decides to continue the conversation under this belief, hoping to learn more about his father.


    "What happened?" said Leon causing Gideon to turn towards Leon with a slight smile.


    "One day, your father''s opponent woke up to find his posters all other the district area. On every wall, car, lamppost, shop and corner of the district. His ego led him to believe that his loyal followers placed them everywhere to show their undying support, but rather it was your father who was behind the incident. Your father, on the other hand, had only eight large billboards placed in strategic areas - granted his opponent had campaigned there too, but the message sent to the people was different. On one hand, we have a man who seems confident of himself and sure that his message and promises are sufficient to win. On the other hand we have a man who seems desperate and afraid, having his posters placed in every place not caring for the convenience of others." said Gideon


    "The people thought it was my father''s opponent who was behind those posters? I understand it may make people see him as desperate, but was that all that was needed for my father to win?" said Leon


    "Surely not, your father had a few other tricks up his sleeve. But that was the final nail in the coffin needed to push Alexander just barely over the winning line ahead of his opponent in one the closest elections I''ve ever witnessed."


    Gideon looks down at Leon locking eyes with him as Leon tries to keep looking up at him. Gideon didn''t like to waste time, so he got right into it.


    "You see, your father is a political prophet, your mother is the most talented politician to have ever existed and your grandmother, well, she''s Hilda Cottonwood. With a lineage like yours Leon, it is important to understand the greatness that lies within you. The shadow council is greatly interested in you, and for that reason, we are investing in you Leon. Whilst your parents want this election to be a learning experience, we want you to win - for your legacy to begin by winning this election and single handedly thwarting Thomas'' rebellion."


    Leon eyes were glued open as he froze in his seat unable to say a word. This man knew everything, he knew too much. Perhaps Leon was mistaken to think he was a friend of his father''s. Suddenly Leon becomes tense and more defensive around the man. He diverts his eyes away from Gideon and looks away.


    "Who are you...?" said Leon barely making out the words


    "Gideon Faraday." he said handing Leon a silver metallic card that simply had a number engraved on it and nothing else. "The shadow council has chosen to back you in the election. We will be watching closely, but should you need anything - that is the number."


    "I don''t know who you are, but my grandmother is the shadow council, and she chose not to back me."


    "Exactly. Which is why your entire family will tell you to stay away from me, this is done completely covertly without the knowledge of your grandmother. You can trust us, but we must also be sure that we can trust you." he said


    "Covertly? You''re in the middle of my father''s rally."


    "None of your father''s men know what I look like, and your father is too preoccupied to notice me. Telling any of them about our meeting will nullify our support to you Leon."


    Leon began to grasp the situation. This man knew exactly where Leon was, where he was sitting and at what time. He also seemingly has the guards under his control. Whoever this man was, Leon knew, this was no joke.

 Fool Me Once

    Leon turned towards the man sitting next to him who was one of his father''s men in a plea for help. Yet the man was so engulfed in Alexander''s speech he was unaware of the Leon and Gideon''s conversation. Gideon notices Leon''s uneasiness and laughs a slow heavy laugh that causes a tremble in Leon''s chest.


    "It''s my job Leon, to appear and disappear without a sound. I know this all seems rather sudden, but I don''t like to beat around the bush. So I will give one last piece of information and whether you wish to accept our offer or not, will be your decision."


    Leon looks down at the metallic card reading the number on it - it was a phone number, presumably belonging to Gideon.


    "What do you know about your father''s corruption allegations?" said Gideon causing Leon''s head to snap towards him.


    "With that reaction you may know more than I expected, you shouldn''t be too obvious with your reactions Leon, people like me will read you like an open book." said Gideon


    Leon stands up. He already knows that Hilda is probably looking into these allegations and he can''t take any chances when it comes to blowing his father''s cover. With his reaction, he''s already given away too much.


    "I don''t know who you are and I don''t care. Take your card and leave, this conversation is done." said Leon handing the card back to Gideon


    "Don''t worry, I already know the allegations are fabricated by your father." said Gideon causing Leon to instantly freeze, he then quickly throws the card onto Gideon''s lap trying to play cool


    "I know nothing about my father''s allegations." he said


    "Well, I do. I was planning to give you the information about your father''s allegation as a token of goodwill, but you seem to already know. But I can''t force a horse to drink, so whether you want to know exactly what your father''s plan is or not, is entirely up to you" said GideonThe author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Leon was unsure what to do. At this stage it was clear that Gideon knew everything and, trying to play it off as if it''s not true wasn''t going to work. He decides to stay silent and wait for Gideon''s next move.


    "Splendid. But perhaps you should sit down first - you''re drawing too much attention." said Gideon taking Leon''s silence as an acceptance to hear him out.


    Leon reluctantly sits down keeping his eyes on Gideon with every movement.


    "Your father is one the first politicians to reach where he did without full help from the shadow council. That means he''s lacking in funds when it comes to other candidates - such as his opponent Theodore, who is loved dearly by the shadow council. Thus, his close friend, Kevin Tundra, must make up for your father''s lack of funds but unfortunately there''s a limit to how much a single donor can give a candidate or party." said Gideon pulling out a piece of paper from the inside of his jacket.


    "So your father found a loophole, all he needed to do was provide Kevin Tundra with a service that would cost a huge sum of money, a service that would hold up in court as worth that amount paid. Thus it is no longer a donation, but a payment. You see, Hilda was on my back trying to get me to figure out what your father was doing, until I finally stumbled upon an old court case in which your father, sixteen years ago, was trialed for this exact same allegation and he won." said Gideon showing the paper to Leon.


    Leon had already figured it out without the need for Gideon to continue. The allegations this time must be similar as those sixteen years ago - receiving large amounts of money from a donor. That''s why he''s not worried, since he''s already fought this similar case in court years ago - he knows the loophole.


    "Thus your father, has essentially made himself immune to any attack on his name after this allegation clears up. Since any scandal that an opponent would think to use such as affairs, sexual assault and bribery, will all seem like the first allegation - just a fake dig at his reputation and no one will take it seriously." continued Gideon


    ''Not only that, but it would also make him seem stronger. That all his enemies are so afraid of him they''re making up lies just to beat him down...'' thought Leon to himself.


    Gideon suddenly stands up and places the card on Leon''s lap.


    "As you can see, the shadow council is quite resourceful - it would be a waste for you to refuse us. But I won''t waste anymore time. The rest lies with you." he said as he coldly turned around and walked away. The security guard quickly took the metal chair, folded it and put it away.


    Leon turned over his shoulder to see the tall figure of Gideon as he walked gracefully towards the car without even turning back to look once. He was done. He had nothing more to say. And to Leon, perhaps that''s all that was needed to be said.

 Allies

    After the end of the rally, Leon went backstage to meet his father. Alexander was surrounded by his campaign team when he noticed Leon coming. He signalled to Leon to come over. He then introduced Leon to two of his men.


    "Should I win, Jackson here will be my minister of transportation and Hank will be the minister of foreign affairs" said Alexander


    Leon shook their hands and noticed a young boy and girl with a similar age to him standing by the two men. The two of them moved forward and shook hands with Leon.


    "I''m Kimberly, and this is Tom, if you need any support in the election let us know" said the young girl pointing at the young boy next to her.


    "They''re the children of Jackson and Hank" said Alexander "They go to Unitare"


    Leon doesn''t remember ever seeing them in school, but then again his circle of friends was small and the school had a large number of students for him to remember everyone.


    "Thanks, I appreciate the support" said Leon.


    Tom and Kimberly gave their phone number to Leon then left with their fathers.


    "That was a fast introduction" said Leon to his father as they left


    "Keep all things brief" replied his father "How did you find the rally?"


    Leon pauses as he remembers he barely paid any attention to his father''s rally due to his meeting with Gideon.


    "Your command of the crowd is masterful" said Leon recalling the beginning part of his father''s speech.


    "Why haven''t I met with those kids before?" said Leon changing the subjectThe tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "There are hierarchies even amongst the rich and powerful" replied Alexander


    Even in Unitare, there was segregation between the students despite them being the elites of society. Leon''s friends such as Taylor Prone and Justin Tundra meant he was much higher on that hierarchy. Kimberly and Tom, who''s fathers are only important as a consequence of Alexander''s rise to power, lie much lower in that hierarchy. Leon and them were simply never going to cross paths.


    "Use them wisely, people are assets when used properly but can easily become a burden if mishandled" said Alexander as he and Leon were making their way out of the rally from the back.


    "You should get home soon, your mother will be waiting for you. I''m glad you were able to come today." said Alexander as he got into the back of a car preparing to go to another rally further away in the city.


    Leon opened his mouth as if about to say something but quickly retracted - his father noticed Leon wanted to say something, but ignored it.


    After his father drove off, Leon went into his car and sat motionless for a moment staring straight forward. He takes out Gideon''s card and looks at it, throws it onto the passenger seat and then sighs. He then suddenly bangs vigorously on the steering wheel with the heel of his hand in frustration several times. As he pants he turns on the car and starts driving carelessly out of the parking lot and into the road. He continues to speed as he intensely stares at the road.


    Leon suddenly hears police sirens and sees the lights flashing him from behind in the rear view mirror. He quickly slows down and pulls over to the side with a dejected look on his face. He pulls down the window as the police officer shows up.


    "You rich kids think that just cause you''re driving a car like this you can do whatever you want. Not on my watch kid. License and registration please." said the officer recognising the brand of the car. Even though most officers would not bother to pull over these types of cars to avoid unnecessary trouble - there are a few that will take the risk, especially in the case of severe reckless driving.


    Leon flustered, stays quiet for a while.


    "What is it kid? Don''t make me take you out of the car." said the officer


    "I don''t have a license..." he said quietly


    "Oh boy, right, get out of the car immediately - you''re in a lot of trouble. Let''s hope your rich parents can bail you out of this one." said the officer moving away from the car window


    Leon opens the door and slowly gets out of the car, the officer quickly searches the car for any drugs or alcohol when he suddenly finds Gideon''s metal card, he picks it up and Leon notices the officer''s face turn pale. He slowly puts the card back down. The officer looks at Leon with a nervous smile and scratches his head.


    "I-I actually don''t remember why I pulled you over. So, there''s really no reason for there to be any problems. You''re free to go, take care sir." said the officer as he nervously tipped his cap and quickly walked away into his car and drove away.


    With the car door open and Leon on the side of the road, he stared right at the card in awe. It was right at that moment, that it finally hit him. He finally understood the true seriousness and magnitude of this little high school election and of all the players involved.

 Tradition

    Thomas Vinzent, the crown prince, was in the emperor''s palace sitting with a scar-faced man who worked for him. The dark pink scar crossed his left eye. The scar-faced man, named Eight, gave Thomas an envelope with candid photos of Leon and Jessica at her front door taken from a distance.


    "I don''t care about Lapuzi''s son - I expected Hilda''s puppet to work with her grandson. Anything on George?" said Thomas


    Eight shook his head solemnly.


    "Keep looking, spend more time on George. We may have to be more forceful if nothing shows up." said Thomas dismissing Eight who took the envelope and left Thomas'' chambers.


    After Eight left there was a knock at Thomas'' door followed by an immediate entrance of a purple haired woman.


    It was Joan Vinzent, the eldest sister of Thomas. She had green eyes and a sharp nose just like her brother and was hailed as the beauty of the nation. Due to inbreeding within the royal family there were several unfavourable mutations and therefore diseases, however it resulted in a neutral mutation of purple hair in the females of the family. Yet not all royal females were born with the royal purple hair - therefore their hair is dyed permanently at a young age to maintain a royal superiority - as there was discrimination against non-natural purple haired princesses. Even though the general population didn''t know who was truly purple haired and who wasn''t, the royal family did. Joan was one of those born as a non-natural purple haired princess.


    "What is it Joan?" said Thomas dismissively


    Joan was cupping her hands in front of her standing near the door.


    "When will you grow up Thomas?" she said in a commanding voice "Grandfather always advised to let you have your fun, that you''ll eventually grow out of this childish dream"


    Thomas rubs his eye.


    "Is that it Joan?" he said


    "You''ll ruin this family" she insisted


    "His days are numbered, and sooner or later I''ll be on that throne. Everyday I think about the ceremony, about that crown, about how I''ll be paraded around like a fool and it burns me. Don''t you understand, living sixty, seven years doing nothing- I''ll go mad!" he said as his face turned red


    "Poor you, living a long prosperous life in a mansion with servants and money that you didn''t work a single day for - of course I understand."


    "Is wealth all I need to be happy Joan?" he said


    "It''s enough for most and it''s better than the inevitable outcome of your little ploy." she saidThis story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    "And what is that outcome exactly?" said Thomas squinting eyes


    Joan takes a few steps forward


    "The destruction of this family" she said emphasising every word


    Thomas locks eyes with Joan


    "This family is already destroyed. I''m merely reviving it." he said


    Joan slowly walks towards a nearby painting of the entire immediate royal family; the direct decedents of the emperor. She looks up at it, staring directly at her late father who sat by the emperor on purple throne-like chairs.


    "Your entire life you were given everything you wanted, and maybe that''s the problem. You think you can have anything you want and that''s why you cannot see your foolishness."


    Joan turns around and stares directly at Thomas.


    "No more. I will not let you play your little games any longer. It ends here." she said as she turned away and walked out towards the chamber doors.


    "Oh really?! And what will a fake do to stop me!?" shouted Thomas at Joan''s back.


    She stopped for a moment, but continued immediately without turning back.


    _________________________________________


    Justin, Veronica and Taylor were all at Leon''s home having dinner with his mother. Taylor sat stiff in his seat eating as politely as possible in the presence of Jessica Cottonwood. Whereas Justin and Veronica, who were both more familiar with Leon''s mother were relaxed and conversational.


    "Leon must be so lucky to have someone as experienced as you in the school elections as his mother to help him out" said Taylor nervously


    Jessica simply smiled back making Taylor feel even more stiff and awkward.


    "I heard that the Threads are making huge gains in the polls recently, have you not considered running?" said Veronica to Jessica . The Threads refers to the Thread party which Jessica leads.


    "Everything has it time, we cannot afford to be rash." she replied


    Veronica nods in acceptance


    "It''s the same thing with girls!" said Justin excitedly


    The whole table looks at him with their eyebrows raised


    "What? If you move in too soon you seem desperate and if you make your move too late, she loses interest - it''s all about timing. I get you Ms. Cottonwood." said Justin proudly


    Jessica smiles as Leon plants his head into his hand embarassed


    "Well I suppose, politics and life are inseparable." she said


    "Then why hasn''t Leon be able to get a girlfriend yet if he''s so great at politics" said Taylor suddenly comfortable with the direction of the conversation


    Justin bursts into the laughter as Veronica giggles. Leon shows his palms confused about the sudden attack on his relationship life. Jessica was looking at Leon blankly - as she had known about his relationship with Jessica Twint. She elected to ignore the entire situation.


    "What about you Veronica? I remember when you were just a little girl picking her nose and now you have suitors from all over the country" said Jessica causing Leon to hold his breath as he froze. Veronica quickly glances at Leon as her eyes make their way towards Jessica


    "Yeah, but they''re all losers Ms. Cottonwood - I couldn''t possibly spend the rest of my life with them" replied Veronica with a nervous smile


    "Don''t tell your father I told you this, but you need to get out of that family tradition and be an independent lady. Trust me, it''s a sensationally good feeling." said Jessica


    "But tradition is what keeps the family strong" intervened Justin


    Jessica decides to not pry any further leaving the conversation as it is. She and Veronica came from polar opposite backgrounds with different values. She was raised to be a ruler, whereas Veronica was raised to be a bride.


    "But what about her own life?" said Leon suddenly calling the stares of everyone at the table, the most intense from his mother.


    There was a timely knock at the door saving Leon from his own unexpected outburst. He quickly got up to open the door.


    As he opens the door he sees around seven young boys on the front yard with three parked cars behind them.


    "Leon! I told you he''d be here!" said one of the boys as he playfully punched the boy next to him


    Leon was still unsure who these people were so he kept quite waiting for them to introduce themselves.


    "Haha! Sorry, you must be so creeped out right now. My parents are huge fans of your father - I knew there were a few other kids around school who would love to help Alexander Lapuzi''s son, so I gathered everyone I could and here we are." said the boy who knocked on the door with a big smile


    Leon still shocked, took another look around to see the faces of everyone present.


    "So what do ya say? You gonna let us help you win this thing or what?"

 May the Best Man Win

    Leon allowed all the seven boys into his room ending dinner with his mother early. They all introduced themselves to Leon and his friends. However, after that, Leon sat in silence in his room that was now cramped with too many people. Leon''s friends were in conversation with the boys but Leon was busy thinking and plotting by his desk. He was wearing headphones and blasting music as he stared at his notebook with intense concentration.


    After around twenty minutes Leon turned around with his eyes still wandering and lost in thought - the entire room went silent waiting for him to say something. He suddenly looked at the faces in the room as if he were asleep and just woke up.


    He smiles like someone who just figured something out.


    "With this many people... This might just work" he said as if speaking to himself


    They all move closer towards Leon to hear the plan. He picks up his notebook and begins explaining and issuing orders for the first day of the election.


