I was curious how a family with no money and no recognition could swing the Dragon’s favour and land the position of the mayor. But now that I’m watching them in action, it makes perfect sense.
They know exactly how to play the part.
“If we were to open the borders, Wolf Hollow would be overridden with common criminals looking for a safe place to land. There would be no restrictions on who could venture these streets or who could profit from our primary operations.”
Erik nods slowly, “I understand there is a risk, but an open border means we could start exporting. Your pharmaceuticals could be bought and sold from all ends of the earth and we could discover new industries that might help restimulate the economy.”
“Our economy does not need restimulation.”
“Wolf Hollow only encompasses a small portion of the black market. And without the possibility of cutting costs through outsourcing or expanding to reach new customers…” He shakes his head with a sigh, “People are struggling. The general population has seen a drastic decline these last few years and I fear it’s only going to get worse.”
A painted fingernail taps the crystal silhouette of her wine glass.
“The general population, you say?”
“Yes. The people beyond the gated community-
“There lies your problem. My priority lieswithinthe gated community and the council members who invest their time and money into this town.”
“Maleficent, you have to understand-
“To open the borders is to jeopardize the safety and stability of my council, and that is not something I am willing to negotiate. Now, unless you have other matters to discuss, I suggest youtake your leave before Anton Clementon finds himself a new friend in the incinerator.”
It’s a thinly veiled threat and Erik is quick to take his cue.
“My apologies. I should have known better than to bring up work during such a pleasant evening.” Pushing his chair back, he bows his head, “Thank you for the wonderful meal and company. I look forward to our next meeting.”
Melody follows suit and soon it’s just the three of us, sitting at an oversized table.
Eating an undercooked steak.
“Well, that was interesting.” Clapping her hands, Cruella does her best to fill the silence, “How about some bubbly?”
It’s a solemn affair after that, one where my mum blabs and Maleficent listens with a pained smile on her face. I focus on chewing my steak, the blue veins and red blots enough to turn a guy off an expensive slab of meat.
My eyes naturally stray to the chair beside the Dragon. The seat that remains stubbornly empty even as the minutes turn to hours and the idle chitchat starts to slow.
Time drags on, but no matter how long I force my ass to stay seated, blonde curls never materialize.
And that tastes a hell of a lot worse than this steak.
Chapter 30
CHRISTOPHER
I think it was Jasper who said I’m a sucker for punishment.
Words that have never really sunk in until this moment.
“You’re a fucking idiot.”
The endearing reminder gets blown away by a bitter wind. Darkness encompasses the cloudless sky, the arch of Drache Manor soaring high above me.
And here I am, staring at the only bedroom with a light on.
Like the fucking chump I am.
My dress shirt flaps uselessly against my skin as I start to climb. Windows are a bitch to clean but a blessing to mount because it gives me a ledge every few feet to scale like the world’s most reckless free climber.
