Episode 22

Prince Antonio was restless and tense. The vampire lords grew increasingly agitated over his plans to free those trapped in Vestería. He had deceived them by claiming to have spoken to King Nebakan about liberating his people, but the truth was that King Nebakan would never entertain the idea of an audience with someone like him. The old king harbored a deep hatred for vampires and had been complicit in his brother Ariton's act of imprisoning the vampires in Vestería for eternity. Now that King Nebaken was gone the lords grew ever more so restless, they craved a return to glorious times when the vampires struck terror and fear in the hearts of every being in all the realms. Antonio didn't know much about the new king Aiden aside from the fact that he frequented the earth but he never posed much of a problem to the vampires. But it was to be expected that he shared the same distaste for vampires that his father the old king had. His plans to get the wolf princess had been an utter failure and The wolf king had strengthened his defenses making it very difficult for a second attempt at kidnapping the wolf princess. His time was running out and his support was dwindling, as the only member of the vampire royal family left he feared his power and hold on the vampires fading. An over zealous lord Zander who was always challenging him posed the greatest threat as he had heard rumors of support for Zander to be the new king of the vampires. Antonio knew he had to act fast and cut this insurgency at its root, making an example of the vampire lord before the others rallied in full support of him.

The vampires were a treacherous species, and it was time to usher in a new era of change. Prince Antonio realized that he needed to establish himself not just as a prince, but as a rightful king. To achieve this, he understood that he had to publicly denounce his father's rule and forge his own path.

Antonio was so deeply lost in thought that he hadn't noticed Sean's entrance, accompanied by Camila. Camila, the wife of Lord Zander, was a vampire lady notorious for her power-hungry and bloodthirsty nature. It was no secret that she grew tired of being under the rule of her decrepit husband and had ambitions of her own.

"Your grace, I present Lady Camila," said Sean with a bow.

Startled out of his thoughts, Antonio turned to face them. He approached Camila, taking her hands and kissing them. "My lady, to what do I owe the honor of your presence?"

Camila bowed, blushing slightly. "Your grace, you honor me. There is something of great importance I wish to discuss with you, alone," she said, looking at Sean, who understood the hint and exited the room, leaving them alone. Antonio gestured for her to take a seat, and they both sat down.

"So, how may I assist you?" Antonio asked.

"If I may speak freely, my lord, you have been a beacon to the vampires since the days of the great escape," Camila began. "It was because of your leadership that we were able to establish ourselves on Earth and thrive. However, sadly, your grace, there are those who are ungrateful and seek to bring an end to our prosperous reign."

"Speak plainly, my lady. Is your husband after my throne?" Antonio inquired.

"Yes, your grace. Lord Zander is an ambitious zealot whose greed knows no bounds," Camila revealed.

"Your husband is a treacherous snake, that much I know. But what I'm curious about is why you, his wife, seek to betray him. Do you understand the consequences? If I move against him, I will kill him. What could be your gain in all of this?" Antonio observed her demeanor closely, studying her every move and expression.

"Lord Zander is a cruel man. It's no secret that I have no love for him," Camila confessed. "I swear my loyalty to you, your grace. I cannot bear to sit back and watch him conspire to overthrow you. Your lords view you as nothing more than a reckless prince unfit to rule. They sense weakness in you, which is why they do not respect or fear you."

Antonio took a deep breath, trying to contain his simmering rage. He craved blood, and he knew his first target would be Lord Zander.

"Your candor is greatly appreciated, Lady Camila. If they seek to gain through fear, then fear they shall receive. I assure you of that," Antonio responded, his determination evident in his voice.

"I have a plan to quell this insurgency among my lords, and you, my captivating vampiress, will help me execute it," Antonio added, a sinister grin spreading across his face. Camila eagerly returned the wicked smile, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

Camila's hatred for Zander stemmed from the death of her only child at his hands. Vampire women were only capable of birthing one child in their entire lifespan. It was nature's own way of curtailing their numbers and ensuring balance. Lord Zander had killed his child once he found out it was a boy, no doubt paranoid that the child would grow to one day usurp his rule. Male vampires were ruthless, as their culture held little regard for the lives of any beings. However, not all vampires were this cruel; some possessed a semblance of decency. Nonetheless, their nature necessitated their ruthlessness, as they were beings that feasted on the blood of others for survival. They were nature's very own abomination.