Ah, the next chapter is finally done! I apologize for the wait; PA school is very time consuming! The next chapter should not take as long, but I cannot make any promises.

There's no warnings about this chapter. I will only note that AP stands for Associated Press (just in case that wasn't clear previously).

Enjoy!

Once we're inside, Mel is practically pulling me towards the dining hall. "Mel, what are-"

"They're here, and that's only the tip of the iceberg."

What? "What are you talking about?"

He glances at me while keeping up his rapid pace. "You'll find out soon enough."

What is going on? "Why don't you tell me now?"

He sighs and keeps pulling me. "Because you're about to get an earful, and I doubt you'll want to hear it twice."

I'm now worried. "Is this still about my going out? The paparazzi weren't there-"

"No, it's not. Just wait."

The worries increase, but I know I'm not getting an answer now. I start wondering again what he was about to say. "Mel, what you were starting to say outside-"

He shakes his head. "Forget I said anything, it wasn't important."

I doubt that, but I don't get to ask anything further because we arrive at the dining hall door. He releases my hand and opens the door. "Here we go."

I peek in, and everyone is looking our way. Tamir isn't present, but Ivan sure is, and he's looking at me the same way he did when we first met. I have no idea what Jun told him, but I doubt it matters either way. Ivan has every right to be upset. If I were him, I'd be upset with me. However, it's not just him. Nagit looks disappointed, and so does Chezem. The disappointment confuses me, but not as much as Alvah does. Alvah looks like he's about to start crying. I give him an inquisitive glance, wondering what has upset him so, and that makes him look sadder. I slowly walk in, still confused. What is going on?

Mel saunters on beside me, and he looks equally upset. My worries go even higher. All eyes are on me as I get closer to the table. Jun tries to give me a look of comfort, but he looks like he's trying to convince himself that everything is alright as much as he's trying to convince me. These feelings are so stifling that I don't notice until I sit down that Lambert isn't present either. There is so much I want to know. I probably shouldn't be the first to speak, but I can't stand the silence and stares. I contemplate what to ask, but a question escapes my lips before I can stop it.

"Where's Lambert?"

Ivan, who had been staring steadfastly from the wall behind Chezem, steps forward. "He's with His Majesty."

Wondering if this involves the guards somehow, I'm about to ask why, but Ivan shakes his head and then keeps on talking. "There is much to tell, young lady. It would do you well to listen attentively."

My eyes go wide. I feel like I've been stung. Not only is he looking at me like we're strangers, but he's treating me as such too. I need to apologize, and I need to do it now. "Ivan, I'm-"

"Did I not just instruct you to listen?" he asks, glaring at me. My mouth shuts and right quick. The guys do not look surprised by this attitude at all, and each one is now watching Ivan instead of me. He meets their eyes. "Young lords, you need to listen as well. The events you learned of have escalated, and I'm afraid there is more to tell."

They nod solemnly, the emotions they were wearing on their faces when I first walked in haven't changed. I get even more worried. Oh god, what happened? What have I done? What problems did my leaving cause?

Ivan glances at Mel, and then he looks right at me. "The others are already aware of this, so I'll tell you both as well so everyone is on the same page. Lord Lambert is with His Majesty to try and smooth over the damage as best they can. It may fix things, it may not, but it needed to be done. His Majesty would have had others join, but Lord Lambert was insistent on leaving as soon as they could."

Mel nods. What is going on?!

Ivan continues to stare at me. "The uprisings. They have gotten worse. The unrest had been spreading, which we expected and tried to curb, but it came to a head this morning. Blood has been spilled."

I let out a huge gasp. I promptly cover my mouth as my eyes go wider still. I feel a hand on my back. I know it's Alvah, and this must be why he looked so sad. My god…I knew it was bad, but I never thought…oh, god!

