I woke up to some movement beside me. Opening my eyes, I saw the most amazing sight for a morning.

Sleeping beside me was America, a clear sign that yesterday night wasn't a dream. We were still trapped in the guard's safe room, with no idea what time it was. My phone was dead, the timing in the watch not clear in the dim lighting of the room. We were not a part of the real world anymore in here.

She stirred again, snuggling more in my chest. Somewhere in the night I ended up sleeping on my back, with America's head nestled under the crook of my neck, her hand resting on my chest, her breath tickling me in guilty pleasure. Our legs were tangled, our bodies completely twined.

Tilting my head, I just looked at her.

A small smile still lingered on her face, her hair a big mess. She was the most beautiful sight I'd ever seen in the morning.

I tried to straighten, and found my back still hurting—not that bad but enough to make me struggle for breath. Flexing a little, I moved sideways. She adjusted herself according to me even in her sleep, and nestled further more in my arms. I ran my fingers over her cheeks, moving her hair out of her face, just looking at her.

"When the Selection was announced," I murmured to a sleeping America, because saying it aloud was pathetic, and for this moment I didn't mind being it, not if she is deep in her slumber as her part. "I was as much furious as I was scared, because of all the unpredictability, but now, knowing I would end up meeting you, I would do it all over again. Because it's you." I squeezed her to me. "No matter what happens after we leave this room, you will always have my heart, darling. You'll always be my dearest."

The door creaked open some time later, light flooding in. It meant everything was over now, and so was our last night together.

America woke up in a jolt, looking at her surroundings until her eyes landed on me and the last night came back to her. She sat upright as a guard walked in, a torch in his hand. "Your Majesty?" He called, flashing his torch. The light blinded me for a minute. "Oh, God!" he shouted, "I've found him. He's alive!"

It all confused me for a moment. Why were they assuming the worst? Why would they think that...

I didn't get time to think more about it as the whole room started to flood in with more guards and staff and nurses and butler. It seemed as if the whole palace had been looking for me.

One of the guards, the one who found me, stepped forward. "Were you not able to get downstairs, Your Majesty?"

Officer Markson, I noted. America and I sat on the bench while the nurses did a few checks on us. America's hand found mine. I laced my fingers with hers, squeezing it. Whatever it is, we were in this together. A team. Straightening a little, I answered, "No. An officer was supposed to tell my parents. I told him to go there first." I tried to set my hair but it hurt, moving. The pain in my back was back. I tried to school my features to neutral.

"Which officer?"

I sighed. Between the attack and my pain I wasn't able to get his name. I told him the same, and then looked at America for confirmation. She shook her head. "Me neither. But he was wearing a ring on his thumb. It was grey, like pewter or something."

The guard, Markson, nodded his head, his face scrunched down in grief. "That was Tanner. He didn't make it. We lost about twenty-five of the guards and a dozen staff."

That much loss. That many lives...

All because the Southerners decided it was time to take revenge on us by siding all the lowers on their side.

My mind screamed at me to something about it, but there was nothing I could do. Nothing but grieve them.

Or I could avenge them. By the help of some less sadistic people.

But first... "What about my parents? The other Elite?"

"All fine, sir. Your mother has been hysterical though."

I knew that already. She must have cried herself out. Her fear of losing me was such great. But it was good they all were safe. For now.

I would do anything to make everything right. Even if it meant making a few deals with another set of rebels. If I had to the devilish version of anything just to wipe the Southern rebels out, I wouldn't mind it either. There goes the consequences. They all were gone—the only thing left was to plan when and how.

When they all were done checking us for any injuries or any suspicious thing in the room, they gave us the permission to go. With her hand still in mine, I made my way out of the room that had been our sanctuary for the night.

"Is she out yet?" I wondered. I still had no idea how much time had passed since everything control was regained. It must have been hours. Or minutes.

"Everyone is." Markson answered, walking just behind us. "We missed a few of the small safe rooms and were doing a second sweep, hoping to find you and Lady America."