    _______________________________


    The first day of election week. Leon''s eyes were heavy as he could barely sleep. He left for school early morning when the sun was just rising giving the clouds a dab of dark orange hue. He entered the gates barely carrying a large white board and some markers. He huddled to the front door of the school to place the board. Upon placing it, he noticed a large stage in his peripheral - he turned around to see George with his sleeves pulled up, headphones inserted and a sweaty forehead working on the stage.


    Leon hears a loud distressed meow and immediately pinpoints its position on top of a tree near George''s stage. He drops the markers and runs towards the tree. He finds a nearby ladder presumably belonging to George and places it on the tree to climb up.


    George takes out his headphones as soon as he notices Leon and moves towards him.


    "What on earth are you doing?" said George looking up at Leon as he was halfway up the ladder


    Leon doesn''t answer - but George hears the cat meow and figures out what''s going on.


    "Do you always just take people''s stuff without asking." said George


    Leon still ignoring George finally reaches level with the cat and now pauses as he tries to figure out a way to lure the cat from the branch towards him.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    After a long silence he looks down at George as if asking for any ideas.


    "Don''t look at me, maybe you should''ve come up with a plan before rushing up the tree." said George


    Leon makes his way onto the branch that the cat was on the end of. Right as he balances on the branch the ladder falls down causing George to quickly move out of the way.


    "Are you trying to kill me?" exclaimed George


    "Crap. Are you gonna bring that ladder back up or what?" said Leon


    George hesitates but eventually picks up the ladder reluctantly and puts up against the tree for Leon to come down.


    "Alright now come down" said George


    "Not until I get that cat from down there" said Leon


    "We can just call the fire brigade" argued George


    Leon stubbornly stays in his place still looking at the cat and trying to call it over towards him.


    George huffs and starts climbing up the ladder like a mother going upstairs to tell off her son.


    "Fine! Let me show you how it''s done" said George as he made his way up "move out of the way" he said as Leon huddled carefully up the branch making space for George


    "Wait! Don''t remove your-" the ladder fell before Leon could warn George "Nice one." said Leon.


    "This is all your fault, there''s no one around to see you save this cat so stop trying to be a hero" said George


    Leon scoffs at George''s remark. He was only doing this for himself, he''s always loved cats - even the black cat he let into his father''s house during the storm is still at his home being taken care of.


    "You''re right, no one is here, where are all your ''friends'' and your ''gang''" said Leon


    "First rule of leadership, lead by example - I have to be the first one here" said George "What about you, no friends?"


    "I don''t have any friends" said Leon half jokingly


    George smiles slightly and then looks at the ginger cat


    "How do you capture an enemy who''s position is known but is unreachable?" asked George


    Leon places his hand on his chin thinking


    "Historically, a siege would work - wait for the enemy to starve and he will be forced to surrender - but we''re talking about a cat here. So it might choose starvation over coming to us, especially since we don''t have food." said Leon


    "True, but in the case of William the Third''s capture of the Theon rebels, a siege was not used as the Theon''s had more resources in their fortress than William''s army." said George


    "William dug covert tunnels and burned down the fortress from the inside-out causing mass evacuation." said Leon suddenly realising George''s proposal "So we should make the cat uncomfortable in its current position and that''ll make it come towards us or at the very least jump down from the tree." he continued


    "But the question is, how to go about doing it." said George


    "We''ll shake the branch vigorously. We won''t be able to force the cat off the branch because it dug its claws in - but the moment it realises the branch isn''t stable it''ll make a run for it." said Leon


    George nods in approval then suddenly opens his mouth to speak right before Leon starts shaking the branch


    "I didn''t want to say it like this... Cause it seems like I''m only doing it cause of this conversation we had - but I''ve been wanting to apologise... for talking behind your back" said George trying to swallow his pride


    George extends his hand whilst holding onto the branch firmly with the other and shakes hands with a baffled Leon.


    "May the best man win." said George


    Leon was speechless. Not because of George''s sudden apology, but rather because of what it meant. George was less scary as a back-biting bully who was afraid, but now he''s shown himself to be someone who isn''t afraid of Leon. George suddenly became the one taking the high road, because he simply can.


    "Are you two crazy?" said Layla Lance, George''s girlfriend, appearing suddenly at the bottom of the tree. "You had to employ medieval military theory just to come to the conclusion of shaking the branch?" she continued


    "How long have you been there Layla?!" shouted George in embarrassment


    "Enough to know you two shouldn''t be anywhere near a cat. Don''t you dare shake that branch and scare that poor thing - I''ve got cat food" said Layla as she left

 Epidemic

    Layla helped Leon and George bring the cat down to safety. George briefly introduced Layla to Leon. Layla didn''t wait long before she began breaking comfort zones


    "Why did you decide to run all of a sudden?" said Layla with a intrusive smile to Leon


    "Layla!" said George in a loud whisper


    Leon looked away still unsure about the answer to this question. His mother told him one thing, his grandmother told him another - was he running out of fear or for the thrill?


    "I think I just want to give this politics thing a try" said Leon giving any answer that would do.


    Layla sunk her head into her shoulders visibly not entertained by the answer


    "That''s it?" she said


    She abruptly walked away taking George with her by the hand. She then stopped and turned her head around slightly.


    "If that''s your only reason for running - then you won''t win." she said as she continued to walk away.


    Around a half hour after the incident with George and Layla, Leon was in his empty homeroom class with Taylor and Justin looking down at the entrance of the school from the window. They were waiting and watching students come to school in waves. At the entrance of the school was a large white board that had the words ''Leon Listens - Write and vote on your biggest concerns with the school'' written on it. However students simply read it and walked past without showing any interest.


    "This isn''t going to work - these kids don''t care about anything." said Justin nibbling on his nails


    Leon remained silent. This was possibly the most important step of the election - the shift from a popularity contest to an actual election where policy change and the ability to make the change matter. This will disorient all candidates and give Leon a huge edge - but failure here will mean Leon is even more behind and the end of the line.


    Two of the students in Leon''s homeroom enter the room and Leon can hear them whisperingThe story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "There he is" said one of them in a low whisper


    "A board? Really is that it? There''s no way he''s going win" said the other


    "Can''t help but feel sorry for him, this is just kind of sad."


    Justin was about to turn around and snap at them but was immediately cooled down by a gentle grab by Leon and a shake of his head.


    Within the waves of the students coming into school was one of the seven boys who met with Leon yesterday. He goes up towards the board and starts writing in large letters:


    ''Change these back-breaking heavy textbooks with tablets!''


    Then walked away.


    Leon, Taylor and Justin all watched in anticipation. Leon looked across the other building were Veronica was looking from her homeroom window, then looked back down at the entrance.


    Suddenly one of the students read it and moved towards it squinting his eyes


    "Hell yeah!" he shouted and then voted by adding a small thumbs up sticker that was nearby on the board.


    Before Leon could even notice, several students started flocking around and adding the thumbs up stickers. Another one of the seven boys working with Leon had to shuffle into the crowd that was completely covering the board to start writing another suggestion.


    ''Add ATMs to school!''


    Then walked away. It immediately received votes from the crowd.


    The commotion was so large the entrance was blocked causing the vice principle, Elizabeth, to show up. Before she could break up the commotion another one of Leon''s friends walked up and wrote another suggestion


    ''Valet parking at the car park!''


    By this point several other students that were not planted by Leon started writing their ideas and the stickers started running out. Students started writing ''+1'' instead of adding a thumb.


    The two students who had entered Leon''s homeroom earlier, ran to the window to see the commotion with a baffled look - they sneaked a look at Leon who didn''t even notice they were at the window next to him. Veronica was looking at Leon who was still fixated completely on the entrance of the school, she smiled to herself. Justin and Taylor had their mouths slightly open, speechless. Elizabeth looked up and noticed Leon looking down at the commotion and Leon locks eyes with her accidentally and kept staring.


    She looked back at him with an annoyed look, but didn''t want to do anything to break the commotion just yet. She was the vice principal, but Leon was Hilda''s grandson. She couldn''t wait any longer, Elizabeth went up and began breaking up the crowd. As soon as she did Leon nodded at another one of the students working with him. The student nods back and begins chanting:


    ''Leon Listens! Leon Listens! Leon Listens!''


    All the other students working with Leon did the same - the chants started off weak as students were unsure why Leon''s name was being chanted. But several students joined in, turning it into a roar as Elizabeth tried to break the crowd up.


    Leon immediately walked away from the window, sat at his seat quietly pretending as if nothing had happened. It didn''t matter if the crowd couldn''t become larger or if all the students didn''t see the board. All that mattered is the idea will fester in the school that these things don''t exist and students will question how they lived without them. Then, they will see it as the duty of the student council to bring these changes. Leon has released an epidemic disease and shifted the game completely - but he must be the one to promise the cure or his efforts will all be in vain.

 Feelings

    Immediately at the beginning of homeroom, each class representative handed out polling papers to the students in all classes. They had two minutes to fill it in. Veronica was able to convince the vice principal that polling was essential for creating a truer political environment and for giving candidates important feedback that otherwise wouldn''t exist.


    Leon didn''t do much after his initial move except make himself scarce from class to class until lunchtime. He did not want to be questioned by the student population as that would affect his legitimacy. Questions such as "how will you possibly bring ATMs to school" could never be answered sufficiently in a short time. Instead, Leon will keep them in suspense waiting for him to explain how he will bring about the desires they never knew they wanted.


    There were posters of Jessica Twint, George and Sinclair all over the school but none for Leon. Sinclair set up several tents in the backyard of the school in which there were several activities meant to keep students busy and give Sinclair the ability to connect with the students and convince them to vote for him. The tents were open for business during lunch and after school for a few hours.


    George''s stage was set up and was preparing for his usual comedy show in which students would perform gags and stand-up comedy - it was a huge hit last year. It was only open during lunch-time and would often attract most of the student body.


    Jessica on the other hand was avoiding large scale events. She was gradually passing out badges, t-shirts and cupcakes with her name and slogan on them. She had several students supporting her in the distribution of the goodies from her club connections.


    Leon purposely walks past Jessica in the corridor and then makes his way towards the roof making sure Jessica sees him. She reluctantly follows him carrying with her a basket of goodies.


    "ATMs? A Valet? Really?" she said to Leon who was by the fence on the roof. His blazer was ruffling in the wind and he was constantly adjusting his hair but his efforts were always interrupted by a heavy gust of wind.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "I asked myself what can I do to get rich kids to care about this election." he said "It doesn''t really matter if these things are seemingly cosmetic, what matters is the change in thought."


    "Oh, I''m quite aware. I would''ve appreciated a heads up seeing as we''re ''working together''" she continued


    "I didn''t know whether or not it would work. But I will tell you this: the student body has always seen the student council as something superficial that had no impact on them - but know you and I must work to make them believe the student council works for them and any council that doesn''t aim to pander to them is insufficient. They have the parasitical idea that they can actually get these tablets instead of books, ATMs and such if only they vote for the right president." said Leon


    "Why are you telling me what I already know" she said sighing


    "Because you are still trying to play this election as a popularity contest." Leon walks towards Jessica "You, George and Sinclair are all batting a blind eye to my attempt to shift the battlefield - and it''s working. There are already students talking about how I''ll never be able to bring about the changes they want anyway. The fire that lit within them this morning is dying quickly" continued Leon


    "And you''re saying if you and I both ditch this popularity contest thing it''ll make your promises of change more legitimate." she said


    "Exactly, that way George and Sinclair will surely fall behind if they don''t decide to play on my terms." said Leon


    Jessica pauses as she thinks about Leon''s proposal.


    "I know it''ll be hard to switch your approach this late into the game, but we said we''d work together to get an edge over Sinclair and George. This will give us that edge."


    Jessica continues her silence locking eyes with Leon.


    "Think about it, okay?" said Leon as he walks past Jessica towards the roof door.


    "Can I trust you Leon." she said suddenly.


    Leon turns around and looks at Jessica who had a suppressed frown


    "Don''t act like we don''t both know, you''re using how I feel about you to your advantage." she said


    Leon avoids making eye contact and digs his thumb into his finger fiddling.


    "If you want to play along or not is your own decision Jess. The past is over and there''s no going back. So regardless, this is good for both of us and you know it." said Leon ending the conversation there and leaving. Jessica releases a deep sigh as soon as Leon leaves and clenches her fist.


    Veronica notices Leon coming down from the roof in a hurry with a tense look on his face. He didn''t notice her, but the two couldn''t talk to each other in school anyway. Veronica goes up the stairs and makes her way towards the roof. Upon reaching the roof she finds Jessica looking down. Jessica hears someone behind her, she turns around and the two lock eyes.

 The Jester

    Veronica and Jessica stared at each other for a few seconds.


    "Sorry, I was just looking for someone." said Veronica as she walked away towards the door


    Veronica stops then turns around again


    "We''ve never really spoke much, but I hope you don''t mind me asking, what do you hope to gain by running? You never struck me as the politician type." said Veronica


    "I''ll answer if you tell me what your ambition in life is. What do you hope to become in the future Ms. Tundra?" said Jessica running her fingers through her hair


    Veronica understood what the question meant - Tundra girls don''t often have careers.


    "Sure, in the future, I hope to be happy without having to sweat too much" said Veronica smiling.


    Jessica chuckles in self-pity - Jessica will have to work the rest of her life to get half of what Veronica has without having worked a single day.


    "Elections are great for making connections, speeches, debates and the like. It will help me become a better lawyer with bigger clients. That''s what I hope to gain by running" replied Jessica


    "And what about future ambitions? It''s only fair you tell me too."


    "To create the largest law firm in the nation" said Jessica almost naively


    "You do realise that the Sego''s have controlled the private attorney sector for decades. Even my father exclusively uses them" said Veronica


    The Sego''s were a family that had several law firms in the nation with the most elite clients.


    Jessica smiles, still confident in her far-fetched dream


    "Many things last for decades, Ms. Tundra, but nothing lasts forever." said Jessica placing emphasis on the Tundra in Ms. Tundra.


    ______You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Leon rendezvoused with Justin and Taylor near the end of lunch at George''s comedy event. They stayed at the back attracting as little attention as possible. There was a large concert-like crowd of students that were carrying hot dogs, drinks, popcorn and several other snacks handed out by George''s campaign team.


    "Last year they ended the show by making fun of every candidate, including George" said Taylor


    "Didn''t you say George apologised to you about his back-biting though" said Justin


    "I guess he thinks it''s fair play as long as they''re making fun of him as well" replied Leon


    The crowd erupted into laughter at one of the jokes that was missed by the trio.


    The final act came up on stage, his mere appearance caused chants in the crowd of his name - Vivian. He was the ever-popular jester of the school with a large smile to match.


    He threw jabs at George''s receding hairline and made fun of Jessica being uptight and called Sinclair a kindergartner because of his baby-like face. All jokes were received well by the crowd. Vivian was about to begin his jab at Leon.


    "Liam Lapuzi... wait sorry... Leo? Leon? Right, haha! Leon Lapuzi our fourth and final candidate" said Vivian "Leon, if you''re in the crowd sorry I forgot your name, can you blame me, everyone knows Lapuzi but who the heck is Leon?" continued Vivan as the crowd laughed


    "All jokes aside, Leon really had me excited for a second this morning, everyone''s talking about ATMs and valets, the board even had the idea of having more charging ports for our phones. That''s great and all, but who are we kidding, if we could''ve had those things we would''ve had them by now! If all it takes to win is to make crazy promises then I would''ve ran and pledged to give each and every one of you a pet dragon!" the crowd laughed again. Justin and Taylor didn''t find it funny.


    The trio left the crowd before the show came to a close. Vivian ended his remarks by reminding the crowd to vote for George.


    "I guess we underestimated the comedy event." said Leon as they made their way towards class


    "How so?" asked Taylor


    "It wasn''t just a way for him to boost his popularity, but a way for him to control the narrative of the election. By seemingly being unbiased, since the jabs are also directed at him, he is able to sway the public''s opinion through these ''gags''. The best way to kill the legitimacy of someone is to turn him and his ideas into a joke" said Leon.


    "But you expected this, that he would do everything in his power to keep this a popularity contest" said Justin


    "I didn''t anticipate it at this kind of scale. He''s essentially neutralised this morning''s effect on the election. Tomorrow''s speeches are even more crucial now." said Leon


    In the corridor they notice students from the newspaper club stapling papers on the bulletin boards around school. Leon looks at Justin prompting Justin to take out his phone.


    "Ah crap, she messaged me a while back" said Justin scratching his head "I didn''t think she could count those polls so fast" he continued


    Leon walks up towards one the papers that has been put up. The title of the paper read


    "MONDAY POLLS RESULTS"


    Leon''s face remains expressionless even after seeing the results but Taylor and Justin both looked at the results with a sour look.


    "1,244 TOTAL VOTES


    537 - GEORGE TOMHAWK


    223 - SINCLAIR VINZENT


    201 - JESSICA TWINT


    95 - LEON LAPUZI


    188 - ABSTAINED"

 Plan E

    "It''ll just feel all the more sweeter when you win." said Justin trying to comfort Leon - but as he looked at Leon he noticed a maniacal smirk on his face.


    "Leon?" said Justin


    Leon stopped smirking and turned to Justin


    "Sorry, what?" said Leon


    "Never mind, it was nothing" said Justin


    _____


    Layla and George were sitting backstage and lunch was nearly over. The students already left the standup comedy event, making their way towards class. Layla was given the results of the polls.


