" I feel like this could go South."

" It didn't go South when my grandmother did it," I retored, pulling the front of the dress down a smidge. Kaya narrowed her eyes.

" Either way, it's gonna be fun to watch."

I grinned. " I know."

Kaya rolled her eyes, " And you claim to not like Holden." I turned, eyes flaming.

" I don't like him!" Kaya gave me an exasperated glance and sat onto the bed in a huff. Last night I had ignored Holden despite his looking at me every two minutes during dinner. Today was the first day we would be on the Royal Report and Kaya and I had designed my little bit of revenge all night. It would certainly be fun. And Gran's little trick was only the start. It had taken a little bribery and persuasion but luckily Kaya was friends with Avril Fadaye, she was glad to help. She had known Holden her entire life and was only a year older.

" If you say so," Kaya shrugged, disbelief blatant in her tone. I turned back to the mirror. Whether or not I liked him, this would certainly be fun.

Holden POV:

" Sorry I can't come to your Report, son."

I clasped my grandfather's hand, offering what I hoped was a genuine smile. He pulled his frail body up, sitting up. I carefully helped him, not bothering to argue that he should stay in bed. He was stubborn sometimes.

" You can't lie to me, son."

" It's honestly completely fine…"

" Not that. In my day, I was just as stupid as you when it came to love." I blanched, rubbing my hand over my neck. Love was a strong word. Like, maybe. Appreciate. Wish I could spend more time with you. I wish I could kiss her again… "How's Eve?"

" She's good."

" And the other girl?"

" Helia? She's good too. We had lunch today." Helia was sweet and quiet. She would make a good Queen. But she wasn't Eve. I liked her, though. And so did the Queen.

" Tell me."

I sighed, the truth pushing at my lips. The truth always wanted to come out. But I was afraid, the minute I spoke one they would all fall out, like drops of water over a cliff, until there was simply a waterfall of everything I had hidden, everything I had done, and everything I didn't do. Pop waited expectantly, waiting patiently with a look on his face that said this wasn't something he would give up on.

" I messed up."

" How?"

" I did something stupid," I wouldn't tell him why. Or what. This would have to suffice. Pop clasped his hands together.

" Son, I can see it in your eyes. You deserve happiness and so does she. Be honest, even if you don't want to tell me the truth, tell her. You owe her as much. You won't tell me but I can see it, son. I know I messed up in so many ways, my life, and your fathers. I didn't help him after he lost the love of his life and he lost his way. But I won't let the same happen to you. You carry the weight of the world on your back, and you deserve someone who will help you carry it. And Eve, Helia too, they can help." I pressed my lips together. His words slowly processed. I sighed, letting go of a little of the tension and rubbed my head that had begun to ache. Pop put his hand on my shoulder.

" You have headaches like my mother, go rest. And wear that blue tux to the Report. The girls will melt." I let out a laugh, one that wasn't forced or tainted with unreleased words. I stood with a new resolution.

" Thank you, Pop."

" Anytime, son. Now go away so this old man can sleep." I laughed again as I closed the door behind me. I rubbed my aching head again. Most likely because I hadn't eaten again today. But Lily was getting ungrounded tomorrow. It would be better. And today, today I would fix what I had done.

Kaya POV:

" We can't keep meeting like this," Jake said hurriedly. I nudged his shoulder.

" What? Lost your appetite for adventure," I pretended to gasp. " You haven't become boring have you?" Jake held back a grin but rolled his eyes, shoving me back. I laughed. This was the first time he had gotten close to laughing at one of our 'meetings'. It was good to see him back to his normal self.

" Kaya…"

" Jake…."

" We have new intel. The South is planning an attack. A big one."

" Her army won't stand a chance. Will she tell the Royals?"

" No, they won't do anything. And she has suspicions."

" What are we going to do, then? We can't let the attack happen. She has a plan though."

" What is it?"

" I can't tell you."

I huffed, crossing my arms. " What do I do?"

" You stay out of trouble," he said, his tone serious.

" She has to give me something!"

He sighed, "Fine. Look out for info. We know the South has people in the castle. See if you can find them."

I straightened my back. "On, it." Jake looked at me, taking a step forward.

" And Kaya, please, please stay safe."

" I will," I remarked confidently. He laughed this time, full out laughed. Frowning, I poked his chest.

" You have never acted smartly."

" I find that incredibly offensive."

" As you should."

" You are the most annoying person ever, Jake."

" That's why you love me," he blushed as he realized what he said. I looked down as my own face flushed red. Extending my hand I winked at him.

" It's true. I've missed this."

He extended his hand, a beautiful grin still plastered on his face. " I do my job."

" I do mine."

Evelyn POV:

Maybe Kaya was right. Maybe this was too much. Or maybe, it wasn't much at all, a little voice told me. I sighed, sitting on the bed, careful not to mess up what Aurora had done. I looked good, at least there was that. A tight black dress that had a low V-cut and a slit that reached up to my thigh.

" Eve?"

I pulled myself out of my reverie, looking at Allya.

" Are you alright?"

I nodded, shifting my expression.

" I said you look pretty."

" Not as gorgeous as you," I leaned towards her, " How's the little one?"

Allya's daughter was just about the cutest thing I had ever seen. I saw how upset she was at having to stay away from her. I had planned on speaking to Holden before the little forest incident. But if I convince Allya that it would be alright, maybe I could speak to King Maxon.

" She's wonderful," Allya smiled. " Now let's go!" I took a deep breath. It wasn't that bad. Everything would be just fine.

What are they planning? And what is the South planning? Sorry for all the switching I just thought it'd be fun to get a little insight into all the characters. Hope you liked it! Comment and favorite for faster updates! Happy reading and I hope everyone is well.

Fae