Hello, and Happy New Year! This is just a brief check up in the lives of Ben and Zeta. -Alison

Zeta's POV:

After about a month in the hospital, I am finally set free to go back to my room. I never thought I could be so glad to see my room or my maids.

I cannot help but wonder what Ben is doing right now. There were brief moments of eye contact between us, but I haven't had much of a chance to see him since I woke up.

My maids pull out a beautiful dress of midnight blue fabric that fades into a dark purple at the bottom. It has sleeves that go to just below my elbow, and rhinestones glitter off of it, like stars in the sky. I let them dress me and do my hair in curls, pulling it back at the top and fastening it with a silver clasp. I stare at myself, my pale skin and dark hair, and for the first time wonder when I became pretty.

Ben's POV:

I have just gotten out of a budget meeting and am walking down the hall when I am pulled aside and informed that Zeta is out of the hospital. Loosening my tie, I roll up the sleeves on my shirt and walk at a faster pace, eager to see her. When I arrive at her room, I take a deep breath before knocking. The door opens in a swift motion, and three maids walk out, curtsying as they go. When I look back, all the breath I have leaves me.

She is sitting on the bench at the foot of her bed, her dress flaring out around her. The jewels on her dress look like bits of pure starlight, magnifying the lightness of her skin. Her dark curls seem to give bold outline to the whole thing, and I wish I could keep her like this forever.I clear my throat.

"Hello." I say, trying to seem calm and collected.

"Hi."She says, nodding respectfully. I awkwardly make my way over to sit by her.

"Sooo...how are you?"

"Um, fine, mostly. It's just weird because, if I don't think about it, everything feels the same. But then, when I run my fingers over my wrists, I remember how close to death I was, and I just..." she trials off, shuddering at the thought.

"If you need anything, I'm here." I remind her. Then, leaning closer, I whisper in her ear, "I like that dress." A smile plays at her lips, and I trail my nose across her cheek until my lips find hers.

"Does my recent hospitalization affect my standing in the Selection?" She asks, pulling away too soon. I shake my head, chuckling.

"No, Zeta, you are still my favorite." She fixes me with a look.

"Really?"

"Really." I lean in for another kiss, and she throws her arms around my neck this time, knitting her fingers in my hair. "I think dinner has already started. Shall we?" I offer her my arm and she takes it gladly.

"We shall." I escort her out of her room, and for the moment, everything is perfect.

so what did you think?