    "The favourite always wins, huh?" said George


    "I still don''t think it''s good enough" said Layla looking at the results "He''s not going to give up easily, he knows he can''t win unless he changes the rules."


    "You''re right, it''s too naive to think we can just ignore him. This election is going to be different, so either I adapt or lose. I think I''ll have to play by his rules, sooner rather than later." said George


    "We''re going to have to change the entire speech then" said Layla


    "Yes. He must be certain I won''t ever play the policy game until it''s too late. This will be the perfect time for a sucker punch." said George getting up preparing to leave to class.


    "Don''t forget tomorrow 4pm sharp for the cover" said Layla


    "Are you sure it''s okay" said George


    "The vice principal said you can''t talk to the media, she didn''t say anything about being on the cover of a magazine. The worst that''ll happen is a warning - it''s technically her fault for not being explicitly clear." said Layla


    "Okay" said George as the two smiled at each other.


    ______


    The fourth period had started and there were some students in P.E.. As they were setting up the volleyball nets some of them began gossiping about the elections.


    "Did you see the polls?" said one of them as if shockedThis story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "Yeah, what''s the big deal, everyone knew George was going to win anyway" said another


    "I know, I''m talking about how Leon has less votes than the number of people that abstained." continued the first student


    "I''m secretly hoping for an upset, I want Sinclair to win" said another student


    "What? Why? I want Leon to win, he''s actually trying to make changes" said another one holding a basket of volleyballs


    "ATM machines? Really? When''s the last time you thought ''Oh, I could really use an ATM machine right now'' while in school" said the one supporting Sinclair


    "Come on, the food is trash here and every time we order takeaway, I''m always short on cash and the deliverers never take credit. And screw the ATMs, I want tablets instead of carrying five bricks for books around - I hear schools in the south* are already doing it" said the Leon supporter


    "It doesn''t matter if they''re great ideas, he doesn''t have the power to make them happen - Vivian might''ve been joking today, but he''s right, empty promises don''t mean anything" said the first student


    "Well I don''t care who wins, this is just fun. It''s only the first day and everyone''s talking about the election. I''m so excited for tomorrow''s speeches." said another student


    A flying volleyball is suddenly served in the direction of the group of gossiping students. They all turn their heads around afraid.


    "Stop messing around!" commanded Jessica Twint - the captain of the girl volleyball team.


    They quickly scurried to continue setting up the net and one them whispered fearfully to the others


    "But I feel like if we don''t vote for Jessica, she''ll kill us" causing the others to snicker slightly.


    ______


    In between the fourth and fifth class, Leon was called to the Vice Principal''s office. Leon knocked on the door and then heard a ''come in'' from Elizabeth. As he entered the bright white room with modern art glass pieces scattered around he noticed a tidy Elizabeth with her glasses looking straight at him with a cold expressionless stare. Her office was a minimalist design that looked like it came straight out of a sci-fi movie.


    "Well?" said Elizabeth to Leon


    "Well what?" said Leon confused, yet half aware of why he was called to her office.


    "The placement of the white board at the entrance, the timing of producing the crowd, the chants - every little thing was done on purpose Leon. And don''t think it went unnoticed." said Elizabeth with a stern look


    "I said at the beginning of this election, I will not play favorites. One more stunt like that, and I will not hesitate to suspend you. The setting up such an inconvenience at school and without permission, blocking a fire exit and disturbing the peace, these are punishable offenses. So detention for you after school today." she continued quickly dismissing Leon with a sharp wave of her hand.


    Although Leon expected this kind of reaction from Elizabeth, he didn''t think she would be this tough on him. It made one thing clear, although she works for the Cottonwoods, he won''t be receiving any special treatment. Leon notices a glass framed photo of his grandmother on Elizabeth''s wall.


    "Why did my grandmother choose Jessica?" said Leon to Elizabeth refusing to leave just yet.


    Elizabeth looks at the photo that Leon was staring at, then looks back at Leon.


    "Leon. I''ve already dismissed you, get back to class." she said


    "How can she not pick her own grandson?" said Leon persistently


    Elizabeth shakes her head and decides to humor Leon just this once.


    "Do you really think winning this election is her plan A against the royalist? Your grandmother is so ruthless because she attacks an enemy on several fronts, without expending too much energy. On the list of importance, winning this election would something of a Plan E." she said codly ending the conversation.

 Sinclair

    Leon was the only student in detention that day. One of the student council members watched over the detention - this was the same girl that gave Leon the note from Veronica. She was sitting at the front desk of the class reading a book.


    "Just sign in here" she said pointing at a sign in sheet on the desk as Leon walked in.


    Leon kept staring at her as he signed his name. He immediately recognized her. He placed his bag down and sat in the front row facing her. She paid no attention him, continuing to read her book flipping through the pages.


    "How long have you known Veronica?" asked Leon


    She raises an eyebrow at the sudden question.


    "Uhm, since first year?" she said returning back to her book


    She notices Leon continuing to stare at her. She rubs her forehead and takes a deep breath.


    "Are you worried I''ll tell George about you and Veronica passing secret notes to each other?" she said


    "There was one note, and she was the one who sent it." he replied


    "That''s just as far as I know, Veronica could''ve used other couriers to send messages" she said closing her book with one hand.


    "She didn''t" said Leon


    "Whatever, don''t worry, Veronica trusts me and I don''t really don''t care about George. Besides, if I were you, I wouldn''t be worried about how this will destroy your image when you''re so far behind in the election anyway." she said


    "Thanks for the advice" he said half-sarcastically


    Leon paused


    "What kind of case studies do they give you guys?" said Leon changing the subject quickly


    She squints her eyes at Leon suspiciously.


    "I was gonna ask how do you know about the case studies, they tell us to keep The Umbra secret. But then I remembered who your grandmother is." she said


    The Umbra was referring to the cover name given to the shadow council. As students, they wouldn''t know they are in the shadow council and often they don''t know it even exists until they reach higher up the ranks. Leon quickly picked up on this and assumed she was talking about the shadow council - even if she didn''t know she was in it.


    "Actually, now that I think about it, do you even need to win this election to join The Umbra - can''t your grandmother just slide you in?" she saidDid you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    "My family seems to think tough love is the best way to raise me - no special treatment." said Leon shrugging


    "Well if you''re asking about the case studies - they rarely give us stuff to do and when they do it''s tough as nails. We spend hours on coming up with solutions, the last thing we did was relating to a conflict between two big families and how to resolve the dispute." she said


    "Do they tell you how good your solutions are?" he asked


    "Nope, but George is pretty good at solving them so I''m assuming we''re doing just fine for now." she said


    She suddenly starts smiling


    "Know my turn to ask a question." she said


    "Sure" he said


    "Do you like Veronica?" she asked.


    Leon freezes.


    Justin and Taylor knock and enter the room immediately saving Leon from the question.


    She snaps her towards the door


    "What are you two doing here?" she said annoyed


    "There''s no rule that says we can''t come to detention voluntarily right?" said Justin as he and Taylor walked towards Leon


    "Leon isn''t allowed to hang out with his friends during detention." she said


    The two ignore her and Taylor places his laptop in front of Leon and starts a live feed from the NNA (National News Agency) one of the largest news corporations in the country.


    "It''s starting soon" said Taylor


    "That''s enough! You two need to leave right now" she said standing up from her seat


    The three simply look up at her and then look back at the laptop, but then Leon slightly moves his eyes up towards her keeping his head down and mouths the word ''please'' very slowly. She notices it, sighs, folds her arms and sits back down.


    "Hello, good afternoon, this is the NNA, it''s Monday April 16th and I''m Jennifer Jordan. For the next following weeks, at this same time, we will be briefly following the Unitare High School Presidential elections. Today marks the first day of the elections as the four candidates as shown on your screen aim to become Unitare''s next president." she said


    "I can''t believe the school elections is on the news..." said Justin


    "The media has been strictly prohibited from entering school grounds or interviewing the candidates, however our sources tell us the first day was more eventful than previous elections - proving to be a tight race. We have also received the first polls of the election - the results can be seen on your screen."


    "Crap." said Taylor


    "It seems George Tomhawk is following in his father''s footsteps and leading the presidential election by a large margin, Leon Lapuzi however is not and is lagging behind, having less votes that the number of those that abstained. Sinclair Vinzent, the Crown Prince''s brother, is in second place and looks to garner more votes as he takes on George in what seems to be a two horse race." she said as she turns and faces another camera on the screen "In other news..." she continued as Taylor closed the laptop shut.


    Justin and Taylor left as per Leon''s request. After detention, the three met to talk about the news segment.


    "That was so biased towards Sinclair" said Justin


    "The NNA is state owned, it doesn''t add up" said Leon "But all I know is that Thomas, the Crown Prince, is doing everything in his power to make this election as public as possible."


    "He must be behind the sudden media interest in the election" said Taylor


    "Nevertheless, we can use this to our advantage." said Leon


    Leon notices Sinclair and some of his friends at the backyard of the school cleaning up the tents that were set up for his campaign, preparing them for the next day. He suddenly makes his way towards Sinclair catching Taylor and Justin off guard as they try to keep up.


    "Same thing tomorrow I assume" said Leon to Sinclair skipping any hello''s or introductions.


    Sinclair, who was holding a large box of items, pauses. He looks at Leon, then at Taylor and Justin confused.


    "Yeah... I guess?" said Sinclair with an awkward half smile.


    Leon moves closer towards him causing Sinclair to move back slightly.


    "You see, I don''t think you''re trying at all. This tent stuff is weak and with the way the election is heading, you won''t beat George like this." said Leon


    "Uhm, what are-"


    "Which only means one thing, Sinclair." said Leon cutting Sinclair off "So I''m going to ask you one question and your reaction, without even saying a word, will tell me everything I need to know."


    Sinclair burrows his eyebrows starting to get annoyed at Leon''s sudden intrusion. But Leon gets closer into Sinclair''s face and Sinclair doesn''t move back this time, standing his ground and locking eyes with Leon.


    "My question, your royal highness, is just how do you plan to disqualify George?" interrogated Leon

 Coward

    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.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    "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."

 Vanity is a Disease

    Thomas and the President of Ceramia sat next to each other diagonally facing the crowd of photographers and journalists. They were shaking hands smiling at the camera flashes for a few seconds. The two began making small talk just for the eyes of the cameras.


    "I''m sorry to hear about the Emperor''s sudden sickness" said the President


    "He''ll be just fine, he''s been through worse" said Thomas smiling.


    The two were followed around by the media in the Palace garden as they made their way towards the place where they''d have dinner. The media were not allowed to enter. The two sat facing each other as the butler served the food.


    The President of Ceramia was a pale man with a balding head. Slightly chubby, the last button of his suit was undone to accommodate his outward belly. He took out a cigar and lit it. He unbuttoned the rest of his suit with one hand and relaxes into his chair. Thomas kept a perfect posture, looking at the President with contempt.


    "If they knew I smoked, the tabloids would never shut up about it. Health this, environment that" said the President smoking his cigarette releasing a large puff of smoke as he exhales.


    "I envy you, you don''t have worry about elections and polls, you sit in this palace comfortable and the people worship you" said the President


    "I''m sure you are aware, Mr. President, but these are the same people that put us out of power." said Thomas beginning to eat the dinner.


    "Yet you are still so very popular - you''re nothing short of a celebrity. People have short memories, they probably don''t even remember why they revolted" said the President taking a sip of his drink.


    "Perhaps they require a reminder" said Thomas


    "I''m not quite sure what that means, but there are no celebrations or memorials of the revolution if I''m not mistaken. Your great grandfather peacefully gave up power, didn''t he?" said the President


    "All my great grandfather cared about was hunting and women, not this family. He was prepared to do anything to keep that lifestyle - he was not fit to be a monarch." said Thomas


    "If you ask me, the monarchy should consider itself lucky - they have no purpose to exist, yet they are rich and loved." said the President tapping his cigarette


    "Men like you Mr. President are chosen by other men to lead, men like me were chosen by God to lead. That is the purpose of the monarchy." said Thomas


    "I didn''t take you as a religious man, Your Highness." said the President


    "When God chooses me, how can I deny his favor?" replied Thomas


    ____


    Later that day the President left to meet with Prime Minister at his residence. Thomas Vinzent arrived shortly after the arrival of the President. He was in the limousine waiting for the Prime Minister''s men to come and usher him to the meeting. The man who was holding the tablet was sitting next to him.


    "Sir, here is the media report regarding your meeting with the President" said the man giving Thomas a tablet. Thomas scrolls through it.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    "It''s all positive sir, the fashion magazines are talking about your suit, the newspapers are hailing your diplomacy and social media show you are as popular as ever with the populous. The tabloids are still gossiping about your secret relationships and who may be the future Crown Princess." said the man


    Thomas smiles as he continues to scroll through the comments and pictures of him all over the news and social media.


    "My mother always advised me to not be vain - it clouds a man''s judgement. Do you think she was right?" said Thomas handing the tablet back to the man.


    The man hesitates before speaking.


    "There''s nothing wrong with self-love and admiration. We all like seeing nice pictures of ourselves and hearing good things being said behind our backs, sir." said the man


    "No, she was right. Vanity is a disease, and I''m quite ill." said Thomas.


    One of the Prime Minister''s men arrived and opened the door for the Crown Prince who was immediately covered by Royal Guards that were in the cars behind him. He made his way into the Prime Minister''s residence. Upon entering he was met by Prime Minister Theodore.


    "Welcome Your Highness. I hope your grandfather gets well soon. This special accommodation we made for you is only out of respect for the Emperor. However, as I''m sure you are aware, the monarchy and the government are separate. Please, do come along, the President is waiting." said Theodore.


    Thomas followed Theodore ignoring his subtle warning of getting involved in politics.


    "I was hoping I could meet George, how is he?" said Thomas


    "George is elsewhere, and he''s perfectly fine, thank you for asking. How is Sinclair?" said Theodore


    "He''s a soft kid, but smart nevertheless - I''m sure he''ll give George a run for his money this presidential election." said Thomas


    "You seem to be quite interested in this measly school election, does the Crown Prince have nothing to keep himself busy?" said Theodore


    Before Thomas could reply the two had arrived at the living room where the President was sat upright and his buttons all done up. No cigarette in sight. Thomas smiled at the sight of the President.


    The President throws his hands in the air as soon as Thomas enters as a welcoming gesture.


    "Great to have you here Your Highness, given our conversation earlier I''m starting to enjoy your company" said the President


    Thomas'' Royal Guard and Theodore''s Secret Service men were waiting outside. Thomas sat facing the President with a low glass rectangular table between them. On the table was a tea set. Theodore was sitting in between them with a cup of tea in his hand. The three sat in silence for a while. For the first time in around ninety years, the monarch, the prime minster and a foreign leader were in the same room. The three began exchanging words, they were primarily talking about trade deals between the two nations.


    "Mr. President, are you not going to unbutton your shirt, take out your cigarette and make yourself comfortable as you did in my estate?" said Thomas suddenly


    The President doesn''t reply looking Thomas half-stunned.


    "I''m sure it''s your charm that made him feel more comfortable around you, Your Highness" said Theodore trying to cool the conflict


    "Or perhaps the President doesn''t respect me." said Thomas


    The President kept silent.


    He takes a sharp breath in


    "I believe we have reached a conclusive understanding regarding out future trade deals, Prime Minister Theodore. I''ll be be taking my leave now" said the President standing up and adjusting his tie. Theodore quickly stood up and escorted him out where as Thomas stayed sitting taking a sip out of his tea.


    After a few seconds Theodore storms back into the room and confronts Thomas.


    "I bring you into my home out of respect and you embarrass me like that." said Theodore pointing his finger to his chest.


    "Please, this whole meeting is a farce. Who''s really in power Prime Minister? Is it you? The secret service you have outside, listening to every word you say and reporting right back to Gideon Faraday to make sure no decision regarding this nation is made unless Hilda Cottonwood herself approves it." said Thomas


    "You''re just a child throwing a tantrum. Perhaps it''s because you grew up without a father to discipline you. I always questioned Hilda why she gave you and your little election so much of her time and I still don''t see any threat in you. But it''s high time someone put you in your place. Your childish dreams end here."


    Thomas stood up from his seat smirking.


    "You are far too late, Prime Minister, I didn''t wake up one morning and decide this on a whim. No, it was years in the planning. And now, everywhere you look, in your cabinet, in your home and in your precious shadow council, you will find enemies. I intruded on your meeting to make it clear, Hilda and the council are over, it is I who will run things in due time."

 Gut

    Leon washed his face, rubbing deep into his skin. He looked at his reflection as the water dripped off his chin and nose. He fitted himself into his uniform and wore a blue tie, taking his time to dress up in front of the mirror with a classical tune being played. He extends his trembling fingers outward trying to calm himself down.


    Meanwhile the same morning George Tomhawk was having breakfast with the Lance family. He had slept over Layla''s home as they practiced the new speech together. Layla''s father was a large man with a short well-trimmed beard, it was evident that Layla had inherited her good looks from her mother.


    "Good luck with the speeches today George, I know you''ll kill ''em" said Layla''s father as he took a huge bite out of the roasted chicken on his plate.


    "Thank you, sir" replied George eating politely with perfect table manners


    "It was father''s idea for the magazine cover - he had to pull some strings to get it done. This will set your lead in stone" said Layla smiling as she places her hand on her father''s hand.


