Evelyn POV:

Gran had put me in training class. So for the past couple of days I had been learning how to fight. And though it had been amazing, I walked home with weary limbs. And that was what I was doing again, walking down the dirt paths, passing the vendors and the people milling about. This place, for all its faults, was beautiful in it's own way. Here, your caste didn't matter. It didn't matter that I was in the Selection. Here I was just family and it was peaceful. But there were things I missed. People I missed.

Pausing at a food stand, I grabbed a dozen strawberries, grinning as I thought of my plan. Homemade strawberry tarts, she would be absolutely thrilled! The strawberries in hand, I bounded towards home, slamming the door open.

" Gran, you'll never guess…" I froze, my eyes flitting across the faces of those sitting before me.

" Evelyn," Kaya exclaimed, running up to me and squeezing me tight. I hugged her back, still shocked at her presence.

" Kaya, what are you doing…"

She pulled away, " We came with the Prince." I turned back to look at Holden who was standing, stock straight while staring at me. Gran sat next to him, a small smirk on her withered face. The Guard I remembered as Jake stood next to Kaya, his posture perfect.

" Hey," he smiled. I felt my cheeks redden. The people I missed. Gran stood suddenly, turning to Kaya and Jake.

" Let us begin heading to the Hall. Eve and the Prince can join later." Kaya winked at me then started out the door, Jake followed close behind her. The door shut. I exhaled a breath I hadn't known I'd been holding.

" So…" Holden started. I turned to him, taking in his features. His eyes. His stupid embarassed smile. Him. Before he could utter another stupid phrase I ran towards him and wrapped my arms around him.

" I missed you," I whispered as his arms wrapped around me. I know we never defined the relationship, and there had been so much up and down. But now, whatever happened, I already knew. Just as Gran had once known. I loved him. Every part. Now, all that was left to know was whether or not he felt the same. When I had left, the Selection was…

" I'm so glad you're okay."

" Why would I not be?"

He looked at me strangely, " Because the Queen…"

" Oh," I laughed, "Yeah." I can't believe I had forgotten. A few days could change everything. I looked up at Holden, pressing my hand to his face. He closed his eyes, his smile dropping.

" If she had actually gotten you, I don't what would have happened. Actually, I do. The Queen would already be in power."

I looked at him in confusion.

" The Queen tried to blackmail me," he continued. " She wanted the throne for your life. Jake had told me you were okay but it still scared me. I...I don't know what I would do without you Evelyn. You're...you're my air."

I laughed, " That was…"

" Cheesy, I know." He grinned. " How else can I prove I love you as much as I do."

" Like this," I smiled, pressing my lips to his.

Jake POV:

We had been waiting for nearly half an hour when Eve and Holden came to join us. Their faces were slightly flushed and they looked...happier. I chuckled a little, quashing the slightly jealousy that wrapped inside of me. They could be together. But being with the person I wanted to be with seemed so far away. I looked down.

When I looked up again, Kaya was sitting and chatting with Eve while Holden had moved next to me. The grin still remained on his face. It was a good day for him, reuniting with his mother and his lover. Good for him.

I was in the midst of deciding whether or not I should try striking up a conversation with the Prince when the door opened and two guards strode in, the Former Queen tagging close behind a wide smile on her face.

" Holden?" She asked eagerly, scanning our faces before stopping at Holden's. Holden's face mirrored hers.

" How about we give the mother and son some alone time," I announced standing. Kaya and Eve nodded quickly and stood, following me through the door. I glanced at Kaya on my way out. She was still talking to Eve, her hair slightly in her face, a smile plastered on her face. She was beautiful. I gritted my teeth and turned back to the room I was in. Another sitting room. All hope was not lost. If the Former Queen was defeated, maybe…

It was no good thinking about the future. Something big was coming and I had to protect Kaya. After that...after that, who knew what could be.

Holden POV:

I hadn't known how much I truly missed Mom. I had gotten so wrapped up in the Selection and my sibling and the Queen… the thought that I had forgotten Mom made me feel guilty. But she was here now. And so was Eve. They were safe, they were here. But unfortunately, so was the Queen.

" So Holden, dear, how are you? I want to know absolutely everything."

" A lot's happened. I don't even know where to start?"

" What about the Selection? Eve…" she said, raising her eyebrows. I used to hate it when she tried to learn about my love life, usually because it was a reminder that I didn't have one. But now, it made me giddy like a young boy.

" Eve's great, Mom. She's everything I ever wanted."

Mom looked intrigued, despite the strange look that passed over her face. "Tell me more," she urged.

" She's a bit stubborn. And a little hot headed. She didn't like me very much when she arrived. But, Mom, she's perfect. She wants to do so much, and honestly, she had everything she needs to change the world. She's smart and caring, and…"

" You found her." Mom's eyes were watering as she watched me. I stood to sit beside her and put my hands over hers.

" I'm here to help you Mom, So you can come back home." A tear rolled down her cheek, to the edge of her smiling lips. She placed a gentle hand on my face, examining my features like she was trying to find the young boy she had once known.

" I'm so proud of you, Holden."

" Thank you, Mom." I didn't want to cut our time short, I had so much to tell her. But I couldn't forgot about the Queen. About how her threat still hung over our heads. How every time I saw her it seemed we were getting closer and closer to something big. " Now, what are we doing about that Queen?"

Mom's expression turned sour and her eyes darkened. " That spiny coward doesn't deserve to be called Queen."

" I know that more than anyone. But I'm guessing you have a plan."

" Of course, I do."

" Let's do it. I'm saving the country from that spiny coward," I smirked, using the same words as my mother.

Sorry for the long wait! Here's the next part. I can't believe this story is almost over! Hope you guys like it.