A/N: Hello hello! Here is the long awaited Report scene! I'm actually pretty proud of it, so don't tell me if you hate it hahah. Not much to say today- thanks for reading!

"Good evening, Illéa." My voice comes out just above a whisper, so I clear my throat and try again.

"Good evening, Illéa." There, that's better. "Tonight I come to you not as one of the Elite, not as a Three or a Five, but as a citizen, an equal. I grew up seeing our country through a very specific lens, mainly due to my caste. I always enjoyed myself; music is something that I have always and will always love. But it wasn't until recently that I understood how deep my love for Illéa goes."

"Despite growing up sometimes without food or electricity, despite watching people I loved forced into the stations we are assigned at birth with little hope for change, despite seeing the gaps between myself and others because of this number even though we aren't very different"- I look over to the girls- "I find myself in love with our country."

I switch cards automatically, knowing the break. "What I propose may seem odd, or pointless at first, but I genuinely believe it would benefit our entire kingdom." I inhale. "I think we should lessen the career restrictions on the castes."

I hear murmurs throughout the studio; I long to glance over to see Maxon's reaction, but I don't dare in case I lose my nerve.

"I know there was a time when our country was new, when the assignment of these career paths helped organize something that was on the brink of not existing. But we are no longer that country. We are so much more now. To allow those with talent to languish in lower caste positions when they could be teaching, or healing, or bringing joy to Illéa in a different way is harming ourselves for reasons that no longer apply.

"I recognize that simply removing these restrictions would be chaotic," I add. "So I propose a series of examinations and certificates to allow an individual to change career paths. This could be integrated with public schools," I offer, nodding over to Kriss. "If I win, I might steal your project."

Several people laugh nervously, but the tension in the room eases significantly. "For example," I continue, "if a Seven wishes to become a doctor, they must first prove that they can do well in their own school, then sit an examination at the culmination of their public school education to prove their ability to do well. Ideally, there would be a school for those wishing to pursue a career outside their caste before they continue on to medical school or to receive a teaching credential, since they will not have grown up immersed in the culture of that career."

I note a poll from one of Celeste's discarded magazines after we talked about having a volunteer army, and sixty-five percent of the people thought it was a good idea. Why eliminate that career path completely for people? I also cite an old report we studied about standardized testing in public schools. The article is slanted, stating that only three percent of Sixes and Sevens showed elevated levels of intelligence; since it is so low, it is clear they were intended to stay where they are. My argument is that we shouldn't force people to stick to digging ditches when they could be performing heart surgeries.

Finally, the daunting task is nearly over. "Perhaps our country is flawed, but we cannot deny its strength. My fear is that, without change, that strength will become stagnant. And I love our country too much to let that happen. I hope too much to let that happen."

I swallow, grateful that at least it is over now. "Thank you for your time," I say, and turned slightly towards the royal family.

It could be worse. Maxon looks nervous, but has a smile for me, even if it is weak. The queen looks cautiously optimistic, but won't meet my eyes. The king stares me down, cold and calculating, but not furious.

Without so much as a blink, he focuses in on me. "And you think many people would take advantage of such an opportunity?"

I swallow again, my mouth drier than before. I should have brought up a cup of water. "I do. I personally know several who would like to engage in such a program. I would like to add- I am not proposing that this allows anyone to change their caste. Only their occupation. The same procedures would remain for anyone wanting to change their caste."

"Why are they different?" the king throws at me. "Why would this second procedure make a difference?"

"I believe they achieve different things," I answer. "I have two brothers," I say, and give the camera a weak wave and smile, "who would both take advantage of the different opportunities. My older brother is well on his way to legally changing his caste- some of you may have heard of the sculptor, Kota Singer. But he has no desire to change his occupation. Why should becoming a Two prevent him from doing what he loves, what he is so good at?

"On the other hand, my younger brother is fascinated by animals and insects. I think he would be an amazing scientist, or researcher, but right now he is unable to do that. He would first have to amass a small fortune to become a Three. I love him to death, but the only artistic bone the boy has is drawing bugs," I say with a shrug. "There isn't a very large market for that. But he has never expressed any displeasure with being a Five. My proposal would allow him to do what he loves without changing a large part of his identity."

"Do you foresee any benefit to the upper castes?" King Clarkson asks coolly. "Or do you simply wish to help your family and those like them?"

Calm, America. I can't fight dirty in return, especially not on live national television.

"Not at all," I respond with as much poise as I can muster. "In fact, I had a conversation with a Two just last week that I believe could benefit from this. As it stands, most Twos are forced to become music stars, models, or actors. Why should a Two with a passion for education, or for painting, or for serving others, be forced to change their caste just to pursue that? I believe that our country will thrive, even more than it already is, once every citizen is allowed to pursue the place where they can do the most good for someone else. From a social standpoint, I can only see positive outcomes."

The king waves a hand, and I curtsy then return to my seat. Gavril comes to the center to close the Report, and once the cameras are all focused on him, Maxon looks to me. He smiles encouragingly and I fight back tears. I've done it- it's over, I answered his questions and made it through without inciting a riot. The stress is lifted from my shoulders, and I am so relieved that my head is spinning. Kriss puts a hand on my back and rubs soothing circles.

"Are you alright?" she asks quietly.