    George smiles reservedly


    "What''s the matter?" said Layla


    "It''s just that, I mean thank you for your help, but do I really need to do this - I''m so far ahead as it is, I just don''t want to risk it." said George


    "You''re absolutely right George, but I''ll tell you this, I know the Vice Principal personally and she''s a stickler for the rules and detail. She only said ''no statements'', and she''s too proud to go back on her word. This is a crucial time, the whole nation is watching the election and this is your chance to get your name out there. After all, you may one day be Prime Minister and I know your plans to be the youngest ever, this will help hugely." said Layla''s father


    "That''s considerate of you, but can''t it wait until after the election?" asked GeorgeThis story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "I can try, but this is the nation''s most popular magazine and they want you on the cover to take advantage of the hot topic of the election. After the election, I''m not so sure I can get you on it. It''ll also cost our company a huge sum" said Layla''s father


    "You''re paying for the photo shoot? Isn''t the magazine also benefiting from this as well?" asked George


    "Unfortunately Sinclair Vinzent is also trying to get on the magazine, I was able to stop it from happening because of my connections, but it did cost me. Don''t worry about it though George, it was a small sum." said Layla''s father.


    George smiles reservedly again.


    After breakfast, Layla and George left for school. George was taken to school by the secret services. He was in the back of the car looking out of the window worried.


    "George?" inquired Layla


    George looks at Layla then back outside the window


    "Why is your dad so interested in the election, Layla. He''s really going out of his way for this." said George


    "What is that supposed to mean?"


    "I''m sorry Layla, but I''ve learned the hard way to trust my gut - and it''s telling me something is off. What does your father have to gain from this?" said George


    "Nothing. He knows how much I care about you - I talk about you all the time. And he does whatever it takes to make me happy. By helping you win, he knows that will make me happy, that''s just the kind of father he is. And I can''t believe you would talk about him like that." said Layla spitting every word she said strongly with a touch of anger and annoyance.


    George, still looking out the window, with his eyebrows burrowed, sighs.


    "I''ve been tricked once before Layla, I don''t want it to happen again." said George leaving the conversation at that.


    The two finally arrived at school. They immediately made their way to the assembly hall. The speeches would be held early morning before homeroom. They went separate ways without talking to each other. George went backstage whereas Layla lined up with her class in the hall. He notices Leon and Jessica whispering to each other and Sinclair was alone reading through his speech. Sinclair''s eyes meet with George''s - Sinclair immediately looks away.


    The Vice Principal enters backstage holding four straws.


    "You''re late, George." said the Vice Principal


    "I''m sorry, I got caught up with someth-"


    "I don''t wanna hear it. Now that you''re all here, we will draw lots to determine the order. Come forward and pick a straw from my hand" said the Vice Principal as she held the straws in her fist.


    The importance of being the final speech, and having the last word, was paramount for the speeches. But no matter how Leon schemed, this was all down to luck. As he moved forward to pick his straw, he asked himself - who will luck smile on today?


    THE FINAL ORDER OF SPEECHES:


    1st - Sinclair Vinzent


    2nd - Jessica Twint


    3rd - Leon Lapuzi


    4th - George Tomhawk.

 The Speeches 1

    There was a podium center stage in the assembly hall. There were two chairs at either side of the podium where the candidates sat. Leon and George were on the left side and Jessica and Sinclair were on the other. The Vice Principal began giving opening remarks.


    "Each candidate will speak for a maximum of three minutes. You will attentively listen to the speeches without unwarranted outbursts. Following the speeches you will immediately go to homeroom, attendance will be taken. Best of luck to the candidates. First up, Sinclair Vinzent."


    Sinclair was visibly nervous, constantly trying to wet his dry lips. He takes a deep breath as soon as his name is called. He makes his way towards the podium looking down at the ground. Upon reaching, he unfolds his speech and raises his head looking at the sea of students staring at him with sharp eyes. He wets his lips one last time.


    "My grandfather is the Emperor of this nation and my eldest brother is the Crown Prince. But me, I''m no one. And because of my last name, because of my family, I can''t make a name for myself. They say: ''a royal in politics? There just no way'' and ''You don''t belong, a royal shouldn''t be in politics''. But every single one us in this room knows what it means to be weighed down by our names, by our allegiances and by our families. Those of us whose lives were already decided from the moment we were born: where we work, who we''ll marry and what we can and cannot do." said Sinclair as he places his hand on his chest


    "But it''s time for a new era, one in which we decide our own destines. Whether or not you want to be a part of it is up to you, but I will prove to you, that if I can do the unthinkable, then so can you. So help me prove that we are not bound by forces which we have no control over - rather only by our own decisions. I will be the first royal in politics and this is the first step towards that. I will set the precedent so that the rest of us will garner the courage to change our fates - vote for me and let''s make history."


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The crowd was silent for a few moments, then they started clapping and the applause only grew louder. Justin and Taylor were in the crowd whispering to each other whilst clapping lightly.


    "That was good..." said Taylor flabbergasted


    "But Sinclair is still oblivious, he''s still trying to make this a popularity contest by playing on people''s emotions - it''s all rubbish. After Jessica''s and Leon''s speech, George and Sinclair will be left behind. People only care about themselves" said Justin


    Leon had already informed Justin and the rest that he had convinced Jessica to work with him in the election, but didn''t inform them of anything else.


    The applause was halted as soon as the Vice Principal stood up.


    "Second up, Jessica Twint." she said


    Jessica stood up confidently with dominating posture and a calm smile. Upon reaching the podium she ran her fingers through her hair, preparing to speak. Leon found his eyes glued onto her, he quickly lowers his head as soon as he realizes.


    "My family''s name is Twint. Anyone ever heard of those guys?" said Jessica smiling prompting the crowd the laugh with her.


    "There''s been talk about changes in this school, real change for the first time. It doesn''t matter who came up with these ideas for change, but only who can make them happen. As many of you know, I don''t come from a reputable family. Quite the opposite actually, just a few years ago my parents were struggling to pay rent for our home. But today I stand in front of you as the only student in Unitare High School without a recommendation." she pauses


    "Making the impossible happen is my area of expertise, I have the drive and tools to give you a student council that isn''t a farce, that isn''t simply a club for popular kids, but rather a council that serves you and your needs, that gives you the things that you never knew you wanted." she said increasing the pace of her speech as she reached the end with a climax-like finishing. She induced the crowd to cheer and clap as soon as she finished.


    Taylor looked at Justin who was clapping the hardest out of everyone with a huge smile on his face.


    "Geez Justin she turned you down twice." said Taylor


    "I don''t care, she''s so hot. She''ll come around eventually." said Justin


    She stayed at the podium bathing in their cheers for longer than she was allowed. As soon as she saw the Vice Principal stand up she made her way back to her seat passing a glance at Leon, who looked back at her expressionless face.


    "Next up, Leon Lapuzi." said the Vice Principal


    Leon stood up and took his time walking towards the podium. He scanned the crowd slowly from left to right, absorbing the silence. After a long silence, he opened his mouth, breathing in, and it was as if everyone leaned forward instinctively to hear him speak.

 The Speeches 2

    Leon grabs the sides of the podium and leans forward into the microphone.


    "I won''t hide." he said pausing "I know what''s on your minds: tablets, ATMs, valets and all the rest - how on earth will anyone be able to give you all those things. There''s a reason why no one tried to make change this drastic before, and that''s simply because no one can. It doesn''t matter what you think of me, because frankly, I don''t care." said Leon harshly causing the students to turn their heads to each other murmuring


    "I have something to offer, you can choose to take it or leave it. You see, the only reason why I placed that board up yesterday morning is because I knew whatever you asked, I could deliver. Rather, because I am the only one of these candidates that can deliver. We all know who created this school; who truly owns it. This school was built by Hilda Cottonwood and to this day she is the mastermind behind everything." The Vice Principal turns to Leon looking at him with her piercing eyes.


    "And as you all know, Hilda Cottonwood is my grandmother. But she doesn''t have time for anyone, except perhaps her grandson. And maybe you think it''s an issue of money or resources, but we all know how much our uniforms cost - we have money to spare. These changes aren''t just an added bonus to our school life, rather they are a right for the students in the most elite school in the country. In politics it doesn''t matter how many people you know, only who you know, and I just happen to know the best of them." said Leon ending his speech. The crowd was silent for a considerable amount of time.


    Justin, stunned, turned towards Taylor and whispered


    "Should we clap?"


    Taylor didn''t respond, just looking at Leon at the podium.


    Justin took a look around the crowd, it wasn''t that they were shocked or stunned, but they seemed to all be thinking - perhaps dreaming. It was as if Leon placed them into a trance that they didn''t want to wake up from. For the first time, since talk about change began, the student body started believing they could get whatever they wanted and Leon may have just convinced them he''s the only one capable.Stolen story; please report.


    Leon left the podium before the Vice Principal stood up, instead of waiting for a response. The Vice Principal got up and made her way towards the podium.


    "Next up, George Tomhawk"


    "So this is what Leon meant when he said he''d do something ambiguous in the speech" said Taylor to Justin


    "People don''t know what to think exactly, and the polls will let him feed on their confusion. George and Sinclair are really done for." replied Justin


    Veronica was standing next to her friend from the student council. She was scanning the crowd trying to catch Layla Lance''s reaction to Leon''s speech. She saw Layla with a completely confident look on her face, showing no signs of worry. Veronica squints her eyes, troubled at Layla''s lack of reaction. Veronica''s friend notices and leans into her ear and whispers.


    "I wouldn''t underestimate George." she said to Veronica.


    Veronica looks at her friend who just smiles back at her. She then turns to George who''s about to start his speech.


    "Out of all of us, I''m the only one who knows what the presidency means - I have the most experience. The other candidates can dream of solutions, but I will ground them in reality because I know what can and cannot be done. Leon''s right, it''s not about how many people you know, but who you know. But don''t let him fool you, Hilda Cottonwood is retired and this school is owned by the state."


    Jessica and Leon both look at each other with their eyes wide open.


    "That means that the Minister of Education is the only one that can make a decision regarding changes in this school, I won''t deny the influence of the Cottonwoods, but nothing happens unless the Minister signs off on it. It should be pretty clear to all of you here, that the minister works for the Prime Minister and the Prime Minister is my father. I personally know the Minister myself. Therefore, out of all the candidates on the stage today, the one most qualified and most able to make the changes you desire - is me." said George as he placed his hand on his chest. "Thank you." said George as a final remark to prompt the crowd to clap immediately.


    Justin and Taylor weren''t clapping with a troubled expression on their faces. Veronica looked at her friend in shock. Leon had his eyes locked onto George who was soaking up the applause with his arms out open.


    ''Crap.'' thought Leon to himself

 Forbidden Fruit

    After the speeches, all the students left for homeroom immediately - in homeroom they will be given the second round of polls to fill out. Jessica and Leon stayed behind in the assembly hall. They met secretly in a backstage room after waiting for everyone to leave. Leon was sitting on a box with his fingers intertwined looking down at his feet and Jessica was leaning on the door with her back looking at Leon.


    "You gambled and it failed." she said


    "Not yet, George may have caught us off-guard, but this is what we wanted. The playing field has become even. It''s no longer a popularity contest." said Leon


    "But if George convinced the students he can make the changes, and given his popularity - there''s no feasible way we can win." she said


    "You''re right. And the fact that he went last was the best possible thing for him" said Leon


    "How come?"


    "I can''t defend myself, he had the last word and now everyone believes him. If his argument is that only the Prime Minister''s son can make changes in the school, then I could easily say that he''s making an assumption his father will still be in power in three months time. It could very well be my father. And I can''t wait until the debates on Thursday to make that argument, it will be too late." said Leon


    "But your father is behind in the polls." said Jessica


    "That''s only because of the corruption allegations - once those clear up, my father will indisputably win."


    "How can you be so sure the allegations will clear up?" asked Jessica


    "It doesn''t matter. Let''s wait until Veronica releases the polls to make any decisions regarding the speeches and we''ll move on from there." said Leon


    "I met with Veronica yesterday, she came up to the roof after we spoke." said Jessica


    Leon looks at Jessica blankly


    "Does she know about us?" asked Jessica


    "No, and she can never know." said Leon


    "Is there something going on between you two?" asked Jessica


    Leon doesn''t answer looking down at his feet again


    "You''re joking. Listen, it makes no difference to me what happens to you this election, but if people find out about anything between you two, all hell will break loose. Your election will be over."You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "You don''t need to tell me." said Leon


    Jessica let out a disdainful sharp sigh followed by a dampened smile.


    "You always wanted what you can''t have. It''s the only predictable thing about you." she said scornfully


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" said Leon tensing his eyebrows


    "I was the forbidden fruit in middle school and now it''s Veronica. We''re not trophies for you to collect, Leon. You know exactly what I''m talking about" said Jessica as she opened the door and prepared to leave


    Leon stood up immediately


    "Wait, Jess." pleaded Leon


    "I''m going to be late for homeroom." she said leaving and closing the door behind her.


    Leon waiting in the room a little longer alone with his thoughts as Jessica''s words echoed in his head. In middle school, Jessica was the most sought out girl - turning down every guy that tried with her. Leon was the first person she accepted and as with everything in his life, he schemed and planned to win her over. However, he never thought his desire towards Jessica and Veronica was because he simply wanted what he could not have.


    ___


    George was able to catch the Vice Principal in the hallway a few seconds before homeroom started.


    "Miss Halwin!" called George in the swarm of students in the hallway making their way to class.


    The Vice Principal turned around hearing George''s cry.


    "Yes?" she asked as students walked around George and the Vice Principal.


    "I wanted to ask something regarding the rules of the election." he said


    "Okay. I have some time." she said


    "Today I have a photo shoot for PopEight magazine - I''ll be on their cover should I show up. It''s a favor from Layla''s dad and I don''t want to be rude and turn him down. Technically it''s not a statement, but I wanted to make sure with you. If I do this, will I be disqualified?" he said


    She fixes her glasses and looks to her left thinking. She sighs lightly and looks back at George.


    "I would rather you don''t do this photo shoot. But we can''t control everything, if your face ends up in a newspaper or the news then we can''t punish you for it, even if you knew about it - since we can''t prove it. So regarding your question, you will not be disqualified so as long as you make no statements whatsoever to the magazine." she said


    George nods "Okay, thank you so much Miss. Halwin". George walks past the Vice Principal making his way towards homeroom.


    "Layla''s father you said?" said the Vice Principal suddenly causing George to halt and turn around


    "Yes, from the Lance family. Why?" said George with a raised eyebrow


    "No reason, carry on." she said prompting George to reluctantly turn around and walk to class.


    ________


    That same morning, around the end of first period at Unitare high school, the Crown Prince Thomas was in his chambers. He was in a meeting with one the high ranking shadow council members. Her name was Bethany Garner.


    "You should''ve not provoked the Prime Minister like that" she said looking at Thomas with her sharp-edged brown eyes.


    "It was necessary, we need him to react - otherwise our plan won''t work." he said


    "There are other ways to provoke him, you may jeopardize our standing in his cabinet." she said


    "Trust me Bethany, I will do everything I promised and more - you just make sure that they all support me when I come through" said Thomas


    "There are royalists a plenty, Thomas, ready to rise for their future emperor. But you must not be careless, they are watching every move you make. If I''m to convince them of a rebellion, they must know they can trust you." she said


    One of Thomas'' men knock and enter the chambers.


    "Sir, your 10 am meeting is here." he said holding his tablet.


    "Let him in" said Thomas


    As the doors opened, they produced a large man with a short well-trimmed beard.


    Thomas stood up to greet the man who became apparent as he moved closer.


    "Please, have a seat, Mr. Lance."

 The Point of No Return

    Layla''s father, Mr. Lance, had his head lowered in the presence of Bethany Garner.


    "My apologies Mrs. Garner, I was not aware you were meeting with the Crown Prince. I''ll leave immediately" he said slightly bowing


    "Mr. Lance, this meeting is for all of us. Please, take a seat." she said stopping Mr. Lance from leaving.


    He sat next to Bethany Garner in his best posture.


    "Any news on our little problem?" asked Thomas


    "He''s very sharp, but he''ll come around eventually. The photo shoot will be today." said Mr. Lance


    "Good, but once George is taken care of, we''ll have to move quickly. His father is already out to get me - this will be the final straw." said Thomas


    "We will need Karl to be on as many news channels as we have control over." said Bethany to Mr. Lance.


    Karl was a political scientist known for his outlandish conspiracy theories.


    "Of course, but isn''t it too early?" asked Mr. Lance


    "We need to build pressure on Hilda early on for this to work." said Bethany.


    Mr. Lance had a worried expression on his face.


    "What is it, Mr. Lance?" said Thomas


    "My daughter." he said


    "She''ll never know, as far as she''s concerned - a mistake was made." said Bethany


    "Now''s not the time for regret, once this happens, it''ll be the point of no return." said Thomas


    Mr. Lance looks down and nods obediently.


