Chapter 63 Council Meeting Chaos.
Returning to the palace felt like stepping into a nightmare I had never truly escaped.
The castle was exactly the same as I had left it, cold stone walls, glittering chandeliers, and beneath all that beauty, cruelty breathing quietly in every corner.
Humans stood along the halls with metal collars locked around their necks. Some stared at the floor in submission. It hurts to see their spirit completely broken. They were just harmless innocent humans but none of these vampires would understand that. They only see them as slaves and that's painful.
Some of the humans stared into nothing like their lives were lost and they had nothing to hope for. Their souls completely broken.
No matter what happens, the humans are still the children of the moon goddess. They might have been created weak, but that doesn't mean they should be used and stomped on.
Seeing the collars around their necks made my stomach churn.
They aren’t animals. They felt fear, pain, love. They had hearts that broke just like ours, and yet my kind treated them as tools. Like they were nothing but property.
I clenched my hands at my sides as I walked beside my father. I have made up my mind. If indeed I become Queen, I swore silently, this slavery will end. Wether the council agrees with me or not.
In the great hall, two familiar figures waited for us. I immediately recognized them. Lysander and Linus the King's most trusted men. I was wondering why father didn't even bring them along when he came to get me.
A smile came to my lips at the sight of Lysander. He was the first to step forward, and the moment I saw him, warmth spread through my chest. Lysander is like a brother to me and a great friend. We were really close when I use to stay in the palace. “Lysander,” I said with a smile, pulling him into a brief embrace. “I missed you.”
His cheeks darkened slightly. He has always been cute. “The palace has been painfully dull without you, Princess.”
I let out a small laugh. “Then you’re lucky. I’m here to stay.” I squinted at him. "Did your hair grow longer?"
He shook his head with a small smile. "You on the other hand did not change one bit." I chuckled and the weight on my chest eased.
Then my gaze shifted to Linus.
He stood stiff and expressionless as he had always been. I am pretty show there is a big black hole in the place where his heart to supposed to be. He bowed his head only slightly. “Princess.”
“Linus,” I replied coolly.
We had never liked each other. He believed humans existed to suffer. I believed that belief made him a monster. Our disagreements had turned into quiet hatred long ago.
My father broke the tension between us. I mean, anyone could see the obvious hostility between us. “Linus, inform the council. I want them assembled at dawn tomorrow.”
Linus bowed and left without another word.
“Lysander,” my father said, “escort the princess to her room. I am quite tired and would retire to my room early.” He looked at me with a small smile. "It's nice to have you back Camille."
I return his smile. "Thanks father." With that he walked away.
As we walked through the halls, Lysander asked, "so, what did his majesty have to do to get your stubborn ass back home?"
I grinned, "he promised me the throne." I answered in a joking tone.
Lysander raised a brow at me. "Yeah, I'm sure that's all he promised." Lysander said sarcastically. He knew I won't willingly return to the palace all because of the throne. A lot of people knows that I've never really wanted the throne. It's actually a fact.
I sighed and went serious. "Ill tell you all about it later Lysander."
He nodded but didn't press on the topic. Instead he asked. "What about Prince Domenic? We all heard what he did to Giron and how you helped him. Not many vampires know though, so you're safe."
My heart warmed up at the reminder of Domenic. I bet he's now having a lovey dovey time with Kate. “He’s safe. He’s in the human world with Kate.”
Relief washed over his face. “I’m glad that they are both safe." His expression twisted into worry again, "But the council won’t stop hunting him. Giron will not let him go unpunished.”
“They won’t touch him,” I said firmly. I won't let them. Domenic had been living in this agony for too long. I always knew beneath that cruelty, there was my little brother who just wanted to be loved. Father's love wasn't enough, he never met his mother and he never gave me a chance to show him that I care. This time, I'll protect him as best as I can. I said to Lysander. “There’s already a way to protect both Domenic and Kate.”
Lysander studied me, then nodded. “Then I trust you.” Lysander was always honest and he doesn't pry much.
I like that about him, his kind nature is just a bonus.
The next morning, human maids helped me get dressed in preparation for the council meeting.
Their hands trembled as they adjusted my gown. They flinched whenever I spoke, no matter how gently I tried to reassure them. Fear had been carved too deeply into them by this palace.
It only strengthened my resolve to end all these suffering. I'll put an end to their pain and misery.
When I entered the council chamber, the air felt heavy with judgment.
My father sat on his throne, calm and unreadable. The five elders were seated beside him, they were all staring at me as if judging my existence.
My gaze went from one to another. Starting with Orion. I've known him for long. He lived in the palace and is in charge of palace affairs. Orion as usual doesn't seem to be interested in whatever was going on. He had always believed in enjoying life. He isn't particularly cruel to the humans, but the fact that he doesn't care made me hate him.
There was Julio who believed that I should be the heir instead of Domenic. I guess he'll be the one most happy with this development.
There was Luciana, beautiful and flirty. I don't necessarily have a problem with her.
There was my rival Karina. We've always competed as kids. Our strengths are almost equal. I could almost say we're friends, but we are too different. Karina isn't cruel, but she's cold and determined. It's no surprise that she's one of the elder at such a young age.
Then last of all, there was Giron. At the sight of him, my breath caught. One of his eyes was gone.
I didn’t need to ask who had taken it.
I greeted my father and the elders with a respectful bow. Karina, the youngest stared at me and said in that cold chilling voice of hers. “It has been a long time, Princess Camille. Your return is… surprising.”
My father nodded in agreement. “I brought my daughter back from the mountains for an important reason.” The hall fell silent. “I have decided to renounce Domenic as my heir,” he announced. “Camille will take his place.”
Shocked gasp filled the hall coming from Luciana. "Are you serious your Majesty?!" She exclaimed but I have no idea if she liked or hated the news.
Giron spoke next, rage burning in his remaining eye. “This is madness! Everyone knows how she feels about humans. She will tear apart our traditions. And she will ensure Domenic goes unpunished!”
Voices rose in agreement, and then Julio said. "For me she's a better choice than that traitor Domenic."
"I don't agree with this. Think about this your majesty. Princess Camille is just as bad as her brother. Isn't there rumors that she even helped Domenic to attack my coven and steal that demon human."
“Enough,” my father said sharply and the hall went silent. "I am not finished,” he continued. “To preserve peace, I have decided that Giron will marry Camille. Together, they will rule the vampire nation.”
The world seemed to tilt. At first I could not believe my ears. What the hell?! “Father—!” I cried. “That was not our plan.”
Giron smiled—a slow, wicked curve of his lips. Of course they would like the idea. “That is a very good idea your Majesty. I accept."
"That's not all Giron," father continued. "I have renounce Domenic as my heir and I want you to forgive him and let go of the past."
Giron didn't seem to mind. He sighed, "I will do as you say your majesty. Ruling alongside princess Camille is all I have always wanted.”
I turned to him, fury burning through my veins.
Never! This wasn't part of the plan. I'll never marry him.
No matter what it costs.