Chapter 5 Four - Summon from Queen Camelle

I sat in the lounge room of the queen's palace in Arcacia, a thriving city within the witch's kingdom of Port Lavender. Arcacia was a haven for witches, where we could be ourselves without fear of persecution. Port Lavender comprised two lands: Arcacia and Witch Ville. As the most developed city in Heather Lands, Arcacia offered a sense of freedom and acceptance. However, the world beyond our borders was treacherous. If a witch fell into human hands, she risked being burned alive or imprisoned and tortured until her demise. The humans targeted black witches, deeming them evil and mischievous.

In contrast, white witches like myself were rarely discovered or captured, as we tended to avoid trouble and live more discreetly.

"In the world of magic, there existed two distinct groups: white witches and black witches. I belonged to the former, a tribe descended from Queen Martha and loyal to Queen Jezebel. We white witches wielded our powers for benevolent purposes, prioritizing protection and the greater good. In contrast, black witches were often associated with malevolence, fueled by jealousy and malice. While physical appearance didn't define one's character, black witches were often perceived as unsightly, reflecting the darkness within.

The black witches were notorious for their malice, casting evil spells and deceiving humans with their magical prowess. Their mischievous ways earned the ire of the human community, leading to a deep-seated hatred towards all witches, with the evil ones being more likely to face capture. In their quest for dominance, the black witches attempted to seize control of Port Lavender but were thwarted by the superior power of good. Many black witches were captured in Oasis Springs, a desert region inhabited by humans, and Willow Creek, a hub of human activity. Under the cover of night, these dark witches would sneak into these areas, attempting to cast their sinister spells on unsuspecting individuals.

The black witches' pursuit of power and wealth led them to exploit humans, but as the world evolved, new technologies emerged to counter their dark magic. Queen Jezebel, determined to establish peace, attempted to introduce laws that would encourage black witches to adopt the benevolent ways of white witches like ourselves. Unfortunately, their inherent nature prevented them from changing. Despite their evil deeds, Queen Jezebel remained concerned for their well-being, striving to protect them from themselves. It's tragic that these ungrateful creatures failed to recognize her efforts, blinded by their own malevolence.

As a white witch, I was fortunate to blend in seamlessly with humans in Willow Creek and Oasis Springs, unlike my black witch counterparts. Many of my cousins, including the crown princess's children, attended school alongside humans in those towns. However, I chose to stay in Arcacia and Witch Ville, where it was safer for me, especially since I was also considered a vampire. In the witch kingdom, everyone was accepted, but only if they adhered to the rules. I had to be mindful of my short temper, lest I lash out at teachers who mistreated me, striking them with lightning. Such an outburst would have meant instant discovery and certain death. Ironically, I had always assumed I was immortal, though I couldn't explain why.

Vampires from neighboring kingdoms, including Lord Vladimir's realm, often attended school in Witch Ville and Arcacia, seeking a superior education. While Lord Vladimir's kingdom had its own schools, they couldn't compare to the academic excellence of the witches' kingdoms. Similarly, Pinewood, one of the largest kingdoms, trailed behind the human world in terms of size and influence. The witches' kingdoms, comprising Arcacia and Witch Ville, stood as a notable exception, united under the wise rule of Queen Jezebel. This unique realm offered a distinct advantage in terms of magical learning and cultural exchange.

Adjacent to the witches' kingdoms lay Pinewood, a vast and thriving land ruled by the powerful King Arthur, a majestic alpha wolf. As the ancestral homeland of the wolves, Pinewood was predominantly inhabited by these majestic creatures, boasting a larger wolf population than any other species or creatures. The kingdom's landscape was likely shaped by the wolves' presence, with their social hierarchies and pack dynamics influencing the fabric of Pinewood's society.

Lastly, there was the Darker Ville Kingdom, a significant realm ruled by the enigmatic Lord Vladimir. Although not the largest land, it was home to a substantial population of vampires, with Lord Vladimir's kingdom being the epicenter of vampire culture. A long-standing feud existed between Lord Vladimir and King Arthur of Pinewood, a rivalry rooted in the ancient lore of their ancestors - the bats and the Legend of Lycaon. The origin of this beef was lost to time, but its impact still simmered. As a descendant of Lord Dracula, I was an anomaly among vampires, my father's genealogy tracing back to the infamous lord. Darker Ville was a bastion of vampire society, with its population predominantly consisting of creatures of the night.

I was deeply in love with the crown prince of Darker Ville, one of the most captivating men in the world. As a witch, I found solace in Darker Ville's welcoming nature, second only to Port Lavender's warmth. Our whirlwind romance lasted for a while, and I firmly believed we were destined to be together, that I was meant to rule the vampire kingdom alongside him as his queen. With no claim to the throne in the witches' kingdom, I didn't worry about my royal status. Prince Harry was my savior, my protector, and my future husband. Marrying him would not only save me from a union with a commoner, which would diminish my status, but also elevate me to the vampire throne. He was my knight in shining armor, and I trusted him to restore my royal legacy.

While in Arcacia, I received an unexpected summons from the Queen of Darker Ville, requesting my presence in her kingdom. My nerves were on edge, like a timid mouse, as I worried about the potential consequences. Had the Queen discovered my relationship with her son, the crown prince? How could she possibly know? Harry and I had been so discreet, keeping our love a secret, and avoiding any scandals. I was baffled by the Queen's intentions and wondered what could have prompted her to call me to her court. The uncertainty was unsettling, and I couldn't help but fear the worst.