Killer Queen

Chapter 1

If anyone were to ask her the type of relationship she had with her father, her answer would have been quite simple; it was nonexistent. In her mind she wanted it to be non-existent at least, even though she continued to see him, interact with him, and dread his existence every single day. But of course she couldn't ever be that honest, with herself or anyone else. So to her people, she was the sweet little princess, daughter of the king, learning how to rule. To them she was obedient and quiet, but little did they know it was only so she wouldn't be beaten before bed. And to herself, she was a liar, an ignorant fool who manages to get through the day without killing herself only because the night's so alluring. Which is why she had found a way to greet it up close and personal.

It was at night that she was left alone to her own devices. At night when her door was locked and no one was in her sight. Her father left to his tedious royal problems as her body guard outside was on the brink of sleep. Uninterested in the slight rattle of her broken windowpane as it opened up her bedroom and let in a brisk breeze. Allowing her to slip through that hole in the wall and leave for the depths of the capital city below.

But of course no matter how hard she actually tried, she never got too far. Multiple limitations working against her whenever she delved into the outside world, such as the lack of time or knowledge to roam the streets. But most of all, the biggest hassle was always her recognizable face. One that any upper class citizen living in the area would notice in a flash and therefore report even quicker. Because just as she was, they were dreadfully scared of the king's power. He was known to get rid of people who double crossed him and his kingdom, so for obvious reasons no one wanted to be on his bad side. Not even his own daughter, because she knew as well as anyone that just because they were blood related didn't mean he would let up on that title.

So as she leapt over the roofs and arches towards the castle walls and slid through alleys and shadows after she passed them, the hood of her cape always stayed up. Never allowed to show her fathers dark silky hair or her mothers bright blue eyes. But of course many of her people would most likely look over her eyes anyway, because her mother passed away too long ago to remember them. 14 years to be exact. So that only left her midnight black, almost blue hair, to be turned in. Which was quite fitting for her nights out she thought, always made it easier to blend in.

She slipped through the night-life like butter, observing and taking in the ways of the wealthy after hours, just as she always did. But never got close enough to have any interactions with anyone, let alone get caught. When she first started these endeavors there were close calls and slip ups, but as she built up her abilities, both physical and mental for stealth and deception, it was as if she were a shadow herself.

But of course with heightened strategies and confidence brings curiosity and stupidity, even to the best of people. Which is how she found herself face to face with someone one spring night, cape off and eyes lit by the moonlight. And somehow the girl staring back at her went straight for her eyes, not her hair or regal clothing she made into movable and breathable garments. Obviously expensive but also patched and stitched together questionably. No, she went directly to staring in her eyes. Caught off guard by the presence of another person hurrying through the opening of the empty alleyway. Or at least previously empty.

There was a beat of silence.

"Leucadia?" The princess tried to duck and cover herself again, while the other still stood there shocked at who she thought she saw.

"Sorry, no. I'll be on my way now."

Quickly tying her robe and covering her head before continuing down the darkening street, the princess tried to keep herself from looking back, but inevitably failed. So as curiosity killed the cat, her head turned towards the one she just bumped into, only to see her mood had entirely changed. Instead of being confused she seemed intrigued, about what she was not sure of. But instead of dwelling on it she kept going down the path, she would have to be home within the hour so her mind wasn't focused on the slight bump in the road.