Look, it's another update! This chapter came to me in a spare couple of hours today, and I thought since I left you so long last time, that I would go ahead and post. We are skipping ahead three weeks. The International Summit is a week away. And, since there won't really be context for this until the next chapter, Charlie, Viviana, Claire, Aubrey, and Ana remain. I'll catch comments at the end. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! :) SJ

CH 25

I stand outside the painted white door, then take a deep breath and rap lightly on it.

"Come in," Claire's voice sings out, and I am happy to hear how normal she sounds. The last few weeks she has been retreating into herself. Frankly, she's been avoiding not just me, but also Charlie and Viviana. Charlie thought it would be a good idea for me to come, and after Claire missed another meal, I finally agreed.

I slip into the room, shutting the door behind me. Claire is sitting in the chair beside her desk, looking at some papers. Her foot is propped up, the cast still prominent. Her crutches lean against the wall closest to her. She turns towards me, pushing her glasses on top of her head. Her hair is slightly disheveled. In short, she's the picture of unintentional beauty. She flashes a half smile, "Have a seat, Calix."

I perch on the bench at the end of her bed. "Just coming to check in on you," I smile. "How's the ankle?"

"Much better," her face lightens a bit. "I've had wonderful care."

I stare at my hands a second, "I was worried when you weren't at dinner that you weren't feeling well."

"Oh," she glances away. "No, I was a bit tired from my appointment in the infirmary. And, I prefer—" She trails off, and changes her tact. She meets my eyes. "I had a bit of work to catch up on. Vara is really riding us to get ready for the international summit."

Gesturing at the papers on her desk, "Menus?"

"Menus and reminders for seating and etiquette notes. You'd think for an international group promoting unity that anyone could sit next to anyone else. However, you would be absolutely incorrect."

I can't help but laugh; she should know better. "That's a given. We always play politics, because well—" this time I trail off.

"I know. I can't really get away from it, can I?" A brief flash of sadness is reflected in her eyes before she recovers her composure. "If we're this busy with plans, I know you are, as well. Thanks for checking in on me," she smiles again, but her eyes remain flat.

"Well, I thought we'd spend some time together this evening, if you have the time." I reach for her hand, and she squeezes mine quickly before releasing it again. I'm being dismissed.

She looks unsure, and tilts her head a bit as she responds. "Really, Calix, if I don't finish these this evening, I will let the other girls down. And Vara will have my head."

"Vara can be fierce, but I can get you an excuse note," I tease her, but she turns away. "Okay, Claire, what's wrong?" She takes a deep breath, as if she is going to tell me, but then changes her mind. "Please, tell me. We've always been honest with each other."

With that slight bit of prodding, she sighs again. "Calix, the reason I didn't come to dinner is because I didn't want to. I really prefer not to be around Ana, as she is the reason my ankle is in the shape it is in."

I try to keep from rolling my eyes, "Claire, you have no proof of that."

"I forgot. A deep jab to my lower back when she was in close proximity to me, but of course not done deliberately by her," now she rolls her eyes prominently, "Caused me to tumble down a flight of stairs. Fortunately for me, I didn't die. I'm still having nightmares, though. Thanks for asking."

"I'm not saying the experience wasn't frightening, Claire. Just that there's no confirmation that she did it. I'm glad that you only received a broken ankle."

She huffs, "No, Calix. You just don't believe the evidence I have that it was Ana. And frankly, I feel a little betrayed."

"It's a serious accusation to level if you don't have ironclad proof, Claire."

Her eyes are blazing now, "Right. Because my word isn't enough for you. How can you say you care about me when you don't believe me when I speak?"

"You didn't see Ana after you fell. She was an absolute mess, sobbing and worrying about you."

Claire's face is turning redder by the minute, "I'm sure she took the opportunity to sob into your chest! As she bragged about it later!" Her voice is rising and her tone is bitter.

"Hey! I didn't come to see you so we could argue about Ana. Where is this coming from anyway? You haven't said anything up to this point." I resent her implications and her derogatory comments about another candidate. I wouldn't let any one else talk about her this way.

