A/N: Sorry, sorry, I forgot again. It is still technically Friday, though! Really quick- a guest reviewed last week and left me their email to respond to, but that is an issue for two reasons. One, ff dot net blocks out emails and URLs on reviews (and maybe in PMs too? And chapters, apparently, as I struggle to format this A/N) so I don't actually know what your email is. Two, I'm not going to reply over email, because I don't want to give my email out! The only way you're getting a response is being signed in, and I hope you do! I've had some really fun conversations with people. (Also, someone complained that I haven't updated in two years, but... I definitely have? I promise I've been updating regularly for a month or two).

OH, ALSO, you should notice a username change! I am now IWishBeautifulThings so my usernames are common across non-personal social media platforms (Etsy, Archive of Our Own, Encora, etc, but not Instagram). I've left my previous username in all my story summaries, so you can find me that way if you need to.

That was not really quick. I'm sorry. Enjoy! Much love to you all.

"Private lessons?" Silvia asks. "As in, several a week?"

"Absolutely," I reply.
For the first time since I arrived, I am truly grateful for Silvia. I know that there is no way she'll be able to resist having someone willing to hang on her every word; and if she is making me do extra work, it means I can keep myself busy.

Thinking about Maxon and everything that is going to change in the next few months is too much. Ever since we spoke with the Queen I haven't been able to stop thinking about what she said about supporting Maxon. At face value, that seems so easy. But what does that mean? Is there even a way to know before we get married?

Protocol is black-and-white. The steps for proposing a law are orderly. These are things I can master. Need to master. I shake my head gently to clear these thoughts.

Silvia looks at me, still slightly stunned, before she breaks into a huge smile. Embracing me, she cries out, "Oh, this will be wonderful. Finally one of you understands how important this is!" She holds me at arm's length. "When do you want to get started?"

"Now!"

She is bursting with delight. "Let me go get some books."

I dive into her studies, so grateful for the words and facts and statistics she crams into my head. If I'm not with Silvia, I am reading up on something she's assigned me as I spend countless hours in the Women's Room, all but tuning out the other girls. I work, and I am excited about the next time the five of us have a joint class.

Maxon teases me when we see each other, which is every night, if only for half an hour. Sometimes it's in one of our rooms, sometimes in the garden, one time we watched a movie. He still has to spend time with the other girls, but he tells me about it before. We've worked out a pretty good system. If he can, he'll stop by my room on the way to breakfast, or he'll send me a note. The best part is when the girls will come back and try to keep it a secret. Sometimes I think about dropping hints that I know what they did, but that would do more harm than good.

~PtG~

One afternoon just after lunch, the King enters the Women's Room after sending a maid to ask permission from the Queen. He greets his wife, then turns to all of us. "As there are so few of you now, I thought it would be nice for us to have tea tomorrow night before the Report. Since one of you will be our new daughter-in -law, the queen and I would like to make more opportunities to speak with you, learn your interests and such."

I feel a little nervous. Relating to the queen is one thing, but I'm not sure how I feel about the king. While the other girls watch him eagerly, I glance back down at the book in front of me.

"Please come an hour before the Report to the lounge on the first floor. If you're not familiar, don't worry. The doors will be open, and there will be some music playing You'll hear us before you see us," he says with a chuckle. The others giggle lightly in return.

He chats with the queen for a bit, but leaves before too long. I try to turn back to my studies, but the girls seem particularly chatty today.

"I wonder what the king wants to know about us," Kriss gabs

"We just have to remember everything Silvia taught us about poise," Elise comments.

"I hope my maids have a good dress for tomorrow night. I don't want to have to go through what I did for Halloween. They're so scatterbrained sometimes." Celeste sounds put out.

"I wish the king would grow a beard," Natalie says wistfully. I peek over my shoulder to see her stroking an imaginary bear on her own chin. "I think he'd look good,"

"Yes, I can see that," Kriss says graciously before moving on.

I shake my head and try to focus back on the book about the Swendish government that Silvia has assigned to me, but no matter how I try, I can't tune out the words of the other girls.

By dinner, I am a ball of nerves. Will Maxon tell him about us? Will he hate me? If Maxon doesn't tell him, what will he want to say to me- the girl from the lowest caste left in the competition? What will he want to discuss with the girl he expects so little from?

~PtG~

King Clarkson is right. I hear the floating melody from the piano long before I find the lounge The musician is good. Better than me, that's for sure.

