Hey, guys! I'm so sorry for not posting recently, I had a bit of a writer's block. But I promise, I have a lot of ideas for this story ;) Anyways, sorry this is a short chapter, I'm working on the next right now. I hope you guys stay with me for this story!
Dl9571: Thanks girl!
Mramsey: Aw I love you, thanks!
Cute Irish gal: Haha, thank ya ;)
floweringbirdies: Merci, darling!
TheHostTheSelectionDivergent: Thank you so much :)
Karen: I always love hearing your input :) Thanks for reading!
S: You're so sweet, thank you!
maggiebswim: Haha, I'm sorta proud of him too
Guest: Thank you!
Rowen Elaine: Voilà!

Until next time, lovelies!
xoxo, Lily


Maxon forced me to go to the infirmary against my will, even though I insisted I was fine. I would have a couple bruises, but nothing that my maids couldn't cover up with makeup.

Later that day, Silvia burst into the Womens' room with a huge pile of folders and an excited smile on her face.

"Ladies! I'm pleased to announce that the Royal family of England will be visiting for the next couple of weeks! As you know, King Clarkson's older sister Angelica married King Gregory when she was sixteen, and they now have two sons and a daughter; Prince Zachary, Prince Alexander, and Princess Vanessa."

Kriss excitedly whispered something to Elise, and they both giggled. She caught me watching them and leaned over to me after Silvia was done talking. "Have you seen Prince Zachary? He's so hot."

"Uh, no, I've never seen him." I whispered back, shocked that Kriss could say something like that when she clearly wanted Maxon. Or at least I thought.

"Oh America, he's absolutely gorgeous. I can't wait until they arrive." Kriss went back to chattering with Elise while Celeste flipped through a magazine. I wondered what Maxon would think if he had heard this conversation.


A few hours later, I was sitting on my balcony, and I heard a knock at the door.

"Come in." I called. Maxon stepped through the door. "Hey."

"Hey." He came to sit next to me. "Beautiful night, isn't it?"

"Yeah," I replied. We sat there in comfortable silence for a little.

"So, your cousins are coming next week?" I asked, trying to make conversation. Maxon sighed.

"I forgot about that. Yes, they are. Which means even more work for me. But at least my father will be in a better mood than usual." I raised my eyebrow questioningly. "When my father was six, his older sister Angelica was sold to King Gregory to strengthen bonds between our countries. She didn't want to go, but my grandfather forced her to. It was pretty messy, and it hardened my father even though he was so young."

"That's… that's terrible, Maxon."

"I know. I mean, she's fine now, though. I think her kids are what keeps her together."

We were quiet again. I couldn't imagine how it must have felt to be sent away to marry someone I'd never met, to have no choice over my life. Just another one of Illéa's unfair rules. I promised myself that if I ever won the Selection, I would never put my daughter through what Angelica went through.


The next week, we all stood outside waiting for the Royal family to arrive. After a while, a black limousine rolled up. They had finally arrived.

"Cousin!" Prince Zachary exclaimed as he embraced Maxon. "Long time, no see!"

I heard Kriss giggle and whisper something to Elise. They both looked longingly at Zachary. I could see why. With his messy brown hair and gorgeous blue eyes, he was incredibly attractive. Not to mention that accent.

"So, these are the lovely ladies of the Selection, eh? Wish my parents had held a selection for me. I wouldn't mind spending a couple months with beauties such as you." He winked at me, and my face turned bright red. I looked down, and when I looked back up, Maxon was staring at me with some unreadable, irritated expression on his face. I shot him a questioning look and tugged my ear. He nodded.

"Well, we wouldn't want to keep the ladies from their days, would we cousin? I'll show you to your room." Maxon told his cousin.

"Until we meet again," Zachary called over his shoulder. Celeste gave him a huge, fake smile and a sultry wave, while Kriss sighed. Elise played with the ends of her hair shyly, smiling ever so slightly.

This was going to be an interesting couple of weeks.