The Prince And His Elites

by sd2905

All Maxon wanted from his Selection was to find his one. He was nearly there. He had his Elites. He had found someone. He was ready. But was it that ready? Look more into Maxon's amazing story after he selects his Elites. New bonds are made. New relations are forged. Everything is new. But what about him? This is Maxon's journey in finding his one out of his Elites.

6. The One And The Others

As of Sunday, I had eight days to pull off an idea to tell America what I had in mind, what I was planning to do and what she actually means to me. And also to spend some time with the others and decide whom to eliminate.

Being a holiday, I spent the day alone. Mostly. Horse riding—it had been a long time since it was just Thunder, my horse, and I for a ride. I took him for a ride and raced as he wanted to, at his full speed such that the autumn wind caressed his face. After lunch I went for a solitary walk in the third hallway, all the time thinking about the costume I hadn't decided yet.

Justin found me and said Mr. Carver was waiting for me. I told him to get him on the first floor in the library where I was sure no body would catch us. It had to be a surprise until anything is made official. There were many obstacles standing between us that we had to dodge, my father's approval being on the high list. Getting America to say yes wasn't far behind.

If anything, getting the ring done right was the easiest thing.

"Your Majesty." The royal jeweller greeted with a bow, standing from the far off bench by the far wall in the library. "It is my honour to be of your service."

"Thank you for coming, Mr. Carver." I sat on the bench beside him and he followed suit.

"How can I help you, Your Majesty?"

"I wanted a ring. Actually, the ring."

"Oh, I see."

Seeing all the questions building inside him that he wanted to ask but was shied of, I did the liberty to him. "This is not official, yet. I am just looking ahead. I'm sure of your discretion for the said matter." A pointed look.

"It goes without saying, Your Majesty. No third soul will know about it unless you want them to."

"Good. I'll give you a design. I want that ring in my hand before the party." I told him, giving him the stash of paper where I'd designed the whole ring myself after millions and millions of scribbling and doodling.

The ring I'd finalized was a royal symbol in itself. On the top was a crown nestled, woven together by hearts and leaves that merge on the top to give way to the two birthstones that'll go in there. Even before the owner of the ring would get the actual crown of being a princess and later a queen, she'll already be the queen of my heart. The leaves were a symbol of our growth as a relationship, that tangled and untangled in a knot all the way to the crown, just like us.

"This is a wonderful design, Your Majesty." He appraised, looking more into the details I'd drawn and mentioned all the studding that'll be required in it, including our birthstones. "The Elite who'll get this is really lucky."

Trust me, Mr. Carver, the luck is really mine.

"Make sure it remains a secret till I make the actual announcement."

"You needn't worry about that. Even my shadow won't know of it." I thanked him and gave him an appropriate sun of money. The smile he wore at seeing the amount showed it was more than supposed amount but if America said yes, then each and every penny paid was worth it.

He assured me about the privacy and delivery once again before going down the hallway back to his place.

One thing done. Now comes the more horrible things that were still left for me to plan. The actual proposal being the one, telling America about my motives and informing her father and getting his approval...not to mention that in between them I had to finalize a dress for myself by tomorrow.

Even when I had so much work to do, for the moment I felt nothing but radiant, still thinking about the ring that'll soon be in America's finger, making her mine.

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Monday was spent in my office and the later part with Celeste. We went for a movie date followed by an early dinner in her room. She tried to get closer to me but for today I didn't let her. Instead we just talked and she showed me her many photos and magazines and all the further projects she was planning to work on.

The later part of Monday was spent with Gavril as he did another pre-recorded episode of Capital's Report in the Hall in which we discussed about my dress. I'd narrowed it down to three and gave a subtle hint that it belonged to a wicked character.

Tuesday was spent surrounded by Aunt Anuksha and her family, the elder sister of my grandmother, Queen Abby. Her whole family had come to meet us. In between horse riding with my cousins, Xander and Will, and some catching up with my cousins, Rose and Isabella, I taught Kriss how to shoot an arrow as she wanted to learn the art of archery.

Wednesday was spent with my father and his advisors' meeting on the new policy of French trades and the trade relations with North Europe and a date with Natalie.

