"Now then, do share what was worth leaving your cell and risking your life," said Celeste.
"Last night, when I was in my prison cell, I overheard and saw Vladimir plotting with ants from a rival colony to invade this one and steal all the resources and food supply. They planned on infiltrating the colony in three days, and they promised Vladimir a lot in return if they succeeded," said Ari.
"I see, and why should I believe you when you have no proof of this exchange? I have known Vladimir for the longest time. If he had betrayed me, why would he choose to do it now?" asked Queen Celeste.
"I don't know his motive, but if you don't do something about this, this colony will be stripped of everything, including all of your lives."
Vladimir suddenly made an appearance in the Queen's chamber.
"Princess Tanya, I've been looking all over for you. Where did you run off to? I was really worried about you. Wait... it's you. Why are you not in your cell? How were you able to get out?" asked Vladimir in an angered tone.
As Vladimir turned to face the princess, she tried avoiding eye contact with him due to her guilt.
"Wait, don't tell me—were you the one who set the prisoner free, Princess?" asked Vladimir.
"I'm sorry, yes, it was me," said Tanya nervously.
"This ant claims to have overheard you plotting against me and my colony with our rivals. Is this true, Vladimir?" asked Celeste.
"My Queen, that's preposterous. I have been by your side since day one, and my loyalty lies with you and the colony. I'd never betray it."
"So then all the information he shared with me is false?"
"I would never do such a thing, Your Highness."
"Princess Tanya, am I to assume that letting this ant out of his cell means you believed him when he said I betrayed this colony? After all I've done for you, you really went ahead and believed this lying slave ant? Such accusations don't faze me, but the fact that you believe him has me questioning my purpose," said Vladimir.
"I was only doing what was best for the colony. He said we were in danger, and I didn't know what else to do. I didn't believe that you planned anything against us, it's just that... he was so serious. I could see the sincerity and integrity in his eyes," said Tanya.
"I see. I'm sorry that he tried to manipulate you. He was probably just trying to escape back to his colony. Don't worry, I'll never let him near you again or let you out of my sight," said Vladimir.
"You lying bastard. You wish for nothing but power and greed. Why would you lie to her face like that?"
"That's enough out of you. I won't allow you to insult my loyalty any further. It's time for you to go back to your cell. Take him away," ordered Vladimir.
The military ants that came with Vladimir immobilized Ari with a gooey material, binding his legs and hands.
"You're all making a big mistake. You'll regret not listening to me. All of you will. Princess Tanya, please believe me. This guy is pure evil. You need to save this colony!"
"Please don't ever talk to me again. I never want to see your face again, you liar," said Tanya.
"But, Princess, why?" asked Ari as the military ants took him away. Ari noticed an evil smirk on Vladimir's face and was certain of his evil intentions.
"I knew someone was watching me. I felt a presence near me, and it turned out it was that slave scum. Luckily, no one of high status or from our colony saw us. I'll be sure to dispose of him properly as soon as I leave Tanya's side," Vladimir said to himself.
"Summon Lieutenant Anastasia and Commander Seth. I would like to have a word with them," said the Queen.
"Right away, Your Highness," said an ant servant as he went to call both Anastasia and Seth.
"You called for me, my Queen?" asked Anastasia.
"What is on your mind, Your Highness?" asked Seth.
"I want you to double down on our patrols for the next three days. That young ant may be lying about the invasion, but it's better to take precautions than to be sorry."
"I'll ensure that our patrols are airtight, Your Highness," said Seth.
"Shit, that damn slave scum messed up the plan. He's going to suffer a painful death for this. What the hell am I going to do? The patrols will increase. There is no way that victory is guaranteed," Vladimir thought to himself.
The military ants flung Ari into his cell.
"You guys have got to believe me! The invasion will happen! Vladimir betrayed you all!"
"Save it, kid. Nobody likes a liar. To think he deceived the princess... I'm surprised the Queen didn't order his death," said one of the military ants, and the other agreed.
"What the hell is wrong with these ants? Can't they see that I'm trying to help them? If I don't do something, I'll die with them. I've got to get out of here somehow."
"Hey, you..."
"Huh? It's you, the ant who captured me."
"I have a question to ask, and answer me honestly," said Anastasia.
"Did you really see Vladimir conversing with ants from different colonies, plotting to take over ours?"
"Yes, I did. In this very prison cell, through a crack in the wall."
"I see. Thank you. I don't fully believe you. However, I've known Vladimir for a long time, ever since I was a trainee, and he has been suspicious through his actions. He always tries to be in everyone's good graces, which is what I find weird. I myself suspected something about him, and now it almost seems as if it's coming to light. It's not like I believe you, so don't get the wrong idea. I'll keep an eye on him just in case," said Anastasia as she left, trying to convince Ari that she didn't believe him.
"Is that her way of saying she believes me?" Ari asked himself.
"Why would Vladimir call me out here so late? Everyone is already asleep. Vladimir? Are you there? It's really dark out, so I can barely see a thing. Vladimir?"
"Looks like he's not out here after all."
As Princess Tanya turned around to leave, a strong hand grabbed her and placed another hand over her mouth.
"Oh no. Who is this? I can't breathe. Is that stink bug gas? I'm going to pass out."
"I'm sorry, Princess Tanya, but this is the only way the invasion will be successfully accomplished."
"No way... Vladimir, how could you?" said Princess Tanya as she passed out.
"Now then, time to spread the word that the princess has gone missing. And who else could they blame and frame for it other than that scum?" said Vladimir as he laughed.