Ivan continues. "A purist was apparently on his way to the Minister's mansion, and was stopped by someone along the way. He wasn't close enough to be spotted by security, but he was close enough to be around spectators and tourists. While we don't know why he was stopped or what he was planning to do, we do know he had a bomb strapped to him, and he detonated it after being stopped. So far, 3 people are dead, and 8 more were injured."

Now I feel like I'm going to cry. I cannot even begin to properly place my feelings. My mind is racing. When did this happen? Why did this happen? Why did anyone have to die? Is this still about the succession? Why didn't I stay in the palace? Is this because an American is choosing the future king? Does the rest of the world know this has happened? Is Sadad hated that much? Tears start to feel imminent.

Ivan face softens a bit, and he continues. "His Majesty is at a press conference with Lord Lambert. Both will be at the hospital later. Investigations are going strong, but so is the unrest."

He leans in so that even though he's across the table, he's as close to me as he can be. "That is why it is absolutely imperative that you do not leave the palace, not for anyone or anything. This goes for all of you, and the Minister's family is staying here for safety reasons as well."

I blink, and a single tear rolls out my eye. I give a solemn nod. The hand on my back pats me, but I feel just awful. I was told to listen, but I must speak. "Ivan," my voice squeaks out. He doesn't stop me. I clear my throat, wipe away my tear, and continue. "Ivan, is this…is this because of me?"

Ivan's face softens further. "My lady, has any of this been your fault?"

All the princes are shaking their heads, but as they do, I nod mine. Alvah rubs my back and leans in towards me. "It's not your fault. Some people out there might think it is, but it's not. His Majesty is more than likely going to explain why you're the bracelet bearer today, and that should help."

I meet his eyes. "How could it? How could it?" I cannot make sense of any of this.

Mel looks over at me. "Okay, you might as well hear the rest. Alvah is right, this isn't your fault, but that doesn't change the fact that there is great interest in you. I don't know how the AP is handling these uprisings, but we all know that the price for a picture of you is quite…substantial. This has caused the press to become quick ruthless in a short period of time, as you witnessed outside-"

Ivan looks at Mel. "Outside?"

Mel returns the look. "They were outside the gate. I know it's far away from the entrance, but that wasn't stopping them."

"Oh no." mutters Chezem. He looks as worried as I do.

Mel shakes his head. "They saw nothing. If they're lucky, they got a picture of my back." He looks back at me. "That's why His Majesty thinks talking about you will help. They'll get the info they want, presumably, and they will hopefully calm down. Don't worry though, security is in full swing and we have the best."

My mind is still racing. That bomber, he was gunning for the mansion. He was trying to hurt the prime minister. He was trying to hurt Abla, Dania, Haya, Noor, Rana, and Meryem. He wanted a purist in office, and probably in the palace. They think they have a chance, and it's all my fault. That is truly how I feel. Nothing is going to convince me that I do not have blood on my hands. Those poor people! Just going about their day, and then everything changed. All over an ideal! They don't believe in Sadad, and they think they have a chance to rule. Why is this happening?

"Ivan, maybe you should let her go before you tell us whatever this new information is."

I look up. Jun is staring at me. He's still trying to help. I give him a weak smile. "Thank you Jun, but I should hear this. It's hard, but as long as I'm here, it's as much my business as it is yours."

Chezem's eyes go wide. "Amira, you don't have to do that. You've done more than what is required, and you don't need the royal burden."

A bitter chuckle escapes me. "That's kind to say, but it's a lie. I've done nothing but cause problems, and now Bavan citizens are dead because of it."

Chezem shakes his head, and I notice the others are as well. "I do not know how many times we have to say this isn't your fault before you'll believe us. This is an accumulation of many factors, and though I hate to say this, it probably would have happened even if His Majesty picked the future king like he was supposed to originally."

"Chezem-"

His eyes narrow. "It's not your fault."

Nagit nods. "You are too hard on yourself, especially since this task dropped on you out of the sky. We are so grateful for how much you care about our country; your empathy is boundless and I hate to think of what might have happened if the thieves still had the bracelet."