Mr. Carver sent for my approval, saying he'd designed the whole ring.

As beautiful as I'd thought it'll look in my imagination, it was even more splendid in real. The leaves that looked more like beings held the heart shaped rose that twined together to form a seat for the two birthstones, Periot and Amethyst, shaped a little like hearts itself.

It was perfect. Beyond magnificent.

"You did a magnificent work, Mr. Carver." I said, my eyes still fixed on the ring he'd made. "It's beyond perfect. Just what I needed." Looking up, I smiled widely. "I'll talk to my Dad about you."

"Thank you, Your Majesty. Whenever you feel the need of me, just holler me up."

Nodding, I looked back at the ring in hand.

I imagined, now that I had the ring itself, how it will be to ask America for her hand. What I'll say and how and where. One by one all the chips fell in the places. It will be after Halloween, after I eliminate Natalie. In the garden. During sunset. With candles and roses and lilies around us. And music. Later I'll ask her to play violin, just for me. Or maybe paint me a little.

All the things that I'll tell her. What she means to me. How she'd altered and yet completed my life. How she is my favourite place.

You are my favourite person in the whole world, America. My happy place. My comfort zone. My everything. Your one smile makes my day. When you play violin, you actually plug the strings of my heart. When you laugh, it is the best music ever. I want all the things with you. Marriage, children, life. But above all that, I want you in my life. Without you I'm incomplete. Make me the happiest person alive by completing me. Marry me.

That was the latest proposal speech I had in my mind when I slept that night.

Thursday started with a vengeance. The Italians had responded to my letter, agreeing to meet us in two weeks, which put my father on edge. We've tried since long to strike a deal and trade with Italy but its leaders never agreed to do it. It was for the first time they're coming here to even think about it.

The same day we received yet another letter from Germany. They wanted to renew our trade dealing and relations with a few changes and were looking forward to meet us. They'd be arriving on the two weeks later on Tuesday for two days. Which meant we'd be having the Italians and the Germans staying with us together for the Wednesday evening.

Just like I wanted it to happen. Adolph had played his cards well.

It was no secret we were trying our best to get in good relations with the Italians whereas their relations with Germany was already very good. Father was hoping to get this whole thing in our favour.

"I'll be able to do it." I said as we discussed the whole thing once again in father's office. Mr. Stavros was sitting with us in the meeting, discussing the whole matter with Mom, Dad and I.

"You're rather untrained in this, Maxon. It will do us more worse if we aren't able to do it."

"Which is why I should be given the chance." I pushed, looking in his eye. "Everyone knows Princess Nicoletta is a very jovial person. If we make it seem not a desperate attempt but rather an opportunity to make relations between the royal families good instead of the countries."

"A good reasoning and a better approach." Mom chimed in, beaming up at me.

Mr. Stavros nodded at me, thinking over it. "It's definitely a better approach. I suggest we leave the trade policies unattended this time. Instead focus on them. If we win them over, they'll be more than happy to do trade with us."

Father shook his head, frowning at Stavros and I. "We need as much support with us as we can" he retorted with another shake of his head. "New Asia has also been trying to get in good graces of Italy. We need to get there before them."

"Rushing in this isn't the right approach. We need to show them we're not looking for their support but also for their friendship."

"We need to be rational and realistic about it." Stavros added in my favour. "As for Germans, we can also ask them to praise us."

"I can look into that." Mom jumped in. "Asking for them as a king is straight manipulation. But being Alasandra's friend, I can ask for a favour."

"Fine, then. Leave the rest upto me." She smiled back, no doubt many ideas already forming in her head.

Mom never took over the meetings or attended them, it was a rarity. The few times she did were the times Dad wasn't able to make his decisions. Mom always overtook him with her understandings and her brilliant ideas.

Father sighed, looking at her with a look that he sometimes gave me but it softened in less than a second.

She was his centre of gravity, his happy place, his comfort zone. He couldn't ever get angry on her. She is still the queen of him, whether he liked it or not, she ruled over him. Not just as a queen but also as a partner.