Before I could ask any other question racing in my head, my eyes fell on everything that had happened and my legs stopped moving.

Outside was a bigger mess than anything else. There were rubbles everywhere. Debris and broken bricks, glass pieces and broken windows, wooden staffs and stones, broken lights and bodies everywhere. Blood was splattered all over the walls and floor—blood of all the guards that sacrificed their lives for us or the staff that weren't able to find a place to hide in time. A message, just for us, was repeated all over the walls—WE'RE COMING—and if I was correct, with blood. That all wasn't the worst part, though. It was the gouges in the walls, their pathetic attempts to enter the safe rooms.

Their attempts may have been futile, but their intentions and methods weren't. They were getting impatient, and ruthless along with that.

I might've found myself held by them as a captive if I wasn't escorted to a safe room in time. America would have been in the fallen list, or held as a leverage against us, if she'd followed through what she wanted to do yesterday—stroll through the garden.

My hand tightened around her. I had been appreciating our time together that I forgot to thank the gods for letting her be safe. If anything would have happened to her...

"Miss?" another guard stepped forward to America while I stepped away from her and talked with Markson to know what all happened.

"Is there anything that I need to know?"

Markson exhaled slowly. "Yes." His forehead creased with worry lines as he told me, "We were able to capture a couple of rebels, but just like before they all carried poison with them, which they swallowed when they found out they were about to be prisoned."

"It's bad." I agreed.

He nodded. "Is there anything you would like to know."

"Yes. But before that, I want you to go upto Justin, my butler, and tell him to inform my parents about where I am, where I was and that I'm safe. Tell him that I want that leather purse right this instant as an apology to make my Mom worry. Immediately." I knew Justin would know instantly what I meant and what I wanted him to do.

Markson gave me a confused look, no doubt wondering if I'd gone mad, but then he nodded and went on his way.

Now that I was done with that, I called for another guard and asked for the details, if timing and the numbers and everything else that I should know. The attack lasted for an hour. The casualties on their side were threefold than ours. It has been almost twelve hours since everything was brought into control. They'd been trying to find us since then but they couldn't find us. They were on second round of sweeping in all safe rooms and luckily stumbled upon us.

Once done, I went back to America, who was being told by a guard about the latest decision of the king—of the Elite's family being secured by the guards. "The king was adamant that none of the girls should go."

Why would he suggest that when he knew better Natalie would ask to go now more than ever?

"What if they want to?" I challenged. "We can't hold them here against their will."

"Of course, sir. You'll need to speak with the king." He looked as if he wanted to escape from me as fast as possible.

"You won't have to guard my family long." America promised.

The guard looked at him as if he wasn't hearing it properly. He looked at her then turned towards me. I nodded my head. This was true. America was leaving. Despite everything, she was leaving.

The guard agreed, leaving us after sketching a bow to us.

Now that my work here was done, I asked him if Mom was in her room. He answered affirmatively. I told him to go inform her I'll be with her in a few minutes. The guard nodded and left us.

We were alone again. Except this time the lights weren't dim, the space wasn't small, and sure enough it was nice. Unlike where we were standing.

I threaded my hand once again with hers, giving her a small smile, which she returned just as hesitantly. "Don't rush away. Say good-bye to your maids and any of the girls if you want. And eat something." This time my smile was big, and real. "I know how you love the food."

Her returning smile was big as well. "I will."

There was nothing left to say. Whatever we had to say had been done. Now it was time. For me to try to fix things up.

This was goodbye.

In case things didn't work for me, this one was final.

Leaning my forehead against hers, I murmured, "You've changed me forever. And I'll never forget you."

She ran her free hand, the one that held my bracelet—over my coat, straightening it. "Don't tug your ear with anyone else. That's mine."

"A lot of things are yours, America." Like my heart. The word darling.

Just like I was hers.

She swallowed. "I need to go."

I nodded in understanding. I knew what she meant. If this was goodbye, then it better happen now else both of us won't be able to follow through it.

I kissed her one last time. On her lips. And then ran down the hall to where my mother was waiting up for me.