I look at Nagit and feel another tear slip out of my eye. This task. My duty. The duty I tried to walk away from last night. What has it done to this country? What will it continue to do? They'll all so kind, but how can they not see that if this is over my duty, then it must involve me? I've been changed, but a nation has been changed more. Oh my god…

"Stop playing martyr."

I leave my thoughts and face Jun, who is glaring at me. "Sheltered little American. I bet the most violent thing you've witnessed is watching a fly get swatted. You hear this, go into shock, and then are selfish enough to think this is all about you? Things like this happen. They happened before you, and they'll happen after you-"

"ENOUGH!" Mel shouts, banging his fist against the table. We all turn to stare at him. His eyes are on fire, and I know he's shocked everyone. He sure as hell has shocked me! He points an angry finger at Jun. "Now is not the time!"

Jun shock fades quickly, as it always does, and now he's angry as well. "You did not let me finish, brother." He looks back at me. His mood sure changed quickly. My thoughts and feelings still run wild, not one stays in place long enough for me for me to fully register it, but my wits are about me enough to know that I am not mad at Jun. I'm not sure he's even mad at me. Even if he is, he's right. This isn't about me, it's about Bavan. I knew little about the country before this vacation, but now I know more than I do about my own country. I care about it greatly, and I always will. I didn't realize it until now, but it was a big part of what kept me from walking away.

Jun is glaring at me again, but it's with a softness this time. "The difference is, you obviously can't look the other way anymore if Bavan is on the news."

I put my head in my hands. This is what it means to be an average citizen in the world's superpower. Something as simple as that makes a difference. It's easy to look the other way. It's easy to disregard the pain of others. It's all easy, until you live through it, then you realize how privileged your life has been. More tears fill my eyes, and I know all eyes are on me. I wish they weren't.

BOOM!

The forceful vibrations against the table has me shoot my head back up, wide eyed and definitely jumpy. Everyone is looking at Mel again, and he's now standing. He looks like he wants to rip Jun's head off. "I said enough! Do you really want to make things worse?"

He points at me while still glaring at Jun. "Is that how you want to end her time her? She leaves after tomorrow, so why must-"

TWEEEEEEEEEEET!

At once, all the boys are standing at attention. Still overwhelmed, I look over at Ivan, who is moving his fingers from his lips. That sure is handy. Feeling out of place, I stand up as well. Ivan glances at all of us, a firm look on his face. "That is quite enough. You all know better. If you can't handle this, then perhaps I shan't tell you the current situation in this palace."

Everyone looks miserable. I'm sure I look no different. My mind and heart continue to race. I need to calm down, I need to relax, I probably should say something so everyone doesn't think I'm about to break-

"Miss, perhaps you should indeed leave. You look like you could use some time-"

"No." I say firmly.

Ivan looks surprised. If it's over my answer or the fact I interrupted him, I don't know, but it probably doesn't matter. All the guys are looking at me as well. They don't seem to know what to make of this. How could they? Even if they are used to news like we've just heard, I'm still a new factor. Alvah is still rubbing my back while the others give me looks of sympathy. Ivan begins to speak. "Miss, I think-"

"I said no, Ivan." I look at each prince, one at a time. "I know all of you are just trying to help, but I need to hear this." My eyes rest on Jun. "And it's not to play martyr or anything like that. This may be a lot, but this is my duty." I look at Ivan. "I'm sorry I tried to run away from it, that was wrong."

Everyone except Ivan looks surprised. He nods solemnly. Mel looks like he wants to ask something, but he stays quiet because Ivan is about to speak. "Very well."

His eyes scan over us. We stay standing at attention. There seems to be little else to do. "I do not wish to make any of you feel less secure or suddenly doubt, but you need to know. There is no easy way to say this: the coronation crown is missing."

What?!

