Thank you again every one for reading and reviewing. I hope you like this next chapter :)

I was on the stage again staring down the fire as the figure approached like he did most nights in my dreams. Now he was just the King and faceless rebels but this dream felt different. When the figure stepped from the flames he was the King but as he approached holding the gun his figure began to shift, but I expected this. I still felt the fear and terror of facing down a gun, surrounded by flames but on some level I could register the dream or at least it wasn't as terrifying as the first night. Maxon hadn't needed to be called and the only one who knew that my nights were still plagued from nightmares was Aspen who heard my muffled screams from outside my door.

As the figure before me twisted and changed my heart disappeared, completely leaving my body. I felt indescribably cold staring down the man before me. He approached slowly, gun held high and an expression I had never seen on his face before. He snarled menacingly at me and then my world was filled with his familiar voice.

'You drove me to this America. You and your unthinking actions.' He was mere inches from me holding the gun over my heart instead of between my eyes. He knew where I was most vulnerable when it came to him. The worst thing he could do was hurt my heart, it was my weakest point.

'I am my father America, I am a product of his tutelage and in the end despite everything you do I will be just like him. You were never strong enough to save me.' He grinned darkly staring at me with eyes devoid of the love and kindness I always found there.

'Maxon.' I whispered as tears streamed down my face and I saw my greatest fear unfold before me.

'You're weak America, I'm doing us both a favour.'

The loud sound of the gunshot filled my ears as I shot up in bed my body coursing with terror. I was shaking so hard I couldn't even grip the sheets around my body. They slid from my sweat soaked skin but it barely registered, my body was already filled with ice. I could hear myself whimpering as I rocked back and forth in the centre of my bed wrapping my arms tightly around me legs trying to warm myself. I hardly registered the door of my room opening and then suddenly there were familiar arms pulling me into a solid chest. I grabbed his uniform and held on tightly letting my tears fall freely. My body was still shaking uncontrollably and the sobs only made it worse. I felt as if I was losing myself and the only thing holding me down were his arms wrapped securely around me.

'Mer, shh, it's alright. You're alright now.' He murmured comfortingly but I continued to sob into his chest. He whispered words of comfort into my hair but I was so terrified. This was the worst dream of all. I was so scared, unlike the first nightmare I couldn't even muster a scream. I felt defeated.

'Mer, do you want me to send for the Prince?' He asked cautiously, I could tell he was upset that he couldn't calm me but I couldn't let Maxon see me like this again. I couldn't tell him the truth about my fears and I knew in this state I wouldn't be able to lie. I pulled back from Aspen in alarm and shook my head vigorously until the room began to spin.

'Mer,' He sighed pulling me tightly back to him until my head was pressed into his neck. 'I'm not going to call him if you don't want me to but you need to calm down.' All I could do was absorb his familiar warmth and wait for my body to return to normal. He held me for what felt like hours until finally the last sob shuddered from my body and my breathing began to even out. He pushed away from me and I saw the pain on his face as the dim light from the open door cast shadows across his face.

'Do you want to talk about it?' He asked hesitantly. I looked at him for a long time but couldn't bring myself to say anything. I shook my head sadly and tried to nestle myself back into his arms. My body was still ice cold and I desperately craved his warmth.

'Mer, is it about the Prince? Did he do something to you?' He asked through thinly veiled anger.

'No.' I croaked, not willing to look him in the eyes, afraid my own might give way all my secrets. 'He would never hurt me.' I sounded unconvincing even to my ears but he didn't question me on it.

'You don't deserve this Mer, he should be the one to protect you. You shouldn't wake up in the middle of the night in terror. You shouldn't wake up alone. I know you said you loved him but does he love you? I know if you were mine you would never be alone.' His tone was full of love and I knew he hadn't given up on me like I had but my choice was made.

'Aspen, I love him. Even if we can never be together and my dreams are forever haunted by these nightmares it would all be worth it, if only for a moment I knew he loved me too.' He nodded sadly beside me and I knew he was thinking the same thing only about me and my love.

'Thank you, Aspen for being here for me.' I whispered pulling away from him. 'You should probably get back before someone notices you're missing.' He nodded sadly pulling away from me and slowly moving from my bed to my door. He looked at me one last time looking as if he wanted to say something but thinking better of it. The door closed quietly behind him and I was plunged into darkness. I crawled back under my tangled covers trying desperately to warm my shivering body. Every time I closed my eyes I saw the same scene and the dream came flooding back. I sat staring at the ceiling too afraid to sleep. I tossed and turned for hours until finally exhaustion took me away to a dreamless sleep.