"And I didn't think you were the type of man who could be totally swayed by a pretty figure and some tears."

That was it. I jump to my feet, "That's enough, Miss Harper. You're dangerously close to crossing a line you can't come back from."

"So, you'd kick me out for speaking my mind? Then throw me out! You prefer Viviana, anyway. Why keep the rest of us here when you've already decided? For the show of it? It's disgusting, Prince Calix. I don't want to play your game anymore. I expected more of you."

I see my reflection in her dressing table mirror, and it does not shock me to see my face flushed. The redness follows my neck down into past the collar of my shirt. I try to control my voice and breath. "I'm sorry you feel that way. What would you like me to do?"

She looks away, and seems to try and calm her own voice. It's barely above a whisper, "I'd like to go home. It's too hard to be here, feeling like I do. I'd like to keep the good memories." She catches my eyes with hers again, and holds out her hand. I take it, and she quietly continues, "I could have loved you. I thought I did."

"Claire," my voice sounds a bit strangled, even to my own ears. I squeeze her hand, and take a long look at her face. "Claire, if that would make you happier, please do go. I'll give you the evening to decide?" It hurts me to say the words, because of all the time we have spend together. Because of all the time she spent with Kort.

"I've already decided."

I just nod, and she opens her arms to me. I lean down and hug her gently. "Whatever you need, Claire. Please don't be shy about asking."

She gives me a watery smile. "Viviana's good for you. I expect an invitation to the wedding."

I step back, returning her smile, but I don't have anything else to say. I leave the room, gently closing the door behind me, and then resting against the expanse of wood for a minute feeling slightly lost. I look up to see Ethan striding towards me; he doesn't even smirk as he sees me outside of Claire's room. I straighten as he addresses me.

"You have a phone call in your study, Prince." His formality must be because of the location, and we quickly match pace as we climb the flight of stairs.

"Claire's going home tonight. So, anything she needs." He nods in reply, taking a sidelong glance at me.

"And, you're okay with that?" He's treading softly.

"I want her to be happy," I shrug, realizing I am more surprised by her wish than crushed. And, my sentiment is true. As we approach the door to my study, I ask, "Who's the caller?"

A grin spreads across his face, "Nicoletta."

I try to contain a sigh. Great. As if next week won't be enough.

…X.X.X.X…

"So, it will not be a problem, right, Calix? It will be such a help to me," Auntie Nic asks smoothly, not expecting any resistance.

If she were in front of me, she would see my surprised expression and gaping mouth. But, I am keeping my voice steady. "I don't think this is the best idea, Auntie Nic."

"You will hardly know she is there, mio caro. She keeps a low profile. My translator is horribly ill, and will not be able to travel internationally next week. It is the only solution."

Weakly, I respond, "And there isn't any other option?"

"No, no, no. No satisfactory options are left."

"But, Auntie Nic," I protest. "You can speak seven languages. Why do you need to bring a translator?"

A frustrated snort comes through clearly despite the international call, "Not everyone in my entourage speaks beautifully, Calix. You will be putting me at a distinct disadvantage without a capable translator that I trust."

"Do my mother and father know?" I'm grasping at straws. The only other person I've ever seen stand up to Auntie Nic when she wants something is my mother.

"Please, my dear, I talked to them first. Anyone else, and I would not be asking permission of you. I would just bring her. Now, hurry up and tell me yes. I am a busy woman and it is disgustingly early in the morning here. You will make me miss my breakfast."

I'm glad she can't see me roll my eyes. "Fine. Do what you have to do."

"Oh," she gushes, "I knew I could count on you! I am so excited to see you and the family. Make sure you save some time for your Auntie Nic next week."

"Of course I will," I sigh. Like I'll have a choice.

"Good boy," her voice is bright. And, as typical, without wasting further words, Auntie Nic hangs up the phone.

Shit. Well, Fae Evangeline Baron, it looks like I will see you again.

….X.X.X.X….

