I sighed, "As well as anyone would be if they had to go through this." "Seriously, if there is anything else we can do, let America or I know." He offered. "Thank you, Maxon, but I think that at this point it is nothing that you can give to us." I heard him sigh a little, "Alright. Please send Lucy my condolences." "I will." I said.

"But I have another request." He said, hesitating. "If it has anything to do with work, I don't think-" "No, it has to do with Eadlyn, Ahren, and Kaden..." Maxon interrupted. "Go on…" I prompted. "So you know how America and I need to go to New Asia next week?"

"Yes. But I don't see how this involves me." I replied. "Well, would you and Lucy come to the palace to kind of watch over them? They are at the ages that makes them a little… energetic." I fell silent. "Let me ask Lucy to see if she thinks that she will be up for it. I will get back to you tomorrow when I am at work."

"Aspen… I know you are extremely dedicated to your job, but no one would blame you for not coming in tomorrow. Please, take a day off to spend time with Lucy." He pleaded. "I will think about it." I said, sighing. "Good. I will see you soon." Maxon said, and the line went silent.

I put the phone back into its holder and walked back into the living room to Lucy. She was curled up in the armchair again, staring out the window. "Hey." She said, when she saw me. "Hi. Maxon was on the phone." "Oh?" she tilted her head a little, a curtain of blond hair covering part of her face.

I sat down on the arm rest of the chair. "He sends his condolences. But he also asked if we could stay at the palace next week while America and him are in New Asia." "Why?" Lucy asked. "To watch over Ahren, Eadlyn, and Kaden. I imagine Osten will have his nannies to take care of him."

Lucy bit her lip, thinking it over. "I don't see why not." she responded finally. "Do you think you will be able to handle it alone? I won't be able to help you during the day since I need to work. If I need to I can send-" Lucy leaned over and kissed me. "You don't need to worry about me, Aspen. I can handle it." "You know, someone once told me that accepting help was its own type of strength." I whispered into her ear. Lucy smiled and kissed me again.

-o-

Lucy

Hand in hand, Aspen and I walked from the car to the palace. Although I was feeling better from the events of yesterday, some sorrow was still hanging around me. I studied the intricate pattern of stone bricks that lead the the palace, when I felt Aspen stop. "What?" I asked, looking up into his concerned green eyes. "Are you sure-" "Yes, Aspen. I am sure!" I interrupted.

He nodded, still not completely convinced. We resumed walking, and headed into the castle. A maid stood waiting for us by the entrance. "Lucy!!" Mary called, hugging me. "How are you?" she whispered into my ear.

"Alright. The first one is the hardest I guess." I replied pulling away from her embrace. "Let me know if I can help in any way." She said looking from Aspen to me. "Thanks, Mary. We appreciate it." he said giving her a tiny smile.

"Queen America would like to speak to you two, in the Women's Room." Mary said, going back to business. "Am I allowed in?" Aspen asked. "You are if she gives you permission to." Mary replied leading us to the Women's Room. She opened the wooden doors and held them open for us as we walked through. Giving me a quick wink, she shut the doors behind Aspen and I, leaving us alone.

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-theselectionseriesfan