As shocked as I am, the guys are infinitely more. They all look like they were just told the world is ending in 15 minutes, except Mel. Mel is so heated with anger that his face is beet red. His fists are clenched so tightly it looks like his fingertips may penetrate through his palm. I want to say something consoling, but all I can do is stare.

Mel places his fists on the table and looks down at them. "When?" he whispers out.

Ivan walks towards him. "It was noted to be missing about 30 minutes ago. If that's when it was taken, we don't know. Surveillance footage is being gone through as we speak, so we should have an answer soon, but how security got compromised yet again boggles the mind."

Nagit looks extremely anxious and speaks up. "Security was aces after the bracelet! Aces! How could this happen?"

Ivan looks over at Nagit. Before he can reply, Mel speaks again, a little louder this time. "Is that why you got upset by the press being out front?"

Ivan looks back at Mel, and Jun speaks up. "This can't be. There is no way; I had to answer 20 questions before I got out last night, and guards were out full force. A couple even followed me."

That gets my attention instantly. "What?"

"Yes. They were discreet, and I only noticed because I know what to look for. There is just no way…" he puts his hand on his forehead and trails off.

Chezem is shaking his head. "How can I help?"

We all look at him. Ivan looks surprised. "Master Chezem, the matter is already being investigated-"

He puts his hand up. "I want to help. That crown is our legacy, and it's more important than the bracelet. If it isn't found by tomorrow-"

"Then we will just go ahead with the succession ceremony as planned." Mel cuts in.

My head feels like it's going to explode from the overload of thoughts, but Mel's words shake me out of my flurry of thoughts to concentrate for a moment. A bomb…3 dead…8 injured…security everywhere…still compromised…the crown is gone…

Even if I hadn't seen the guys' reactions, I would have known the theft was bad, but I'm not exactly sure what it means. If it's gone, that would be devastating, but would it affect anything beyond losing a priceless heirloom? I look at Ivan. "Why would the coronation crown affect the succession ceremony? I thought that just involved the coronation?"

All eyes are back on me, and all eyes look surprised.

Chezem sighs. "I thought we went over this, amira. You just heard me say it's our legacy, an heirloom upon which our kingdom was founded. You knew that, but I thought you also knew it validates the monarchy?"

I give him a confused look. "What? How can that be?" How can it? It's an important piece of history, but how can it validate the monarchy?

I'm still being looked at with complete shock. Chezem sighs. "You know whomever has the bracelet picks the successor. Once the bracelet is given, then that is who is the new king or queen. Nothing changes that. However, the power of the new successor cannot be recognized without the crown. Essentially, it's the same as not having a ruler. The cabinet controls all until the crown is recovered…in theory, as this has never happened before."

What?! "But…but…how can that be?" That makes no sense.

Chezem sighs again. Still confused, I wait for him to say more, but he offers nothing. Instead, Jun glares at me again. "The same way your president can be elected by electoral votes instead of popular votes; that's just the way things are."

That puts things in perspective right quick. "Oh…right." I rub the back of my head. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean anything by that…" I look at the table, and I feel Alvah's hand on my back again. "It's okay. You know now. All countries are different, right?"

I look at him. He looks pained, just like he did when I first walked in. He's trying to be strong, but it's clear he has soaked in everything that has happened and it holds heavy in his heart. I can feel the tears welling up again. These men. All brothers. So different, and yet so alike. They never asked for their duties either, but their love of their country keeps them going, each in their own way.

Without thinking, I throw my arms out and wrap them tightly around Alvah. I bury my face into his shoulder as if the further I go, the more it will push back the tears. It doesn't work. Tears burst forth, and I have no way of stopping them.

"JUN, YOU INCREDIBLE ASS!" I hear Mel yell. "She respects Bavan so much, and you don't even have the common courtesy of keeping your blasted opinions about America to yourself!"

"I didn't mean to make her cry! I was just trying- oh bloody hell!"