I hesitate before walking in. I decide to pause before I speak, really think about my words. I realize I want to prove him wrong. I want to prove that reporter wrong, the one from the magazine Celeste showed me. I don't want people to be disappointed when we are finally able to tell people.

Maxon was busy last night, something about security briefings, so I haven't even been able to find out if the king knows or not. No pressure.

I step through the door, and the first thing I see is Maxon standing along the back wall of the room talking to Gavril Fadaye. Gavril is sipping wine as opposed to tea, and he's suddenly lost Maxon's attention. I see Maxon's eyes rake over me, and I could swear his lips make the shape of a Wow.

I turn my head and blush, walking away. I take the risk of glancing at him again and see that he is watching me move. It is hard to think rationally when he looks at me that way.

King Clarkson is talking to Natalie in one corner, and Queen Amberly is with Celeste in another. Elise is sipping her tea, and Kriss is walking around the room. I watch as she passes Maxon and Gavril, giving Gavril a warm smile. She says something, which they both chuckle at, and keeps walking, peeking over her shoulder at Maxon as she does so.

After that, she makes her way to me. "You're late," she jokingly scolds.

"I was feeling a little nervous."

"Oh, it's nothing to worry about. It was actually kind of fun."

"You're already done?" If the king is finished speaking with at least two girls, I'd have less time to compose myself than I thought.

"Yes. Sit with me. We can have some tea while you wait."

Kriss pulls me over to a table, and a maid approaches us immediately, setting tea, milk, and sugar in front of us.

"What did he ask you?" I press.

"Actually, it was very conversational. I don't think he's trying to get any information exactly, more like he's trying to get a feeling for our personalities. I made him laugh once!" she gushes. "It went really well. And you're naturally funny, so if you just talk like you would to anyone else, you'll be fine"

I nod before picking up my tea. She makes it sound alright. Maybe the king has to compartmentalize himself. When it comes to dealing with threats to the country, he has to be decisive, cold. He has to act quickly and deliberately. This is just tea with a bunch of girls. There is no need for him to be that way with us.

The queen has moved away from Celeste and is now speaking softly to Natalie. The look on Natalie's face is adoring. For awhile I was irritated by her dreamy disposition, but she is simple, and it is refreshing.

I sip my tea again. King Clarkson drifts over to Celeste, and she gives him a seductive smile. It's a little disturbing. Where are her boundaries?

Kriss leans over to touch my dress. "That fabric is amazing. With your hair, you look like a sunset."

"Thank you," I say, blinking my eyes. The light has caught on her necklace, an explosion of silver on her throat, and it blinds me for a moment. "My maids are very talented.

"Absolutely. I like mine, but if I become princess, I'm stealing yours!"

She laughs, maybe meaning her words as a joke, maybe not. Either way, I hide a sly smile behind my teacup. Not a chance, Kriss.

"What's so funny?" Maxon asks, walking over.

"Just girl talk," Kriss says flirtatiously. She is really on tonight. "I was trying to calm America. She's nervous about speaking to your father."

Thank you for that.

"You don't have a thing to worry about. Be natural. You already look fantastic." Maxon gives me an easy smile. It calms me more than I would think, but I like it.

"That's what I said!" Kriss exclaims. They share a quick look, and there is this feeling of them being on a team. I don't like it, but there isn't much I can do about it. That doesn't stop a stab of jealousy from shooting through me, though.

"Actually, Kriss, I was hoping to get a word with America. Would you mind?"

"Oh, not at all," she says calmly. She hesitates for a fraction of a second, then squeezes Maxon's hand as she walks over to talk to Elise.

Maxon smiles warmly at me, but keeps his distance. "So, you were talking about me?"

I roll my eyes with a grin. "No. Not everything's about you, you know."

"Ah, but it is, my dear."

I narrow my eyes. "What did you want to tell me?"

Maxon pouts for a moment. "I wanted to give you a heads up that I told him."

I freeze, and fiddle with my necklaces. "Oh." I'm not sure what else to say.

"I meant what I said; you don't need to worry, just be yourself."

I glance over at the king, who is now engaged in a conversation with Natalie; the queen is with Celeste. While she doesn't seem unfriendly, she definitely isn't as warm as she was when I met with her. The thought would make me smile, if I weren't so nervous.

"But aren't we trying to make him like me?" I whisper. "I need to be different so he won't fight against us."