For the billionth time I wondered what it would be like for America to sit beside me—not just as a princess or a queen but my partner in every situation. My wife and my queen. Will she take over the queen duties or be more like Mom? Will Dad allow her to voice her opinions and if he didn't, then how will she react?

The image of her as my wife was still alive behind my eyelids. It was the image of her as a queen that questioned me more and more. She'd seen more world, has compassion for others as well as a good heart to hear everyone. There is no doubt in my mind she'll be a good queen, it was the question of whether or not she'll accept it.

"Maxon? Are you here? I asked what is the status of your report on our allies and the deals?"

I answered the king each and every thing he wanted to know, but everytime Dad looked at Mom for approval or she interrupted him with a question of her own, I thought about what it will all be like with America. Not just my marriage but my whole life.

I was more than eager to start it already.

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The next few days I spent with the remaining Elites, along with all the other work and the Capital Report and everything in between. Finalising my dress as a pirate, I started to grow a stubble for my character. Mom smirked everytime she saw me, teasing why—for all she knew it was for my character, but that wasn't the reason. She said, "it has been so long since I've seen you in any way dishevelled except for your hair." whereas dad frowned whenever he saw me, saying "how can you be a good king if you can't look out for your appearance; at least choose some character that doesn't require you to be so untidy."

As of Friday I was almost a nervous wreck. One of the reason was father asking me to eliminate someone as fast as possible, Gavril telling me about the Report and what he wanted to do with all of Elites and their parents, and the last reason being that I still haven't decided what I was going to tell Mr. Shalom Singer. I wanted him to be impressed by me, to not be reluctant as his daughter is being to be with me but to give her hand in mine with no worries.

With each passing moment a new scenario developed in my mind which troubled my sleep, my day activities, my work. Each one was far more better or more worse. I couldn't even tell America what was going in my head as it has to be a surprise for her. I'd been giving her space to process her feelings regarding me while I juggle between the other Elites.

But I hated the whole thing.

I wanted to tell her everything. Each and every single thing about what happened, what I was thinking, what I was going through. And know what she was doing all the time. I wanted to spend my every minute with her. The more time I spend with the other girls the more I realised how much I want and need America by my side. Especially after the whole life I wanted was in front of my eyes, always staring back at me, daring me to ask America already and cross the threshold.

Before dinner, when I was strolling through the third floor after another meeting regarding the budgets and infrastructure, I heard music pouring out from Mom's room. A fast song, played on piano. Turning the corner I went into her room. There, sitting on the couch was Mom, writing something and smiling as she chatted with Mom's lady-in-waiting, while Silvia danced on the piano tune with the dance master.

Walking in, I said "You'll lack in your classes, my lady." to Mom, giving her my hand. Mr. Ford and Silvia curtsied as they saw me, stopping their dance, and so did Justin who was, apparently, playing the piano for Mom. I nodded at them, giving my hand to her once again.

She grinned and took it, standing up gracefully and straightening her dress. "I was wondering when I'll get the dance, my dear." She murmured, placing her another hand on my shoulder while my hand went to her waist.

I chuckled, pulling her to me. Justin took the cue and started playing a slow song. "I couldn't keep you waiting any more now, could I?"

"Such a sweet mouth!"

June, her handmaid, came in with a few dishes for the ladies, but as she went Silvia and Mr. Ford left along, giving us space.

"Wonder where I got it from?"

She laughed. I twirled her and she laughed again. "These dances remind me of all those times when you were learning and you used to step on my toes."

This time I laughed recalling the memories. "Silvia did a fantastic job scolding me everytime."

"Ah, yes. She's the best. You won't believe how much she needed the alone time dancing." She shook her head, chuckling at something. "Apparently, all the Elites expect for one are terrible dancers and very good at stepping on others' toes."

"Ah! The good times. Lemme guess, only Celeste is good."

"Yes. And people's favourite, Natalie, is worst."

"My poor feet! I better be wearing wooden shoes."

She laughed, twirling again.

"All things aside, how are you? I had a meeting with Stavros and he said you're not good. That you often have your attention elsewhere and that you're loosing your edge with everything."

"Your spies!" I groaned.