Aside from the sound of my tears, the room has gotten very quiet. Alvah, who had put his arms around me the minute I lunged into his shoulder, has loosened his hold a considerable amount. The change in feeling has me stop. What the-

Click…click…click…

My heart stops. Oh crap!

I peek over Alvah's shoulder, and I instantly back away from him. Someone has entered the room, and the moment I heard the footsteps, I knew who it was.

It's Lambert. He looks princely to the max and, much to my dismay, he has a guard on either side of him. Oh crap…

"Just what about my appearance would have you mutter such a thing, Jun?" Lambert asks, steadfast as ever. I cannot take my eyes off of him. Everything that just happened feels like a distant memory, and all I see is him. Why didn't I realize this sooner? Probably cause it's impossible? I look at the guards and frown. Yes, impossible. I'm not sure he even noticed that I'm here.

"I'm just surprised is all; I figured you'd be gone much longer."

Lambert stays in poker face mode. "I'll be going shortly. Father thought it might be a good idea to change before arriving at the hospital, and then he informed me of the further ill tidings." His eyes meet Ivan's. "I couldn't find anyone, so I thought I'd come and see if you all were alright."

The others are reacting to this statement, and yet all I can do is keep staring. I've got to say something…not now, obviously. To say a lot is going on is the understatement of the year.

"Just fine. Do what you need to do, and we'll take care of everything here."

That voice breaks my trance, and I look away. Mel is in poker face mode as well, but anyone in his proximity can tell he's still upset. Lambert seems to be far enough away to where it is not an issue. He looks at Mel with a hint of curiosity. "So it's been decided already?"

Mel nods firmly. "Yes."

Once again, I'm confused. What on earth has been decided?

Lambert eyes each one of his brothers. "All shall go on as planned? You all agreed to this?"

I'm still looking at everyone, confused, but the brothers nod. What is going on?!

Lambert nods. "How professional of you. That would have been my vote as well, and His Majesty agrees." He looks at each one of his brothers again. The guards haven't moved a muscle, but they look ready to spring at any sign of trouble. Lambert glances at them briefly and then nods towards the door. "I have every confidence that the crown will be found; it must be in the palace somewhere. I will see all of you at tea."

TEA?!

With that, he leaves. The guards follow right behind him. The minute the door closes, Chezem speaks up. "I understand going forth with the succession ceremony, but I do not approve of having this garden tea. The minister and his family was targeted, why does it make any sense to put them out in the open?"

Mel sighs. "It's not that I don't respect that, but the world can't stop turning just because there is unrest. Lambert is doing his job, now let's do ours."

Nagit is shaking his head. "I agree with Chezem. I think it's dangerous, and if anyone saw us engaging in this lavish lifestyle, it might make people more upset."

Mel shakes his head. "We do this every month; the country is well aware of it. Citizens and foreigners alike usually get invitations, remember? If we shut it down, it's the same as saying something is wrong."

Nagit looks worried. "But something IS wrong! The unrest may just grow, and with the crown gone-"

"I'm aware of the implications!" Mel says angrily. I stare at him in surprise. He's so adamant about this! I can see where he is coming from, but I kind of agree with Chezem and Nagit. Garden tea seems like the last thing any one of us should be doing.

Mel sighs and shakes his head. "I apologize for my tone. I think it is important to do this. Even if reporters won't be present and it won't be televised, like it normally is, people know this is going on. For those who look up to us for strength, what does it say to them if we stop everything because of one dotty individual?" He looks right at his youngest brothers, both of whom seem to have been knocked speechless. Mel then looks at Jun and Alvah. They are just staring at him with a look of slight bewilderment on their faces. Mel continues. "It says we've given up. It says this is enough to stop continuing on. We all have to keep doing what needs to be done so life seems as normal as possible while we figure this out. If not, who may fall into despair? Into fear? We can't let that happen, and that is why we'll also go forward with the succession ceremony."

