So a lot of you enjoyed the last chapter, eh? SpontaneousSugarRush I bet your friend will be happy! And yes that is a 'Bad Dad Move' which will haunt him later. Bookwork123112 and it has only been two chapters in ;) norton3 thanks for following my story and having it as one of your favorites! Read on! Lady Kalee that's amazing! I was sooo close to getting it too! Thanks for following my story and having it as one of your favorites! Enjoy! Juliana Rose I don't care how many reviews you post because I find yours so much fun to read! I like your interpretation of America's reaction because it's soo true. Thank you for having my story as one of your favorites and I hope you like your character! I was referring to Celeste and your character is not snotty it's just Alex was thinking of Caste. As for all your questions I think you'll have to read about what happens because I will not reveal a single detail! BestFan00 thanks for the review and I will do what I can about your suggestions! Thanks! Idk I wish you would've submitted it earlier! You were sooo close too! I can switch out a name if I can! Meg-sters52 I see you found my story! Thanks for following it and I hope you enjoy! theSelection101 thanks for following my story! I hope you like it! ClaireMonteith I knew you'd love it! And Claire I don't care how long the reviews are because – like Juliana – yours are so much fun to read! Glad you're happy! Child of Death and Hearth thanks for following my story! I hope you're enjoying it! floweringbirdies how can you not believe it?! It was bound to happen ;) wonkrevenllouy LOVE YOU! Thanks for following my story and me and for having both as one of your favorites! I hope you enjoy the rest of the story! Thanks! Smarties 101 I'm glad you liked it! I hope you'll enjoy reading how this Selection unfolds. marissalara97 thanks for following my story and I hope you like this new chapter! Jime-GA-Lover thanks for following my story and I hope you continue reading!

Alright these A/N are getting long! But no matter how long they are I am mentioning every one of you amazing people!

Love Smashleigh

Chapter 3:

Olivia:

"NO! NO!" I scream. "YOU CAN'T TAKE HIM!"

I watch as Sam is dragged away by a pair of guards. He yells for me and struggles but I cannot make out the words he says. My vision is blurry and my own heart pounds in my ears. The guard holding me back snickers when I try to break free. Even when I kick repeatedly at his leg his grip doesn't loosen. But I will not stop screaming. I yell Sam's name over and over until he's out of sight. Then I break down and cry. The sobs rack my body in violent tremors that I cannot stop. I cannot lose him! Sam's my only constant in this whole world. Someone who will love me til' my last breath. I. Cannot. Lose. Him.

"Olivia." Sam says. "Olivia, wake up."

I open my eyes to find him looming over me. His face is etched with concern and his eyes are scanning my face with worry. I throw my arms around him and hug him close to me. The tears spill down my cheeks in rivers. "S-Sam," I choke on a sob. "T-they tried taking you. You fought b-but they were too strong."

"Shh, darling it's alright. No one will take me from you." he says, pulling back to look at my face.

I pull his head down to mine and kiss him tenderly. I need to know this is real and not a dream anymore. He gladly returns my kiss and cups my face with his hand. Pulling back he leans his forehead against mine. His deep blue eyes bore into mine as he looks down on me.

"You scared me screaming like that. I woke and thought someone had come for us." he said softly, running his thumb over my bottom lip. "Don't ever do that to me again."

I kissed his thumb and leaned into his hand. "I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to."

"I know you didn't." he said sadly. "But you need to know that with me, you're safe. I'm never letting you out of my sight."

He leaned down and kissed me again. I pulled him closer to me again, wrapping my arms around his neck. His lips traveled to my neck and from there my shoulder. I closed my eyes and floated along the bliss as he kissed me. He knows everything about me and everything that would soothe me. He's my best friend, my love, and my fiancé. The only man I can see myself being with in this twisted world. And when those three magical words left his lips, I knew I was lost. "I love you, Olivia."

Sam:

The sunlight streamed through the small window of the room. I opened my eyes slowly and looked down at the figure snuggled in my arms. I didn't dare move because it was rare for us to find moments of sleep lately. The further we get from the palace, the more she has these nightmares. She remained quiet after the last one though. She fell asleep snuggled in my arms with her arm wrapped around my waist. I hugged her closer now, kissing her head softly as not to disturb her.

"Sam?" she whispered softly, opening her eyes. The blues of her eyes ceased to amaze me as she regarded me with those blue pools. "G'morning."