George Stavros had been Potter Schreave's assistant and general secretary as well as father's trainer. When father became the king, he gave the position of general secretary to Stavros along with his chief assistant—personal secretary. Even then he was able to retain his job as a trainer—he trained me to become the rightful king and the prince. Being the only grandfather figure I've ever seen, I respect him a lot, but he always sneaked up on my and told everything to Mom or Dad or both.

It was frustrating as well as infuriating but still I couldn't be angry on him. He was the only one who always took my side in my meetings with Dad. My honourable grandfather. How could I ever be angry with him?

She laughed again. "Yes. My spies. What I don't get is why are you so our of your zone?"

"Nothing, Mom. The festival, celebration, meetings, Elites and their parents, elimination."

"The usual then?"

"Yes."

"June said she saw Mr. Carver trying to sneak out of the palace two days ago. Do you have any idea why he was here?"

I blushed, shrugging, trying to seem indifferent. "I don't know."

She smirked at me, giving me one of her knowing smiles. She ran a hand on my hand. "You should be nervous. It means you're doing something right. I'll say one thing, though. Speak with your heart." Removing her hand from my shoulder, she put it on my chest. "This is one place where you should give your mind some rest."

"I have no idea what—"

She smirked again. "I know you don't." The look she gave me told enough: we both know the truth but if you want to play... "Sweetie, I'm proud of you. You're doing the right thing. And do not worry. I'll talk with Clarkson. Just concentrate on what you have to do. Nothing else. Everything else can wait but not this. Where you stumble or reach a crossroad, you know where you should go."

"Thanks, Mom."

"One more thing, dumpling." Releasing my hand she took my face in them, her eyes, filled with so much love, got watered up. "I'm proud of you, dumpling. So proud. Here you are, ready to start your life, found the partner you need, ready to start your new life. I love you so much and couldn't be anymore proud of you."

"Thanks, mom." Kissing her forehead, I whispered, "I couldn't ask for more."

She smiled and looked at Justin who was trying very hard to not seem like one who has just eavesdropped. "I didn't hear anything, Your Majesty." He promised quickly, averting her gaze back to the keys in front of him. "I swear."

Chuckling, she shook her head and asked to play another song, this time dancing with Justin and ordering me to play something, even when she knew how horrible I was at it.

We both obliged though, this time all of us talking and laughing.

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Saturday morning came and so did our guests.

Mom came in my room to give me a good talk as she helped me dress. So did Dad, but for whole another reasons. He gave me a mini-lecture on how should I behave and to give special attention to the Whiskers for their status and also the Newsomes. I nodded dutifully, all the time Mom held my hand in her lap. She gave me a nod of understanding as she went out, knowing all too well I was already a nervous wreck.

I was again trying to adjust my tie, fidgeting every now and then as we waited for the nod of approval to come down. As planned, Silvia sent for her assistant, Ira, to beckon us to come down. The queen and king usually go down first, hands joined and smiles plastered on their face, gracefully walking down on the stairs, but since today they weren't going to indulge in the initial greetings, it all fell on my shoulders.

Imagining how my father commands attention with a breath, I tried to hold that's stance as I descended the stairs.

My worst fear was being the centre of attention when the whole thing was arranged for the Elites. As it turned out, I was fearing nothing. As I walked down the stairs, I looked in the Grand Hall, regretting not bringing my camera to capture the special moment.

All the girls were embraced tightly in their parents' arms, some crying whereas some were talking and chuckling. The Newsomes were the most elegant as they held their daughter as arm's length but it was easily readable in their faces how much they missed her. Natalie was bouncing on her feet as she took her sister in a long squeezing hug while her parents were busy talking with her, whereas Marlee was crying on her mother's shoulder, her hand in her father's hand. Elise was talking with her parents in a queen like manner, at arm's length with proper formal appearance whereas America's family was huddled together on the floor, all of them holding each other close and tight. Kriss was busy talking with her parents, bouncing on her feet, hugging her mother and her father again and again.