Her laugh is light as she looks at the wall, and she reaches out her hand to touch the glass of the frame, as if she could feel the relief pictured on the map in front of her. I close the door as I watch her, knowing my smile matches hers. Viviana laughs with her whole body. She turns her head towards me, "I don't know what I was expecting up here, in this mysterious room of the Crown Prince of Illea, but it suits you." Her eyes crinkle in delight as she turns back to the ancient map. "So, is this where Bonita is?"

I join her, and move her hand to the correct location, "Just about perfect," I respond. I keep my hand on hers, and wrap my other arm around her waist. She leans into my shoulder, and I can smell her shampoo. It's slightly citrusy with a little spice. The scent fills my nose and is distracting, since it is wholly Viviana. I press a kiss into her hair.

"Is that what you tell all the girls you bring to your room," she teases, raising her dark eyes to mine.

"Actually, you're the first," I admit.

She raises an eyebrow, "I don't think I believe you, Calix."

"What? You think my mother would have allowed women in this room?" I smirk, because she acquiesces then. Women in my apartment at school, definitely. But never in the private suites of the family in the palace. Even I knew better than that.

"What would she think of me being here now?"

Her question is coy, and I pull her closer to me. "Well," I reply, "I guess she would think that I care about you. And, frankly, someone has told her by now that you are on this floor and in my room." Her surprise makes me laugh again. "There is no such thing as total privacy in the palace, Viv."

"Is that hard to get used to?" she looks at me through her eyelashes, a little pink coming to her cheeks. She distracts herself by playing with the buttons on my collar.

My voice is teasing when I answer, "I've never known it any other way. It must be private enough. I do have five siblings." I'm pleased to see her expression lighten again, and she throws her head forward onto my chest as she giggles. "But that's not why I brought you up here. I have something to show you." I disengage from our embrace and take her hand, guiding her to a door. "Open it."

She's still smiling when she opens the door, quipping, "Is your closet really that grand?" And then she stops short. The room is neutrally painted and simple. "Is this?" She doesn't finish the thought, as I lead her into the room.

"Do you like it?" I'm feeling more anxious than I thought I would, and try and keep the emotion from my voice. But, I can't help looking at her expectantly.

"It's beautiful," she breathes. Her eyes lock with mine, and her expression softens even more.

My voice is quiet and steady as I ask, "Do you like it here, Viviana? Because if it is solely up to me, you'd never leave." She nods, and I close the space between us, enveloping her in my arms. Her lips on mine answer my question, and I enjoy the slow heat that envelops us both. In this moment, she's all I need.

….X.X.X.X…

Thanks for reading, everyone. :) I've been amazed at the follows and favorites over the last few weeks. And, I always appreciate your feedback through reviews and PMs. (And, you PM-ers know who you are. The messages have been so sweet!) It's always fun to "talk" about my writing. And, I love getting your take on things.

azure blue espeon: You're not slow; you just helped me catch a major error in copy-and-paste. I was missing a whole paragraph and it was pretty important to the scene! Thanks for reading and asking questions! So, gold stars for you! :)

dolly123: I'm happy I've updated, too. I've missed my story! I'm glad you enjoyed the chat at the end, because I tried really hard to keep Aspen in character. Ana certainly isn't anyone to like at this point. We'll see if she has a change of heart... Thanks for reading and reviewing! :)

The Devil Wears Westwood: Hi, dear. Thanks for reading! I know-what a way to take the air out of someone's sails. I really don't want jerk Calix to reappear. We'll see. There is always trouble in the palace. What do you think now that you read CH 25?! :)

Totalbooknerd13: I know! Well, you've read CH 25, right? What do you think! (Btw, thanks for reading, dear!)

username1096: Shocking, isn't it. It is never good not to have all the info... And, we can't have all the info because the story is in first person. Can you imagine all those conversations America and Maxon must have had when they realized who Cal was dating at school?! Thanks for reading and reviewing. Always appreciate it! :)

Prnamber3909: Yes, Fae is Daphne's daughter. And, in the first book, (After), Daphne and her family are deposed and exiled. So, no one really knows where/who the daughter is. More will be revealed at to why in upcoming chapters. But, like Maxon explained, there were death threats on the whole family. (Daphne did try to start international incidents and take over Illea...) Thanks for asking, and reading, and reviewing! :)