*I DONT OWN THE CHARACTERS. IT BELONGS TO KIERA CASS*

I see Queen Amberley slowly walking down the hallway. It breaks my heart every time I see her. She mostly wears black floor length dresses and saunters around the castle halls looking at the paintings or flower vases.

When she's with others she puts on a brave, smiling face, but I see through it. I know what it's like to lose someone you love. I had to do the same when my father died.

It's been two months since the rebel attack sent the palace into a frenzy. Many died. Such as King Clarkson and my beloved maid Anne. And many were hurt, including my fiancé, Prince Maxon.

We've all suffered these past months. Especially my future mother-in-law. She loved her husband more then anything (except maybe her son) and she misses him more then anything. If only she knew the horrors he bestowed upon their son. The terror he put him through. If only she knew. But no one could tell her. Ever. It would break her.

"America!" I'm snapped out of my daze as Maxon comes running down the hallway. Immediately a smile spread across my face.

"Where have you been my dear? I've been looking everywhere for you!"

And just like that the moment's over. I turn around and busy myself with the nearest thing, which happens to be a perfectly arranged flower vase that I most certainly just messed up.

He chuckles as he wraps his arms around me from the back.

"I'm sorry, I meant where have you been My Darling"

Much better.

"Oh, just walking around, thinking."

"About" he whispers into my ear. This makes me giggle.

"You" I smile and he spins me around with his strong arms so that I'm facing him.

"Me too" he whispers as he leans in. Just before our lips touch I hear a giggle and shushing and then more giggling. I whip my head around to see a flash of red hair zip around a corner.

I turn and look into Maxon's eyes. We have the same look. I put I finger to my mouth and he nods, grinning. Then we slowly and quietly make our way to the corner. And then we pop out and yell. May and Lucy jump so high and scream. Me and Maxon burst out laughing while I'm getting murderous looks from my sister.

The one thing my sister absolutely hates is being scared.

With the complete opposite reaction, Lucy cracks up.

With all of us laughing May gives in and starts laughing too.

Silvia would die if she saw us behaving this way, but I was having to much fun to care.

"Now...just what...do you two...think you're doing?" I asked between laughter.

"Um nothing..." Lucy said very unconvincingly.

"Mmmhmm" I look over to May and give her a look.

She tried to hold it in but May's terrible at lying. "We wanted to see you guys kiss!!!" She blurted out.

"May!" Lucy was not very happy that their cover was blown.

"Well we would have if you hadn't been there!"

A guilty look entered her eyes. "Sorry" she said looking at the ground.

"May I'm not mad." Her face brightens. "Anyways do you know what people do to end a wedding ceremony? You may now..."

"Kiss the bride!!!" She screeches.

"Yes!"

"Are you excited for that part?" She asks, looking at Maxon, her eyebrows raised.

He looks at me and smiles "Yes, very much so."

"Awwwwww" May and Lucy chorus back.

I can feel the heat rise in my face. I could hit him! He can't make me blush in front of my sister!

"America! We have to go look at flowers!" Lucy says all the sudden.

"Oh, I forgot about that." The last think I want to do is pick out flowers but I get to spend time with Mom, Queen Amberley, Kenna, May, Marlee, Lucy, and Mary so I suppose it's going to be fine.

I know Maxon can tell I'm not feeling it though. He gives me a look and I know exactly what he means.

"May, Lucy, how about you go gather the others and we will meet in the women's room in fifteen minutes."

"Of course Miss" Lucy says as she curtsies and starts to walk away, pulling May with her.

"See ya later Ames!!!" May yells before she turns and walks with Lucy.

I turn to Maxon and sigh. "I need to talk to Lucy about that. I don't want her calling me Miss, or Your Highness, or Your Majesty. And I certainly don't want her curtsying."

"But you are the queen."

This makes me angry. "No! No I'm not! Not yet!" I see the confused look on his face as I put my head on his shoulder.

"Want to talk about it?"

"No"

"America"

"I said no"

I stand up straight and start to walk to the women's room. Then I realize Maxon's trying his best and I can't take out my problem on him.

I turn back around and he looks up. Obviously upset.

I tug my ear. He nods and tugs his.

Then I turn and head to the Women's Room.