Even the guards were standing by the whole Room were enjoying the whole scene, smiling. I'd thought of America alone when I came up with this idea, not knowing what it'll do to others. Not just the Elites but also the guards and handmaids and butlers. Now, watching it myself, I was very much sure to have made the right decision. The smiles on the families in the centre of the hall, the big grins plastered on the faces of the guards, the gossip Justin brought me about how everyone of the royal service was glad to be a part of such a wonderful event and how everyone was admiring me.

If he was here now, Dad would've given me a small nod, telling me by his small gesture to address each and every family.

Taking his advice I steeled myself, taking a deep breath, as I went to the first family. The Singers. Though I was asked to go first to the Newsomes or the Whiskers, seeing the Singer family together on the floor was an adorable scene I couldn't miss.

The sisters hissed some conversation and both of them turned to look at me. I smiled the way I was trained, not letting my nerves her better of me. Mr Singer stood, bowing to his waist with a loud and firm "Your Majesty." in a voice full of wonder and admiration.

Smiling, I outstretched my hand as I walked to him, sizing him up. Just like America he had calluses, not as defined as America but their presence mocked my clean hands nonetheless. "Mr. Singer, it's an honour. I've heard so much about you. And you, too, Mrs. Singer." Mrs. Singer blushed furiously as she straightened her hair, squeaking Your Majesty in a high pitched tone.

She cleared her throat. "Sorry about that." She blushed again, looking at the puddle of girls still kneeling by the floor. They both exchanged a look and stood up, which seemed to relieve Mrs. Singer.

Chuckling, I again regretted not bringing my camera to take a photo of it. It was a moment not to miss. "Not at all. I'd expect no less enthusiasm from anyone related to Lady America." I turned to her sister. "And you must by May." Her red hair matched America's just like her blush. An exact copy of her if not considering the little twinkle in her eyes that distinguished her as a younger version of her sister. I kissed her knuckles and grinned watching her mouth turned into a big O. "I never did get to thank you for not crying."

"What?"

"No one told you?" Surprise. I really thought America would've given her a heads up to cry and also why. "You won me my first date with your lovely sister here. I'll be forever in your debt."

A nervous giggle. "Well, you're welcome, I guess."

Smiling back I took in the whole scene. In appearance, May was the direct photocopy of America but what they made for in their appearance was lacked up in their personalities. May was a jovial person whereas America was one who understood responsibilities and took them seriously.

Turning back to my best behaviour, I straightened up and looked at all of them together. . "I'm afraid I must meet the others, but please stay here for a moment. I'll be making a short announcement to the group." Then to Mr. Singer. "And I'm hoping to get to speak with you more very soon. So glad you could come."

The next I approached the Whiskers with a huge smile, thanks to May's not so subtle comment on how I was more cuter in person. I couldn't help but chuckle at that.

Unlike me, Elise had two elder brother, both of them perfectly groomed and attentive, standing just like a prince. If not for the short hair and a small stubble coating their cheeks, they looked just like Mr. Whisker. With raven black hair with high cheekbones that had gone shaggy with the years, a big stomach that promised he was once toned up, he looked just the man who would run a successful series of hotel chain in all of Illéa. If Mr. Whisker could be described as a once handsome man, Mrs. Whisker was still a beauty to handle. Dark hair, Asian features added quite a charm to her already blazing personality.

Not only Elise was trained as a royal, I forgot Mrs. Whisker was actually a princess—once. She was the one from whom Elise got her looks, her hair, her everything, except for her demeanour. She got it from her father.

The three of them curtsied gracefully.

"Hello, Mrs. and Mr. Whisker. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine, Your Majesty." Mr. Whisker said, gripping my extended hand in his equally large palm. "We're honoured to even be considered as your subjects."

I grinned, turning to Elise. "I see where you got your ravishing looks from. It's no wonder when you have such a stunning mother." Mrs. Whisker blushed, thanking me with proper titles, ever the princess. "Please, do not leave now. I've got an announcement to make. After that you can relax."

They all bowed to me as I stepped back to greet The Newsomes. Nodding, I went to the far end of the unlikely gathering in the Great Hall. There, standing by the far end of the circle, standing in a way that was as much embracing as it was classy, was standing Celeste surrounded by her parents, holding their hands and smiling in the way I've never seen her do.