I woke the next day to Anne gently shaking my non responsive body. I ached with exhaustion from the night before. My body was tired from the shaking and my eyes were puffy and red from the lack of sleep and countless tears.

'My Lady, the Royal families begin to arrive today. You can't be late to greet them.' She informed me softly as Lucy pulled back the curtains to reveal the winter sun and I could hear Mary running my bath. I groaned and tried to pull the covers further up so I could block out the light and the day.

'Miss, his majesty has already come by and asked you to meet him before you both go to meet the Royal families.' I shot up in alarm. Why would he want to meet with me?

'What does he want to see me for?' I asked with trepidation.

'I don't know my lady, he just said you needed to meet him outside the Women's room in half and hour.' I nodded numbly and climbed from my bed and hurried to the bathroom to get ready.

Thankfully, my maids had dressed me in a warm grey dress with a pleated skirt. It kept the chill of the castle out but still looked ladylike. I paced nervously outside the Women's room waiting for Maxon to arrive. Finally, after several anxious minutes he came running down the corridor to me with a warm smile on his face immediately setting me at ease.

'America, I've missed you.' He sighed pulling me into his arms.

'You saw me yesterday.' I giggled as he put a warm kiss on my cheek.

'Too long. I've been in meetings ever since I left you. The situation keeps getting worse with the rebels and with New Asia. Father is worried and he's taking it out on me. My opinions aren't even welcome anymore. I don't even know why he makes me attend them anymore. I think he just wants a punching bag to take out his frustrations on.' I tighten my arms around him comfortingly.

'I'm sorry Maxon.' I whispered against him chest.

'Enough about me, I ran into Officer Leger this morning when he was making his way back from your room.' I ducked my head embarrassed and annoyed at my traitorous guard. 'He didn't seem very happy with me especially when he informed me you had another nightmare last night.' He accused as I pulled away from him defensively.

'It was nothing.' I muttered walking away, not wanting to discuss this. His hand quickly wrapped around my wrist and pulled me back.

'America, you were meant to send for me. How many nightmares have you had?'

'A few.' I answered vaguely looking anywhere but into his eyes so he wouldn't see my fear.

'America, I want to be there for you, I need to be there for you. I'll drop everything when you call if you're just willing to ask me for help.'

'I know.' I sighed sadly. 'I just don't want to worry you. I shouldn't be so weak.' I finished, frustration creeping into my voice.

'America, you are not weak. Never think that. You are one of the strongest people I know. You've been through so much.' He pulled me in close and I let him hold me as my frustration subsided. 'Was it the same dream?' I nodded, not speaking afraid my words might betray me.

'Next time America you call me.' He commanded. 'I don't like the smug look on Officer Leger's face when he thinks he can protect you better than I can.'

'I'm sorry Maxon.' I whispered again.

'It's alright, I just want to see you safe. You know if I could I'd keep you with me all the time.' He said earnestly looking down at me meaningfully.

'I know, I just need to be patient.' He was about to say something when a maid approached us nervously.

'Your majesty.' She curtseyed. 'The British Royals have arrived. The King has requested your presence at the entrance of the palace.' He nodded to her and she quickly scurried away.

'We need to go.' He said pulling me along by the hand at a brisk pace. I trailed behind, both dreading the next few weeks and bursting with excitement to meet the new Royals. I just hoped what Nicoletta had planned wasn't too dangerous.

We arrived at the entrance foyer to find it teaming with staff whilst the King and Queen stood tall in the middle of the chaos. Both Elise and Kriss stood beside the Queen looking a little nervous and overwhelmed by all the activity. When I looked to the Queen I noticed her condition had worsened. She held the King's hand tightly as if it was the only thing holding her up. Her face was pale and gaunt as if she hadn't eaten in days but still she kept her emotionless mask in tact. The King however, was focused on Maxon and I, his lip curled in disgust as we approached.

I tried to pull away from Maxon to stand beside the other girls but he held fast to my hand and forced me to stand beside him as he took his place next to the King. He was sending a clear message to his father and the the new Royal family. I was his choice. I felt uneasy as the room began to settle around us and the staff lined up beside us to welcome the visiting Royals.

