Page 9 of Vampires of Eden

I’m situated at the opposite end of the table from his designated space, so when he’s in front of me, his back is to the others.

He winks and speaks in a low voice. “I’m looking forward to spending time with you next week, my handsome golden prince.”

No.

Just, no.

I don’t unfold my arms as I stare at him blankly. What the fuck is he on? This can’t be happening to me. Thiscan’tbe real.

Unperturbed by my silence, he turns away, grinning. “Esteemed purebreds of the Royal Order, as you well know, our labor force has declined drastically over the past decade—and the situation is rapidly worsening. In front of you is a detailed proposal of edicts to help combat this pressing matter. The document is broken up into five subsegments—access to higher education, wages, taxes, land ownership and border patrol. Let’s begin with higher education…”

For the next hour and a half, Lord Cherrington guides us through an extensive proposal of what is essentially restrictions geared toward ensnaring ranked vampires. He wants to imposemorerules so that the few servants and working-class vamps that we have left on this island won’t be able to leave. They’ll either be too uneducated and poor to offer anything of value outside of Eden, or they’ll be barred from leaving at the border. Outright.

“These statutes and others like them have been the essence and framework for the success of our society for centuries,” he says, having returned to his seat at the opposite end of the table. “I am of the opinion that we’ve become too lenient, and this is why we have great houses without adequate staff. Empty fields, discarded wineries and abandoned factories. It’s time that we tighten the reigns and do what needs to be done for the future prosperity of Eden.”

No one speaks. The silence that hangs in the room is cold and stiff until Governor Ellis clears her throat. “Thank you, Lord Cherrington, for your ambitious proposal. There is… a lot to consider here.”

“It is my pleasure, Madame Governor. This matter has weighed heavily on all of our minds—and the consciousness ofthe aristocracy at large—for far too long. We should discuss the proposal at length so that we’re all in agreement. However, I have given this much thought, and I do sincerely believe that this is the best possible path for our society. It’s time to take a firm stance. Drastic measures will create drastic results.”

Governor Ellis nods, then shifts in her seat. “Lady Bhaduri, what are your initial thoughts?”

Scanning the page, Lady Bhaduri shrugs. “The proposed edicts are indeed aligned with Eden’s traditions. It certainly needs some adjustments… here and there. It’s something to work with, at least?”

“It is a starting point,” Governor Ellis admits. She taps her cherry red fingernails against the proposal, making the diamond ring on her finger glisten. She’s not nearly as flashy as her son and my alleged friend, Sebastian. But it’s obvious that the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree. She looks to my father. “Your thoughts, Lord Kendrick?”

“I wish to defer my opinion to Prince Alexander. He will speak on my behalf.” With that proclamation, all eyes focus on me.

My arms are still folded as I inhale deeply, then blow out a breath. “This proposal and the thought processes behind it are exactly the reasons why we’re in this circumstance. If we pass and enforce these rules, Eden’s fate is sealed. We’re ruined.”

Governor Ellis sits straighter in her seat and Lady Bhaduri is wide eyed. Lord Cherrington chuckles as if I’ve told a joke that he doesn’t find funny, but he’s trying to be polite.

“Forgive me, your highness,” he says, leaning forward with his hand plastered to his chest, “but that assessment feels somewhat… dramatic?”

“Maybe,” I go on. “But ranked vampires are already leaving Eden in drovesbecauseof the lack of opportunities. Because of antiquated restrictions and zero potential for upward mobility. This proposal will only make our society spiral faster. Or cause an uprising.”

“An uprising?” Lord Cherrington parrots, drawing back. “You honestly think my proposal could ignite a new war?”

“Not war,” I clarify. “But deeper civil unrest. We’ve seen these situations over and over again throughout history and across multiple cultures. You can’t oppress people into contented submission. The narrative never plays out the way the overseers think it will.”

“If you reject this proposal,” Governor Ellis begins, meeting my gaze, “then what would you suggest in its place?”

I take another deep breath, considering. Out of habit, I lift my gaze to the ceiling. The annoyance and profound sadness flare in my chest and I close my eyes. “The opposite.”

“What does that mean?” Lady Bhaduri’s voice floats from across the table, along with the melodic tinkering of the bangles lining her wrist.

“We need better wages,” I say, addressing everyone at the table. “Higher quality education, housing and more opportunities for upward mobility. It’s one thing to treat our resident vamps well to keep them local, but we should take it a step further. Create a stronger society so that other vamps come here, to Eden, because the benefits outweigh that of any other aristocracy across the continent. That’s how we change. That’s how we thrive.”

All around, I’m met with blank stares except for my father, who wears a subtle smile.

Lady Bhaduri speaks first. “That sounds… ambitious. How would we accomplish such drastic enhancements across multiple sectors. And with what capital?”

“We’d go slowly, sector by sector with a detailed and strategic plan,” I explain. “And with our capital. The combined wealth held by the royal families is more than enough to finance these endeavors. If we viewed it as a long-term investment, the return would be ten-fold considering the increased populace, industry and business opportunities—maybe even tourism.”

Presently, any foreign vampire that visits Eden only comes because of the arts (my father’s accomplishment), a specificjob they’ve been hired for, or out of morbid curiosity. To bear witness to a falling vampire society. Like gawking at a historically relevant building as it slowly decays and crumbles.

“Ourcapital?” Lord Cherrington scoffs. “Forgive me, your highness, for the inelegant declaration, but have you not recently forfeited your capital to the Blakeley Clan for the purpose of young Oliver’s freedom? You speak of grandiose, utopian ideals, but how couldyoupossibly contribute to such an extensive project, given your current financial situation?”

His words are like a dagger plunging into my chest. I hate hearing Oliver’s name come out of his mouth like this. With contempt. “Suggesting fair housing laws and open boarders for ranked vampires is hardly ‘utopian.’ And my financial situation is temporary and not of the council’s concern at this time.”