Watching me come to them, all three of them got in an elegant bow. "Hello, Mrs. and Mr. Newsome. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"It's our honour to meet you, Your Majesty." Mr. Newsome said, smiling at her daughter. "And to know that our daughter made it to the Elites... it's our pleasure." He turned to Celeste, tears of happiness in his eyes. "I knew you were a crazy person, Cel, but to make it to the Elites... I'm proud of you, pumpkin."

Celeste smiled, that mysteriously special smile that I've seen her give to no one else. "Thanks, Daddy."

"I'm sorry for the family dramatics, Your Majesty." Mrs. Newsome said, frowning at her family.

"These dramatics are what makes the family a major part of us, I guess. If anything, I'm glad to see all the Elites surrounded by their loved ones and having a moment to share what they've achieved with the ones that matter the most to them." Celeste gave me a glad nod, smiling slightly. "I'm sorry I've to cut it short but please be free to roam around the palace as you please after I make an announcement in a minute. Excuse me, please for a moment."

The Tames' were the next, bundled up in a tight group, hugging each other tightly. Marlee's sister was just like her, in every action but not face. Where Marlee looked more like her father, her sister got her looks from her mother.

The sisters were busy jumping and talking that Mrs. Tames had to shush them when I approached. In her excitement, Marlee forgot to be formal and gripped my arm. "Thank you so much, Maxon, for this wondrous idea. This is like the best gift ever."

"It's nothing, Marlee."

She loosened her hold on my arm and hugged her sister from behind. "This dumbhead here, Vera, is crazy about you, Your Highness. Be aware."

Her sister laughed nervously. From the corner of my eyes I saw her pinching Marlee. I shook my head in amusement, a small part of my mind was happy seeing her so happy while another part was jealous seeing their relationship. I'd never longed to have a sibling more than now.

Taking a long, deep breath, I checked my emotions and thoughts again. "Hello, Mrs. and Mr. Tames."

"It's an honour in itself to be greeted by you firsthandedly, Your Majesty." Mr. Tames said, curtsying to his waist.

Mrs. Tames followed him. "I hope my daughter hasn't been hard on you."

I chuckled. "Quite the opposite, actually."

Vera looked at her sister with wide eyes. "What happened to you?! He isn't complaining!"

A laugh was her only answer. "I thought better of revealing my actual colours."

This time I laughed. "I'm already dreading whatever you're about to do, my dear. It's nice meeting you, Vera. I hope the palace is to your liking." Then to their parents. "Please feel yourself at home, all of you. I have a small announcement to make, but I'm looking forward to meet you again. I'll see you later."

The last part of my round was made sure as both Kriss's and Natalie's family was standing together, trying to mingle. Approaching them was like walking in a very euphoric moment and failing to comprehend what is actually going on due to many distractions.

While Natalie looked more like her mother, expect for her blond hair which she inherited from her father, Kriss was the female version of Mr. Ambers, right from eyes to hair and everything. He even wore a eight-pointed star on his neck just like her— The star to guide him home—a same necklace adorning her mother, while Mrs. Luca wore no jewelleries to enhance her beauty, unlike Natalie who wore jewellery with studded stones all on her hair as well as neck and every place she could get on. Mr. Ambers and Mr. Luca were talking with each other, laughing at something I couldn't understand, or at someone's expense, I guess, as Kriss and Natalie were standing there with pink cheeks, trying their best to not humiliate themselves any more. Their mothers were holding their hands, pressing kisses to their daughters or talking or laughing as well as crying, whereas Natalie's sister was paying a good attention to Kriss—that was the only part I could understand being a single child as well.

The whole lot of them fell into silence when they saw me coming and curtsied. "Hello, Mrs and Mr. Ambers as well as Mrs. and Mr. Luca. I'm so glad you could come."

The parents said their thanks but it all drowned out next to Natalie's sister "Whoa! I can't believe I'm talking to the prince!"

I chuckled. "And you must be the small and jealous sister Lacey!"

A big frown covered her smiling face and her eyes welled up. "I told you she'd never praise me in front of the prince! I mean Your Majesty, sorry."

Beside her Natalie reprimanded me with a loud, "Maxon!"

