Author's Notes:

Eliminations begin!

How will Maxon's decisions impact the maids? Will a fork in the road mark imminent doom for one of our favorite couples? And which guard will finally have to pay the Piper?

WARNING! For mild sexual content and language. If this sort of material offends you, please go read something else. You have been WARNED! All others please continue on and...

Please, enjoy!

~Sweetwaterspice

A Gilded Cage Just For Me"

Chapter 12

~Ashton

"What are dreams?"

My mother looked down on me sweetly as she tucked me in bed. I was eight years old and it was the one time of the day that I had her all to myself. Just the two of us. Her warm eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled at me.

"They are sweet things, my darling," she smiled.

"Do they come true, mama?"

She pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Some. But not all."

"But if you really wish them to come true...do they?"

She gave a small laugh. "So many questions." I looked at her expectantly. "Yes, my darling. Sometimes they do."

I sighed.

I had given up on dreams a long time ago; that is, once I finally accepted the reality of my life. There would be no prince charming to save me from this hell. My girlish dreams had been locked away in some dark, forgotten place in my heart as I resolved to find joy in this gilded cage because this...this was my life.

Dreams were nothing but fantasies spinning tall tales in your mind; fairy tale endings with a happily-ever-afters at the end. Nonsense, I assured myself, pushing back against them. But, dreams are sneaky little beasts. Persistent little bastards that they are. They keep lurking about, gorging themselves on ridiculous, girlish ideas. And although I knew this I heeded their call. I cracked the door. Instantly, I felt the arms of hope start their tender, lulling caresses. By some miracle I had been touched by a spark that had resurrected those long forgotten thoughts. Because dreams made you feel light and happy as if you floated high above on your own private cloud. Dreams made the days seem hopeful. They touched you like magic making you look at the world so differently than you had before; as if anything and everything was a possible.

I didn't use to dream. There was no need for fantasy. I had accepted my place here. My life...here...in this gilded cage.

But now when I fall asleep I dream– Of a man with dark hair and warm chocolate eyes. His features sharp and masculine. His body solid; chiseled in sinewy muscle. The scent of man and sandalwood. A scent I could pick out blindfolded in a crowded room. He comes to me every night and I welcome him with open arms. "Am I going crazy?" I asked myself. "No, Ashton," a voice deep inside me replied, "You're in love."

Desperately. And Markson, like a bandit had been guilty of stealing my heart and now it felt too big to contain in the skeletal frame work between my breasts. I was going crazy with want and need and I felt greedy. I wanted Jeremy. All of him in every measure. I could spend hours cradled in his arms, listening to the baritone of his voice rumble against my ear as I pressed it against his bare chest. I could hear myself laugh at his silly, corny jokes and I could spend an entire night, both of us naked, making love. He did it all for me. He was perfect. A dream etched now in reality. My heart swelled. How the hell did I get myself in this deep?

Yet, reality had a funny way of snapping a mind out of the heavy fog of wonderland. And sometimes reality was a cruel bitch.

And as news started to pour in from the Great Room, I was reminded just how a dream can be brought to ashes in an instant. It was a wake-up call. I couldn't allow my silly dreams to stifle my reality not even when perfection was in my grasp because nothing was guaranteed issue in this world...nothing.

"I can't believe our lady was let go," lamented one of Ashley's maids. We gathered around in the hall outside Ashley's room, trying to console the trio that would leave our company for reassignment.

It was most shocking! We all believed Ashley Brouilliette was classic princess material. She was a Three, stunningly beautiful, educated. Her sudden exit– well, it threw us all for a loop!

"Seems Prince Maxon does know what he wants," Skyler stated, wryly. Sometimes I wished she would show a compassionate bone. It's not that she couldn't. She wouldn't.

Eight.

Eight ladies had been cut on the first day! It shook every one of us to the core. We weren't expecting such a drastic turn of events so quickly. Here was reality. Just like that, with one spoken word Lady Ashley, a prime candidate had been sent home. This was indeed a wake-up call. This wasn't a fantasy. This was real life and obviously Prince Maxon was taking this quite seriously. It made me sickly aware of how fragile one's dreams truly are. I was shaken.

Having Markson back home these past few days had been nothing but glorious. I was happy. He made me happy. And still a part of me scolded me for losing focus. As much as I wanted a future, a life with Jeremy, deep down that prickling feeling inside my gut reminded me I was no different than Lady Ashley.

