What lies underneath

Chapter 2

The Ascension palace was prepped and ready for the arrival of the blood royals. The maids were frantic, cleaning everything in sight until it was so clean that you could see your reflection on the floor. The dressmakers prepared dresses for each girl, each one made of the finest luxury there could be. After all, this was the stage where they would receive their powers, and soon thereafter, only 5 of them would become queens, the others killed or just unsuccessful.

The maids shuddered at the thought, having heard stories of the brutal yet beautiful killer queens. Blood staining the ground, sharp knives glinting in the air, screams heard in the middle of the night. It was pure bloodshed. And the powers they received didn't help either. Ice freezing blood, rooms set on fire, strangling veins, space portals that lead to nowhere, never-ending ways for them to kill someone. Everyone knew that the blood royals were blessed, but also cursed. There were many of them, but only 5 of them became queens, the rest dead, and the few remaining lucky ones returned to a normal yet privileged life.

They heard rumors that a commoner had received the blood mark, so one would be competing. Commoners being blood royals was a rare occurrence, so when this happened, the commoner blood royal was either extremely blessed or fated to a cruel and cursed death.

But, it could also just be rumors.

So the maids did their jobs quickly and efficiently and left as fast as they could. Nobody wanted to be near the blood royals in the ascension palace.

***

Meanwhile, the blood royals were preparing for their move, letting servants carry their bags, dressed in silks and diamonds, trusty daggers at their side.

Naomi walked out of the mansion she was currently residing in, heels resounding on the floor. Her dark hair blew in the wind, covering her brown skin. Her face was smooth and held a slightly curious expression, long lashes hiding icy blue eyes that stood out against her skin, looking like 2 orbs made out of an icy crystal substance, glinting in the daylight.
The sun shone on her face, and she put her hand over her dagger, which was at her hip. It was engraved with precious gems and looked as lethal as ever. She had changed much since she had gotten her dagger and moved to the city. She was now a proper young lady. Mostly proper, most of the time. Ignore the fact that she kills occasionally, only occasionally, and only those who deserve it...

But yes, let's not talk about that.

She brushed her hair back, letting it cascade down her shoulders. She let out an exasperated sigh, annoyed that she had to leave. Living in the village had been fun, and she had made a numerous amount of friends, some knowing she was a blood royal, but most did not, which of course, made it easier to socialize, since most feared the blood royals.

Even though she was annoyed, she was also kind of excited at the prospect of becoming queen. She imagined herself, addressing the kingdom, wearing a beautiful bejeweled crown and wielding unimaginable powers. Of course, there was the chance of death, but nobody liked to dwell on that, including Naomi. She was not afraid, not truely, and she always liked a good adrenaline rush, but Naomi still had much to live for and she wasn't ready to die, not just yet. She still had things to do, kingdoms to rule, people to kill, people to meet, she had yet to fall in love, and she was hoping for a successful and fulfilling life. Death was inevitable, she knew that, but she just had so much she still wanted to do! Including being nicer. Being a blood royal, it is in their nature to be unkind, but she tried her best to be kind to others, trying to make friends. She didn't want to be defined by her mark. But alas, she is, which is quite annoying. One time, she forgot to cover up her mark and a girl ran away screaming. So, yeah, sometimes being a blood royal could be pretty annoying.

She went back inside, walking down the stairs, head high, descending gracefully. The maids were busy trying to get the heavy luggage onto the carriage. She had a lot of possessions, dresses, jewelry, that she had brought with her. It was a little frivolous, yes, but she liked wearing the clothes she had, that she had specifically chosen and had customized by the royal dressmakers.

Even though the palace provided dresses, she wasn't sure how they would look, and if they would be of better material than her dresses. Plus, Naomi had always been one to keep her things close to her, as it reminded her of home whenever she went away.

Her heels clicked on the ground, and she stepped onto the carriage, making no noise but the sudden swoop in the air. The light caught on her hair, making her features look shinier and prettier than usual. Then, she shut the door lightly and sat down on the velvet cushions.

A few minutes later, the carriage began moving, and she could hear the horses galloping. She crossed her legs, brushed off her dress, grabbed a book, and opened it. It was going to be a long ride.

***

The palace was a sight to behold, with high towers and giant wood doors. They were made of marble and rare gemstones covered most of the palace grounds. Luscious trees and flowers decorated the gardens, and the sunlight made the palace seem as if it were a magical place. And in a way, it was. Naomi stepped out of the carriage, face impassive but eyes glistening with wonder and curiosity. It was a beautiful place for beautiful but deadly girls. She began to walk towards the palace, signaling for the servants to follow. They struggled to hold her heavy bags but somehow managed to carry each one. The fountains spit out jets of water that reflected the sun in them, causing rainbows to be seen for a few precious seconds. Naomi marveled at the beauty, not accustomed to such luxury. Yes, the mansion she had lived in was nice, but... this was magical.

The guards all lined up in front of the door, and Naomi walked in, watching as all the servants and knights bowed to her. This was quite the royal treatment. And can you really blame Naomi for enjoying it?

She walked into the palace and silently balked at its beauty. It was even more majestic on the inside if that's even possible. Architecture at its finest. Naomi wondered if she would be living here if she became queen. She imagined herself wearing the crown once again, this time, switching from scenery to scenery. Water powers? Fire powers? Ice powers? Teleporting? What gift would she receive? She smiled at the idea, eyes alight. She would have 1 more gift that she could use. And if all went well, she would become the future queen. This was going to be a good day. Or at least, that was what she thought. Until she saw the other blood royals. Her childhood friends. Or now, enemies.

And one stood out in particular. Rose Luipt, the second-best fighter at the academy in their childhood, one of the girls who lived in her village, and Naomi's former friend. Emphasis on the former. Fabulous, just fabulous. But of course, Naomi should have expected it.