Finally, the doors opened and a tall dark haired, handsome man led a beautiful petite blond with a baby cradled in her arms, sleeping soundly. The man grinned mischievously and I felt Maxon relax beside me as his friend approached.

'Prince Maxon, I see you've grown since the last time I saw you.' The King beamed releasing his wife's hand and stepping up to take Maxon's in his. I stood woodenly beside Maxon watching the exchange.

'However, the last time I saw you, you were covered in a chocolate cake and the chef was yelling at you for destroying her creation for the royal ball.' He chuckled, stepping back.

'I recall you were the one who threw that cake at me after you convinced me no one would notice if we took a little piece.' Maxon scolded playfully.

'Yes, well you were always the gullible little prince.' He laughed turning his attention to me. 'And who is this lovely lady?'

'This is Lady America,' Maxon said proudly looking lovingly down at me as I blushed under all the attention. 'A member of the Elite, along with Lady Elise and Lady Kriss.' He gestured to the two smiling girls beside the Queen.

'Ah yes, the Selection. Well, unlike you my friend I was able to find my wife without a competition.' He said looking down at his lovely wife like she was the only thing in the world that truly mattered to him. She glowed under his gaze and the baby in her arms began to stir. 'And we can't forget this little treasure she gifted me.' He laughed smoothing his son's dark hair and placing a tender kiss on the top of his head. I looked on warmly at the happy family.

'You have a beautiful family, King Frederick.' Queen Amerbly complimented. Her voice was a little strained and I could tell this was taking a lot of energy out of her.

'Thank you, I like them.' He joked taking his wife's hand again as Maxon took mine.

'Queen Olivier, it's lovely to see you again.' The King greeted as King Frederick extended his hand for the King. I could see a tension pass between them but it was fleeting and unless you were looking you would have missed it completely.

'We are glad you accepted our offer to spend this holiday season with us. Our staff will lead you and your court to your rooms and we will see you at dinner this evening.' The king announced as maids and butlers started rushing around to gather all the luggage and start leading people in the direction of their rooms. I curtseyed to the King and Queen of Britain with Olivier smiling at me warmly as she walked away with her beautiful baby boy and loving husband. Once the British royal family had left the foyer it was only the Ilean royal family and the Elite who remained. The King quickly turned to look at Maxon menacingly.

'What do you think you're doing?' He growled so only Maxon could hear.

'Greeting the British Royal family.' Maxon replied flatly. The King was about to reply when his wife drew his attention away.

'Clarkson, I think I need to lie down before we meet the German Royal family. Would you help me to my room?' She asked breathlessly.

'Of course, my love.' King Clarkson replied in alarm leading his wife from the room, forgetting his son immediately. I watched as Queen Amberly was led from the room with sadness in my heart, before Maxon drew my attention back to him.

'I'm going to need to attend a lot of meetings today so I more than likely wont be able to see you again till tonight or when the Germans arrive. I think they're due to arrive this afternoon.' He said distractedly looking after his parents.

'Maxon? She's going to be fine. She's a strong woman.' I tried to reassure him but he still couldn't pull his eyes away from where his parents had left the room. After a moment of silence he turned his eyes on me and nodded. He placed a small kiss on my forehead and then released me promising to see me later.

I watched him leave then turned to face both Kriss and Elise who had watched the entire exchange. Kriss was trying to hide her jealously whilst Elise was wearing a smug expression.

'Maybe we should organise the final details of Christmas Ball?' I suggested awkwardly. Kriss huffed and walked from the room muttering something under her breath. I turned to Elise and she let out a small laugh.

'I guess we know who Maxon's favourite is now.' She said with a wide grin on her face. 'Someone's not taking it too well.'

'That's an understatement.' I mumbled as we both followed after Kriss to join her in the Women's room.

We spent the next hour finalising some of the menu and ensuring all the decorations were ready. I was in charge of music and I had picked a classical piano player and a string quartet. The music was going to be beautiful and magical just like the season demanded. After almost everything was set for the coming week Queen Olivier entered the room with her ladies in waiting. She made her way purposefully over to us and we all rose to curtsey to her. She quickly waved us off and focused her attention on me.

'Lady America, correct?' She asked sweetly in her beautiful British accent. I nodded, unable to form any words.