"I'm sorry, my dear. It's just that being a single child I've always told Natalie that she's lucky to have a sibling but she always countered me with the difficulties of being an elder sister..." I made it worse.

Kriss understood I was having a difficulty. "All Maxon meant was to make Natalie see that she's got a lovely sister, Lacey, by throwing it in her face." She looked at Natalie with a big look that said 'I told you so'. "You're lucky to have her as your sister and all you do is... You know what, Lacey, let's trade! From now on I'll be your big sister and we can dump this monkey wherever you want. What say?"

I gave a thankful nod to Kriss and turned back to the elders who were looking at me with puzzled looks. "Forgive me for my ungenerous comment and please be our guests and feel free to see the palace."

Giving myself a few seconds to collect, I took a few breaths and stood in the centre of the Hall. Since it was my idea father wanted me to be the one to announce everything.

Breath in. Out. In. Out.

"I want to thank you again for coming. We're so pleased to have you at the palace, not only to celebrate the first Halloween in Illéa in decades, but so that we can get to know all of you. I'm sorry my parents weren't able to greet you as well. You will meet them very soon."

"The mothers, sisters, and Elite are invited to have tea with my mother this afternoon in the Women's Room. Your daughters will be able to escort you there. And the gentlemen will be having cigars with my father and myself. We'll have a butler come for you, so no worries about getting lost. Your maids will escort you to the rooms you'll use for the duration of your stay, and they will get you properly suited for your visit, as well as for the celebration tomorrow night."

Smiling at all of them for the last time in this meeting I went out of the Great Hall as gracefully as I came in.

That went well.

Of course, my mother, the ever knowing everything mother of mine, knows everything. Even about my meeting with everyone. "So, I guess, that went well." Certainly a compliment I rarely hear from her. Not just praises but real compliment.

"It did. I've asked them to meet us in the noon—ladies with you for tea whereas gentlemen with Dad and me for cigars."

"And you also know you can do anything you want except—"

"for actually having cigars? Yes, Mom." Kissing her forehead I went out to check the management. As again the whole set up was to be passed by me.

The Great Hall, which was minutely decorated with curtains and ribbons and flowers in the morning was not well suited with drinks and wines and tables and cigars and every such thing that made it suitable for gents passing time. Gavril and his team was distributed the work of recording these moments in both here and the women's room, which will be shown later on Capital Report. Father was dressed in a light blue suit with no vest but just a coat while I dressed in a sapphire blue suit minus a tie, hoping to go for informal without losing my prince persona.

All the men came—Mr. Newsome, Mr. Ambers came with Mr. Luca, Mr. Whisker entered with his sons while Mr. Singer came alone, dressed in his old and ragged suit which was clearly worn more than its life. The others, especially Mr. Whisker and Mr. Newsome, gave him reproachful looks, on the other hand the other two were quite welcoming towards him and others.

America had always been herself. Even in the sea of changes or the hurricanes of events that could change her in a way, she remained rooted in her views and thoughts, never letting anything uproot her from her actual upbringing. That was one thing I'd always admired about her. Seeing Mr. Singer walk in the Great Hall, with his head lifted with pride instead of any kind of embarrassment related to his caste or clothes or anything, I understood where America got her quality from. She'd always been a daddy's girl, she claimed, but now that I've seen both of them I know it to be the truth. She was the true reflection of him. Red hair, his face features reflecting in her...

Cigars were passed, alcohol were drowned glass after glass, stories were shared and laughter was echoing by the time we all settled. The king's personal advisors' were also present along with the king himself, blending in with quite gracefully, concentrating mainly on those whom they personally liked. Which meant more were gathered around Mr. Newsome and Mr. Whisker, a few around Mr. Tames and Mr. Luca, a couple of them around Mr. Ambers. Mr. Singer was standing with Mr. Ambers, listening the advisors talk with the other, a glass of water in one hand and an unlit cigar in another.

I'd noticed he didn't drink any cigar or alcohol.

Noticing that Dad was busy chatting with Mr. Whisker, and Mr. Singer walk to a stall of cheese balls, I went to him. "I hope you're faring well."

