Chapter 137 Aid.

Chapter 137 Aid.
CAMILLE’S P.O.V.

I flipped through the heavy parchment pages of my book. These days, I’ve picked up the hobby of reading far more than I used to. It’s a quiet escape, especially when Josh is buried in his duties as King and Lorenzo is navigating his teenage years—a time where he seems more occupied with combat training and noticing girls than spending time with his mother.

Nevertheless, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Finally, the world was at peace. The shadow monsters were a memory, and the stains of hatred and slavery had been scrubbed from the Vampire Kingdom. Lord Khaos had finally made it possible to live in the world I’d always dreamed of, and I knew it was all thanks to Kate and my brother, Domenic. Without them, I feared this peace would have been nothing more than a fleeting dream.

A smile touched my lips as I thought of my brother. He and Kate have been married for seventeen years now, and their daughter, Lucia, is already twelve. She hasn't shown any signs of being a vampire like Domenic—perhaps she never will—but she is easily the smartest child I’ve ever met. I’ve only had the chance to visit them in the human world twice, but Lucia left a lasting impression. She inherited Domenic’s striking looks, but she carries Kate’s unmistakable sass. She is a perfect blend of them both.

Then there are Lysander and Quinn. They’ve become wonderful parents to their ten-year-old son, Frederick. Little Frederick was already showing signs of becoming a formidable vampire; he’s been remarkably strong since the day he was born. I especially love the way he adores Lucia. I have a feeling those two are going to have each other's backs for a long time to come.

As for Karina and Sarah, I have no idea where they are these days. It’s been years since I’ve seen them, but I’d bet anything they’re still traveling the world, enjoying the freedom they fought so hard for.

"Hey, Mom."

My attention snapped toward the door as my son walked in. I smiled, studying him in his formal princely suit. With his messy hair and those calm, ruby-red eyes, he was the image of his father. He was only sixteen, but thanks to his height, he already looked like a grown man. I knew with every bone in my body that he would make a magnificent king one day.

"Hey, my little boy. How was training today?"

He leaned down to kiss my cheek gently before taking a seat beside me. "Training was okay, but you really have to stop calling me your 'little boy,' Mom. I’m not exactly small anymore."

I rolled my eyes playfully. "You’ll always be my little boy, Lorenzo. Don’t let the height and the fangs deceive you."

He chuckled. "I hear you, Mom." He glanced around the room, his smile fading slightly. "Where’s Dad? Is he still working?"

I shrugged, a small pang of sadness hitting my chest. "He’s likely still attending to matters in the courtroom."

Lorenzo tsked in disappointment. "That’s a shame. I thought he’d have time to hear about how my training went today."

I reached out and took Lorenzo’s hand in mine. "Try to understand your father, son. He was a businessman long before he was a King. Hard work is simply in his nature."

Lorenzo gave a small, appreciative smile. "Yeah, I know. And thanks to that hard work, our kingdom has been at peace for my entire life. I just hope I can be a great king like him one day."

"You’ll be an even greater king, Lorenzo. I see it in you already. You have your father’s kindness and your mother’s strength. You are unstoppable."

He grinned, clearly bolstered by my words. "Thanks, Mom. I needed to hear that. I just hope I find a woman like you to have my back, the way you always have Dad’s."

I nodded firmly. "I’m sure you’ll find someone wonderful. You’re quite the catch, in case you haven't noticed."

Our moment was interrupted as the door burst open. A guard stepped in—Roman. He had been appointed to the royal guard after Linus was promoted. I’ll admit, I never fully trusted Linus, but the man has been undeniably loyal to our family for years. I couldn't deny him the promotion he deserved.

"Forgive me for barging in, Your Highnesses, but Queen Camille’s presence is required in the courtroom immediately," Roman informed us, standing at a stoic attention.

I squinted, my heart rate picking up. "Is everything okay? I haven't been needed in the courtroom for months. It must be serious."

Roman gulped, his professional mask slipping for a fraction of a second. "It is very serious, Your Highness. The King asked me to bring you as quickly as possible."

