So, as surprising as it may be I actually have nothing to say except read, review, follow and enjoy :)

'What about this one, miss?' Anne asked holding up the third day dress she had picked out for me to wear. This one was a pale green with an oversized bow tied around the waist. At this point I would put on anything that would get me out of this room.

'It's perfect, now lets put it on me so I can go.' I answered her distractedly looking for the door longingly. I was willing to wear anything as long as I didn't walk out of here naked. Maxon had come by this morning already and I had unashamedly begged him to let me leave my room. Finally, after several long minutes of deliberation he relented. I had launched myself into his arms proving my heath and squealed like the excited teenage girl that I was. Now I sat waiting for my maids to dress me in something so I could finally take my first steps of freedom.

'You're all done, miss.' Anne announced trying to hide her amusement but I was too excited to care. I leapt from the stool I was sitting on for Anne to do my hair and raced as quickly as I could to the door. I still wasn't moving freely but it was enough to get me around. I walked brightly passed Aspen sparing him a quick smile as I marched confidently down the hallway. Surprisingly, I was excited to be among the other girls. Now that the Women's room no longer held the threat of seeing Celeste it felt like a more welcoming place. It hadn't been that way since before Marlee was here. My excitement was dulled slightly when I thought about Marlee. I wished I could spend more time with her but I knew it was difficult for Maxon to organise time for us and he had so much resting on his shoulders right now. I couldn't ask him to add one more thing to his to do list.

Slowly, I opened the door to the Women's room and my excitement returned, bringing a goofy smile to my face as I took the room in. I found Elise and Kriss off to the side with their heads close together as if there were still 35 girls here and they might be overheard. I slowly made my way over to them and approached cautiously.

'Good morning.' I greeted causing their heads to jump apart. Kriss immediately plastered a wide, kind smile across her face. Elise smiled shyly as I took the seat beside her, feeling more comfortable in her presence than I had before.

'Good morning, America. I see Maxon allowed you out today.' Kriss gushed in her sweet voice.

'It took some convincing.' I laughed as Elise joined in softly. 'So what were we discussing before I came in?'

'Celeste is gone.' Kriss announced happily. The smile on Elise's face let me know we all shared the same thoughts about the recent elimination. 'I saw her leaving this morning but why did Maxon eliminate her now? What changed?' I looked away not wanting to reveal what I knew but Elise being the observant person she was noticed immediately.

'What do you know, America?' She asked curiously.

'She came to see me last night after you left.' I admitted reluctantly. 'She just wanted to let me know how unsuited I was for the crown but Maxon came to see me.' Kriss gasped beside me and then broke into giggles. Her laughter was infectious and I felt it seeping into my chest until all three of us were in stitches, gasping for air. Elise was the first one to recover.

'I don't think the King was too pleased with the surprise elimination.' Elise stated sobering us all, silencing our fits of giggles.

'What do you mean?' I asked in alarm thinking of what he might have done to Maxon.

'I came across them in the foyer earlier, he was shouting at Maxon. Berating him for being irresponsible and childish.' Elise said sadly. 'He looked so forlorn and beaten until the King mentioned you.'

'Me?' I asked, shocked. I hadn't done anything recently, how could the King be finding fault with me again?

'He was demanding that Maxon reverse the decision so that you went home instead. He said some very harsh words about you.' Elise admitted reluctantly before continuing. 'It was like every word physically affected Maxon. It was amazing to watch. Every word made him stand taller, filled him with more determination before he just turned and walked away from his father.'

'What did the King do?' I questioned apprehensively, afraid of what had happened to Maxon for defending me again.

'He just continued to yell at Maxon until he disappeared down the corridor. He stood there for a long time before he just turned and stomped away too.' I looked over at Kriss to find a confusing expression on her face. I couldn't read it. Noticing me watching her Kirss spoke up.

'I hope Maxon's alright.' Her concern colouring her words.

'Me too.' I replied thoughtfully as we all drifted off into our own worlds.

Moments later the doors of the Women's room opened and the Queen walked in crossing directly to us. We all quickly rose and curtseyed as the Queen came to a stop in front of us, smiling down at us warmly.

'Good morning Ladies. Don't you look lovely today.' She greeted softly. 'I hope I'm not interrupting.' There was a smattering of voices overlapping each other competing to tell the Queen she was always welcome as each of us felt nervous under the Queen's gaze. She laughed quietly at our comedic responses and then turned her full attention to me.