I offer her a small smile and kiss the tip of her nose. "Good morning, darling."

Unwinding her arm she raised them above her head and stretched. She sheet dipped low, revealing her bare shoulders, and I refrained from snatching her to me again. Instead I run light finger over her shoulder and up her neck. She closes her eyes and leans into my hand when I cup her face.

"I'd love no more than to be locked up in here with you." I tell her softly. "But we need to keep moving."

She sighs. "How much longer Sam? We've been walking for a week now."

I run my thumb over her cheek. "I'm not sure. Tell me when you feel safe and maybe we'll stop."

"I've told you before." she said. "I'm safe as long as I'm with you."

America:

I pace the floor of my office for the twenty millionth time. Olivia has been missing for a little over a week now with no trace or clue to where she could've been. Obviously she is with Sam since he has also gone missing from his cell the same night. I understand they may love each other but this has been taken a little too far. Not only am I dealing with the drama in the family but also the drama from Spain and France. They are absolutely furious about the little epidemic relayed by their son. I have received numerous calls and letters demanding that I control my children and fix this. The only problem is I can't fix it if I don't know where my child is!

Plopping into my desk chair I furiously scribble a note. But I can't find the words to relay my emotions. I am angry, upset, but also proud. Is this not the very thing I wanted to do with Aspen? Sure we were saving up for a wedding but in the depths of my thoughts, had I not thought of this possibility? My life may have ended up differently but it was going through my mind.

Someone knocked at the door and Maxon peeked his head in. I didn't say a word as he came over to sit across from my desk. I'm still a little upset with him for thinking irrationally and without a word to me. I would've liked to know the whereabouts of my daughter and Marlee's son before he had one locked up. The behavior may have been inexcusable but locking him up for his actions was not the way to deal with it. Had we not done the same thing at their age? Then a thought hits me. What if Olivia is pregnant? She's out there with only Sam as her guide but doesn't know anything about living on her own. Sam will have to get a job to provide for them. He wouldn't let Olivia work in risk of exposing herself and being taken home. Someone would surely identify her and notify the palace immediately.

"I can see the wheels grinding in your head." Maxon said softly.

I shook my head and focused my attention on him. He was dressed in one of his better suits that gave him a very regal appearance. The gray of the suit emphasized his tanned skin and seemed to brighten his deep brown eyes. I tried to refrain from seeing how delicious he looked but this was my Maxon. He always was handsome even in his most embarrassing moments.

"Oh." is all I said as I stood and began pacing again.

Maxon strode over to me and took my shoulders in his hands. "You need to stop stressing yourself." he told me softly. "This is not healthy for you or the baby."

I dropped my eyes to the floor. He was right of course. But how could I not stress when my eldest child was out there with no protection and barely any knowledge of what she's doing? That's like asking me t stop breathing.

"Do you think she'll be alright?" I ask him, bringing my eyes up to meet his.

He nodded. "If I know anything about my girls," he began. "It's that you all are as tough as nails. And very stubborn."

I smiled up at him. Giving him a quick kiss on the cheek I wrapped my arms around him. "Thank you."

He wound his arms around me and hugged me close. I listened to the strong, steady beat of his heart beneath my ear and focused on matching his breathing with mine. It soothed me to be comforted by his touch again. I found myself missing it for the past few days.

"Darling we need to go downstairs." Maxon said sadly. "Remember the Selected arrive today?"

I gasp. Giving him another quick kiss I rushed to the door. Turning on the threshold I smiled at Maxon and winked. He chuckled and tugged his ear. Which I gladly returned. I see him every night anyways.

Alex:

I wipe my sweaty palms on my legs. The cars started rolling up an hours ago and now the last one had arrived. I've watched from my bedroom window as girl after girl piled out of the car. All of them are stunning beauties and I only think how much harder this is going to be. I have to tell thirty-four women no. I have to break their hearts and deal with tears. Oh God. Tears! I have no clue how to deal with tears! I mean it can't be as simple as it looks right? In all the shows I've watched you just place an arm around them and whisper something to them. But it seems too simple and I doubt I'll be able to even remember that!

"The ladies are waiting for you in the parlor, Your Grace." my valet said, opening my door.

