Can I Kill You?
Part 16 - New Terms of the Queen

We all sat back with the replaced table bed linen and new, warmer, fresher-scented foods. Kate sat on the empty seat to my right, and Ella, who had forced Calvin to sit near Georgia (since she said she was an accomplished entertainer), sat to my left.

I just took a little glance at him. It seemed like he was happy to see me in this tense situation, as usual.

"This announcement is related to the future of both of you" the queen said firmly. "More for you, Georgia, who has been wreaking havoc lately in the castle, I hope you listen carefully."

Georgia's lips frowned, Calvin tried his best to comfort her. Her tears seem to be over.

On the other hand, I feel very nervous. It's obvious I'm involved with all the mess that's going on inside the castle. And even though, well, it wasn't purely my fault, Ella would have been able to put me in a vampire prison or dump me. My chances of killing him are slimmer if that happens.

As if knowing my nervousness, Kate squeezed my hand warm. A warm glow emanated from her eyes that were as bright as a rose. I'm gonna cry. She must not have known that my purpose here was only to kill Ella.

At first I didn't know what it meant. However, after a word came out of his lips, "No papa, really." I took a long breath again.

I know I shouldn't trust vampires right now, but there's no other choice. I have no one else to trust here anymore.

"Before I say this announcement, let me ask you. Are you two still ready to be Mikaela's fiancee?"

It was a shameful question, and it was decisive for our future. My throat felt dry to answer, while Georgia, with her excruciating hoarse voice, replied firmly. "Of course!"

Damnit. I lost fast.

"And Barbie? What about you?"

I didn't think there was a second question. So, I answered as best I could, "My answer is definitely 'yes'. Otherwise, there's no way I won't survive here."

The queen clenched her hands on the table. "Then it's good. Actually, if you guys knew, there would only be one person who could become the main queen. One of you could be the second queen, but you know what it means to be the second queen, right?"

Georgia biting lips. "Those who become second queens will not be given power as wide as the main queen."

"Right, but there's a more precise word than that. Barbie?"

I blinked my eyes. Ewh, this feels more like a high school question and answer than a political conversation in the kingdom. I'm trying to think of the right answer. What does Georgia want so much that she goes after Ella?

I remembered the kiss that I thought was so insignificant yesterday. A proof, a symbol of love... What does a vampire need...

I won't know the answer if I keep it in my mind. And I finally chose to say it:

"... Love and attention from the King?" I said half whispering. Kate smiled and hid it with her hands.

This is the most ridiculous statement I've ever thought of. I hope the answer is wrong.

Even though I was half-whispering, of course, due to the very quiet support of the living room, my opinion sounded very clear. Almost the entire dining room laughed.

"Frightly so."

All suddenly silence. Ella's turn to laugh this time. I chose not to follow him, enough of this wound to be a reminder of me not doing anything weird as long as Georgia was near me.

"Humans and vampires, neither will be able to survive if no love overshadows them. Therefore, as much as possible either vampires or humans who will ascend to the throne become queens, crave the position of the main queen."

I'm not evading. It is true if my life partner is also human. This time my life partner is a vampire whose people have killed many of my kind. One hundred percent I believe if I don't want the love of this man.

Georgia previously said the main queen had better powers. Em, this is actually a public secret, anyway. Even toddlers know the main queen can have high power like the oldest brother.

However, if there was one chance the main queen could control all the vampires... More than a human... I want to be one of them.

That way, I can definitely eradicate the evil vampires.

The devil's laughter almost came out of my mouth. I'm back in control of myself.

The atmosphere melted again, my body slumped back on the table. "Everything. Let's enjoy today's feast. May you satisfy your taste."

All the mouths present chewed voraciously. I followed their rhythm while trying to avoid the gripping glint of Georgian. Really, his clumsiness made my taste worse.

...----------------...

I knocked on the door of the queen's room just as dusk was about to arrive. The white door that was on the top floor made the fur to sit anyone bristling, including me. The aura of killing him was no joke.

Just as I grasped the doorknob, someone pushed in from inside. I almost fell, fortunately my body balance can be maintained properly.

The wavy white hair I knew appeared. I harden my jaw. "You again! You again!"

"Oh, miss man. Just arrive? Aih, the queen has been waiting for your arrival from an hour ago." her fan closed off part of her arrogant face. "Feel her anger!"

If this wasn't in front of the queen's room, I'd have taken all out her silvery white hair.

I'm a grown Barbie. I can handle this.

"Where it is, you yourself were forgotten at yesterday's party."

"What says—"

From inside the room, the queen cleared her throat loudly, signaling that I should rush in. "Excuse me," I said, pushing Georgia away. My time has come.

......................

The queen was waiting for me at the front of her living room. "Sit down," he said.

I followed his words.

"Barbie. I need you to find the perpetrators of the vampire murders at the famous vampire school, Rafonia Academy."

A name that sounds foreign. However, I do not understand the direction of this conversation. "I mean queen... Is this my requirement to be the next chief queen?"

A successful smile rose on his lips. "Fright."

"What happens if I refuse?" I chewed on a cookie that one of his servants gave me. Bitterer.

"I know who your parents really are."

My throat was swallowing nails. My parents actually?

"It's funny. My parents are in the Emerald Kingdom now. And maybe I could still meet them every day, if there wasn't this engagement."

This time the queen chewed on her servant's pastry. "No, no. Barbie's... I'm sure up until now you've been wondering who your real parents are, haven't you?"

"I have the answer if you can fulfill your mission to become the main queen, how? Within a week... I hope you're ready to work."

I keep flinching. My voice seemed to be drowning in a bottomless sea. I wanted to reach the surface, but the light did not welcome me at all. I didn't find the right words to reply to him.

"If you shut up, I'll take that as an agreement." The queen stood up and extended her hand. "The spirit of your mission, Barbie. Good luck."

I don't need a word from him. I need certainty of success.

The hand found my partner from me. Not forgetting, a feeling of anger and ambition filled my chest. This mission must succeed.