We are all staring at him in awe. Is this the carefree man with no interest in the crown that I met almost a month ago? He speaks with such passion and conviction in the name of his country, and it is incredible. Ivan's awe has transformed into what I can only describe as a father's pride, and he gives a quick bow in Mel's direction. "Understood. The garden is already prepared, but I shall let the rest of the staff know that everything is to continue on as planned."

Ivan turns to leave, and Mel nods in the direction Ivan is walking. "Bash on then, brothers. I'll go talk to security before getting ready."

The princes nod, and then they all follow after Ivan. My head continues to spin, but I have enough sense to start walking towards the door as well.

"Not you, miss. I'd like a word with you."

I stop in my tracks as the others continue on. How obedient, I think bitterly. I'm unable to think or do much else. I watch the princes disappear. I feel Mel's presence behind me as I continue to stare blankly.

"Are you alright?"

"Honestly, I don't know." I say, my head spinning again.

He sighs. Though I can't see him, he's only about an inch behind me, and his cologne hangs gently in the air. It feels like he wants to touch me, but just can't. I don't blame him. I'm not sure I want to be touched. I'm not sure about much of anything. People are dead. Violence is rising. The crown is gone. I'm thousands of miles away from home. I don't say any of this. Instead, different words come up.

"I'll obey as well and get ready."

I go to take a step forward, but whatever ties bound him from touching me a moment ago have broken, and his hand comes down on my shoulder. "Hang on."

I do. "Look at me," he says.

I turn around and do so. My eyes must be red and bleary, my cheeks tearstained. Mel, on the other hand, looks rather regal. His anger has subsided, and he looks at me with sympathy. "This must have been very hard."

He's right. I could front and pretend otherwise, but he's right. It is hard. I'm way out of my element, completely, and I have no idea what to do about it. However, I don't say that. I don't want to worry him. "It was hard for everybody, Mel."

Mel sighs yet again. "You don't have to do that. Jun could have put it better, but he was right when he said we've been through this before. That doesn't make it easier, but at least we know how to handle it. We've also been in situations where a lot comes down at the same time, so we know how to handle that as well. But you," he pauses, and his look of sympathy seems to transform into what looks like admiration. "I can't even imagine how you feel. Especially since he is still being a jerk."

My eyes widen. I suddenly feel like an idiot for even thinking about Lambert earlier. Saying I couldn't help it is dumb, because I could have. I could have buckled down and paid attention, not let him grab a hold of me, especially since he wants nothing to do with me. "Mel, that's stupid."

"No, it's not. It's important to you, and you know what? It's important to me as well."

I kind of face palm myself. "How can you say that?" I ask, rubbing my eyes. "With everything going on, all of these terrible things, how can that even register on your radar?"

He folds his arms. "And how can you say that? In case you haven't noticed, I care about you."

I keep rubbing my eyes. "I care about you too, Mel. You know I do. But…"

I drop my hand, and my head droops down. I can't look at him. "I'm just the bracelet bearer."

"Hmph. How disappointing. I know you're upset, and you have every right to be, but that's a cop out. I thought after everything, we could be straight with each other, but maybe I just need to give you space."

I'm a bit surprised by his bluntness, but I know Mel has changed, so it's something I should get used to…if there was time to get used to it. But, there isn't. There never was; I've been on borrowed time since the moment Ivan picked me up and Tamir pardoned me. I'm going to leave all of this, and it's being left a mess. I keep looking down. "I am being straight with you. I'm the bracelet bearer, and in this country, that's all I'm ever going to be." Was I ever foolish enough to think it would be otherwise? Crap, what a disaster…

"I think you should go to your room and get ready. We aren't getting anywhere, and it wasn't my intention to upset you further."

I still can't look up. My head continues to hang down, and I hear him walk away. Before the door opens, I hear his footsteps stop.

"I hope you remember how to hold your head high before then. You may think you're just your title, but I think you know better than anyone that is never the case for anyone."

The door opens and closes. I still can't look up. Instead, my tearstained cheeks become moist again, and I have no idea how I'm going to get through this party.