    __________


    It was nearing the end of lunch at school. The candidates continued their normal campaigning. Leon''s ''boys'' were talking on his behalf to the student body about the changes he plans to make and how he''ll make them happen. He''s also using Taylor to spread a huge social media campaign that involves interactive websites and constant updates. Leon is trying to subtly spread the idea that whilst George''s father is Prime Minister right now, he may not be next year. George is trying to counter this by pointing to Leon''s father''s corruption allegations and his falling behind in the polls. Till now, Leon has still not spoken face to face to the student body, continuing to take a hands off approach making himself scarce.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    Leon left school near the end of lunch with excuse that he needed to get something from his car. However, he went to meet with Veronica in secret. She left with an excuse that she was picking up something from her driver. They rendezvoused at Leon''s car, then drove away to a nearby location and parked far away from pedestrians as to not be seen by anyone.


    "Here you go." she said handing Leon the poll results.


    Leon sighs as he reads through the results.


    Original Polls (2nd Round):


    537 - GEROGE TOMHAWK


    228 - LEON LAPUZI


    209 - JESSICA TWINT


    202 - SINCLAIR VINZENT


    68 - ABSTAINED


    "It makes sense doesn''t it? The biggest change is in those that abstained. Usually they don''t care about the election, but now they do. Which is why you got most of their votes, you made them care." said Veronica


    "I guess you''re right, but George hasn''t budged at all. The people who were voting for him anyway, saw no reason to switch around because he gave them a compelling reason why he can make the changes. He completely neutralized my attack." said Leon


    "Well, you wanted me to manipulate the polls, what''s the best thing to do here?" she asked.


    Leon looks at the results for a little longer, deep in thought. He sticks his tongue out.


    "People probably haven''t decided who''s more able to make the changes happen in their heads. So the best thing I can do now is make them believe that me and George are both equally suited to do the job. That''ll put me in the best situation. Give me 140 of George''s votes." said Leon handing Veronica the results back.


    Manipulated Polls:


    397 - GEORGE TOMHAWK


    368 - LEON LAPUZI


    209 - JESSICA TWITN


    202 - SINCLAIR VINZENT


    68- ABSTAINED


    TOTAL: 1,244 VOTES


    "But Leon, this means you went from 95 votes in the first round to 368, it also means George just suddenly lost 140 votes. It looks suspicious." said Veronica


    "You said your vice president in the newspaper club is head over heels for George, right?" asked Leon


    "Yeah, why?"


    "She''ll be the key to make sure this works without anyone asking any questions." said Leon


    "You can''t be serious. Leon, there''s 1,244 people that voted." said Veronica


    "Sure, but we only need to re-write 140 polling papers. Pick 140 random polls from the pile that voted for George, give it to my boys along with 140 blank polling papers. They''ll fill in each name and change the vote from George to me. There''s seven of them, they should be done before the end of fourth period - they don''t mind skipping." said Leon.


    "Okay, but how does my vice president come into all this?"


    "You''ll tell her that you were busy and couldn''t count them in lunch, so you ask for her help to count after school. Being a George supporter, and counting the polls with you, it''ll be less likely for anyone to be suspicious." said Leon.


    Veronica smiles.


    "You really are the devil." she said impressed.


    Leon looks away, distressed from Veronica''s statement.


    "Leon? It was a joke." she said placing her hand on his shoulder


    Leon turns around and looks at her, then looks down unable to make eye contact. His mouth opens but then closes again. He takes a deep breath


    "I used to date Jessica." he said suddenly.


    Veronica froze then slowly retracted her hand from Leon''s shoulder. She wanted to ask so many questions, but the only thing that didn''t make sense was


    "Why are you telling me all of a sudden...?" asked Veronica


    "I don''t know. I guess I don''t feel comfortable keeping this away from you." said Leon


    "Are you feeling guilty because I''m helping you with the elections, is this some kind of reciprocation to make yourself feel better?"


    "No. Someone just said something to me, and got me thinking... about how I treat those around me." said Leon looking into thin air.


    "I still don''t get it, why does it matter to me who you used to date." she said folding her arms


    "Why..." said Leon as he turned towards Veronica locking eyes with her. She tried to look away but couldn''t, surrendering to Leon''s gaze.


    He reaches his arm towards her neck and moves in closer. She stays in her place unable to move, looking at Leon as he gets closer. Then, she simply closes her eyes solemnly.

 Dead, Indifferent Eyes.

    The seven boys working for Leon finished manipulating the 140 votes, disposing of the old ones and discretely placing the new ones into one of their lockers. The pin of the locker was given to Veronica who collected it later. The boys finished sooner than they expected and returned back to their different classes at fourth period late.


    Veronica collected the polls in between the fourth and fifth period quickly adding them to the pile of polls in her box. On her way to take the box to her locker she was seen by her Vice President, Tasha. She had long blonde curly hair and an extremely thin long face. She wore bubbly accessories, had a different color on every nail and two stud earrings that she would change their color every other day. Stud earrings were all the school allowed.


    "Verrr!" she called joyfully


    Veronica smiled innocently as soon as Tasha called her and held tighter onto the box of polls. Tasha walks closer towards Veronica and peaks into the box.


    "Oh, you haven''t counted them yet? You were so fast last time." said Tasha


    "Yeah, something came up at lunch, I didn''t have enough time - I would appreciate your help counting them today after school if you''re not busy." said Veronica


    "Of course! I was starting to feel guilty letting you count all the polls by yourself ever since you insisted on it." she said picking up a poll from the top of the pile "I''m sure after that speech, George is going to be so far ahead - he was so authoritative, and dreamy and-"


    "Alright Tasha. Just be there after school in the club room. Okay?" said Veronica


    Tasha pouted and nodded at Veronica''s stern orders. She then quickly returned to her bubbly self and gave Veronica a smile as she left.


    "See you around Verr!" she said


    Veronica lets out a sigh of relief. Then continued towards her locker to place the box of polls.


    _____


    It was after school - Veronica and Tasha were in the club room counting the polls. Meanwhile a rare meeting between Gideon Faraday and Hilda Cottonwood was occurring in Hilda''s home. Gideon was sitting in the same place that Leon sat when he met his grandmother. Gideon had a few paper files. He favored hard copies for sensitive information over digital soft copies for security purposes.


    "Your grandson is not doing so well, but your girl Jessica Twint is a close second based on the first polls. But you already know that. More importantly, your grandson has most likely managed to convince Jessica to work with him." said Gideon going through the files


    "Yes, she''s already made me aware of the situation. My grandson is proving to be more capable than I previously credited him. He manipulated the girl into believing I wanted them to work together." she said holding a drink


    "Not part of the plan?" asked Gideon


    "No, it would ideal if they worked together - of course I couldn''t impose it on the previous lovers, but I didn''t plan that he would exploit her feelings towards him like that." she said


    "Regardless, despite them working together they won''t be able to beat George as of yet." said Gideon


    "Any news on his situation?" she asked


    "Elizabeth spoke to George this morning and it seems that our suspicions that the Lance''s are royalists were correct. In one way or another they plan to disqualify George." said Gideon


    "Let''s hope they can do a half decent job, Elizabeth will help facilitate his disqualification. Theodore is still not willing to remove his Minister of Education. If he finds out Thomas is behind his son''s removal from the election, he''ll do exactly as we ask." said Hilda


    "The Prime Minister is extremely loyal to his cabinet." said Gideon


    "His cabinet is riddled with royalists, I should''ve dissolved the monarchy when I was in power." she said taking a sip out of her drinkUnauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    "Regarding that, here''s the latest list." said Gideon as he placed down a paper in front of Hilda. It was a list of potential royalists in the shadow council.


    She quickly skimmed through it.


    "Thankfully Bethany Garner is not on the list - one less demon we have to worry about." said Hilda as she placed down the paper.


    There was a silence in the room for a short while. Hilda looks into her drink, swirling it around.


    "We usually don''t do this in person. What''s different this time." asked Gideon


    Hilda looks up at Gideon without moving her head, looking through her lashes. She then smiles gently.


    "It''s almost on." said Hilda as she snaps her fingers prompting her butler to turn on the TV.


    The channel was the National News Agency - NNA. They were doing their usual segment regarding the Unitare High School election after school.


    "Hello, good afternoon, this is the NNA, it''s Tuesday April 17th and I''m Jennifer Jordan. The second day of the Unitare High School election saw candidates giving passionate speeches. Our sources tell us there was a heavy focus on policy changes in the school and giving students ''the things they never knew they wanted''. This is apparently the first time the election went in this direction."


    "All my daughter told him was: a good politician is like a good salesman, and look what he did. He changed the entire battlefield." said Hilda


    "When it comes to your offspring, you''re often more critical than praising." said Gideon looking at Hilda from the corner of his eyes.


    "You''re right, though I quite like the boy." she said


    "Unfortunately we do not have the polls for today. However, we have with us today a political analyst and expert who has previously written an article regarding the Unitare High School elections - Karl Umpire." said the news anchor


    "There he is." said Gideon


    "Dr. Umpire, why do you think there has been such massive media attention focused on the Unitare elections?"


    Karl was a balding man with ruffled hair. His suit barely fit him, and he seemed shabby. He had the eyes of a fox. The type of man who would do anything to have his voice heard, a little crazy but just sane enough to still be reasonable and believable.


    "Well the obvious reason, Jennifer, is that there are extremely important kids running in this election and people feed off drama. Some big names like Lapuzi and Tomhawk as well as a royal for the first time. Mix that with the immense media coverage afforded by Thomas Vinzent, who wants the world to watch a royal beat the biggest names in the game to prove that he as well can play politics-"


    "But those are just rumors, Thomas himself has never expressed interest in politics explicitly" said Jennifer quickly cutting off Karl.


    "You need to learn how to read between the lines, Jennifer. Politics is never straightforward, otherwise I wouldn''t be able to make a living out of it. More importantly though, is that the Unitare elections have always been important. It''s a little known fact but, five of the seven last Prime Ministers were presidents at Unitare High School." said Karl


    "And what do you propose this means?" asked Jennifer.


    "I have done extensive research that proves Hilda Cottonwood, who created the school some thirty years ago, intended it to a breeding place that produces the future world leaders in all industries. This and several other evidence proves the existence of the shadow council-"


    "Dr. Umpire, please keep your analysis grounded in reality. Powerful figures meeting behind closed doors as part of a secret organization is just conspiracy that you have brought up time and time again - but we won''t tolerate it. This is a reputable news channel." said Jennifer assertively.


    Karl sighs. He''s often used to this kind of battering with just the mention of the words ''shadow council''.


    "Regardless, what''s important is if this election is even a fair one." said Karl changing the subject.


    "How so?" asked Jennifer


    "The Vice Principal, Elizabeth Halwin, has known ties to Hilda Cottonwood and she has been the one to count and announce the election results at Unitare High School." said Karl as the news channel starts putting up a timeline and evidence that shows the deep ties between Elizabeth and Hilda.


    "No one else is counting these ballots, mostly because no one cared enough. Elizabeth could simply announce any winner and no one will be the wiser." said Karl


    "But what motive does Hilda have to manipulate the results." said Jennifer


    Hilda snaps her fingers prompting the butler to turn off the TV.


    There was a long silence between Hilda and Gideon.


    "Karl hasn''t been on TV for years. The reason you''re here Gideon, is because this is a public declaration of war. Yet I''m still unsure what Thomas'' end game is with this. I don''t truly plan to stop him through this childish election, he must know that." said Hilda


    "Perhaps it''s a distraction. We have a plan in place, Hilda. Don''t doubt it, it''s what he would want us to do." said Gideon


    "I''m worried that my mind is not as it used to be, Gideon. Perhaps Thomas Vinzent timed this perfectly, when I''m old and comfortable, in order to strike." said Hilda placing her drink down.


    Gideon looks at Hilda as her eyes become dead and indifferent. He knew that look well. Hilda learned to suppress herself in situations like these lest she commit irreparable damage. But every once in a while, she shows her true colors.


    "I thought you wanted dealing with Thomas to be bloodless." said Gideon anticipating Hilda''s next order.


    She simply looked away detached and cold. She picks up the list of royalist names and hands it to Gideon.


    "It''s time I remind them, why I''m on top." she said emotionless.


    Gideon reluctantly and tensely picks up the file.


    _______


    Tasha and Veronica were nearly finishing up counting the polls after school. Tasha picks up one of the polling papers and her eyes immediately widen in shock.


    "Verr... this doesn''t make any sense." she said looking up at Veronica


    Tasha holds up the polling paper. Veronica noticed it was one of the new ones that was tampered with by the boys. Although they tried to copy the handwriting, the giveaway was that they looked newer.


    "What is it?" asked Veronica unassumingly.


    "Why is Layla Lance, George''s girlfriend and campaign manager, voting for Leon..."

 Lips

    Veronica quickly returns to counting the polls pretending to ignore Tasha.


    "It doesn''t matter Tasha, we have to keep everyone anonymous. Vice Principal orders." said Veronica


    "Who cares about that! Don''t you know what this means?" said Tasha leaning into Veronica causing Veronica to move back slightly


    "What?" said Veronica impatiently


    "It means George and Layla aren''t as tight as I previously thought. I can smell a breakup, and then I can finally make him mine." she said smiling ecstatically


    Veronica burrows her eyebrows upwards.


    "Tasha. You shouldn''t meddle with people''s relationships."


    Tasha moved back into her seat pouting.


    "I was only joking, you''re no fun Verr."


    Tasha looks down frowning slightly.


    "But it''s not fair... She has everything she wants and she can''t even be true to him." said Tasha


    Veronica had never seen Tasha this down before. She decides to ignore Tasha and continue counting the polls. Tasha quickly cuts out of it and starts counting along with Veronica in silence.


    "What about you Verr, any guys you''re interested in?" said Tasha


    "You know the answer to that." said Veronica


    "Yeah you''re not allowed to date, but I asked if there''s anyone you''re interested in - there''s a difference" said Tasha winking at Veronica


    "No, it would be pointless since it won''t lead to anything. Now keep counting, we don''t have all day." said Veronica. As soon as Tasha went back to counting, Veronica placed her two fingers on her lips, lost in thought.The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    _____________


    Later that afternoon George went to the PopEight studio for his magazine cover photo shoot. Upon arriving in his school uniform, he found Layla waiting for him outside the entrance holding her hands in front of her. He was accompanied by a single secret service guard as he walked towards her.


    "What is it?" he asked as he noticed her visibly agitated


    "You''re right George, we shouldn''t risk it. There''s no need to do this stupid photo shoot, my father will understand. Let''s just head back and play it safe." said Layla with a worried expression her face.


    George smiles and proceeds to embrace her.


    "Don''t worry about it Layla, I asked the Vice Principal today. It''s okay as long as I don''t make a statement." said George into her ear.


    "Are you sure about this George. If you don''t want to do it, I''m completely on board." she said looking up at him.


    "Your father went through a lot of trouble to get this for me, it would be rude to just walk out - especially if there''s no reason to do so." said George as he holds her hands.


    She nods understandingly.


    The two enter the studio. George takes the photos without speaking a single word to anyone in the studio, then leaves immediately.


    __________


    After Veronica and Tasha finished counting the polls, Veronica left the school to go home. She saw Justin waiting outside the school gate in the car. She places her bag in the back and sits in the front with Justin.


    "Where''s Alan?" asked Veronica about her usual driver


    "Dad asked me to pick you up today. To make sure you come home straight away." said Justin as he starting driving


    "Why?" she asked


    Justin looks at her with an apologetic expression


    "We have ''guests''" he said


    That was enough for Veronica to understand what Justin meant. Every once in a while, a branch of the Tundra family arrives to ask Veronica''s hand in marriage to one of their sons. She has until she graduates to make a final decision after she''s met with several suitors.


    "Did everything go well with the polls?" asked Justin changing the subject


    "Yeah, Tasha was preoccupied with the fact that we mistakenly made Layla vote for Leon to worry about how George dropped so drastically in the polls." said Veronica


    Justin places his hand on his forehead.


    "Seriously? Did she suspect anything?" asked Justin


    "No, she was happy." said Veronica


    "Figures. I don''t like George, but I still don''t want to screw up his relationship with Layla. Leon should''ve been more careful with his plan" said Justin


    "He can''t foresee everything." said Veronica in his defense


    "I guess you''re right." settled Justin


    The two arrived at the Tundra estate. As soon as they entered they saw their parents seated facing three other people. It was clear it was the family that had come to ask Veronica''s hand in marriage - a mother, a father and a son. But this time was different. The Tundras only exclusively allowed for inter-familial marriages for the females. However, Veronica immediately recognized that the family in front of her, were not Tundras.

 Choice

    Justin left to his room as the introductions began taking place between the two families. Veronica already knew who the boy was, Johnathon Jaylin - the heir to the largest oil conglomerate in the nation. If the Tundras were going to make an exception for their daughters, it would only be for a powerhouse family such as the Jaylins. His father, Buck Jaylin was the richest man in the country. But to Veronica it didn''t matter if this was a supreme exception for her marriage constraints - it was still an exception.


    Johnathon was an incredibly handsome young man with a chiseled jawline, layered black hair and dark green eyes. He was one year younger than Veronica and went to Unitare. Meaning whoever wins this school election, will choose Johnathon as their first pick in their student council due to his family''s immense influence.


    After the introductions were over, the two left to the back yard garden to speak privately and get to know each other - as was the usual procedure during these courtships. The parents stayed in the living room conversing.


    "What''s the plan here Buck, a Jaylin would never marry a Tundra." said Kevin, Veronica''s father


    "You''re right, I tried talking him out of it but he''s adamant" said Buck locking eyes with Kevin


    "So we''re both on the same page about this little arrangement" said Kevin stoically


    "You''re the one who accepted this meeting, you could''ve easily turned us down and ended it there. What''s more important, Kevin, family tradition or marrying into the Jaylin family?" said Buck with slight vexation.


