Chapter 21
Federico relaxed in his seat, a slight grin of contentment appearing on his face. He finally had the crown of power within reach. For years, he had planned, and engaged in political maneuvers, and now everything was falling into place. His ambitions had been burdensome before, but today they felt easier to carry. Triumph was close.
Gabe and Jake sat in their seats across from him, enjoying their drinks. Both had served as his loyal companions, aiding him in maneuvering the dangerous realm of the kingdom’s political landscape. Having witnessed his ascent, they also reveled in his contentment.
Gabe congratulated Federico as he swirled his glass. “The crown is almost in your possession. King Marcos won’t endure much more, and you will assume his position.
Federico’s smile grew a little wider. “It’s just a waiting game now.” After the formal procedures are done, the actual job starts.
Jake tilted his body, his eyes shining. “And after acquiring the crown, we can address those who have mistreated you and investigate who caused your mother’s demise.”
The reference to his mother’s passing briefly sparked emotion in Federico’s eyes, which he promptly quelled. After years of perfecting his mastery, he was determined not to reveal past injuries at this moment.
“We are going to,” he said calmly. Once I possess the entire authority of the kingdom, nothing can prevent me from revealing the truth. And once I do, those to blame will face consequences.
While he was talking, there came a knock at the door. Federico quickly looked at it, feeling his mood immediately turning for the worse. Unexpected guests were not welcome, and interruptions during that moment were not appreciated.
He instructed Gabe to find out who it was, using a sharp tone of voice.
Gabe gave a nod before getting up and heading towards the door. He opened it slightly to look outside, then turned to Federico with a slightly tense expression.
“Gabe mentioned it was Leandro and Thomas, moving out of the way for them to come in.”
Federico’s expression became stern. His siblings. He ought to have been aware of their arrival, however, he had no tolerance for their games. They had never backed him, never stood up for him, and now they were trying to act like they were offering congratulations.
Leandro entered the room first, with Thomas following behind. They both had smiles on their faces, but Federico could see beyond the surface. Their sharp and calculating eyes revealed their true motives.
“Brother,” Leandro whispered, his voice like silk. “We have arrived to offer our congratulations to you.”
Federico remained seated in his chair. He refrained from smiling at them, or even a glimpse of kindness. Rather than showing warmth, he looked at them with a lack of emotion, tapping his fingers casually on the chair’s armrest.
“Federico spoke with contempt, saying to keep your false appearances to yourself.” I don’t want insincere praise from either of you.
Leandro’s smile remained intact, yet there was a hint of peril in his gaze. On the contrary, Thomas fidgeted uncomfortably next to him. The atmosphere in the room was tense, and there was a moment when it appeared that the two brothers might walk away without saying anything else. However, Leandro was not someone who would easily give up.
“We aren’t here to fake it, Federico,” Leandro said calmly. We are all part of the same family, in the end. We should support one another.
Federico chuckled dryly, leaning slightly forward in his seat. “Relatives?” You have never been there for me. I do not require your assistance at this moment.
Thomas coughed awkwardly, showing his discomfort with where the conversation was going. “We simply had the idea-”
“Your assumption was incorrect,” Federico interjected, his voice slicing through the air sharply. No matter what plans you’re making, they are bound to fail. This time, no.
Leandro’s grin slowly disappeared, giving way to a serious and strategic look. “Brother, you easily jump to negative conclusions about us.” We’re just here to extend our congratulations, nothing else.
Federico rose to his feet, looming above his brothers who were seated, his eyes narrowing in a threatening manner. I don’t have trust in either of you. I am aware that you have been scheming without my knowledge, and if you believe you can sabotage me, you are wrong.
Leandro lifted his hands in a playful gesture of surrender. “Federico, there is no reason to be hostile.” We’re simply here to check in on you post-ceremony. To see how our brother is doing.
Federico moved nearer, his eyes fixed on Leandro the entire time. “I don’t require your worry. I do not want you here. It’s time to go now.
The atmosphere in the room was tense, with unspoken threats weighing down the air. Thomas fidgeted anxiously, looking back and forth at his older brothers, obviously wanting to go but not knowing how to calm things down.
Leandro and Thomas started to leave, but Leandro stopped at the door, taking one last look behind him. “It’s just a question of time, Federico,” he muttered, his voice tinged with a hidden threat. Your strategy may have been successful temporarily, but we will see how sustainable it is. Until that time comes, be cautious and stay alert.
Federico’s jaw tightened, his eyes filled with icy anger as he observed his brothers departing. Although he was aware it was unwise to trust them, Leandro’s words continued to resound in his thoughts. He had always been aware that his brothers would be a risk, but hearing it voiced out loud-listening to the caution in Leandro’s tone-heightened the perceived danger.
Upon the closing of the door behind them, Federico exhaled slowly, his hands still tightly clenched by his side. Gabe and Jake shared a knowing look, feeling the change in his mood.
“They will persist,” Jake said, interrupting the quiet. “Leandro in particular.” He has been anticipating a moment like this.
Federico responded, his voice filled with anger, “I’m aware.” However, I have no fear of them. They have always envied me and always attempted to hinder my progress. Being so close to having power now means they will go to great lengths to prevent me from achieving it.
Gabe’s face contorted in a frown. “What is it that you would like for us to do?”
After contemplating briefly, Federico’s mind was filled with various potential outcomes. His siblings were like serpents, constantly scheming and attempting to undermine him. With the crown now in sight, he couldn’t let anything divert his focus.
“Make sure to watch them,” he finally said. I am curious about all of their activities. If they mention even a slight intention, I want to be informed about it.
Jake agreed with a determined expression on his face. We will take care of it. You concentrate on ensuring your place.
Federico glanced at the crown on his desk, representing all that he had struggled for. His brothers believed they could prevent him, but they were mistaken. He possessed greater strength, intelligence, and ruthlessness than they could ever match.
Federico quietly muttered, “Allow them to come.” “I will be prepared.”
Gabe and Jake made eye contact but remained silent. They were wise enough not to challenge Federico in this state. He was a man who prospered in power, and even his own family wouldn’t hinder him from reaching his ultimate goal, now that he was so near.
While the room became quiet, Federico’s thoughts were filled with ideas of disloyalty and drive. Leandro’s words repeated in his mind as a caution, but he disregarded them. He had advanced too much to allow anyone, not even his siblings, to hinder him.
They would soon discover that Federico should not be taken lightly. And when the moment arrived, he would demonstrate to everyone the lengths he was prepared to go to seize the throne.