I let out a deep breath and straightened my appearance. Glancing at the mirror for any last minute adjustments, I ran my hand through my hair. My Father always suggested I use gel or something to maintain my hair. But I see no problem in wearing it down naturally. A few strands hang a bit too low and cover my eyes once in a while but I see no point in pushing it back. And besides. Maybe the girls find it incredibly attractive?

With one last glance I walk out of my room. My parents are waiting at the top of the stairs and offer me encouraging smiles as I descend before them. Each step sends my mind racing.

What if no one likes me? Step. What if I don't find a woman at all? Step. What if all these women are here for only one reason? Step. The crown. Step.

I realized I've run out of steps and am now standing on the first floor. My questions still race through my mind. I stand before the parlor door and listen to the steady drum of chatter coming from the other side. Every once in a while I hear a feminine giggle.

"His Royal Highness, Prince Alexander Schreave." the man opening the door announces.

All the activity on the other side of the door hushes and I stride into the room. Immediately a wave of whispers emerges from every girl as I scan the room. Thirty-five pairs of eyes wait patiently as I collect my wits.

"Welcome ladies." my voice comes out steadier than I feel. "I wanted to come down personally and make sure you had all arrived safely. I will not keep you long because I'm sure the stylist would not appreciate me taking up their time to make up stunning beauties such as yourselves." I met with a few flirtatious smiles and giggle. "But I wanted to welcome you all and say one thing. Enjoy your time here and I look forward to getting to become acquainted with you all at dinner tonight."

The ladies nodded their heads. I scanned the room one more time before retreating back into the hallway. Once out of the room I let out a breath I never knew I'd been holding. My parents were smiling proudly at me and my Mother looped her arm through mine.

"Excellent job." she said. "Much better than I expected."

"You expected worse?" I tease.

She chuckled. "Alright maybe a little. But what am I suppose to think? You were just sent into a room full of women?"

I laughed softly. "To be honest I was a bit nervous."

My Father clapped me on the back. "It's easier than you think. Just choose wisely."

I nodded my mood suddenly serious. "Finding someone to spend of my life with is a serious thing. I'm not going to mess up."

"Make sure that you don't." he told me.

Olivia:

"There should be a small town up ahead." Sam says, checking a small map.

I look up at the sky and watch the colors turn from blue to pink from the setting sun. Faintly the stars twinkle in the sky and I realize we've been walking all day again. It's tiring to walk all this way and we maybe are only a few hours away from the palace.

"What's this one called?" I asked.

"It doesn't say. Which isn't a good sign." he tells me.

"I don't care if it's not a good sign. We need to rest." I say firmly.

He looks at me and his face softens. "Darling you're pale. Are you alright?"

I nod. "I'm just tired. Never exactly imagined myself walking through dense forests when I was little."

He wraps an arm around my shoulders. "It's only a little bit farther. We could stop here of course. Make a camp."

Actually that didn't sound quite bad. At least we'd have some privacy and not have to deal with suspicious inn keepers. "I like that idea actually."

Sam smiles. "Let's just find a clearing. Don't know what kind of creepy critters are in these forests."

I shove him playfully. "You know I hate bugs."

"Oh do I?" he asks sarcastically. "Must've slipped my mind."

After finding a spot, Sam starts collecting twigs and dried leaves. I rummage in the bag for the bread and cheese we packed and pull it out. Sam starts a small fire and sits next to me on the ground. I hand him a hunk of bread and some cheese. He nibbles on it as we watch the flames of the fire. I scoot closer to him when I hear a distant howl.

"It's just a coyote, Viv." he chuckles.

"I know." I say.

"You were never afraid of them back home." he points out.

"We were always close. And I had you." I tell him.

"You still do." he says softly.

His gaze drops to my lips and I feel his arm pull me even closer. Tilting my head up, I wait for him to kiss me. He lets his breath mingle with mine before bringing his lips down softly. Kissing me with feather light touches he cups my face with his other hand. I nip his bottom lip and he deepens the kiss. When he pulls his head away I moan in disappointment.

"I thought you were tired." he whispered softly.

"Not anymore." I lean into him and he returns my kiss.

Later that night I wake to the sounds of shuffling nearby. Sam is still sound asleep, with his arm wrapped around my waist. I turn my head and make out three shadows not too far away. The light from our dying fire must've caught their attention.

"That's definitely her." one of them says.

"No doubt. Unless the resemblance of another girl is really close." another says.

"More like spot on." the first man says.

"Well what are we waiting for?" the last man grumbles.