'Lady America, I was wondering if you would mind spending some time with me. Maybe we could have some tea and I understand you love the pastries we have here at the Palace.' I blushed deeply at her attention and heard the other two girls laughing beside me.

'That sounds lovely.' I choked out as the Queen gestured towards a table that had been set up in the corner of the Women's room that I hadn't notice before.

'Shall we?' I nodded and quickly followed her.

Once the tea was poured and the pastries set out the Queen and I were left in an uncomfortable silence. I couldn't stop fidgeting under her gaze. I was frightened by what she had to say to me. I had been such a disappointment.

'America, don't be nervous.' She smiled warmly, setting my nerves at ease slightly but I was still unsettled. What did she want to talk about?

'I wanted to apologise America.' My head quickly snapped up to look at her quizzically. 'My husband has been very harsh on you.' She continued sadly.

'It's fine,' I lied, 'I'm sure my actions warranted some of his reactions. I was reckless and he has a country to run.'

'Yes, but you are just a child learning to swim in a world that wants to see you drown. The truth is, I see no better option for my son than you.' She said with conviction, looking straight into my eyes making it impossible to look away and unimaginable to believe her words were false. 'The strength I see in you is unbelievable. How a person as young as you can have so much conviction in her beliefs astounds me.' She said in awe, leaning closer to me and dropping her voice. 'When I first saw you America I thought we were very similar but I was mistaken. I never had your courage. I may have had the same ideals and dreams but I never had the strength to act on them. You are an inspiration o the people America and to me.' I sat in shock as her words washed over me. All I could think was that I was dreaming but I knew this couldn't be one of my dreams. Mine were filled with fire, war and men who wanted to see me dead.

I realised I hadn't said anything and neither had the Queen. She was looking at me expectantly.

'Sorry, it's just a lot to take in, your Majesty.' I admitted still trying to understand the words she had said to me.

'It's a lot of pressure for your young shoulders, I know, but my son needs you America. I've seen a change in him. He's stronger, prouder and more committed to the health of Illea than ever. He's going to make a wonderful King. Just between you and me he will be a far greater King than his father ever was because his compassion for the people outweighs his need for power.' She whispered bitterly. I watched as anger crossed the Queen's features but it was quickly replaced by her impassive mask. Years of training winning out over her emotions in the end. We sat in silence for a long time neither of us moving to touch our cold tea. Finally, the queen spoke again.

'He wasn't always like this you know?' She mused looking out through the window with misty eyes, losing herself in a memory. I knew she had held these feelings for a long time. Who was there to listen to her troubles? She was the Queen but I knew her life must be lonely being married to a powerful man.

'When he had his selection and he chose me he was wonderful, caring, attentive but there was something dark in him. I always knew it was there and I naively thought I could help him eradicate it.' She sighed, shaking her head sadly. 'I was wrong, the wounds his father inflicted were too deep. He never told me the details but I knew his father was harsh on him just like he is harsh on Maxon. Although, I think Clarkson's father was worse. I guess a broken home breeds a broken home.' She laughed bitterly turning from the window. 'I wasn't strong enough to save him America. I still love him but at some point I know my love somehow twisted to hate, for him and myself.' It's what I fear would grow between Maxon and myself over the years. What if I couldn't be strong enough for him? What if I lose myself and everything I fight for and instead turn on Maxon? What if he wasn't strong enough? 'America, I'm not telling you this so you feel sorry for me or to put doubt in your mind.' She sighed as if she could read my thoughts. 'I know my time has passed. My chance to effect change on this country is gone and soon it will be your's and Maxon's turn to change this nation for the better.'

'How can you believe I could be anything but detrimental to this country, after everything I've done?' I asked in a small voice.

'It's because of everything you've done that I know with absolute certainty you will be good for the future of Illea.' She said with confidence. I nodded thoughtfully taking my eyes from her to try to collect the web of thoughts wrapping around my brain.

'America, there's one more thing I need to ask of you.' She said cautiously pulling my attention back to her. 'I know Clarkson is…harsh towards Maxon.' My eyes grew wide with the realisation. The Queen knew King Clarkson was violent towards Maxon and she did nothing about it. My heart broke for Maxon. How could his own mother sit by and watch as her son suffered at the hands of the man she loved?