He was about to curtsy but I shook my head, smiling in earnest. He obliged "Very much. Although, I'm sorry, but the palace seemed more of a maze. I couldn't come here on my own."

True. "I had some important, actually personal, matters to discuss with you, Mr. Singer. If you could—"

"Sure." He looked around and a minute shake of head followed. "Should we go out? Nothing better than a warm day in a wintry month."

We walked to the edge of the Great Hall, him taking everything about the palace in while I kept fidgeting thinking how to say it.

If there was something that I've learnt from America is how she always saw the person in me and not the prince. Even now. I'll be asking her father as Maxon and not the prince. I kept reminding myself that.

We were standing in the garden, my place—our place. The sun's warmth contradicted the slight chilliness of the weather, everything shining golden in the afternoon sunlight.

"America looks a lot like you."

"I know. All my girls do."

"She worships you. She'd told so many things about you I think I've known you for years."

"Hope they all were good things."

Chuckling, I looked around. "How did you like the palace?"

"It's thousand times much better than seen from the Report, that is for sure."

Inhaling deeply, I gathered my wits. "Mr. Singer, I don't know how to talk in circles so I won't try that. I'll be direct with you."

He straightened at the formality in my tone, looking at me with wonder or a puzzle.

"America regards you as an idol. I couldn't tell her before I told you."

"Is she being elimi—"

"Quite the opposite, actually." I laughed, running my hand through my hair. I don't know any other way than to be direct, I thought as I looked at him. "I like her, Mr. Singer. I really do. If it were to me the whole Selection would be as good as ended but this isn't the case. I want you to know, though, that I like your daughter and would be honoured if I could get your blessing for the near future."

"Ah! That!" He chuckled. "Your Highness—"

"Maxon, if you please."

He smiled a kind smile, his red hair shining with hidden golden hues in the sun. "For how you were so tensed up, I was preparing myself for something bad." A shake of his head. "The first thing she asked me when she got her name announced was that Could she be able to make the prince fall for her? and the first of her worries were that she won't be able to live the life of the palace."

"Trust me, she still doubts that."

Another smile. "She's gone on me for her stubbornness, I'm afraid."

This time my lips lifted up in a small grin. "Then I must be careful to never see that side of yours."

"She isn't ready yet, Maxon. I know my daughter well. She won't be ready unless it happens. Until then, she'll keep doubting herself, keep trying to sabotage her feelings with worries. I'm afraid it has to be you to take the first step. She'll come, but for now she's afraid to take the step and then realise you didn't take the leap."

"I know, Mr."—he gave me a look and I quickly checked myself—"Shalom, and I'm ready to be patient. I just wanted to make sure you're fine with it. Because I know she'll never take the first step if she realises you aren't happy."

"All I seek is for her happiness, Maxon. If she's happy here than I don't want her anywhere else."

"So—"

"As far as you two take care of yourselves and each other, and she's happy, I don't mind it, Maxon."

If this was his worry, than there was nothing to worry about. "I don't know much about her life before to say anything, but I can assure you one thing. She is happy here. She hasn't felt here like home, that's one thing I'm working to rectify, but she is happy. And I'm doing everything I can to make her feel safe and comfortable and at home. To make her happy. And I'll work my best till the end."

For the moment a silence so deep like sharp knives surrounded us until he blinked. "If she is happy here then that is what I want for her. And if you make her happy, well then," He thrust his hand forward and I took it, "I wish for nothing more."

"Thank you. I am thinking about telling her that I'm ready and waiting for her to be—"

"Don't do that." He shook his head and smiled back at me. "Tell her that you're going to do it. If she gets an option out, she may balk out and run the hell away."

"This may be the first time a father tells a man how to court her daughter."

He laughed and patted me on my back, putting a hand on my shoulder as we walked back to the Great Hall. Never has anyone touched me like this other than family. I waited to feel uncomfortable but that never came.

"This is how a father knows what's best for his girl, Maxon." He said, his voice ringing with finality that said he was happy. Not for the prince to fall in love with her daughter, but happy that her daughter found someone who loved her just as much as him.

For the first time in my life I didn't have anything else to say.