Illea: Monday Morning
Two large men held on to Aspen. His head covered in a cloth bag, his feet dragging behind him. Stupid fool. Didn't he think that they would know a palace guard when they saw one. Even stupider, asking to meet one of their leader because he had useful information. They should had killed him out right and had been done with it… but then again… what if he was right and did have useful information? And that was why they were not taking him deep into the forest and away from both the palace and their meeting place.
As dawn approached Aspen started to wake. His head throbbing and stomach turning. He had said that he would come willingly… that he had valuable information… so why did they clock him over the head?
"So you finally decided to join us." The man in front of him said in a deep southern accent and a cloth covering his mouth and wrapped around his head.
"I…" Aspen took a deep breath to get his thoughts together , "I have information you may want."
"I see. Very well what information?"
"Locations of the safe rooms and how to access them."
"A tad useful but not necessary."
"Not necessary!? You could kill every last one of those royal pain the assess."
"Yes I suppose your right … We could… if they hadn't fled not so long ago. Now the why… Yes I beginning to see the why."
"They…." Aspen swallowed hard, "Fled?"
"Must have figured out that they had a traitor in their mitts. So tell me traitor… What should I trust someone that forfeit being a two and earn the distrust of those that he has been trying to win over for months?"
Italy: Wednesday
America slipped down into the dining room and stopped when she had the eyes of both the Queen and the other Elites plus that of her Itaialan friends. "I… um… the maid suggest that I should wear pants today."
Princess Nicoletta exclaimed, "America, I simple must have a blouse to match yours. Simply where did you get it?"
"Oh, the maids… the ones that came with me… I believe they made it." Or took it from the top of a dress that she had already worn… since it still fit at the top but flared out with pleats just below her stomach then cut off at the spot where a shirt or blouse should.
"Well then we must see if they might recreate something so amazing. Just think they could sell copies all over Italy. They would be famous. Of course they would still have to make their fashion for you first so any one that watches … what's the name again…oh that's right the report…. Can see the latest in fashion."
"You are too kind Nicoletta." America blushed. How could she comment on that without sounding like Celeste? Changing the subject she asked, "So what was it that we were doing today?"
"Oh, yes. Well your reporter has asked to do some kind of special later today... or really in a few hours so we won't have much time… However you simple need to visit some of our shops. And what better way to show your lovely citizens that you are have a marvelous time then to wear the latest in Italian fashion. I simple insist."
Nodding America started, "Well when you put it like that, how could we refuse?"
"Did Gavril say what the report would be about?" Queen Amber asked while taking a sip of tea. Normally she would have said something about America choice in attire but since the Princess loved it so much… at least for now that was the last thing on her mind.
"Oh, I don't think he said. Then again I don't see why he would tell me other than to inquire about a reasonable place to hold all of the cameras and things. I'm not very good with handling t.v. people that is more my father's forte."
"I see. Then please forget that I even asked."
It was then Maxon strode into the room. He only stopped briefly to glance at America then recovered, "Princess, you look lovely today."
"Thank you. I so hoping to steal the ladies for a short time to acquaint them with my favorite pass time."
"I see… and what would that be?" Maxon looked actually intrigued at this.
"Why shopping. I don't know a single respectable Lady that doesn't need to par take in a bit of shopping and pampering after such a long flight."
Maxon covered his mouth to hide the grin. "I see. I just hope you will return before we do the special today. I wouldn't want the ladies to miss it."
"Oh of course not. Just a short trip before so that might have something to wear on camera then after a full day outside of the palace. Fully chaperoned of course."
"Of course. I hope your day in the city is all that you hope it will be."
America nearly fainted when she saw the size of the clothing bouquet and the racks of outfits. Short day dresses that didn't really reach the knees and would fit snugly showing every curve or lack thereof. Too full length dresses that had just enough fabric to cover what you didn't want to show to the public and see through lace everywhere else. And nothing that said, poise, content or I'm the next queen.
With a fake smile she asked, "Nicoletta, What do you suggest that I wear?"
"Oh, for you let me see…Ah yes come in the back. They have all of the best fashions." She pulled out a two tone dress the bottom was full length panels alternating between ocean blue and see foam green. Looking at the top the panes of same color created diamonds with a black embroidered diamond overlapping the point would rest just below her neck. And sleeveless at that
"It's lovely." And something that she had never seen before.
They weren't at the Palace that much America knew but… "Where are we going?"
"Oh, to the park. I told Mr. Gavril that the statues would make a simple wonderful back drop, and show case our great city. He did say that they wanted people back home to see our wonderful city."
America gave a small laugh, "Then I think we are all over dressed."
"Oh for the park, I completely agree, however, for the cameras? … never."
Maxon leaned back on the Park bench. At home everything right down to the people were staged to be placed for the live shooting of the Report. Here… citizens that happen to be in the park can over made themselves comfortable on the frost bitten ground with use of blankets or what nots. And all of them watching out of curiosity but all beaming brightly after realizing who was sitting in front of them. He didn't care how long it took or what needed to be done, he wanted this for his country.
"Ah Prince Maxon, Isn't this the most Lovely spot for your announcement?"
Getting to his feet he nodded to the king, "This is more then I could have hoped for."
"Now, If I may be so blunt… What is it that you are announcing?"
"Oh, Lady America had some idea that I want to start working on and also, I want to let all of Illea know how wonderful your country is. No in that order of course."
"Oh, I see. And here I was hoping that you would be making another kind of announcement."
And here it was he could ask directly or take the ladies' at their word, "And if did make that announcement today, who would you like to see as the next queen of Illea?"
The king leaned in close to Maxon's ear, "I think you already know the answer to that." Stepping back he turned, "Ah good the ladies are on time. A wondrous surprise since we all know how my daughter seems to forget about time when she out by herself."
"Oh papa, really. I can't have my dear friend late now can I?"
Maxon grinned. Yes he did already know the answer.
A/N: I have a poll on my profile for to help with an up coming chapter. Also that you all for the reviews. :)