Sorry, guys. I realize that this chapter is a bit off timing according to The Favorite. I'm really sorry, but I hope you enjoy it. Thanks for sticking with me.

"America, come on!", Maxon yelled. I was so anxious to see what was there but I was in heels!

"Maxon, you try running in these heels!", I yelled. I straightened out my floral dress and stood up, grabbing Maxon's arm. We finally got there and the room was empty, except for a couple of advisors furiously scribbling something in their notebooks and 2 thrones on a stage in the corner.

"Ok, no you have to tell me what's going on Maxon", I told him in a mock-serious tone.

"Really, my dear, you can't wait any longer", he asked using his sweet voice and puppy dog face. I stood there looking at him with my arms crossed.

"Fine. You know how Marlee and Carter are expecting, right? Well, we decided. Why not name them casteless first? I mean the public can't even say anything about it because Marlee and Carter are eights, and we're naming all the other eights casteless in like a week as well", he explained. I stood there with a grin spreading my face. That was an amazing idea. Kissing Maxon on the cheek, we both went to sit down on the overly sized thrones set on the stage.

... ... ... ...

Fast forward till Marlee and Carter come

Marlee and Carter entered the room, hands linked together with worried looks flooding their faces. They scanned the room, taking in everything that was happening. I tried to look as ladylike as I could, though I was overjoyed by Marlee and Carter being the first 2 people named casteless. As soon as Marlee and Carter realized that they weren't in trouble, their faces overtook with confusion.

The guard led them to the blue carpet, bowed to Maxon, and left the room

"Your Majesty", Carter addressed Maxon, followed by a quick dip of his head. Marlee curtsied, still looking very confused as to what was happening.

"Carter and Marlee Woodwork", Maxon started to say. Marlee looked like she was about to explode with happiness when Maxon said "Woodwork".

"In light of your service to the crown, I, your king, am taking the liberty of undoing past punishments inflicted upon you", Maxon continued. Marlee and Carter exchanged glances, still looking very very confused as to what was happening. It was very different hearing Maxon speak like that, but he is King, and I am Queen.

"Of course, your physical punishment cannot be changed, but other stipulations may. Am I correct you both were sentenced to be Eights?

Carter spoke up, "Yes, your majesty"

"And it is also correct you have been living in the palace and doing the work of Sixes for the past 5 months"

"Yes, your majesty", Carter repeated.

"Is it also true that you, Mrs. Woodwork, served the queen when she was physically unwell?"

Marlee glanced up at me and smiled, "Yes, your Majesty."

"Is it also true that you, Mr. Woodwork have loved and cherished Mrs. Woodwork, a former Elite, and therefore precious Daughter of Illéa, giving her the best she could possibly have during these circumstances?" Carter looked down, unsure of what to say, debating everything.

Marlee then glanced at him, and without a doubt said, "Yes, your Majesty." I admired Marlee for everything she did for love, not regretting a single thing about it.

"In accordance with your service, I, King Maxon Schraeve, am relieving you of your caste assignments. You are no longer Eights. Carter and Marlee Woodwork, you are the first citizens in Illéa to be considered casteless", Maxon declared

Tears were fighting their way out of my eyes, as Marlee couldn't believe it.

"Casteless, your Majesty?", she asked, not believing a word of it. She glanced up at me, and I nodded

"correct. You are now at liberty to make two choices. First, you must decide whether you would like to continue to call the palace your home. Second, you can tell me what profession you would like to have. Whatever you decide, my fiancé and I will be happy to provide you with lodging and assistance. But, even after that, you will still have no caste. You will simply be yourselves," Maxon explained.

Marlee and Carter discussed for a second but they were too far from Maxon and I to hear.

Carter finally spoke up and explained that they would love to stay at the palace. I was so happy after he stated that one sentence. What could I do without Marlee? He also explained that he liked his job as groundskeeper and would like to keep it. Marley said that she would love to be my lady in waiting. That made me so happy, now I could spend more time with her.

Maxon and glanced at me and smiled. I smiled back at him but he seemed lost in my eyes.

He stood up straighter and said "let it be recorded that Carter and Marlee Woodwork have been forgiven of their past crimes and now live under the protection of the palace. Let it further say that they have no caste are above any such segregation."

I ran out of my seat, forgetting to be ladylike, but it didn't seem to matter at that point. We talked for a little bit, and I'd realized that I bought an marriage gift for Carter and Marlee since I couldn't be at their wedding. I forgot to give it to them, and this was the perfect time. I skipped back to my seat and grabbed the little box of rings.

After showing it to them, I explained to them that their strings were sweet, except they deserve something a little more permanent.

Marley and Carter exchanged rings, and it was so sweet. They looked so happy, and I was immediately so glad that I got this for them. I couldn't be at their wedding but at least I could get them rings.

More coming! Thanks!

-WRQueen