'I was wondering if I could spend some time with you?'

'I would be honoured your majesty.' I gushed.

'I need to get back to Anthony but come up later and we can have afternoon tea, the British way.' She winked and then turned to leave the room. I was shocked she had sought me out and couldn't move from my spot. Finally, when I snapped out of my trance I turned to meet a fuming Kriss.

'What makes you so special?' She grumbled as she made her way from the room, our plans forgotten in her rage. I had never seen her so worked up before. It was kind of refreshing to know she was human and got angry just like the rest of us. I was beginning to believe she only had one emotion, bubbly.

'Well played America.' Elise congratulated beside me.

'I-I didn't do anything.' I stuttered as my mind struggled to keep up.

'I know, people are just drawn to you. There's something intriguing about you and the world is captivated. First the Italians and now the British by the time you're Queen the entire world will be wrapped around your finger.' She laughed quietly as she collected her things and made to leave the room. Just be careful America. Remember you aren't Queen yet. The King will see this as a direct attack against him. Just remember to protect yourself and watch your back, politics is a messy game.' She warned knowingly as she walked away.

I left soon after her and returned to my room so I could prepare for tea with the Queen of England. My maids put me in a bright day dress with a warm wrap to keep the chill off me. Once I was ready I made my way from my room following the directions the maids had given me to the rooms where the British Royals would be staying. I approached cautiously and stopped out the front of the third door on the left where the Queen was staying. The guards looked at me cautiously. They had the crest of the British Royals emblazoned on their chests. I took a deep breath and raised my hand to knock. One the third knock the door burst open and the Queen smiled warmly down at me, pulling me inside.

'I'm so glad you came to visit.' She gushed as I tried to awkwardly curtsey as she pulled me into the room.

'Oh stop that, it's embarrassing and the only people here are me and my son and I can promise you he doesn't care about propriety.' I looked over at the little boy cooing happily in his crib as a musical mobile played overhead.

'He's beautiful.' I gushed as Queen Olivier released my hand and walked over to be beside her son.

'He's just like his father, has the same mischievous nature too.' She chuckled looking lovingly down at her son. I joined her beside his crib and looked at the little bundle of joy with jealousy. I wanted this, I knew it with all my heart. I wanted what Olivier had, the loving husband the beautiful baby, everything, no matter the price. My fears and nightmares were just that, delusions, my Maxon wanted this too. I knew it deep down in my soul. Just seeing this little boy I knew the only fear I had was not having all of this.

'What are you thinking, Lady America?' Queen Olivier asked softly pulling her attention away from her son.

'What our children would look like?' I murmured sheepishly.

'I knew it, you're the one he wants. Not the others.' She announced loudly startling her son. She quickly swept him up in her arms and started rocking him with the ease only a mother possessed. 'We've been watching this competition with interest just like the rest of the countries in the world. Many nations refused to align themselves with Illea because of the way they rule their people but with you it's so obvious that it could all change.' She walked over to the table set for tea and took a seat with me following closely behind.

'What do you mean?' I asked confused.

'As you may know there is a war coming.' She said gravely.

'I know but no one seems to want to hear about it. I tried to talk to Maxon but he dismissed me.' I said dejectedly. I realised I'd never spoken this freely with anyone other than Maxon. It was startling how comfortable I felt in the Queen's company.

'I see you feel comfortable with your Prince.' She laughed and I realised I had omitted his title again.

'Sorry, I forget sometimes.' I said guiltily.

'I've noticed.' She smiled looking down at the sweet little boy in her arms. 'Lady America, when war breaks, it will destroy this country. It isn't strong enough.' She stated with absolute certainty.

'I know.' I agreed sadly wishing there was a way I could protect my people better against the impending attack.

'You should know I am very close friends with Princess Nicoletta of Italy.' My eyes shot up to hers in shock and she nodded knowingly at me.

'She has informed me of her plans. You should also know that Italy has many powerful friends that Illea will need if they are to survive this.' I sat across from her in shock. What was she saying?

'Princess Nicoletta hasn't told me much. She just said she had a plan and that I needed to be patient. I haven't told anyone about our conversation, not even Maxon.' I admitted as my guilt settled over my heart for being dishonest with Maxon, again.