"Love," Maxon says gently. "I don't want you to pretend you're someone you're not. I won't pretend he was thrilled with the news, but he wasn't angry. I wouldn't argue if you wanted to pretend to be a little more pliable, just around him, but you don't even have to do that. Just be polite, and everything will be fine."

I see the king move towards us out of the corner of my eye. "He's coming," I whisper. I don't lower my voice out of secrecy this time; I don't think I could speak louder if I tried.

"Calm down, darling," Maxon says. This time, he squeezes my hand, and goes to move away.

"No, no," King Clarkson says when he gets within speaking range. "Stay, Maxon."

"Of course, Father," he says respectfully, standing next to me.

"So," the king says cooly. "I hear congratulations are in order." He turns his face to me, and I see his eyes fasten on Maxon's necklace that hasn't come off since Halloween.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." I try to keep my voice from trembling as I sink into a curtsy. Maxon lightly places his hand on my back, and I'm grateful.

"I must say, I was surprised. I had not expected my son to bestow his favor upon one so… ill-prepared to live life as a princess."

Maxon sucks in a breath beside me. My spine crackles with anger, but I leash it.

"Father-"

"I would have thought the same," I say calmly, pretending I didn't hear Maxon speak. "I cannot pretend I ever expected this, but I am grateful all the same. I learn to better myself every day I am here, and that would be a priceless opportunity even if I weren't staying." I glance around to make sure no one hears my last words, and while the other girls are trying not to let on that they're staring, they are too far away to hear.

King Clarkson inclines his head. "Quite." I feel Maxon's eyes boring a hole into my skull, and my lips quirk up into a tiny smirk. "And how have you enjoyed your time at the palace? Beyond the obvious, of course."

"Oh, it's been wonderful," I say genuinely. "It took a little adjustment of course, but the gardens are so beautiful. And it has been lovely to be able to play the instruments in the Music Room. They are much nicer than the ones at home." I don't like admitting that, but it's an obvious fact, so I might as well. Anything to make this easier on Maxon.

"Yes, your focus is music. I remember," he responds. "Piano and violin, I believe?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. And voice."

"You must play for us soon," he says politely. "I seem to recall that you performed at Lady Kriss' birthday, but I was regrettably unable to attend."

"I did," I confirm. "And I would be honored, of course."

"I haven't heard you play other than that once," Maxon comments. "We should spend some time in the Music Room soon."

"If you like," I flush, which makes Maxon grin.

"Good evening," Queen Amberly says, coming to join us. I glance over and see the other girls fuming at my monopolizing of the entire royal family, but I can't do anything about it. Maxon notices though, and sighs. He squeezes my hip before going to talk to the rest of them after kissing his mother in greeting.

One more month. One more month of pretending like he isn't in love with me.

King Clarkson brings the queen's hand to his lips, and she smiles at him serenely before turning her attention to me.

"And how are you, dear?" she asks warmly.

"Well, thank you, Your Majesty," I say, rising from my curtsy. I've gotten fairly good at it, these last few months.

"Silvia mentioned to me that you asked for private lessons," she says casually. The king looks mildly surprised, which pleases me. "That was wise of you, I think."

"I'm pleased you think so," I say with a smile. "I know I have a lot to learn; I may as well get started."

"Well said," Queen Amberly responds with a gleam in her eyes. She glances over a clock on a small table. "Oh, look at that. I believe we'd best be heading downstairs."

"Yes, I agree," the king says, relaying the message to everyone else in the room. We all file out of the room, heading to the studio together.

I don't notice that Maxon is behind me until he whispers in my ear.

"You were wonderful."

I am so startled I nearly hit him, which makes him snort in laughter. Thankfully, he gets it under control before he is too distracting, but a few girls look our way nonetheless.

"Are you sure?" I ask quietly.

"Yes," he promises. "I'll see you after?"

I nod.

"Come to mine, I'll send for you?"

I nod, and he goes to join his parents. He falls into lockstep with his mother. She pats his back affectionately and he winces a bit. He must be embarrassed, which is endearing. The two of them speak softly as we all tread down the familiar path to the studio, and I find myself lost in thoughts of being a part of their little family in a few short months.

~PtG~

The Report goes well, but I'm distracted. The king says something about the New Asian war, and Maxon gives an update about his food assistance program, and I am plagued by the thought that I will be doing this every week, for the rest of my life. At least until my child takes over.

All of a sudden I want to throw up. I'm not sure why that thought rocks me more than me being a princess, but I spend the rest of the program focused on not losing my dinner. I manage to smile and clap in all the right places, but just barely.