    "When the Jaylins make a request, one doesn''t simply deny. I only want what''s best for my daughter and luckily she''s a great judge of character. Whether this ends up happening or not, will be her decision." said Kevin


    "Enough bickering. If this does end up happening, it is better that our families work together than to be at each other''s throats from the get-go." said Veronica''s mother, Maria, ending the conversation.


    Veronica and Johnathon sat in the vast garden of the Tundra estate. Veronica elected to stay in her uniform clothes, whereas Johnathon was wearing loose casual clothing to bear the sun''s heat. They sat in the gazebo hiding in it''s shade. Veronica had her body facing away from Johnathon, towards the outer garden, purposefully neglecting him. He was facing her directly looking at the side of her face that she was showing him.


    "I didn''t want to meet you like this, but it''s the only way I could make it work without getting murdered by your family." said Johnathon in a strong but raspy voice.


    "I''ve met a hundred kids like you. Always get what they want, spoiled and rich. Sorry to break it to you for the first time in your life, but I''m not interested." said Veronica dismissively. This is how she dealt with most suitors. Perhaps she had a plan to scare them all away and with no one left to want to marry her, her parents would have to settle for whoever she chooses, even if they''re not a Tundra.


    "In the south, they say there''s no marriages like these. Everyone''s allowed to marry whoever they want." said Johnathon trying to change the subjectStolen novel; please report.


    "In the south they have anti-monopolization laws so that families like ours don''t exist." she said shutting him down.


    "You''re right, the rules are completely different in the south. Up here, people do anything to keep control over their little empires. My father isn''t even my real father, I''m part of the generation that used genetically perfect sperm donors to make their children. They want to hold everything to themselves so badly, that they found a way around nature''s laws to stop their rampant inbreeding." said Johnathon


    Veronica remembers that Taylor was also a sperm donor child.


    "Doesn''t sound like you like your father very much." she said barely interested


    "No, I love my father. Does it really matter that we''re not related? If all a father meant was to be of the same blood, then it doesn''t mean anything at all. Biology, genetics, its all just semantics. All that matters is the relationships you have with those around you. If my father hadn''t told me, I would''ve went my whole life believing he was truly my father - how does one piece of knowledge that didn''t previously exist in my head really change that?" said Johnathon tapping the side of his head with his finger.


    "It''s not just semantics. Blood counts for something. Something more than we can comprehend." said Veronica still looking away into the distance.


    "What about you? You''re the same generation as me, and I hear your parents are cousins." said Johnathon


    "No, my parents are my parents." said Veronica


    "But you and Justin are perfect, with no clear defects." said Johnathon


    "I guess we got lucky." she said dismissively


    Johnathon stands up and makes his way towards the edge of the gazebo placing his hands on its handrails looking outward at the garden.


    "I''m sixteen and your seventeen. I didn''t actually come here to ask your hand in marriage, we''re too young for that. But by doing this, your hounds will lay off me when I talk to you at school. Since I''m now a potential suitor. All I want is the ability to talk to you - that way I''ll convince you that I''m not like the other ''kids''." he said with a determined tone.


    "We barely spoke before. So tell me why is it that you are interested in me. Sounds to me like a superficial crush." said Veronica


    Johnathon turns around to face Veronica.


    "Do I need a reason? I can give you some line about how pretty and smart you are, but when you have feelings for someone, and it''s real, there''s never really a reason." he said


    Veronica stood up and walked up towards Johnathon. She looks him in the eyes with a aggressive stare.


    "You misunderstand what it means to want to be with someone. It''s not just your so-called ''feelings'' - no relationship can last with something so superficial. It''s first and foremost about compatibility, being able to be with someone without any friction, their presence just calms you and you don''t even notice them as someone else. They become a part of you." she said assertively


    Johnathon''s eyes widen as he comes to a sudden realization.


    "There''s someone already, isn''t there?" he said


    "This conversation is over." said Veronica dismissing Johnathon and storming out of the gazebo towards the house.


    Johnathon quickly followed after her as to avoid a scene. He tried to keep up with her pace, until they reached the living room. They all turned around as soon as they saw the two enter. Veronica put on a fake smile.


    "Johnathon was just so charming, I''ll give it serious thought. Thank you so much for coming all the way out here Mr. and Mrs. Jaylin." she said quickly and rigidly.


    Mr. and Mrs. Jaylin stood up, thanked the Tundras for their hospitality and then left with Johnathon.


    Veronica''s mother, Maria, turned towards Veronica realizing she was clearly agitated.


    "What''s the matter dear? Did he do anything to you?" she said


    Veronica looked at her parents with her upper lip curled.


    "All my life you raised me that I can only marry a Tundra, and all my life I bought into your reasons and I was this close to just accepting everything as it is, like a good Tundra girl. But now you bring me a kid who''s not a Tundra just because of who his family is!? Everything you tried to brainwash me with, was just a lie!" she said raising her voice


    Maria quickly got up and tried to grab Veronica''s hand to calm her down, but Veronica quickly snatches her hand back.


    "No! This is the last time I meet one of your ''suitors''. I don''t care about the inheritance, I don''t care about your traditions. I will choose who I end up with." she said clenching her teeth.

 Manipulation

    Leon was at home having dinner with his father and grandfather, Tim, in the kitchen. The black cat that Leon let into the home was in the corner of the kitchen eating from a bowl and purring loudly. Leon had stopped eating for a while, lost in thought. His father, Alexander, notices.


    "How are you handling the election?" asked Alexander


    Leon snaps out of his thoughts and looks at his father.


    "I''m losing pretty badly, and I don''t know if there''s anything I can do to catch up in time."


    His father continued eating


    "The feeling of imminent defeat and not being able to do anything. It''s frustrating. Have you ever been in that situation?" asked Leon


    "Of course, but you learn how to cope. Never accept defeat, but always accept the reasons for it." said Alexander


    "I understand your philosophy dad, but I haven''t lost yet, and I don''t intend to." said Leon


    "I''ve seen enough elections to know that schools, districts and even the nation, they all have similarities. People are the same, and I have to admit Leon, the way that things are, you won''t be able to win." said Alexander as emphatically as he could.


    Leon locks eyes with his father, then looks away feeling deflated. He knew deep down it was true, and he wanted more than anything that his father show him any kind of encouragement. But those words, sharp and truthful, hurt.


    "Why aren''t you and mother worried about Thomas and the royals?" asked Leon in semi-frustration


    "We are, but this is something for Hilda to deal with. If a nation is invaded, the generals follow the orders of the king, but they will never act on their own. Until Hilda asks anything from us, we have no choice but to let her deal with things." replied Alexander


    "I don''t understand, you could help by backing me in the election." said Leon


    "And what kind of help can we give you Leon?" asked Alexander rhetorically


    "Without mother''s advice, I would be in last place in this election." said Leon determined


    "Advice can only go so far, and frankly, at this stage, I don''t think there''s anything we can do to help. And even if we could, this is a valuable chance for you to grow." said Alexander


    This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it."What''s more important right now, my growth or squashing a rebellion?" said Leon swiftly


    "The election is not as important as you think it is, Leon" said Alexander


    "And that''s exactly why this doesn''t add up, Elizabeth already told me something about how winning the election is just a Plan E. But why would grandmother go through all the trouble of getting Jessica Twint into the election?" asked Leon


    Alexander kept silent


    "Because she''s a manipulative little bi-"


    "Dad." said Alexander cutting off his father, Tim.


    Leon looked at his grandfather Tim curiously.


    "You know it''s true" he said with his crispy aging voice "She did the same thing with you and her daughter." continued Tim


    Leon looks at his father waiting for an elaboration. Alexander sighs.


    "After me and your mother starting seeing each other, your grandmother became very ''interested'' in me. She tried to monitor me and nurture me to become an ideal partner for her daughter without me realizing." said Alexander


    "Most parents will just express disapproval of their children''s lovers, but this woman doesn''t care who her children fall for, she''ll just mold them into whatever she wants." added Tim.


    "So she recruited Jessica into Unitare to facilitate us getting together...?" asked Leon still confused


    "There''s a reason why she brought Jessica directly into politics, maybe she thought that would make Jessica more appealing to you. But more importantly, she''s probably trying to mold Jessica into a partner that''s suited for you." said Alexander reluctantly


    "What?" said Leon appalled


    "She thinks her blood is divine compared to us mortals, she thought my son couldn''t keep up with Jessica because she believed her daughter was inherently superior. And the psycho thinks the same thing about you and that lovely little girl Mrs. Twint" said Tim.


    Leon looks to his side as his eyes wildly vibrate in shock. He then looks up at his father.


    "But we''re not dating anymore. This doesn''t make sense." said Leon still in disbelief.


    Alexander paused and looked at Leon remorsefully.


    "She only took interest in me after I stopped seeing your mother." said Alexander.


    There was a sudden knock at the door. Leon was still frozen, unable to move. His father got up to answer the door.


    "Leon, Justin is here." said Alexander


    Leon slowly turned his head towards the kitchen door. He saw his father standing next to Justin. He immediately noticed Justin''s semi-scrunched up face looking directly at him sharply.


    "We need to talk." said Justin in a heavy tone.

 Suspicion

    Leon skipped the rest of dinner given the seeming urgency of Justin''s meeting. They went to Leon''s room. Justin stood by the window looking outside and holding the curtain, whereas Leon was sitting on the edge of his bed looking at Justin. There was a long silence.


    "What''s wrong Justin." said Leon breaking the silence


    Justin kept looking outside of the window still remaining silent for a while.


    "Veronica had an outburst today. Johnathon Jaylin came to ask her hand in marriage and the next thing I know she''s shouting at mom and dad telling them she''s going to choose who she marries." said Justin calmly, still looking out the window.


    Leon didn''t say anything, waiting for Justin to elaborate.


    "You''ve been acting differently lately Leon." said Justin turning around and locking eyes with Leon.


    "What do you mean?" asked Leon tilting his head cautiously


    "First you started keeping things away from me, like how you were running for the election. Then, when you came to my house to plan the election, all you had to do was ask Veronica once to help and she did without asking any questions." said Justin


    "We''re childhood friends." said Leon cutting off Justin


    "She''s cheating for you. Putting her name and reputation at stake for this stupid election all of a sudden and you two haven''t even spoken for years. I understand me and Taylor doing it for you, we''re like brothers - but it never made any sense for Veronica to drop everything to help you." said JustinThis book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    "She''s helping her brother''s best friend. And we shared a childhood together, that counts for something." said Leon defensively


    "Maybe... but the nail in the coffin was your little outburst at the dinner table in your mother''s house. Did you think I ignored that? You seemed pretty passionate that she marry who she wants." said Justin looking at Leon with dead cold eyes. *


    Leon stood up.


    "Then say it, Justin, say what your thinking - because if your not man enough to say it to my face, then just leave." said Leon


    Justin looked away, out the window, staying silent. Leon walked up to Justin.


    "You just want everything to go down quietly, for Veronica to give up her hand so you don''t have to worry. You know that this little Tundra rule is messed up and the less pain she feels the better you feel about yourself. And now that she''s finally showing how much this hurts her, you can''t cope. I understand how you feel, but I will not be your scapegoat. You will not blame me for a normal human reaction of a girl wanting to marry whomever she wants." said Leon barking at Justin angrily.


    Justin kept looking outside the window as Leon noticed a single tear trickle down Justin''s eye. Justin tried to hide it but Leon grabbed Justin''s shoulder and turned him around towards him. Justin became even more teary unable to hold in the tears.


    "I''ve never seen her like this... She''s locked up in her room, crying... I-I feel so helpless, I hate that she''s hurting... I-I don''t know what to do..." said Justin sniffing and wiping his tears.


    Leon quickly embraces Justin tightly placing his face on his shoulder.


    "I''m sorry..." said Justin apologizing for his venting on Leon


    Leon started to calm down, releasing an almost hidden sigh of relief. He held onto Justin tighter. Leon sees his faint reflection in the window, he could barely recognize his face. He looked away immediately, unable to look at himself.

 New Orders

    That same night, Trevor - who works directly under Hilda Cottonwood, arrived at the Twint''s home. Jessica Twint came out of her house after being notified that Trevor was outside. She entered the car wearing whatever clothes she could put on quickly. Trevor was in his usual plain white shirt with a thin black tie and the driver was the same muscular stern man that picked up Leon when he met his grandmother.


    "How have things been Jessica?" asked Trevor beginning with the formalities.


    "The newest polls haven''t been released ye-"


    "No, I mean, how are you?" asked Trevor smiling kindly


    "Things are good, I guess." said Jessica


    "That''s great, Hilda is most concerned about your health first. The election always comes second" said Trevor with the same smile


    "Thanks." said Jessica politely


    "Speaking of Hilda, you have new orders. You have most likely not surpassed Sinclair or George at this stage and your partnership with Leon has not been fruitful for you. Of course, this was a miscalculation on Hilda''s part for allowing you to accept his offer. Do you understand why that''s the case?" said Trevor


    Jessica''s eyes widen as she shakes her head cluelessly.


    "It''s because he manipulated you and Hilda had miscalculated your submissiveness to him. Leon must see you as his equal, not as a chess piece on his board." said Trevor


    Jessica looks down in disbelief.


    "That''s why your new orders are to destroy Leon''s chances in the election under any circumstances. This of course includes the need for you to win. And as with all instructions from Hilda, it is your final decision whether you choose to follow them or not. Clear?" said Trevor


    Jessica nods nervously then replies with "clear."


    That was the cue for Jessica to leave the car, but she stayed for a while. Trevor waited. She then turned towards him.


    "I know I agreed to this with no questions asked, but why is this election so important to Hilda Cottonwood? All I heard from Leon was that she needs Sinclair to lose." said Jessica


    "It''s a long story, Jessica, and one day I''m sure everything will make sense. You should see this as an opportunity. This is your chance to change your life forever, you only need to prove yourself." said Trevor trying to comfort Jessica.


    Jessica runs her fingers through her hair pulling it back. She nods at Trevor then leaves the car.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    She then goes back into the house and runs to her room. She puts on her dojo clothes and makes her way back downstairs.


    "I''m going to the dojo!" she shouted making sure her parents in the living room could hear her.


    "The dojo is closed!" shouted back her mother


    Jessica ignored and left as soon as she put her shoes on. She ran to a dojo nearby where she practiced martial arts regularly. She was the highest ranked student in the dojo and would often give lessons if her master was not available. Her master was not only her trainer, but also a kind of spiritual beacon. Whereas many go to priests for spiritual guidance, Jessica would go to her master.


    Upon arriving, she found the dojo closed, but could see a single light illuminating out of the dojo into the dark streets. She cupped her hands around her head and looked through the window trying to make out if her master was there. As soon as she spotted him, she knocked on the window immediately. He turns around and places his cup of ginseng tea down. He walks up to the door scratching his hair, half awake.


    "Jess? The dojo is closed..." he said looking around the empty streets confused.


    "I need this." she said determined


    Her master, named Yoni, looked at her in her dojo clothes, gave out a deep sigh and moved aside allowing her to enter the dojo.


    "But only twenty minutes, you hear me." he commanded


    "Yes. Thank you, master." she said bowing.


    He turned on the lights and walked on the straw mat in the middle of the large dojo. He kept on his pajamas instead of wearing his dojo clothes. He stood upright and faced Jessica. They bowed to the each other then immediately went into their stance. Yoni had his left hand out and upright in front of him with his right hand directly behind it perpendicularly. His fists were loose. Jessica had a similar stance, except her right hand was stretched outwards towards Yoni.


    "What is it this time?" asked Yoni as he took two quick steps towards Jessica maintaining his stance.


    "A boy." she said as she tried to grab Yoni''s arm who dodges swiftly


    "A boy? Is it that boy?" he asked launching his right leg at Jessica''s body. She blocks and hops back.


    The two continued to talk and attack simultaneously.


    "I''ve taken down everyone who I found to be a nuisance, but I can''t shake this one off." she said


    "Maybe he''s just someone who shouldn''t be shaken off." replied Yoni


    "That''s what I used to believe. But now he''s standing in my way, and I can''t afford to let my emotions be toyed with like this." she said


    "Perhaps this is difficult on you because you feel as if you owe him something." said Yoni


    Jessica kept silent and launched another attack that was blocked immediately.


    "He''s been there for me in the past, in more ways than I can count..." she said


    "That''s understandable, but will you spend the rest of your days indebted to him? Let the past be, and know that people change. You should no longer look at him as you once did, but clear your vision and see what he truly is" said Yoni


    "I don''t know if I can do that." she said


    "You must, if you want to move forward. The problem with fighting those we care about, is we often hold back. Next time you get the chance, make sure you strike with no reservations - one final blow." said Yoni finally getting a hold of Jessica''s hand, pulling her back then tossing her onto the floor with his elbow on her neck. She looked up at him, contemplating. Then quickly broke free, grabbed Yoni''s body and wrestled him to the ground. She struck with a sharp punch that stopped just centimeters before Yoni''s head.


    The two got up, moved back and bowed.


    "Thank you, master." She said


    "Now get out, my tea is getting cold" he whined.