'I know what you're thinking America but you need to understand there is nothing I can do. Nothing.' She breathed regretfully. 'I married Clarkson and I take everything that comes with that. I never wanted it to hurt my son but I can't stop it. I was never strong enough for that, but you are. I may not have been able to protect my son but I'm willing to entrust his safety with the one person who I am certain can guarantee it.' She said looking meaningfully at me. I felt the weight of her demands sit heavily on my shoulders. It was just another responsibility someone older than myself pressed upon me. How was I to ensure his safety when I couldn't even keep myself safe most of the time?

'I know it's a lot to take on and that it should never have been your burden to carry. I wish I could have done something to shield Maxon from his father but I couldn't and now I'm trapped in the life I was dealt. You must know America that I am not well. Truthfully, I'm not sure how much longer I have and the constant rebel attacks don't help the situation.' How unwell was the Queen? I knew she grew up in a poor neighbourhood suffering a hard life in the factories and then the miscarriages. It's a wonder the embattled Queen can pull herself out of bed day after day. Not to mention the pain she suffers for her son and the knowledge that she can't protect him. My heart hurt for the harsh life she had lived. Many assumed a life in the Palace would be luxurious and carefree but one look at the pain in the Queen's eyes and you would know there are hardships everywhere, for every caste. No matter whether you were struggling to put food on your table or struggling to keep your head above the water in the world of politics and deception. Everyone had their own battles to fight, some physical while other wars ate away mercilessly at someone's mind until they're so weary from the constant battle that their body finally gives in. Queen Amberly was suffering on all levels and I felt the overwhelming urge to protect and shield her from the harsh world out there. She was so kind and underneath it all just a fragile girl who had her heart stolen by a young Prince only to realise she would never get it back. I may not like how she allowed Maxon be hurt all these years but I understood her better. I had a deep respect for all the hardships she had endured.

'Thank you for being so honest with me, your majesty.' I said softly pulling her from her reverie.

'I don't think I need to remind you of the sensitive nature of everything I've just told you.' She answered seriously looking at me intently.

'I don't think anyone needs to remind me of that ever again. I think I learnt my lesson the last time.' I acknowledged bitterly. The Queen chuckled across from me, obviously remembering the last time I tried to reveal state secrets to the world.

'Thank you America for listening and for understanding. I know this world has different rules from the one you're accustomed to but sometimes it takes an outlier to shake the system to it's very foundations. We need an outlier like you to rustle this house a little until this country returns to the course it was destined to take.' She slowly rose before me slipping easily back into the Lady she is. I followed her back over to the other girls who still sat where I left them.

'Ladies.' The Queen nodded addressing all of us. 'As you know the Christmas ball is coming up and we have some very exciting news. The Italian Monarchy are returning to celebrate with us. So I need all of you to work together to create another wonderful event. I don't need to remind you how important this will be. Illea desperately needs this alliance and we hope this time will be that time for us. The Princess has called me and is very excited to return. She is especially excited to see you Lady America.' The Queen said looking at me meaningfully. I could feel the colour drain from my face. What was Princess Nicoletta planning? 'It's two weeks away so you have plenty of time to plan, good luck Ladies.' She finished happily and glided from the room, like the Queen she was.

I sat down wearily with the other two girls again as they immediately immersed themselves in plans for the Christmas ball. My mind was too chaotic to focus on the conversation and I was glad the conversation didn't require too much of my input. My mind kept returning to Princess Nicoletta and what she was planning to do once she got here. How would it affect the tenuous trust Maxon and I had just rebuilt? I knew I needed to wait before I told Maxon anything but it didn't sit well with me. I felt uneasy and knew eventually my world would begin to unravel. I could feel it beginning already. A secret between Maxon and I would only act to push us apart and I couldn't bear for that to happen, not after all the work we had done to put everything back together. I was adrift in an abyss playing a very dangerous waiting game that held the possibility of tearing my world apart at the seams.

I lied I always have something to say I just needed to wait for you to read it first. What do you guys think of my portrayal of the queen? I always saw her as trapped but I thought there was genuine love between the King and Queen no matter how complicated and messy it was. How did you guys perceive the queen in the novels? Mysterious, trapped, rebel sympathiser, secretly plotting the King's demise? Tell me your thoughts. :) Oh, and I apologise there was no Maxon and America in this chapter but I wanted to focus on the Queen and her relationship with America. Hope you liked it.