Mom was seated on the bed, the king beside her. "Mom!" I said, announcing myself. The next thing I knew was Mom hugging me close to her, me embracing her tightly. From over her head I looked at my father and nodded once in greeting. He gave me the same greeting.

She mumbled something but it was all incoherent. I chuckled, placing my chin on her head. "Look at you, all worn out!"

She swatted on my arm. "Shut up. You put me through hell yesterday when I couldn't find you anywhere in the safe room." She sniffed once. "You have no idea how worried I was when we were told no one could find you anywhere!"

"I am fine, Mom." I assured her, my eyes on the king. "I was on the first floor," she gasped. "Relax. I got away just in time. America was with me as well. We took shelter in a guard's room."

I felt her relax a little in my arms. "I was just about wondering why you looked so much lively today in spite of everything that happened."

"A few minutes ago you were in a hell due to my absence, so I guess I might keep the topic away for a little while. I was worried you'd get yourself in trouble, so I came here as fast as I could."

She gave me a glare. "Trouble! You are saying that! Care to explain why you were on the first floor in the first place?"

My eyes went hard as they landed on the king once again. "Trying to clear my head." I surmised. She didn't know anything and I wanted to keep it just that way. "After I was done with Father, I wanted to go for a little walk. I stumbled on America. And then everything happened. I told a guard to give you the news but he didn't make it."

"I know." She murmured, her voice so gravely. "The loss we suffered."

"I know. The first floor is unrecognisable."

The king, who was silent since I came in the room, shifted a little. "At least we know now that you were right about your source. The Southern rebels have gone all wild now. We have to be more careful than ever."

"I know." Everything will worsen now with the threat of these rebels looming over us. It was just a matter of time before they made their next move, which meant I needed to talk with the Northern rebels sooner rather than later. "How are the Elites by the way?"

"Worried." She murmured. "Natalie almost lost it, but thanks to Kriss and Elise, she was able to sit through it. She wanted to go as fast as possible," her gaze shifted to her husband, "but your Father refused, saying everything should happen with a procedure. I can't say he's wrong, but Natalie..."

"I'll see what I can do. Why don't you rest for a while. I have some work to do. Sir?"

He nodded, getting my meaning, and stood up. He kissed Mom on the top of her head. "I'll join you in a few minutes, love. Save something for me."

"Come fast. And, Maxon," she turned towards me, "No more wandering in the dark. I don't want anything like that to happen ever again." I nodded. Neither did I.

I kissed her forehead. "Wait for me for breakfast?" she nodded, singing, "I'll be waiting!" I chuckled.

The king motioned for me to take the lead. I made my way to his office in the next wing. Once in, he took his usual place and I sat in front of him. Charles had already arranged coffee and was waiting for us. He served him his usual coffee and a black coffee for me. The king then ordered him to leave us alone. "I am glad to see you're fine." He murmured, taking a sip.

I ignored that. "I was there on the first floor because I was in no condition to stand or walk. I could hardly see anything let alone defend myself, because of what happened yesterday! Because of you and your actions! If it wasn't for America, I wouldn't be here but with the rebels, used as a leverage. She used her wits and helped me get in a safe room as fast as possible with the help of a guard who didn't make the night."

"What did she do?" he murmured, an almost triumphant smile on his face. He was not buying it.

I knew what he thought—America is involved with the rebels. There was no way he would consider my story if I didn't present it well. I was walking on s thin line between half truths and lies. I didn't want to fall.

"She was there as well, wanting to go in the gardens but the rebels came first. She helped me walk and with the help of a guard, made sure I was safe first. She didn't even worry about herself."

"Or maybe it was her plan all along." He suggested, sipping his coffee luxuriously. "Why would she be wandering in the gardens after what she di—"

This again!