I nod, taking a shaky breath and sitting up a little straighter. Gavril signs off with his usual flair, and as soon as the cameras turn off, the king comes over to us.

"Thank you, ladies," he says with no emotion whatsoever. "That was very enlightening. I'm sure this gives the prince much to think about." He looks pointedly over at Maxon, who is standing awkwardly behind him. Maxon nods, but doesn't make eye contact with any of us.

"Lady America, if you would stay behind for just a moment," he continues. "Amberly, would you take the rest of the ladies and give them the news?'

News? What news? What happened? I look wildly at Maxon, but he shakes his head. It must not be too bad, then.

The queen nods demurely and squeezes the king's arm before turning to kiss Maxon on the cheek. The girls all file out of the room, leaving just the three of us behind in the studio. My knees shake and I nearly collapse but I manage to remain upright.

Maxon darts over to wrap his arm around my waist, supporting my weight. I sag into him just enough to feel less like I'm about to fall over.

The king raises an eyebrow. "Be careful, Maxon. People might see," he says cruelly.

"She's about to pass out, anyone could see that," Maxon defends.

"Don't fight," I say weakly.

King Clarkson laughs. "Is this the kind of queen you want, Maxon? Who calls for overthrowing the country, but it scares her so much she nearly faints?"

"You're scaring her, not the idea of helping people," he shoots back. "Ames, really, are you alright?" he says, a little quieter.

I nod. "Getting there. Sorry, I don't think I ate enough today."

Maxon nods, and I know that he'll figure out a way to send something to me tonight.

"Where did this idea of yours come from?" the king asks again.

"I told you," I say, a little confused. "My brothers, and Celeste."

"So you think that the way my forefathers, your fiancé's forefathers, founded this country is unjust and should be dismantled."

I shake my head. "I think it was the best that could be done at the time, and now we can do better."

The king directs his attention to Maxon, now. "You don't want to bring someone into the monarchy that criticizes everything like this. She will raise rebel children, and will destroy everything we have ever stood for. You are clearly blinded by something, probably lust, to make this decision so I will make it for you. She leaves tonight."

"No," Maxon says firmly. "You can't send her home. That's my choice, and I say she stays."

"Maxon Calix Schreave, I am the king and I will do whatever I damn well please-"

"Will you stop being the king and be my father for five minutes?" Maxon shouts, tugging his hand through his hair. "This is my choice. You got to make yours, and America is mine."

The king inhales deeply and levels his gaze at Maxon.

"Lady America, you may return to your room. If you need assistance, I'm certain a guard will be happy to do so. Maxon, I need to see you in my office."

Maxon's grip tightens momentarily around me and my gut twists. If there were any blood in my face, I'm sure it would all be draining to my toes.

No. No, no, no. No.

"Or," the king offers, "I could simply talk to her." He gestures to me. "Perhaps we should be more acquainted, if we are to be family."

I open my mouth to agree- better me than Maxon- but Maxon pinches my side, surprising me into silence.

"No," Maxon says quickly. "That won't be necessary. I'll see America to her room and be there momentarily."

The king's icy glare pins me in place, but he nods and sweeps out of the room.

Maxon and I wait another moment, but he guides me to the doors before too long. On our way out, he asks a guard to have the kitchen send sandwiches and water to my room. I nearly laugh- like I'll be able to eat anything before I know that Maxon is alright.

We walk in tense silence for a while. Once we reach the second floor, Maxon finally speaks.

"I cannot believe you were going to go with him."

"Better me than you."

Maxon glares. "That is so far from the truth, it is not remotely funny."

I bite my lip. "Is he-"

"Probably," Maxon admits. "After the last time, I told myself that I'd never let him again, but now…"

We reach my door and Maxon opens it, leading me to my bed and shutting the door behind us. "I can't let him hurt you," he whispers.

"If he hurts you, he hurts me," I whisper back, tears welling in my eyes. "Promise me something."

"Anything."

"Send for me. No matter how late it is, let me come help you."

"No, I don't want-"

"Maxon." I look him straight in the eyes. "We are partners. It's not like I'm going to sleep anyways."

"You should," he sighs.

"Would you? If it were me?"

"No," he admits. "Alright. I will."

I nod, and hug him tightly. Maxon kisses the top of my head and steps back to cup my cheek.

"You look beautiful," he says sweetly and kisses me gently.

"I love you," I say, tears finally spilling.

"I love you, too."

Someone knocks on the door, and Maxon opens it to reveal my maids with a plate of food and a pitcher of water.

"Oh," Anne gasps as she curtsies. "We're sorry, we'll come back."

"No need," Maxon says breezily, his mood changed at the flip of a coin. "I was just leaving. Goodnight, Lady America." He gives me a short bow and strides out the door.

I don't say much as my maids putter around, brushing out my hair and hanging up my dress. Before I know it, my hair is braided and I am sitting at my little table, sipping at a glass of water while they curtsey out the door.

I can't do anything but stare at a wall. There is no room in my mind for anything except what is happening to Maxon at this very moment. I try to nibble at the sandwich in front of me, but my stomach is churning so badly that the thought of it nearly makes me dry heave.

I don't know exactly how much power I'll have as queen, but I'm going to do everything I possibly can to keep that man from ever hurting Maxon again.