I looked at Lorenzo, who was already on his feet, his face etched with worry. "What could it be? We haven't had a real problem in years."

Lorenzo shrugged, his eyes hardening. "I guess we’re about to find out. I’m coming with you."

"Alright. Let’s go."

There was a heavy, suffocating tension in the courtroom when we walked in. The entire council was present: Giron, Orion, Linus, Tanus, and Hera—the latter being a recent appointment after the demise of the previous members.

Josh was sitting on the throne, his fingers drumming nervously on the armrest. His eyes found mine the moment I entered, and the relief on his face was palpable.

"Josh, what’s happened?" I asked, looking at the grim faces of the council.

Josh stepped down from the dais and hurried toward me. "Camille, we have a problem."

"I gathered as much," I replied. "Tell me."

He took a shaky breath, glancing around the room before lowering his voice. "We received a letter from Lord Fujin. He’s requesting urgent aid. It seems a faction of the witches—followers of the fallen god Helios—are seeking revenge against those who follow the Moon Goddess. There is a civil war breaking out in the Witches' Kingdom, and Fujin needs our help to stop the bloodshed."

My eyes widened. After all these years of peace, the followers of Helios were trying to plunge us back into darkness? Had they forgotten that Lord Khaos still walked this earth? He could wipe them out with a flick of his wrist.

"Then we must help them," I declared firmly. "Lord Fujin saved countless lives after the war. We are allies; we shouldn't hesitate to stand by our friends when they are in need."

"That is a foolish decision, my Queen," Hera declared, her red eyes flashing with defiance. "It is beneath us to involve our people in a war that isn't ours. Let them settle their own drama. We should stay out of it."

"Don't be heartless, Hera!" Orion snarled. "Those witches saved vampire lives during the Great War. We owe them a debt of honor."

"From what I heard, the Guardian’s blood did all the heavy lifting," Hera retorted coldly.

"The witches bled for us regardless!" Orion growled back.

"There is no need for bickering," Linus interrupted, his voice calm but firm. "Whether they saved lives or not is secondary to the fact that we have a signed alliance with them. They have every right to seek our aid." He looked directly at me. "We have to help."

"But shouldn't Lord Khaos be informed?" Hera argued. "He is the quickest way to end this."

"True," Linus admitted. "But Khaos has been a ghost for years. No one knows where he is or how to reach him. Unless we call in his Guardian, finding him would be nearly impossible."

"We can still try," Josh added, looking torn. "Sending our men into a war against followers of Helios is dangerous. I don't want to lose my soldiers in a fight that isn't theirs."

"I understand that, Josh, but good people are still going to die while we debate," I countered.

Josh looked at me, searching my eyes. "So, what do you suggest?"

"First, we send scouts to locate Lord Khaos. He has to be out there somewhere. In the meantime, I will go to the Witches' Kingdom with a company of soldiers. I’ll offer whatever help I can until Khaos is found."

"It’s too dangerous, Camille," Josh protested immediately. "I’m coming with you."

I smiled, reaching up to cup his face in my hands. "Josh, if the King and Queen both leave, who stays to protect our own people? You need to stay here. Take care of our kingdom and our son. I promise you, I will come back safe."

"Mom, I want to go too," Lorenzo spoke up from my side.

I turned to him, softening my expression. "Not this time, Lorenzo. You’re still training. Stay here and help your father. I won't be alone; one of the council members will accompany me."

"I will go with you, Your Majesty," Linus said before anyone else could speak.

I nodded. "Alright. Prepare the men. We leave at dawn."

At the back of the room, Giron stood up wordlessly and exited the courtroom. In all the years he had served on the council, he had barely spoken a word. He rarely even attended meetings. I watched his retreating back, wondering what had possessed him to show up today.

Josh took my hands, his eyes full of lingering fear. "Are you sure about this, my love?"

I gave him a reassuring, deadpan look. "I’m a warrior, Josh. Don't worry about me." I kissed his cheek and pulled Lorenzo into a hug. "I have a loving family to come back to. There is no way I’m not being careful."