Twisted Greed (Twisted Sin #1)

Prologue

"I want her to bend the knee." Zavier's voice cut through the silence, dripping with authority and determination.

The dimly lit office within the grand palace was cast in shadows, save for the flickering flames dancing in the hearth, casting an eerie glow across the room. Emperor Zavier sat regally in his ornate chair, his figure shrouded in darkness, save for the glint of firelight reflecting in his piercing crimson eyes. Across from him, his brother Zachary, the warlord prince, maintained a stoic demeanor, his expression unreadable as he listened to the emperor's demands.

Zachary's brow furrowed slightly, his gaze steady as he replied, "That will never happen. The Queen of Esther is not one to yield easily, Your Grace. You should know that, considering your history with her five years ago."

Zavier's eyes narrowed as he regarded his brother, the firelight casting ominous shadows across his face. His fingers drummed impatiently on the armrest of his chair before he leaned forward, his gaze intense as he locked eyes with Zachary.

"We just fucked," his voice rumbled low, each word laced with a dangerous edge, but Zachary did not even flinch or blink an eye.

Emperor Zavier sighed heavily, the weight of his decisions pressing down on him like a leaden cloak. He rubbed his temples wearily, trying to ease the tension building within him. "That was a long time ago," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's different now."

Zachary's gaze hardened, a flicker of exasperation crossing his features. "And yet here you are, waging a war because of her," he retorted, rolling his eyes in disbelief. "Where's your pride, brother?"

"Pride is your forte, little brother, not mine," Zavier shot back, his tone tinged with annoyance. "Do not question my commands. I may be your brother, but I am still your emperor."

The words hung heavy in the air, the silence deafening as the brothers locked eyes, each refusing to yield to the other. The room seemed to constrict around them, suffocating in its darkness, the only illumination coming from the dwindling flames in the hearth.

Zavier knew the consequences of his actions, understood the implications of waging war against the Esther kingdom and breaking the centuries-old alliance. But he didn't care. All he desired was the crown, whatever the cost.

"You are playing with fire, Your Grace," Zachary warned, his voice tinged with disappointment.

A devilish chuckle escaped Zavier's lips, a glint of madness dancing in his eyes. "But I am the fire, Zachary," he declared, his voice resonating with an ominous certainty.

The tension in the room momentarily dissipated as Emperor Zavier's lips curled into a sweet smile, a stark contrast to the severity of his previous demeanor. "I know you, brother," he said softly, his voice dripping with familiarity. "You won't betray me. Your pride won't let you."

Zachary opened his mouth to respond when suddenly, the grand double doors of the room swung open, revealing two impeccably dressed men. Their regal bearing and striking appearances marked them as nobility.

"Whoa! Two moody brothers in a room," exclaimed the man with curly blonde hair, his fair skin glowing under the soft light, a playful grin adorning his face, accentuated by lipstick stains trailing down his neck like a daring tattoo. "They might kiss."

The other man, his thick eyebrows furrowed in confusion, questioned, "They will?"

The emperor rolled his eyes in exasperation as the blonde man chuckled. "Why are you two here?" he demanded.

"I thought you were attending a ball," Zachary interjected.

The man with long, straight hair tied in a low, messy bun spoke up, his tone nonchalant. "Valerian got bored."

Zavier shot his friend an incredulous look, his gaze lingering on the lipstick stains adorning his face. "Well, it looks to me like he quite enjoyed himself, Alaric," he remarked dryly.

Valerian chuckled charmingly, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "What can I do? I'm a beautiful man, lusted after by beautiful ladies," he quipped, his tone filled with playful arrogance.

The emperor and the others exchanged knowing glances, rolling their eyes in unison. Valerian Sean Sinclair was infamous for his playful flirtation and insatiable desire for romantic conquests. He had left a trail of broken hearts in his wake, having indulged in countless dalliances with women from all walks of life, from the opulent houses of nobility to the dimly lit corners of brothels. He was a force of nature, a man who refused to be tamed by anyone or anything.

As for Alaric Carcel Valerys, the prince of Valerys, his reputation preceded him. With a temper as thin as a strand of silk, he was a formidable figure, his stoic demeanor often intimidating those around him. Despite his icy exterior, his striking features and high social standing made him a coveted prize among the ladies of the empire. But approaching him was no easy feat, for his aloof nature made him seem unapproachable to all but the most determined suitors.

Alaric settled onto one of the velvety couches in the room, his expression curious. "What were you discussing?"

Zachary let out an exasperated sigh, leaning back in his chair. "This brother of mine, the mighty Emperor of Avanov, wants to conquer the Kingdom of Esther for his own amusement."

Alaric furrowed his brow in confusion. "But isn't that kingdom independent? Your ancestors upheld an alliance with them. Why seek conquest now?"

Valerian chuckled, a sudden realization dawning on him. "Don't tell me it's because of her. I thought your relationship with her ended peacefully."

"Peaceful isn't the right word when this fool here suddenly wants to conquer her kingdom," Zachary retorted bitterly.

Valerian poured himself a glass of alcohol, downing it in one gulp. The burn of the liquor momentarily distracted him from the tension in the room. "It seems our emperor has set his sights on a new conquest, Zachary," he remarked, casting a knowing glance at the brooding figure of the emperor. "He's embarking on an enemies-to-lovers romance on a national scale, and many will be caught in the crossfire."

"Shut your mouth, Sinclair," Emperor Zavier interjected coldly, his words dripping with menace. "Peace has reigned for too long. It's time to spice things up a bit."

"And so, war will erupt because of your boredom?" Alaric challenged, his tone laced with disapproval.

"Alaric, Alaric," Valerian shook his head, pouring another glass of alcohol and thrusting it into his friend's hand. "Our emperor may have taken his last encounter with the Queen of Esther to heart. He may not be as serious about war as he appears..." He glanced nervously at the emperor, sensing his growing impatience. "Or are you?"

A heavy silence descended upon the room as the four men locked eyes, each grappling with their own thoughts. They knew Emperor Zavier's ambition was boundless and his hunger for power insatiable. He was a ruler driven by his own desires, heedless of the consequences for those around him.

The tension in the room became palpable, each breath laden with uncertainty and apprehension. The emperor, his patience wearing thin, spoke with calculated precision, his words a chilling reminder of his unyielding determination.

"I want the crown."

© ashiaari