    Jessica left the dojo and walked back home in the dimly lit concrete streets. She looked up at the moon''s crescent as she stood under the warm light of a lamppost. She made a fist and clenched her teeth.


    "Leon..." she whispered through her clenched teeth.

 Blindsided

    The third day of the election, Wednesday. Gideon Faraday arrives at the Prime Minister''s home first thing in the morning. He leaves his car hurriedly and enters the estate as two guards escort him to PM Theodore''s office with a speeding pace. Gideon enters the office to find Theodore leaning his head forward on his hands supported by his elbows placed on the desk. Gideon immediately sits down and places a folder on Theodore''s desk.


    "What''s the emergency?" asked Theodore resolutely


    "You need to get rid of your Minister of Education, today." warned Gideon


    "We''ve already went over this Gideon, I won''t burn one of my cabinet members for a school election." said Theodore.


    "Things have changed. I have orders from Hilda to completely purge everyone on that list" said Gideon pointing at the folder he placed on Theodore''s desk.


    Theodore picks up the folder and skims through it, he immediately looks up at Gideon in anger.


    "Half of them are in my cabinet." said Theodore heatedly


    "Exactly, nearly more than half of your own people are royalists Theodore, you need to make an example of them - make sure they don''t overstep their boundaries." said Gideon


    Meanwhile at Unitare High School, George arrives at school and makes his way towards the entrance. He''s suddenly stopped by Tasha, the Vice President of the school newspaper.


    "Hey Georgie!" she called


    "Hey there Tasha." said George politely


    "Here you go, I wanted to make sure you got this first thing in the morning." she said smiling and giving George the new polls.


    George burrows his eyes in distress as soon as he notices that he has dropped dramatically in the polls.


    ''Did I make a mistake playing by Leon''s rules...'' he thought to himself.


    "Georgie?" she said waving her hands at his face


    "Ah, yes, thank you." he answered


    Tasha suddenly leans in close starts whispering.


    "I''m not supposed to tell you this, since all the voters are supposed to be anonymous. But when counting the votes, I saw something I thought you may want to know." she said


    George keeps silent waiting for her to continue.


    "Layla seems to have voted for Leon." she said with a serious face


    George burrows his eyes at Tasha.


    "Okay Tasha, sure thing." he said dismissively and instantly walks past her passive-aggressively.


    He wanted to lash out at her and tell her that he won''t tolerate her trying to cause a divide between him and Layla. Instead, he held himself and decided to ignore her.


    "I''m not lying!" she shouted at George''s back as he continued to walk away.


    Meantime Theodore is considering Gideon''s request, given that Hilda has given an order that could destroy his party from the inside out. Gideon''s phone suddenly vibrates, he takes it out to check then sighs as soon as he sees the message.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "What is it?" inquired Theodore


    Gideon shows Theodore the message, it was from Elizabeth, the VP of the school.


    "No. You have to tell her she can''t do this." said Theodore as soon as he read the message.


    "It''s out of our hands Theodore, the principal is a royalist. This whole thing was planned by Thomas and Lance. You''d be naive at this stage to continue to bat an eye. You must remove the Minister immediately before things get out of hand." demanded Gideon


    "You knew Lance was behind this? You could''ve stopped them - you wanted this to happen to George, didn''t you?" asserted Theodore


    "We knew, and so did you. Elizabeth told him to not do the photo shoot but he didn''t listen." said Gideon


    "She told him he won''t get in trouble for it."


    "We knew they were planning something, but we didn''t know what, we can''t protect him from what we can''t predict. Now is not the time for blame, Theodore, it''s the time for action. Are you going to sit back and let Thomas slap your son around like this without rebuke?" said Gideon.


    Theodore curls his lip at Gideon in disgust.


    Back in the high school, George makes his way towards homeroom but is immediately called by the class representative to go to the Vice Principal''s office. George was hesitant to go, but had no choice. He walked slowly towards the office as all kinds of thoughts attacked his mind. He was being called, first thing in the morning - the day right after the photo shoot. He knew something was wrong, it was that gut feeling of his that he trusted so much. A part of him wanted to believe it was nothing, but his racing heart and sweating palms told another story. He felt as he was walking into an inevitable death.


    Upon entering the office the Principal and Vice Principal were sat next to each other behind the desk. The VP didn''t look up or make eye contact with George, but the old, aging Principal was looking directly at him.


    "Please, have a seat George." said the Principal with a heavy trembling voice


    George hesitantly made his way towards the desk and sat awkwardly. He didn''t know where to put his hands or his legs, so they ended up in awkward places. He took a deep breath as soon as he remembered that he had forgotten to breathe.


    "You''ve been an outstanding president at Unitare, a real champion of the students - loved and popular. And for that we thank you for your hard work and dedication and we want you to know that we are always here to support and help you whenever you need it." said the Principal


    George stays silent and looks at the VP who is still looking down at the papers avoiding eye contact with George.


    "Unfortunately, we must enforce the rules regardless of whom we are dealing with." said the Principal.


    After those words, George''s arms and legs turned into jelly, he became weak and his heart dropped. Like a rabbit caught in the mouth of a fox, he knew he was done for.


    In the PM''s office Theodore stands up still looking at Gideon with disgust.


    "You people will do anything to get what you want. Couldn''t you have left my son out of this." said Theodore as he picks up his landline phone.


    "Trust me Theodore, we never wanted George to be effected by this. But as you know, the bigger you are, the bigger the target on your back. This is Thomas'' doing, we have to act now." said Gideon


    Theodore calls his receptionist.


    "I need to see Natalie immediately, take a driver to her and bring her as soon as possible." said Theodore looking at Gideon with sharp eyes. Natalie was the Minister of Education.


    In the VP''s office, George looks at Elizabeth.


    "You said the photo shoot won''t get me in trouble!" he protested


    "Yes, you''re not in trouble for that specifically George." she said looking up at him


    "Finally, you looked me in eyes." said George


    "Excuse me? Do not think for a moment I pity you George. I warned you to not go to that photo shoot. It was your own undoing, your vanity and greed that caused this problem. Now face the consequences instead of trying to point fingers." she said coldly


    "Now, now, no need for such aggression. Just to clarify, George, as soon as the magazine with you on the cover was released, the school saw it as a promotional device - and therefore a part of your campaign. Therefore is it subject to budgetary constraints. Upon inquiring with Mr. Lance and PopEight magazine, we found that there was a payment made for this cover. You have unfortunately maxed out your budget constraints on the staged event, including beverages and food, on Monday as well as the printing of your posters." said the principal.


    George looks down as his eyes shake - the ''small fee'' that Layla''s father told him about went right over his head.


    "But this was made by Layla''s father, not me. I didn''t know, you can''t punish me for something I wasn''t aware of." said George desperately.


    "That''ll never hold up George, if every kid had their rich parent or rich parent''s friends pay for their campaigns and say they knew nothing about it - this election would turn into a circus. It is your job as the person taking part in this photo shoot and promoting yourself to make sure you follow the guidelines of the election and no one else." said the Vice Principal.


    "So George, I regret to inform you, that as of today, you will no longer be part of the presidential race and your name will be removed from the voting card." finalized the Principal.

 Tinted Windows

    George picked up his bag from homeroom and barged out of school without saying a word to anyone. It wasn''t that George was kicked out of school or suspended, he simply didn''t want to be around when the news broke. At the front gate he walks past Leon who notices George''s furious face.


    "George!" he called out


    George comes to a halt, but doesn''t turn around. Leon makes his way towards him cautiously.


    "What''s going on?" asked Leon


    "I''m out. Disqualified." said George bitterly. He turned around and faced Leon "Congratulations, it''s all yours to win now." said George with resentment.


    "How did it happen...?" said Leon


    "It doesn''t matter. But you were right, I guess I don''t have any luck with girls." said George as he immediately turns around and storms away before Leon can ask any more questions.


    As soon as Leon entered homeroom,Taylor ran up to him with Justin lagging behind.


    "Did you hear!" exclaimed Taylor excited


    "Yeah..." said Leon


    Justin placed his hand on Leon''s shoulder.


    "Looks like you''re gonna win." said Justin calmly


    "No. Not yet. Nearly half the student body was voting for George - depending on how the information spreads and how they''ll react - this election may be far from over." warned Leon


    Back in Theodore''s office, he was meeting with Natalie - the Minister of Education. She was a highly respected minister with plenty credentials to her name.


    "Prime Minister? Is everything okay?" she asked as she sat down.


    "I need you to fire the principal at Unitare, immediately." demanded Theodore, skipping any formalities.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Principal Earl has been outstanding for several years, he''s not made a single mistake. There is no reason for firing him." she said diplomatically


    "Natalie, you know how loyal I am to my cabinet. I expect that loyalty in return. Cut the crap, we know what''s going on here and today my son was brought into all this. So you will pick a side - me or Thomas." he said intimidatingly


    "You want me to fire a man who worked his entire life for this school because of a high school election?" said Natalie


    Theodore leaned back into his chair.


    "Your royalist ideals are more important to you than our journey to get here? We worked together for years Natalie. Can I not trust any of you anymore?" pleaded Theodore


    "It''s because of what we''ve shared that I''m must refuse to fire an innocent ma-"


    "I demand your resignation by 10:00am today. It''s over, Natalie, you''re finished - now get out of my office." he said indifferently.


    "You can''t-"


    "I can. You''ll return to the back benches, marginalized in the party for the next three months and when I win again, you''re out completely." said Theodore ending the conversation.


    Gideon was in his car and it wasn''t too long since he left the Prime Minister''s home. He had just called Hilda.


    "Hilda, call off the purge, I''ve convinced Theodore to remove the Minister." said Gideon as soon as Hilda answered the secure line.


    "I gave you an order Gideon. You will exterminate them one by one like the insects they are." demanded Hilda.


    "Think about the council Hilda, Theodore has always been loyal, purging his cabinet will only spit in his face. I''ve dealt with the situation using our initial plan, and that''s all that matters. Now that the principal is gone, Elizabeth will be able to control the election results and we don''t have to worry about Sinclair." said Gideon


    Hilda kept silent on the other end of the call.


    "I also have someone I need you to meet. You said you didn''t understand Thomas'' endgame, well he might be of help." said Gideon


    "Did you trap me a little royalist dog willing to talk?" she said


    "Yes, he''ll tell us everything he knows." said Gideon


    "You were always the only one who would question my orders. Perhaps that''s why I''ve kept you around for so long." she said hanging up on the call immediately.


    Meanwhile in the royal palace, Thomas Vinzent was meeting with his scar-faced private investigator, Eight (*). Thomas was venting about how Sinclair was last in the polls even after George''s disqualification. He assured his silent investigator that everything is fine since now there is around three hundred votes in circulation for the taking. After allowing Thomas to vent, Eight gave Thomas a folder with several pictures inside.


    "This is just a car, all the windows are tinted." said Thomas prematurely before even going through all the photos. Eight kept silent waiting for Thomas to reach the last few pictures. The last few photos were taken with several different lenses and cameras - including Infrared and night vision. This allowed the faces to be seen behind the tinted windows of the car. As soon as Thomas saw the images and made out the faces, he turned towards Eight with sinister, demonic eyes, then looked back at the photos.


    "Oh, Leon... how could you." said Thomas smiling menacingly.

 The Edge

    It was the start of lunchtime and Leon and Jessica were meeting on the roof. Jessica was going through her social media feed reading the student body''s reaction to George''s disqualification.


    "People aren''t happy." she said summing up the reactions and looking up at Leon


    "He had extremely loyal voters." said Leon


    Even though Jessica didn''t know the true polls, Leon was well aware that the exact same amount of students voted for George after two separate polls. These were students that seemed to vote for George no matter what. They weren''t going to take George''s disqualification easily.


    "We''ll have to wait until tomorrow''s presidential debate to get a new set of polls. Then we''ll get a feel for how the student body will direct their votes." said Jessica


    "They may choose to mass abstain as a form of protest." postulated Leon rubbing his chin


    "That will only happen effectively if George himself demands it." said Jessica


    "Perhaps, but they may also abstain because they''re no longer interested. Like when your favorite character is a television show dies, you just stop watching." said Leon


    "What are the countermeasures?" asked Jessica


    "I don''t know, but if the non-George votes stay the same, it means I''ll win. And that doesn''t seem to faze you at all, knowing that you have to win for my grandmother." said Leon


    "Didn''t you say that all she wanted was for Sinclair to lose?" said Jessica


    "Yeah, but, I didn''t expect you''d take it this easily. The girl who puts up a fight for everything." said Leon probing.


    "There''s three-hundred plus votes in circulation now that George is out, there are three more days and a debate. Don''t get cocky Leon, this is far from over." said Jessica turning away and making her way towards the roof exit.


    "Wait, Jess." said Leon stopping Jessica. "I told Veronica. About us." he continued


    Jessica turns her head around and doesn''t reply.


    "What you said earlier, I never noticed. I promise, I never meant it to be like that." said Leon apologetically


    "That''s the whole point, you don''t know what you really are. Raised by a family of wolves who only care about winning, I wonder if you''ve ever really cared about someone."


    "I care about Veronica, I''m risking everything just to-"


    "You still don''t get it! You get off that kind of stuff, where everything is at stake. You don''t love Veronica, you just love the thrill that comes with being with her. If you play too close to the edge, sooner or later, you''ll fall off." she said ending the conversation and storming out.


    Leon stared at the roof door motionless. Jessica had always told Leon what was on her mind, she never filtered, she never held back. Which is why her words affected him even more.


    He rubbed his face and then left the roof making his way downstairs towards Justin and Taylor. They meet in the school hallways, and decide for the first time in the election week, to go to the cafeteria. The three mostly spent their lunches eating on the roof, but Leon finally wants to make an appearance. Upon reaching the cafeteria, there was a table saved for them by the seven boys who were helping Leon.The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    The three walked into the cafeteria purposefully slow, attracting all eyes to them. They looked straight ahead at their table without paying any attention to anyone around them. Leon had a strong posture with determined eyes - the eyes of someone who has everything under control. There were strong whispers as the students murmured at Leon''s presence. They reached their table and sat with the boys.


    "You''ve got this in the bag Leon" said one of the boys with brown hair smiling mischievously.


    "We''ve made progress, and I thank you all for your help, but this isn''t over yet. I may still need to call on you if you''re still willing to help." said Leon


    "Of course! But when you become a big shot Prime Minister one day, don''t forget about us" said another boy smiling confidently


    "May I ask something?" asked Leon suddenly


    They all nodded.


    "How did you guys know I was in my mother''s house the first time we met." said Leon


    "We just got lucky I guess, one of us knew where your mom''s house was cause of the news, so we checked there first." said the brown haired boy.


    "I see." said Leon leaving it at that


    Justin suddenly grabs Leon''s shirt and pulls him closer, then whispers into his ears.


    "I forgot to tell you, but you should know, you messed up with the polls. Apparently Layla''s vote was changed to you and Tasha saw it." said Justin


    Leon quickly snaps his head towards Justin with his eyes wide open.


    "Crap." he said distraught


    He quickly remembers Justin telling him about his luck with girls and worries that there may be a link. He quickly looks around the cafeteria trying to find Layla but is unable to find her.


    "What is it?" asked Taylor


    "You guys stay here, I need to find Layla" he said getting up and leaving the cafeteria.


    Meanwhile Layla was in the auditorium, sitting on the stage''s edge with her legs hanging down. She started to reminisce last year''s election during this same time of the year. She had shorter hair back then and was sitting next to George in this exact same place looking at the buzzing of students as they lined up to vote in the auditorium. There were six different stations with members of the student council at each station facilitating the voting process. Students separated at each station and lined up. They would pick a voting paper from a stash of papers and walk into a curtained booth to vote. They fold up their paper, walk out, place it in a box at the station and leave.


    "I thought there would be more people here, we have more students than this." said Layla to George who''s hairline was slightly more forward.


    "Well since voting is after school, students who don''t want to vote or abstain, just don''t show up. The school will know the names of the students who didn''t vote since their papers aren''t in the boxes and so will count them as abstained. There''s no reason for them to show up." said George


    "Well it''s been a long ride, but it was one the most thrilling weeks of my life. Thanks for letting me be a part of it George." said Layla


    "I wouldn''t be here without your help." said George smiling, but his smile seemed reserved.


    Layla punches him on his shoulder as soon as she notices his reserved smile.


    "Stop being so stressed out, you''re gonna win this for sure." she said in a commanding tone.


    "Ow..." said George as he rubs his shoulder in pain.


    The two kept looking ahead at the students voting, maintaining a calming silence between them.


    "This is your legacy story, George. In ten, fifteen years time, they''ll talk about where it all started. This is just the beginning." she said looking at George


    George smiled back and held her hand.


    "No, it''s our legacy story." he said


    "Layla?" said Leon suddenly, breaking Layla out of her daydream.


    Layla quickly turns away and rubs her tears and sniffs heavily.


    "Leon? What are you doing here?" she said hiding her face.


    Leon walked up towards her realizing that she was crying.


    "Layla, have you heard from George? Did he talk to you? Is everything okay?" said Leon bombarding her with questions.


    "George? No I haven''t heard from him. He hasn''t been answering my calls or replying to my messages." she said holding her frown back "And I''m sure it''s because he''s blaming me for what happened..." she continued.


    "Why would he do that?" said Leon digging deeper


    "How would I know!?" she lashed out


    Leon paused giving her time to cool down.