"Don't you blame this on her." I gulped my whole cup in a sip, placing it on the desk with a loud thud. "I told you once and I'm saying it again: she isn't with rebels. Stop trying to make something out of nothing. I'm here just to inform you that as it is my Selection, it's my place to decide who leaves and who stays. And I say Natalie goes. It makes the perfect sense. Her family needs her. And America needs to be awarded for her bravery. I won't do that by eliminating her. Yes. What she did yesterday was inappropriate, but I talked to her. She'll behave from now on. Just because she saved me doesn't mean she earned her place again. She'll have to earn her place again, without lashing out irrationally. I'll make sure of it."

"So that's it? You're informing me?" There was something in his voice I couldn't place. Something like resignation. As if he was just playing with me, already knowing what would happen. It didn't make any sense, yet if he was going to consider it...

"I guess I learnt just from you that I am big enough to take my own decisions."

"You'll regret it. She isn't worth it."

I stood up. "And I'll decide that when the time comes, but now's not the time. She saved my life and I'll pay her back by keeping her here. I should go. Mom must be waiting for me. I promised her breakfast. Just like you taught me, I don't go back on my word."

He raised his cup as a salute. He understood what I mean. He knew I was talking about his almost promise of not interfering in my Selection any more. "As you want. But on one condition."

I had a good idea of what it will be, but still I asked, "And that will be?"

"If she pulls any such stunt again—anything that creates problems or riots—she goes out. I am only allowing to neglect this one because she saved you. But this is the last time she gets any lifeline. Pass on the message along."

"It won't happen."

"Why do I doubt that. Anyway. Enjoy your breakfast." I started to walk away. When I was near to the door he stopped me. "And, Maxon, your Mom was right. No more wandering around. Curfew rules applies to you as well. You are the heir. I am very glad you're all well, but there's no need to pull such a stunt again. I hope you inform your Elites. And this is for Natalie." He presented me an envelope. "This has some money in it, along with a few pictures of Lacey from Halloween. We can't change anything, but I hope you pass it anyway. Maybe it'll help them."

I took the envelope from him. I didn't know about the consolation price, but I hoped Natalie would appreciate her sister's photos. It was generous of him to do so.

For a brief moment I wondered about who my Father actually was: a tyrant king, a psychotic person who didn't remember who is he anymore; a devoted husband who actually forgot his wife existed for a small period of time when I was a teenager; or a masked person whom I haven't been able to recognise yet. Everytime I thought I knew him, or knew what he was upto, I always got him wrong.

Even now, he was so easy on America staying, when he was so adamant on eliminating her just last night.

"You may think I'm a sadist, Maxon," how did he know what I was thinking? "but I know what such loss does to a person. You were right: Natalie should go. That's the only reason America's staying here. But—"

"She won't do anything stupid or irrational. I promise."

"Make sure of it."

I tilted my head a little as a bye and left the room.

First I made my stop in my room. Justin was waiting for me, pacing all over in the small space. When he saw me, he gave me a quick but firm hug. "Thank God, you're safe! You got all of us worried last night."

"Sorry." I murmured, taking a seat on my bed. He sat beside me. "Did you get my message?"

He gave me a nod. "I contacted Kent German. He'll be sending us details he found out by today evening. But, I was wondering if he's the right person for this...He just had a daughter..."

I sighed. "I know. I was just thinking about the same. We already lost so many people last night. I can't steal a father from a little girl. But if not him then we need another person whom we could trust. And as of now I don't even trust the next guy."

"Then what about a teenage girl who just lost her parents?"

There was something twisted about the way he smiled. His grey eyes were twinkling in mischief, like it always did when he found a loophole in the rules.

"What are you talking about?" I asked him carefully. I already had a hint that whatever he'll say will be as much clever as if with be stupid.

"Aaron and Karen Ester. They were in the staff members who lost their lives under the attack." He gave me a few documents from under his pocket. "I searched them. They had a daughter: Juliette, sixteen. She served as a handmaid when the princess of Italy was here. While digging in, I found out she survived last night. She has no one left as a family. We can send her as our agent. Kent will provide us information how to accompany the rebels. Sharon can train her." He gave me a look which promised trouble as well as results. "Motive. Skills. Innocence." He ticked the three things on his fingers. "Everything is here. She's young, so no one will doubt her. She is a girl, that means she'll be just a distraction for them, which will work in our benefit. She has to do nothing just send us information that she finds important."