'That's very smart America. The Prince can't know of these plans lest he run to his father to act against them. Although, we see hope in him for the future we know that ultimately he is still very much under his father's thumb. Frederick has known this since they played together when they were younger. He needs someone like you America. You're strong and can protect him when he isn't strong enough to or is blind sighted by his father. Everything you've done through this competition has given the world hope that all is not lost for your country. Once Nicoletta puts her plan in motion everything will change.' She said solemnly running her hand through her son's silky hair.

'What's she planning?' I asked quietly.

'I can't tell you that America. You need to remain patient until the time comes.' I nodded my understanding and we sat in silence for a long time. I looked at the child deep in thought until Queen Olivier's voice broke through my reverie.

'Do you want to hold him?' She asked warmly offering him to me.

'More than anything.' I smiled looking at him in awe. She placed him gently in my arms and he wriggled trying to get a better look at me. I laughed at him as he tried to pull my hair. I quickly tucked it behind my ears not ready to have clumps of my hair removed by devilish little fingers.

'Can I ask you some things about being Queen?' I asked turning my head to her.

'Of course, ask away. I'll answer anything you want to know.' She smiled warmly. 'You know I was nothing before Frederick married me. He was travelling through the country side visiting his people when he came marching into my family's pub. He was so arrogant.' She chuckled losing herself in the memory.

'He walked in like he owned the place. Came straight up to me and demanded a drink and when I didn't answer him he lost his temper. Started shouting all kinds of profanities at me as I continued to ignore him. The rest of the pub was in shock. Their crown Prince had just walked into their small town pub and I was disrespecting him.

'Finally, I turned to face him with my harshest glare and said, "I don't serve pompous arses like you, maybe you should try another establishment further down the street." You could hear the collective intake of breath as my words hung in the air.' I tried not to laugh at the quirky Queen who somehow charmed her Prince.

'At first no one said anything. Frederick just stood there in shock staring at me as if I was speaking German. I simply continued to stare him down until finally he said, "I'm a Prince." His voice was so small it was as if he didn't even believe the words. Needless to say I laughed mercilessly in his face as he watched on in horror. I finally took pity on him and gave him a pint. The room returned to being boisterous and people accepted the Prince in their midsts. I spoke with him for the rest of the night and he returned to see me every night that week until at the end he asked for my hand in marriage. Boy was the King shocked when he returned from his travels with a fiancé.' She laughed to herself as Anthony twisted in my arms to get more comfortable.

'How did the King react to you?' I asked curiously thinking of my own relationship with Maxon's father.

'He was apprehensive at first but when I told him the truth of how we met he couldn't stop laughing. He was a wonderful man.' She drifted off into her memories of the late King. 'And Frederick's mother was one of the kindest women I have ever known. She loved me on sight. They were such great rulers for the people of England. I only hope we can be just as good.' She admitted lost in her memories of Fredrick's mother and father.

'You're going to be amazing and you can tell he loves you more than the air he breathes.' She blushed and laughed lightly.

'The same can be said for your Prince, America. He lights up when he speaks of you. I know this is all very hard for you but it will be worth it in the end. I promise.' She said staring at her sleeping son in my arms.

We spoke for hours and she answered all of my questions until a knock came at the door and King Frederick walked in.

'My love? Oh I see you have company.' He smiled at me as I still held his son. However, his eyes immediately rested on his wife and I saw his love for her spread across his face. I tried to get up confused as to how I was meant to curtsey with a sleeping child in my arms but he quickly waved me off. 'And what have you two ladies been discussing in my absence.'

'Just how you were severely set in your place when you met me.' The Queen mocked getting up to place a light kiss on her husband's lips.

'Oh dear, you're going to give Lady America the wrong idea about me.' He scolded playfully.

'I hope you are more certain now of your title than you were then because it would be terrible for England to have a ruler that was so uncertain.' I mocked.

'They would understand if they had met my wife. She isn't one to be trifled with.' He wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her close. I got up feeling I was intruding on their private moment.

'I think I need to go and get ready for German Royal Family's arrival.' I said placing the sleeping Prince in the arms of his adoring father who accepted him easily. I curtseyed and made my way from the room leaving the happy family to spend time together. Once I was out of their room I could feel the weight settle back on my heart, remembering all the barriers that stood between Maxon and I and our happiness. Would I every be that happy or at ease? I sighed heavily and went to prepare for the Royal's arrival.