Nah, when I read the novel I definitely got that vibe. You can be attracted to someone you hate- but my real opinion is that he's so narcissistic and jealous that he's obsessed with seeing her as not just his property, but an extension of his self. As literal twins, he not only sees her as the closest female version of his self (and he obviously only cares about his self), but he wants to own her entirely. His desire is for complete domination and possession, including her body, and in a weird way of doing so sees his self as still 'owning' that one trait (just not specifying to not spoil the first chapter).
Like..... r*** is often more about dominating and breaking someone through violence. It's not usually about normal attraction, but more of an act of force that translates into gratification. A scary number of people are... gratified... when they feel powerful through hurting others. I mean, look at almost any historical war. Even if he doesn't exactly have romantic feelings or what we typically view as normal lust, he still crosses the line of from 'brother' to 'man' in many ways. Honestly, in the first chapter you can see that regardless of later events (still avoiding spoiling), the level of interest in enjoyment and the implications of the physical contact is enough in itself to show an unhealthy level of sexual interest in a sibling.
Also I'm so sorry for this random creepy rant, I think my adhd meds kicked in at the worst time. But I don't wanna delete it. Please don't hate me. Also nice to see another novel reader in the wild and anyway have a good day!!
While i do see your point, what you described is still not attraction. Hatred can be as intense as even love and can lead someone to obsession. Your description is basically my point, she completes the narcissistic image he has of himself. He sees her as an undeserving extension of himself but if he could, he could do without her, as long as he could transfer all that makes her fit that twisted image he has back to himself. His actions, rather than an 'unhealthy level of sexual interest' are instead, what i believe to be, what he thinks he has a right to do as the other half of an unbreakable whole. I don't think it's sexual interest rather than the pleasure he gets from the entitlement to do whatever he wants, since he doesn't consider his sister her own person. The sadism he feels and his control towards her whole life could be compared to a need for sexual gratification but it's still not it. It's more twisted than that.
Also, no hatred towards you whatsoever. We're all entitled to our own interpretation of the story. So long as you don't personally attack me we're good.
I personally feel that thinking someone is objectively attractive and also desiring to have a large role in the sex life of that person, regardless of why exactly they want sexual contact... is still... well, sexual. In any situation that a person would want complete sexual: knowledge, control, involvement, and some physical intimate contact... it's just still... sexual. Maybe not romantic or loving or anything, but the demented lust to own, control, and manipulate someone's sex life for your own pleasure... I can't see that as completely not sexual. If a coworker asked if I enjoyed sexual activities from people they sent my way... I mean, that would be absolutely unhinged sexual harassment. Stroking my bare skin while asking? No one would say it wasn't related to sexual interest. Whether a coworker or a family member, no one would think it was a platonic relationship. I personally just can't see a brother be obsessed and possessive with a sister, especially obsessed with her sex life, and not get some incest vibes. I think any reason for sexual interest still, well, counts? Idk how to explain better.
Anyway, have a good one!
I get your p.o.v, it's alright you explained it perfectly, i just do not agree and view it this way.
Her brother hates her (no sweet home Alabama) but he's obsessed with her eyes so he's afraid she's going to escape solely for this reason. Why? Because they were both born with grey eyes but based on the empire's crown history, only the true, legitimate heir's eyes change to blue color. Everyone expected it'll be him but it was his sister instead. So yeah, while he's jealous and absolutely detests her (hence why he makes her suffer), he also doesn't want to lose the only proof of true, loyal blood. He's basically a blue blood extremist.