"I don't know. It's too risky. Especially for a small child." But when I pondered more over it, I realized it was the best option we had of now. A girl. Helpless. Wanting revenge. The perfect recipe for getting in the Southern rebels. No one will doubt her of anything. "But...We have no idea if she is trustworthy. Sure she was under Nicoletta, but just that won't qualify. I want to meet her personally. If I find her perfect for this whole thing, if she agrees to it, then we'll see what happens."

"Sure. But just to inform you, I've already set things in motion. I knew you'd agree. She's to meet us before lunch, in the woods. Sharon will be there as well, to comfort her if she isn't comfortable with us."

"Good. What does Sharon thinks of this?"

"She's against the whole thing, but she knows it's our best chance of getting someone in.

"How do you always get the perfect information in desperate times?"

"You made me your eyes and ears for a reason, Maxon." He squeezed my shoulder. "Don't worry about her. I won't risk her life. We'll make sure of that."

"I hope you're right. Can you pass on my message to Kriss? She will be expecting me for breakfast. Tell her to arrange something else. Mom's waiting for me for breakfast."

"Is that so? Because I just got a breakfast invitation from the queen herself."

I shook my head. "Where were you last night?"

"I was in the kitchen area when the attack happened. Oh, Maxon! If was hell incarnate down there." He shook his head, no doubt reliving things he'd seen down there.

"No wonder she was out of her mind. If anything had happened to you or me,"

"Sometimes I wonder what she sees in me to treat me as her son, but then I stop thinking about it. I'm just happy to have a mother figure in my life. That too the queen herself."

I chuckled. "Now go. I'll join you two in a few minutes. I just need to clear myself."

He clasped my shoulder again and stood up. "Come soon. I'm starving!"

"Me too."

.

.

.

Breakfast with them was as good as it could get. We talked about everything we saw last night. Mom paled a few times as we both shared our experiences but we both assured her that everything was fine—as fine as if could get now. The major point was when they I shared my talk with the king this morning. Justin whistled and Mom smiled. Her exact words were, "I'm glad you both are trying to work things out."

Justin just snickered. "Tell us more. What happened last night?"

Mom slapped his arm, but laughed along with him. "Don't mind him." She said, giving him a glare. "But you have to tell me everything."

If I could blush, my cheeks would have been blazing right now. "Nothing happened, Mom. We talked. Sorted our problems. Nothing else."

This time Justin howled with laughter. "So," he gasped for breath as he was still laughing, "you're telling me that you two were locked up in a secluded room known to almost no one, and get you two just talked."

I gave him a simpering grin. "Not everyone is as ruthless to rules as you are, Justin."

"Man, you're losing your touch. Or maybe—"

I cut him off by showing him my butter knife. "Just don't!"

Mom laughed this time. "You don't have to feel shy or anything, Maxon. Your whole face will burn elsewise."

"Not you, too!" I moaned.

She laughed. "Sorry but I can't let of such an amazing opportunity. And since you aren't telling me everything, I think I've earned my right to tease you as I want."

"You are presumptuous. And you," I gave my brother the best glare I had, "I'll see you later. Now, if you both will excuse me, I have to go meet Natalie."

Mom gave me a pat on my hand. "Make sure she is right."

"I will."

I sent Justin a pointed look. He understood it correctly—I will go to Natalie but after I do one more thing. He just mouthed one word and I affirmed by giving him a small nod. "I guess I'll see you later, Justin. How about in half hour?"

He told me he'll be there. Before Mom could get suspicious, he told her, "Sharon will come this afternoon. If you'd like to meet her..."

I didn't hear their. It was between Mom and him. I made my excuses and went down to kitchen area. I'd sent a coded letter to Agatha when I was alone, asking her to arrange a meeting with Marlee. I'd been trying to meet her since a long time but something always came in between. When Justin told me the rebels had reached the kitchen area as well, I just wanted to make sure Marlee was safe and well.

