A little consideration, a little thought for others makes all the difference. – Eeyore

I slept for a few hours and when I woke up the sun was streaming through one of my windows. As I made my way to my bathroom, I noticed that I felt a little stiff and cramped. After turning the hot water on in my shower, I looked at my reflection in the mirror. I didn't look any different – at least not that I could tell. But there was something in my eyes…like they now lacked their usual innocence.

As I went to go to the bathroom I pulled out a tampon, contributing the feeling of being cramped to my cycle which was coming up. Then a horrifying thought came upon me. Forgetting completely about the shower running and the urge to use the bathroom, I ran out of my room to Maxon's. I didn't even notice until halfway there that I was still wearing his clothes.

When I got to his room his door swung open and he was standing there, the light streaming into the hallway from the windows on the other side of his room. I approached him and stood in his doorway, surprised to see him fully dressed already. I smoothed my hair. "We have a problem."

He nodded. "I know." He told me, seeming just as unnerved as me. He grabbed my hand and pulled me inside his room, closing the door behind me. "I was on my way to see you."

"Yeah." I sat down on the edge of his bed and looked at him nervously. "So…you're thinking the same thing as me?" I asked to clarify.

"If you're thinking that we weren't exactly safe last night, then yes." There was a tiny bit of horror. "You don't think though…I mean…it was just one night."

I raised my eyebrows. "But certainly more than one time." I reminded him. "Look, this is what I know: I'm supposed to get my cycle in a couple days and that's…well, that's when women are most fertile. But that doesn't mean anything."

"When will we know?" he asked, crossing his arms.

I shrugged. "A month, maybe two." I answered honestly. He let out a long exhale and sat down on the bed next to me. "Maxon," I started, looking away from him, "I understand if you're freaked out and don't want to have to worry about this so just say the word…I'll go. Don't feel obligated at all. I can handle this myself if I have to."

"What?" he quickly cut me off. "America Singer, you listen to me, I still want to marry you. And don't think I'm going to abandon you because of this. I love you and I always have. You could kill me and I wouldn't stop loving you. This…this is not a big deal. I knew I wanted kids with you at some point and maybe it's a little soon, yes, but I'm no less grateful."

"Maxon, we're not married. Or even engaged yet. What is the public going to say?"

He shook his head. "I could care less about them. It's you that I care about. The public can make their assumptions if they want but you know what I say? The sooner we're engaged, the sooner we're married. So let's get engaged."

I stared at him with tender eyes. "Okay. Let's get engaged."

"Go get cleaned up. I'll tell my parents. Tonight, we're going to celebrate." He moved closer to me and kissed me on the cheek. A knock on his door interrupted us. He motioned for me to stay put and went to answer it. He kept the door closed enough to keep me hidden. "Kriss." He gulped in surprise. "What're you doing here?"

"I just wanted to see you. Is it a bad time?" I heard her say from behind the door. I eased myself off the bed and tiptoed to hide behind the door frame. Through the crack I could see her standing there, looking at him flirtatiously.

He rubbed the back of his neck. "Somewhat. I need to get dressed and shower and everything." He lied.

I saw her eyes go up and down as she looked at him. "Um, Maxon, you're already dressed."

"Oh, yes!" He laughed nervously. "I'm just so tired…I was in a daze. I don't think my socks even match so I'll go check and I'll let you go on your way."

She eyed him curiously. "Is something wrong?"

He shook his head. "Of course not! Like I said, I'm tired. Just, go back to your room. I need some time to myself right now."

"Can I see you later?"

"I'm sorry. I'm really busy today…" he started to explain but she quickly cut him off.

"I get it. You want to spend more time with America. I'll just wait until dinner to see you." She said sadly. Before she left she pecked him on the cheek. Within seconds of her departure Maxon had the door shut.

I exhaled and laughed in disbelief. "You are an awful liar." I told him.

"Yes, I know." He laughed. He suddenly wrapped his arms firmly around my waist and spun me around. "Forgive me for not being more overjoyed today. It's just the looming fate the conservation I have to hold with my parents later."

I rubbed his arm comfortingly. "Well, just remember, we're going to be engaged tonight."

"I like the sound of that." He kissed me on the forehead and as much as I wanted more, we both knew in that kiss that we couldn't risk anything again until we were officially married.

"Lady America, you and Lady Kriss are to report to the parlor room at five o'clock sharp tonight." Silvia said, handing me a small envelope that I was sure said the exact same thing inside. "Your maids know how to dress you."

I frowned. "What about Lady Celeste?"

"Prince Maxon has sent her home." She told me. I looked up at her with sharp eyes.

"Is this it? Is he proposing?" I sounded a little too excited. I wasn't supposed to know that I would win so I should have sounded more nervous.

She eyed me curiously. "That is for you to later find out."

She walked away so I closed my door as I read the card inside the envelope which, sure enough, said the same thing Silvia had just told me. It also had directions for how to get there on the bottom. It was written in King Clarkson's handwriting and I could only imagine what was happening when he had written it. Had Maxon already told him who his choice was?

There was another knock on my door. I opened it and was greeted with Queen Amberly. "Your Majesty." I curtsied and stepped back from the door as she walked in.

Her eyes swept through the room, taking in everything. "I remember staying in these rooms. It felt like I was a princess…and then I became a princess." She sighed and turned back to me. "You're going to know how that feels in just a few days."

"So, Maxon has talked to you?" I asked reluctantly.

She smiled at me and came forward to put a hand on my cheek. "I could not be happier with his choice in you. I think you both will be the best monarchs this country has had in a long time."

I let out a long breath and laughed nervously. "Thank you so much."

"Now, Maxon also told me about last night. He only told me, Clarkson has no idea and we both agreed we should keep it that way. That's why I came here to talk to you." She prompted. "Now that you're going to be part of the family there are a couple things you must understand: first, Maxon's relationship with his father is confidential, spoken about only between the four of us. Second, whether you are pregnant or not, you will be getting married in three weeks. Do you understand?"

I nodded, not knowing if she was really as critical of me as she sounded. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Oh Lord, America, called me Amberly! You're going to be my daughter-in-law anyway!" She surprised me by hugging me and rocking us back and forth. She pulled away and walked out of my room. "Now I suppose I ought to leave and let you get ready." With that she left, leaving me breathless and jittery with excitement.

It was a little short, I know. It was going to be a lot shorter but then I realized that I'd forgotten to insert half of this from my phone...whoops! Anyways, it doesn't matter because it's all here now but really matters is all of these awesome reviews I've gotten so please, keep reviewing!