What lies underneath

Prolouge/Sneak peak

Naomi stilled, hiding behind the bed. Things were getting dangerous. But Naomi always enjoyed the extra pump of adrenaline. She clutched the knife behind her, holding on to it like it was her whole world.

"Naomi~ come out, come out wherever you are" chanted a delighted voice. Footsteps were heard from behind her, and Naomi tensed to spring, knife ready. It was a beautiful knife, engraved with all kinds of magical stones. It has been with her since the moment of her birth, and it has been like a best friend to her. Weapons are a girl's best friend.

The footsteps fade, and she lets out a breath she did not realize she was holding. As much as Naomi enjoyed the hunt, she did not enjoy being the prey or being cornered. But, being a blood royal, this happened often. But this time, it was a special occasion.

This time, people were after Naomi.

Once she thought they were gone, she laughed quietly, knife still in her hand. "Funny how fast things change" she mutters and stands up.

The girl stands up, wearing a purple silk dress covered with rare gemstones and beautiful pearls. A princess brandishing a knife. What a hilarious sight.

But in the kingdom of Varian, this was normal, but a rare sight.

Blood royal doesn't exactly mean royal by blood. It is called this way because of the blood you will have on your hands.

Every time a princess is born, they are either gifted with the gift of being a blood royal, or they are not. Being a blood royal means getting a special crown mark on your hand. Being a blood royal means being a queen with a knife. Being a warrior, being able to kill and fight easily.

It is a rare occasion when a commoner gets the mark, but not unheard of.

But being a blood royal comes with a price. Once the current blood royals have turned 18, they come to the Ascension palace, where they train to become queens of the kingdom, but with a catch. During this Ascension, the girls receive a gift. A magical power, gifted from the element goddess herself. And once your gift comes, you are allowed to kill. The last ones standing are the future queens, each one ruling over a different part of the kingdom since it is extremely large.

Don't trust the sweet smiles, the beauty, the silk dresses, the gems, the pearls, the luxury. Don't trust their sweet facade.

Don't trust the royals, for they are killer queens in disguise.

As for Naomi? She is a commoner gifted with the royal blood mark. And like all the others, she is a warrior, strong and able to kill.

Sweet masks can fool you, especially hers, even though it is true.

But for all the sugar and kindness they may possess, they are still killer queens, and what lies underneath is uglier and more dangerous than their innocent faces.

"All hail the queens of Vaian"

Whispers Naomi, brushing herself off and walking out the door. The roles have switched. She will no longer be the prey. Now, she is the hunter. And her knife, her heart, calls for blood.