As asked, I met Marlee in her room. She'd flung herself at me as soon as she saw me. "I heard you went all MIA last night. And so did America. I was so scared. Carter kept telling me you both will be fine and I hoped he's right, but we hadn't heard of you." She leaned back, looking at me, "Are you alright? Were you harmed? How is she? Oh, Maxon! Please say something—"

"Marlee! Marlee! Take a deep breath. Calm down. You're overstressing. As you can see, I'm alright. And so is she."

"Oh, Maxon!" she hugged me again. "I was so worried."

"I know. That's why I came to meet you as well. I was worried of you as well."

"Will it be inappropriate if I want to hold you for another minute? I haven't seen any familiar face in—"

"Shh, Marlee. You can. You don't have to explain me why."

I felt her body shaking as she cried. "It was so bad! They reached here, and were barging in the rooms by breaking the doors. We were lucky no one entered this lane. Carter still can't walk without limping a little. If they'd barged in—"

"I'm so sorry you had to go through this." I mumbled in her shoulder.

"I know. Me as well."

"Are you regretting—"

"No. I only regret I know nothing on how to protect myself. Carter still shelters me from everything, and I let him. But if we continue this, I should know how to defend m he promised to teach me self-defence once he's all well."

"I'll see what I can do for that." I made her lean back and looked at her properly. Her blond hair, which at one point used to sparkle like sunlight, was all dull and messy. Her cheeks were a little hollow, her hands filled with calluses. She was wearing a peach gown which was completely covered in stains. Still, after all these, her smile wasn't dimmed a little. Her eyes still sparkled with happiness.

"You look exquisite, Marlee."

She waved her arm, laughing. "Sure. Would you like some scones?" she went to the shelf lined up by the wall and took out a tin. It was filled with almost every flavoured scone. "Agatha lets me take them. She's so wonderful, Maxon. She treats me like her daughter." Seeing her like this, real happiness radiating off of her, I was more than jubilant.

Her smile faltered a little.

"Do you want me to arrange a small talk with your parents?"

She closed her eyes for a second, swallowing all her emotions back. "It's better if they're not included in this mess. How's Natalie? I heard about Lacey. She and Vera had become such close friends in no time."

"She's as fine as she could be now. I haven't talked with her yet. It won't be easy. To learn that you're eliminated."

"Oh." She slumped on her chair. "She'll be devastated."

"I know."

We spent our time together by discussing everything. There was so much I had to tell her, so much she wanted to tell me. She told me about her life now and how she was enjoying it, even if it was little hard. I filled her in with my relationship with America and what she did yesterday.

In no time there was another of the coded knock on the door. I knew who it will be. "It was nice to meet you, Marlee, after such a long time."

She laughed as she stood up as well. "Well, next time don't take this long to come meet me. And come in the earlier hours, if you may? Carter wants to meet you as well."

"I'll try." I promised as I gave her one last hug. "Be safe. And if you want anything, or want to talk to me, tell Agatha. She'll send me the message. Okay?"

She nodded and stepped back. "Stay safe."

I gave her a nod and a kiss on her cheek as I joined Justin outside her room. He waved Marlee a hello and commented how beautiful she looked which made her laugh.

Soon enough we were on our way to the back of the palace in the woods. "If the king knows we are already breaking the rules, he'll hang us by our legs."

I laughed, because it was no where near truth. "Nah. I don't think it'll be that bashful. It will be something more... harsh. Like setting us free in the woods..."

He laughed. "Think of all the things we can do there."

I laughed as well as we created a whole new scenario until we were joined by Sharon. She gave me a quick embrace and a deep kiss to Justin as greetings. "Do I want to know why you both are snickering like kids?" We both shrugged, trying hard not to laugh at her scowl. "Just wait till we're done here. I don't want to scare the little girl, but then you both will suffer. Speaking of that girl, where is she?"

"Agatha was to bring her here." Justin answered.