On our way back up to our rooms, Kriss links arms with me.

"Are you alright?" she asks. "You look a little sick."

"I'm fine," I say. And it's true, now that we're away from the studio I'm starting to feel better.

"We're all jealous, you know." Her tone is teasing, but I know she's fishing for some information. "Getting to talk to Maxon and his parents all together like that."

"It wasn't anything important," I lie. "I think we were just running out of time and it was easier to all talk at once than to have two separate conversations. Maxon didn't stay long, you saw that."

"No, that's true," she says with a smile as we approach the wing with our rooms. "But still, you should know that Celeste was furious."

"What else is new?" I grumble. I don't want to push Maxon, but I really hope he sends her home soon.

Kriss gives me an affectionate squeeze when we reach my door. "I don't know what's bothering you, but it'll work out," she comforts me.

"Thanks." I'm not sure what she thinks is going on, but it's nice of her to care. "See you tomorrow."

She nods and heads off to her room.

Now that Maxon and I spend time together, my maids know not to come until later, and I often just ring for them. Sometimes I don't bother, but on Report nights they need to put away my dress precisely. I leave it hanging over the chair at my vanity after changing into something more comfortable and marvel at how peaceful I feel here. This truly is home to me now; I never would have thought that would happen. I shake my head in wonder and grab a piece of paper to start a letter to my family. Mom is going to flip when she hears that the king wants me to play for them. I know it wasn't anything more than manners, but she won't care.

I don't have to wait long for Maxon to send for me, which is a little unusual. Now that I've made the trip back and forth a few times, I don't need a guard to guide me, and they all know me by now. I'm not even nervous about seeing the king and queen, since Maxon told me that their rooms are down another hallway.

Once I get to his door, I knock twice before letting myself in. "Maxon?" I call, shutting the door behind me. Usually he's on his bed or at his table when I come in, but I don't see him now.

"In here," I hear him say from his bathroom. He comes out wearing fresh pajamas and scrubbing his hair with a towel. "You got here fast."

"I ran the whole way," I say solemnly, flopping onto his bed after grabbing my ring from his nightstand.

He laughs and flops next to me, his wet hair sprinkling my face with water.

"Hey!" I use his coverlet to dry my face, but he shakes his head to spray water all over me. "Cut it out," I laugh, flicking his temple and scrambling up to sit at his headboard. I stretch my legs out in front of me and he crawls up to lay across his bed with his head in my lap.

Goosebumps pop up on my bare thighs where they touch his wet head, but the smile on his face when I run my fingers through his hair is worth it. He tangles my free hand in both of his, drawing swirling patterns on my palm and weaving our fingers together, bringing them to rest on his chest.

"What had you so worried tonight?" he asks.

"Hm?" We'd been sitting in silence for so long it took me a moment to process. "Oh-um, nothing."

He raises an eyebrow without opening his eyes.

I roll mine. "Sometimes it just hits me what the rest of my life is going to be like, and I get overwhelmed. Tonight it was realizing that I'll be doing the Report every week now. Not a big thing." It's only a little lie.

"Okay," Maxon says, bringing out hands to my lips and kissing my fingers. "You really were marvelous this evening."

I blush. "Was I? He seemed very distant."

Maxon shrugs. "His choice would be Elise, I think. You handled him well, though. And Mother does love you, which will make a difference. He'll warm up to you, I think, especially once everything's official and it's too late for him to try to bully me into choosing someone else."

"Why would his choice be Elise?"

Maxon laughs at me. "That's what stuck out to you?"

I stick my tongue out at him. "I just want to get to know him better."

"You will," he promises. "He would pick Elise because she is connected to New Asia, and because she's malleable. Every time I ask her opinion on something, she defers to me and rolls over like she doesn't have any personality; it's a little infuriating."

"Really?" I'm surprised. "That's not at all what she's like with us. Not that she's crazy stubborn-"

"That would be you," Maxon interjects affectionately.

"- but she definitely has opinions," I continue, poking his side in retaliation. Maxon grins and flips over to tickle my sides.

"No!" I screech. "Not fair!" I'm quickly gasping with laughter.

I try to grab his elbows, wrists, anything to make him stop.

Eventually he lets me catch my breath, but he doesn't let me go. He's still hovering about me, peppering my face with kisses. I keep giggling, but it's not the ab-hurting screams that were going on a moment ago.

Eventually he comes to my lips, and we don't say much for the rest of the night.