Page 5 of Vampires of Eden: Oliver
Sasha lets go of my hand and stands up from the bed. Incensed. “Well, that was a shit thing to say—you selfish little vampire. One minute I feel bad that Lord Blakeley treats you like a child, then the next, you fit the bill, don’t you?”
Ignoring the insult, I watch her carefully. “Have your eyes ever alighted for Elaine? Or for anyone? Have you ever felt the pull in your nature for another vampire?”
Sasha’s face hardens as she looks away. “Is one vampire’s passion and whimsy worth starting a war? Potentially sacrificing an entire race of purebreds?”
I frown, folding my arms. “That’s a slippery slope. I don’t think I’m capable of single-handedly dismantling centuries-old doctrine by having freedom in my life. I don’t have that kind of power—”
“Butyou do. Centuries ago, five clans almost tore this aristocracy apart. This peace treaty and what we do now is the only thing that stopped the fighting and killing. It was the only way to balance and share the power. Sacrifices have to be made for the greater good, and you’re part of that, Oliver. Full stop.”
I hate it when she lectures me. It’s always like this. Sasha understanding and commiserating with me, but only up until a point. “I know it’s important,” I say, folding my legs and feeling guarded. “I don’t need a speech about history and responsibility—you sound just like him right now. I apologize for what I said, okay? I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
Sasha steps back, blinking as if I’ve just slapped her. “I—No. That’s not… Listen—”
“It’s fine, Sash. You’re right. I’m sorry. I’m selfish and silly and I need to grow up.” I take a breath, but my chest feels heavy. Hardened, like it’s stuffed with rocks. I bite the inside of my cheek.
This moment feels like dinner last night. Me, being rebuked because I’m lacking. Because I’m screwing up yet again and not subscribing to the system. Maybe she’s right? Maybe it is time that I faced reality and let go of these passions and whimsies that threaten to wipe out my entire aristocracy.
The light in my room shifts as the sun dips behind a cloud. Sasha watches me. Her expression is creased and downcast, as if I’ve said something hurtful to her, even though I don’t think I have.
After a long moment, she picks her bag up from the ottoman at the end of my bed and digs inside. Soon, she pulls out a square box and sets it just in front of my folded legs. Then, she produces another, smaller one, setting them side by side.
“He shouldn’t have taken all your devices and equipment away,” she says. “That was immature of him. The pictures that you took and posted were fantastic, and weshoulddo better in supporting our lower-ranked kin. Well done.”
“Thank you, but…” I glance at the packaging before gently pushing the boxes back toward her. “If anyone finds out that I have this, I’ll just be in more trouble.” The first box is a miniature hybrid instant camera. Black with rose-gold trimmings. Lovely. The second, smaller box is a pack of instant film because it’s a niche camera.
She sighs, shaking her head. “Ollie… I always want you to be yourself with me. I don’t want you to be submissive and withdrawn all the time—I really love that you think differently from all of us and have these creative aspirations. I’m sorry that I scolded you. But I do think that you need to accept reality, because there is no escaping this. The ceremony is real and it’s happening next month. In the meantime, though, find joy in the tangible things?”
“Like… what?”
“Use the camera. It’s small, so you can hide it if someone comes around. And… Alexander is a little too perfect-y and blonde for my taste, but I really believe that he genuinely likes you? He specifically chose you. Maybe the two of you will have ‘chemistry’ once everyone’s eyes are no longer watching and dissecting your every move?”
“Sure.” I nod. “Or maybe it’ll get worse.”
Sasha rolls her eyes. “You’re so negative. Listen, since you’re relocating to Central Eden to be with Alexander and it’s his realm, he’ll oversee all the boring stuff. You’ll mostly just be like… hm… arm candy?”
I blink, confused. “Is this supposed to comfort me?”
“Well, yes, a little. You won’t need to be deeply embroiled in the politics of Eden. You’ll just have a seat beside him while he does all the work. That’s how it is with Elaine and me. I play my part when I’m needed—you know, make sure my hair and appearance are just so, and that I’m well versed on whatever relevant topics or guests. It’s easy.”
“It sounds empty.”
“It isn’t empty. Having a Blakeley on the Royal Governing Board and finally represented within the Eden Historical Records will be enough to make Lord Heartless and all our dead ancestors proud. You’re fulfilling a centuries-long ambition!”
I really… don’t have anything else to say. When I stare unmoving in the silence for a little too long, she shrugs.
“Alright then,” she concedes. “Look forward to meeting the designer? I researched him online and he’s really amazing. It’s impressive that Lord Heartless is going all out for your wedding.”
I squint, considering. “Can we afford this? Wouldn’t it have been better to put more electrical sockets in the library so we don’t have to read by candlelight anymore?”
“His name is Aries, I think?” Sasha goes on, ignoring me. “Ask him about his travels and Italy. Maybe you can live vicariously through him?”
I’m not interested in living vicariously through some random vampire. Or custom-made clothes that we definitely cannot afford. Or even Prince Alexander and this month-long ritual leading up to a forced wedding and being his “arm candy.”
But I know that she’s trying to comfort me in her own way. So, I smile politely with my hands clasped in my lap. “I will. Thanks, Sasha.”
Hesitating, she nods, turns and walks toward the door. She grabs the handle and speaks with her back toward me. “You’re being fake as hell.”
“I-I’m not.”