    "Layla, everything''s going to be okay. I''ll talk to George and see what I can do." said Leon


    Layla squints her eyes and shakes her head


    "And who are you to George to suddenly talk to him, trying to ''sort things out''?" she said harshly


    Leon knew she was right. He and George aren''t even remotely friends, why does he think he can just talk to George - especially when it comes to his relationships.


    "Because... I may be the reason why he''s blaming you." he said hesitantly


    "What? What does that even mean? What did you do?" she said hectically.


    "It doesn''t matter right now, but I need you to trust me, I''ll do everything I can to sort things out." said Leon ending the conversation.


    "Wait!" she shouted at Leon as he left the auditorium without turning back.

 Confession

    It was after school and George was at home watching the NNA broadcast about the school election. He was sitting on the couch wrapped up in the embrace of his mother.


    "Hello, good afternoon, this is the NNA, it''s Wednesday April 18th and I''m Jennifer Jordan. Returning to our Unitare Election special segment, we have breaking news that the son of Prime Minister Theodore Tomhawk, George, has been disqualified. Sources state that this was linked to his appearance on the popular PopEight magazine cover, however details of the incident are unknown as of yet."


    George''s mother rubs his shoulder and kisses his head.


    "Don''t worry dear, your father fell many times. Look where he is today." she said comforting him


    "On your screen are the latest polls in the election." said Jennifer


    George takes out his phone and looks at all the messages and missed calls from Layla. He puts the phone back into his pocket and returns his attention to the TV.


    "George Tomhawk seems to have fallen from the previous polls drastically, and Leon Lapuzi has made a miraculous leap to lead the race factoring in George''s disqualification. Sinclair Vinzent is lagging behind in second place having made no considerable gains from the previous round of the polls. Due to the unexpected resignation of the Minister of Education this morning, we have invited Karl Umpire once again."


    The angle of the cameras switch to show Karl and Jennifer in the same frame.


    "Dr. Umpire, do you believe the resignation of the Minister was a coincidence or does it perhaps have a link to the Unitare election?" asked Jennifer


    "Let''s call it what it is, Jennifer, it wasn''t a resignation it was a clear firing. The facts are that the Minister of Education directly controls the staff of Unitare High School, there are no superintends that run it, presumably due to it''s political importance. Immediately after the firing of the Minister, the replacement Minister fired the principal of the school. As I said earlier, Hilda Cottonwood is close friends with Elizabeth, and now by some ''coincidence'', Elizabeth is the principal of the school." said Karl


    "But these are huge allegations, Dr. Umpire, the implications of which mean our Prime Minister is working for a retired politician - Hilda Cottonwood. How can you possibly corroborate such claims." said Jennifer


    "I always believe strongly that people are not ignorant or foolish. It is clear that something suspicious is going on. The firing of the Minister was only a few hours after the disqualification of the Prime Minister''s son, George. Perhaps Hilda used George''s disqualification to get what she wanted. After-all, her grandson is running the election." said Karl


    "But what of the argument that the Prime Minister was not happy that his son was disqualified on the Minister of Education''s watch and so removed her for that reason?" asked Jennifer


    "It would mean our Prime Minister is perhaps emotional unstable, and not fit for leadership. I believe this is a fair argument, but highly unlikely, there are greater powers at play." said Karl


    George looks up to his mother with his eyebrows burrowed.This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    "Do you think it''s true...?" he asked her


    Suddenly there was a knock at the door.


    George looked at the door with a cautious stare. He slowly got up and went to the window by the door to peak at who was at the front. It was Leon with his head lowered and covering his face with his jacket as paparazzi, who weren''t there earlier, were cascading him with flashes of their cameras and asking him for statements. George opens the door and quickly pulls Leon into the house.


    George''s mother turns her head around and notices Leon as he enters the house. She gets up slowly and leaves the living room to go to her room.


    "What are you doing here? And you brought the paparazzi to my house?" said George aggressively


    "No, they were here when I came" said Leon


    George looks at the TV and sighs.


    "News travels fast..." said George


    "Crap, is that about the disqualification" said Leon looking at the TV


    "You would know all about it, apparently your grandmother is running everything around here. You know, when you brought her up in the speeches I thought it was a desperate attempt to give yourself legitimacy. But now everything is adding up, maybe she isn''t just another retired politician." said George spitefully


    "I didn''t come here to talk about politics George." said Leon


    Meanwhile in her room, George''s mother, Ellis, was on the phone with Theodore.


    "Honey, you won''t believe who just showed up. Leon Lapuzi." she said


    "Why?" said Theodore


    "I''m not sure, but he and George are talking right now. Did you watch the news?" she asked


    "Yes" he replied


    "Is it true?"


    "Might as well be." said Theodore


    "I trust you have everything under control?" she said


    "Of course, I''ll do what I need to do to take care of this." said Theodore.


    Ellis hung up the phone and went downstairs to meet Leon.


    "Ah, Leon, what a pleasant surprise." said Ellis interrupting George and Leon''s arguing.


    Leon quickly stood up straight and faced Ellis.


    "Hello Mrs. Tomhawk, I''m sorry to show up like this unannounced." he said lowering his head.


    "Oh please, it''s fine. Since you''re here, what would you like to drink?" she asked


    "There''s no need mother, he''s just about to leave." said George


    "Yes, it''s actually okay - I''ll be brief" said Leon


    "Nonsense, I wouldn''t be able to face your mother. Go on George, take our guest to the kitchen and fix him up a drink, whatever he likes" she said smiling with that motherly commanding presence.


    There was no more discussion - George had to obey. He reluctantly lead Leon to the kitchen.


    "What do you want?" said George looking at the kitchen counter


    "Uhm, coffee should be fine-"


    "No, not what drink you idiot, what do you want from me?" said George


    "You hospitality is unrivaled..." said Leon as he took a seat at the kitchen table.


    "It''s about what you said this morning, about your luck with girls." said Leon


    Despite not wanting to, George went on to make Leon his coffee.


    "What about it?" said George dismissively


    "Are you blaming Layla for what happened?" said Leon


    "How is this any of your business?" said George


    "I found her in the auditorium, balling her eyes out. You''re not answering her calls or replying to her messages." said Leon


    "Oh, so you were alone with her? Good for you, I think she has a thing for you." said George bitterly


    "What is that supposed to mean?" said Leon


    George ignores Leon and stays silent.


    "George. Please." pleaded Leon


    "I don''t get you, why are you in my house all of sudden. Is it pity? You think we can be friends now? Didn''t you already say you have no interest in being friends with me?" said George


    "Because I may have made a mistake and I''m here to make things right. Tell me, why are you blaming Layla?" demanded Leon


    "What mistake?" asked George


    "George." insisted Leon


    George sighed and looked away.


    "Tasha. She told me that, when she was counting the votes, she saw that Layla voted for you. There, happy?" said George


    "You know that can''t be true right? She knows Tasha has a thing for you, and she knows her name is on the polls. If she wanted to double cross you, she would at least be smart enough to wait until it mattered, until that actual elections, rather than just polls that essentially count for nothing" argued Leon.


    "I don''t care Leon, I saw Tasha''s eyes. I didn''t want to believe it, but she wasn''t lying. I''ve had this happen to me before. Me and Layla are over, I can''t be toyed with like this again." said George looking away.


    Leon rubs his face and eyes with his hand and sighs deeply. He looks up at George with apologetic eyes. George notices Leon''s peculiar stare, he tilts his head sideways slightly in confusion.


    "Tasha wasn''t lying. She did see Layla vote for me...." said Leon taking another deep breath hesitantly preparing to finish his words "But Layla didn''t actually vote for me, because I rigged the polls."


    <h3 class="g_h2 mb16">

 Phillip Hunt

    George immediately stopped making the coffee and widened his hands on the kitchen counter with his back facing Leon. He starts to chuckle and his body shakes as he chuckles more and more.


    "You know, part of me wants to kill you right now, but part me is relieved - that I don''t have to end things with Layla." said George as he turns around. This time he wasn''t laughing, but was looking at Leon from the top of his eyes with a menacing stare.


    "But I ignored her, made her cry and suspected her when she did nothing wrong. I hurt her for no reason and that''s on you even if you did try to make things right. It may not be today, or tomorrow, or next year, but our paths will cross again - and when they do, I''ll be sure to repay the debt. Get out of my house." said George coldly.


    Leon looked down and away, thinking of words to say, but left without saying anything. On his way out he was greeted again by the paparazzi, but this time he didn''t cover his face or lower his head. He walked straight ahead without flinching until he got into his car and left.


    Meanwhile a meeting between Hilda Cottonwood and a royalist who was coerced by Gideon to talk, was occurring. They sat on a ebony bench in an emptied public hall that was part of the parliamentary building. The bench was directly facing a large marble statue of Hilda Cottonwood in which she had one hand behind her back and another brought forward, palms facing upward as if she were explaining something. The plaque at the bottom in silver letters read:


    "Hilda Cottonwood


    As recognition for her diplomatic services for the nation and innovation in public affairs."


    The royalist was leaning on his thighs with his elbows. His hands were intertwined in front of him as he fidgeted with them. He tried his best to not look at Hilda directly, neither her flesh nor her statue. She sat with upright posture admiring the statue. The perimeter of the hall was secured by several secret service agents. Hilda usually didn''t leave her home, but when she did, she was always escorted like royalty by Gideon''s men.


    "Did you have to bring me out here in front that thing. I''ve already said I''ll talk, you don''t have to keep intimidating me" said Vero, the royalist


    "It''s not for you, it''s for me. Here was the last time I met Phillip Hunt. It was many years ago, you may have never heard of him." she saidThis novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    "I''ve heard." he said quickly


    "The man nearly took my kingdom from right beneath me. Of all the powerful men and women I''ve met, there are only two that when I looked into their eyes, I felt fear. One of them was Phillip, neither of them was your little prince Thomas." she said turning around towards Vero


    "I get it, you took care of Phillip, so Thomas is child''s play. Are you going to ask me the questions you came here to ask or will we just reminisce?" said Vero still looking away from Hilda and fiddling


    "The media fiasco." said Hilda demanding answers


    "We don''t know everything, but it''s his way of exerting pressure on you to get what he wants from the election." said Vero


    "Since his puppet principle and minister are gone, he''s trying to stop me from choosing a winner through some sham media pressure." concluded Hilda


    "Yes, as far as we know. The pressure should directly affect the Prime Minster." said Vero


    "Why the election? There''s no way Thomas will get Sinclair into the shadow council and even if he did, what does it mean?" said Hilda


    "It was never about getting Sinclair into the shadow council, it was about proving that he could. You would never allow a royal into the council, but Thomas found a way to bypass that. If he''s able to land a few punches on the untouchable Hilda, it would prove you were weak." said Vero


    "So the royalists won''t side with Thomas until he wins?" asked Hilda


    "I''ve never met you in my life, but the one thing I''ve always felt towards you was fear. Maybe some believe in the ideals of the council, but what about those who don''t. The only reason they stay in line, the one thing that unifies them, is the fear of Hilda Cottonwood. What happens when Thomas takes that away?" said Vero.


    Hilda smiles.


    "You weren''t caught by Gideon, were you? You gave yourself up willingly, you''re a convoy for the royalists. Well you''ve successfully reached me, what do you have to say?" said Hilda


    "The reason you have all the royalist names is most likely because Thomas is responsible for leaking them slowly. It''s his plan B if he can''t win the election. To pressure you into lashing out at us and forcing us to follow Thomas'' orders, no matter what happens. I''m here to tell you, the royalists won''t budge until the election is sorted. But if you press us, we will have no choice." said Vero


    "What an absolutely ridiculous stance." she said smiling


    "The only royalists that have gone against you are the minister, Lance and principal Earl, the rest of us haven''t done anything." said Vero


    "Not yet. You''ve just admitted the royalists will side with a traitor. And now that you''re exposed you''re trying to buy time." she said


    "The way we see it is that we won''t side with Thomas until he holds up his part of his deal and proves he''s fit to take over. Why would we pledge allegiance to a mutineer who can''t even touch the reigning queen? We would be handing our lives over to an incompetent person. We set the rules, Thomas is trying to weasel out of it and we won''t bend. If you defeat Thomas, then one of us will be made an example of and we deserve that for our failed coup, but if you come after us all now, then we''ll have no choice but to side with Thomas. Even if you''re able to drag him down after we follow the rest of his plan, then we were going to lose anyway. Our names are out there, we''re deep in this and we''re only trying to play our cards right. You of all people should understand that." said Vero pleadingly.


    Hilda leans back and looks up at her statue staying silent. She then calls one of the agents with the wave of her hand. He quickly went to Hilda waiting attentively for orders.


    "Take him home and secure the house. He is not to make any calls or leave the house until the end of the election." she ordered and then immediately stood up


    "Wait, what? Why?!" he called to an indifferent Hilda.


    Hilda simply looked down at him, both the flesh and the statue, with cold eyes. She then walked away ignoring his appeals.

 Design

    That same day in a hotel owned by a royalist businessman, there was a meeting between the prominent royalist members of the shadow council. They sat around a long wooden table in one of the hotel meeting rooms at the highest floor.


    "He''s the reason Hilda has our names, we can''t trust him anymore" said one of the royalists who had a blonde ponytail


    "We can''t react just yet, we will wait this one out." said another who was wearing square glasses


    "Wait until Hilda has our heads on a spike?" exclaimed the pony-tailed man


    "We''ve already sent someone to Hilda. And even if she lashes out at us, she won''t have enough time to take us all out before we react. She knows that. She will play the election game - it''s her best move." said the man with the square glasses.


    "And since when has circumstance dictated Hilda''s decisions? Her best move, is whichever one she makes." argued another member with short red hair.


    Bethany Garner then enters the room escorted by two men. They didn''t seem like ordinary security guards and were clearly foreign - given their skin color and body features. As soon as she entered, the members in the room stood up until Bethany made her way to her seat and sat. Only then, did they dare to sit back down. She scanned around the room silently as everyone waited for her to speak. But she didn''t utter a word, waiting for the members to continue their conversation.


    "Mrs. Garner, we were just talking about how Thomas is breaking our initial deal." said the pony-tailed man


    "We were also talking about how we should wait for Hilda''s reaction to this before we show our hand." asserted the man with glasses.


    Bethany looks at the two men as if reading them.


    "I understand. I''m here to tell that Thomas is indeed partially responsible for the release of your names to Gideon. I was not aware of this. Nevertheless, things have changed now, you cannot afford to sit back and watch this fight betting on the winner quietly. Now, you must choose a side and forget this silly election." she saidUnauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.


    "We already agreed on the importance of the election. The son of Theodore, in Hilda''s school run by her vice principal as a way into the impenetrable shadow council. These were all the factors that would allow Thomas to prove himself worthy of our support. Win the election and you have our backing. It''s a matter of principle, Mrs. Garner, we can''t have him playing us like one his pawns to get what he wants. We will stand our ground until he proves himself, even if it means Hilda''s wrath." said the red haired lady.


    "Yes, that is a fair stance. We all have our reasons for wanting to support the prince, those of us who believe in a true monarchy, some of us who heard stories from our grandparents about the good old days and others for our own selfish reasons. But we are all united in our desire to support him, so perhaps it''s time you hear from the prince himself." said Mrs. Garner as she sends her guard to the door. After a few seconds Thomas enters the room followed by a royal guard. He makes his way to Bethany and stands next to her as the entire room turns their heads towards him waiting attentively.


    He looked around the room scanning each and everyone''s face. He begins to play with his jet black ring on his finger as he prepares to speak.


    "Some of you may feel betrayed, but if I played by the rules and allowed the tides of luck to decide my fate and yours and if I had no backup plan, would you have trusted me to rule? This is my design, everything and everyone is exactly in the place I need them to be - every move calculated perfectly. It''s time I inform you of my entire strategy. If you follow my orders exactly, you''ll come to finally understand that your fear of an old aging lady whose best days have past her is misguided and irrational. And after tomorrow, you will find that negotiation with Hilda will no longer be possible. You will have no choice but to obey me. This, is my final move." said Thomas with his commanding charm. He had everyone in the room with ears wide open, ready to listen to their prince.


    Thomas then went on to explain in detail, the final act of his plan to leading royalist members.


    Meanwhile at Hilda''s home, a car appears in the middle of the night. A woman leaves the back of the car wearing baggy clothes and a hat that hid her hair completely. She was wearing sunglasses to hide her eyes and covered her face with a scarf. The man driving the car, came out and walked the woman to Hilda''s front door. The man presses the buzzer near the door.


    "Ma''am there is a woman covering her face and a man at the front door. Should we have them removed from the premises?" said Hilda''s butler as he looked at the video feed from the camera at the door.


    "Anything identifiable?" asked Hilda as she came walking down the stairs.


    "I can''t quite make it out, though it seems the man has the royal guard emblem on his jacket. The car parked outside, however, is not from the royal palace." said the butler walking behind Hilda.


    Hilda stopped suddenly on the stairs and turned towards her butler who was holding a tablet that was showing the video feed.


    "What is the color of the woman''s hair?" she asked


    "It''s covered by her hat, though it seems to be..." the butler paused as soon as he was able to make out the color. He looks up at Hilda immediately "her hair is purple, ma''am." he continued with slight shock.


    "Interesting. Let only the lady inside." she said smiling.