Just as he said that, Agatha came in through the back door, her apron still tied to her waist. A redhead walked beside her. It must be Juliette. She was slim and slender. Brown eyes, hollow cheekbones, old dress and torn sandals adorning her feet. She ducked her head in embarrassment as she looked at Sharon, who was dressed as a model herself—golden brown hair half tied up and half falling down her shoulder, dressed in black, her cheeks tainted with a rich blush—while Agatha made the introductions.

Agatha stood by a tree while Sharon talked to her. The girl—Juliette—cried a little, but it was the determination on my face which made me look at her. She was perfect for this. A face which screamed helplessness, eyes that promises determination to attain revenge.

Crossing my arms against my chest, I leaned against the tree. "She'll do, that is if Sharon is able to convince her."

Justin looked at the girl with some strange glance, as if his grey eyes could see something else in her, almost like assessing her. "She will do it. It's written all over her face. And it's Sharon we're talking about. You have to not know her to say that."

"I know. So, who's going to train her? I know Sharon will do just fine, but it's the rebels we're talking about. I don't want to take any risks. We need someone more experienced."

"How about me?"

I shook my head. There was no way he could do it. "No. You're infamous in here. Father will hear it sooner rather than later if it's you. Have you talked with Kent? Maybe he'll do it. He's on a leave anyway. She can stay at her place for a week?"

"No. It's too risky. The Southern rebels have seen him. We can't let them have any suspicion."

We both thought about other people who would do it. I thought about every other person I could think of. Carter. Warner. Pete. Justin recommended some as well but everytime the other said no. None of them were appropriate for it. I was still thinking about it when suddenly a face entered in my mind. "I guess I know who could do it." I murmured. "I don't know his name but he goes with the tag Officer Leger. I have no idea if he's trustworthy or not, but I know he's loyal. And he's new. He might just work."

Justin gave his approval. "Okay then. We'll talk to him. This evening?"

"Sure. But a secluded place. We can't afford to come here again and again."

"A safe room?"

"Which one? We need to be inconspicuous."

"The one in which we hid? It is less known."

But only today almost every guard on the first floor saw us coming out of that. "We'll see."

Sharon turned and gave us a nod. She patted her the girl's shoulder once and stepped closer to where we stood. "She'll work." She murmured, giving another look to the girl. Her face scrunched, her forehead creased with worry lines. "You both have five days to train her as good as possible, and then she's going to stay with me for a couple days. She'll be ready in a week." She turned to her and gave her her magic smile. "And then, my little one, you're going to rock the world of the ones who killed your parents."

Juliette gave a timid smile.

Agatha rejoined the girl, giving her a motherly smile. "Come, Juliette. If you're going to train, then you need to eat properly." She took the girl's hand and took her back inside.

When we three were once again alone, Sharon let out a deep breath. "I hope this works, else it's going to bounce back on our faces. And it will be her life as the price."

"I know, Sharon." I knew we were playing with fire in this, but we had no other choice. Relying on the Northern rebels wasn't the only solution. We had to know what they were planning and when. We had to remain a step ahead from now on. "That's why we won't let anything happen to her. I want you to remain in constant touch with her. If you feel anytime she's near to breaking, you call the whole thing off. You, and only you, have the veto power in this."

She breathed deeply again, leaning against a tree. "I hate this. She doesn't deserve to be a pawn." She let out a breath. "But I guess this is for the best."

"If is." Justin agreed. He held his girl by her waist. "Come. Let's go inside. Queen Amberly wanted to meet you." He gave me a wink. "And you, my friend, are going to talk with your girl, right?"

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Really, Justin?"

He howled while Sharon asked, "Who? What am I missing" Justin promised to tell her everything and went on his way.

Now alone, I prepared myself for what I have to do. Talk to Natalie.

It's going to be tough, I thought.

At least there was a silver lining in all these. America and I got another chance.

The only upsetting thing was, everything else was attached just by a thread. There was so much that could go wrong.

So much that could throttle us to the ground.