Had she dreamed of catching Prince Maxon's heart? Had she imagined walking in the gardens with him, having private conversations or stolen kisses? Had she dreamed about being his and his alone? Had she imagined him getting on one knee and proposing? Had she thought of his children, heavy in her belly? All of a sudden I felt anxious. Her dreams were no different than mine but just like that, Poof! Yes, I couldn't lose focus.

But the news only got more dire from there. Rumor had it that Lady America had entered into some playful wager with the prince. Although the details were somewhat sketchy, nevertheless, the bees nest was severely stirred at that. It didn't matter. This was bad news for all of us and even worse was the sting that Lady America had caught the prince's eye so early on. Skyler's discontent, though fairly contained, I could see was gnawing at her. She wasn't happy about this unfortunate development since the "Five" had survived the first cut and apparently seemed to have found favor with the prince. I wasn't thrilled either but this was nowhere near a done deal. Pushing aside my own personal debate I still had a job to do. This news, shocking as it was steeled me with a new determination. It made me want to fight for Lady Kriss that much harder.

'It's a wild ride so…buckle up, daughter,' my parents had warned me. They had resided in the palace during King Clarkson's selection. This was a road full of twists and turns. And from this morning's news they hadn't been exaggerating! No one should feel assured in their place. Not even Lady America.

Skyler and I made our way back to Lady Kriss' room followed by Virginia. Anne, Lucy and Mary were conveniently nowhere to be found. Virginia scowled, her face crumpled with worry as I sat on the edge of Lady Kriss' bed next to her. Skyler paced the room. She did that when she was agitated. I could feel the ripples of fury eminating from her. We pondered our thoughts in silence for a moment until Virginia plopped backwards on the mattress with a groan.

"I feel like I'm going to vomit." I looked at her as she pressed a hand to her abdomen. The poor girl was drained of color, looking ghostly pale.

Skyler only rolled her eyes as she bit down on a fingernail. "Just be glad it wasn't our lady that got the boot," she hissed.

"I don't think I can take it. Look at my hands!" Virginia shot up, holding her hands in front of her. I could see the steady shake. "I don't think I can take these eliminations!" She flopped back on the mattress once again and groaned.

"It will be alright. This isn't over by a long shot," I tried to reassure, rubbing her arm.

"You're damn right, Ashton." Skyler took a deep breath and stopping, stood a little straighter. I could see the wheels turning in that head. She drummed her fingers on her lips as if she were trying to solve some sort of equation. "How do you suppose that Lady America was able to get the prince's attention so damn quickly?" She anchored her hands on her hips.

"Maybe she dazzled him with her character!" Virginia uttered wryly.

Skyler huffed with a wave of a hand. "Oh please. She's a Five. How much character can she possibly have? Really now! He sent Lady Ashley home! He sent a Three home and kept a Five?!"

"She's the only Five left!" added Virginia. That too had been confirmed.

"She obviously did something right," I interjected. "But we can't worry about it. We have to make sure to keep a close eye on Lady America. Whatever she's done so far, it's quite obvious it's to Prince Maxon's liking."

Virginia sprang up once more. "But if she loses that wager, she will have the first date with Prince Maxon! Ugh! I'm so utterly jealous!"

Skyler let out an exasperated sigh. "We'll have to keep our ears and eyes open for every little detail. The smallest bit of news could give us an advantage." She paused and then a twinkle I recognized gleamed in her eyes. "That's where you come in, Virginia."

"What do you mean?"

"You nincompoop! You'll keep tabs on Anne and the other two. They seem to like you. So keep doing what you're doing. Be their friend. They trust you. And now, since Lady America seems to be in the driver's seat, she is our biggest threat. Your friendship with them has suddenly become extremely valuable."

"I don't know…"

"Listen to me you little wench!" Skyler growled, grabbing Virginia's wrist. "We are talking about winning a crown and what that could mean for the three of us here!"

"You're hurting me…" Virginia's face twisted.

"Skyler…let her go," I whispered. She did so without a trace of guilt or concern. Virginia rubbed her wrist, the red marks of Skyler's grip clearly visible. By the look on Virginia's face, a frown mixed with fright, she wouldn't defy Skyler.

"What do you need me to do?"

Her response brought a small smile to Skyler's face. "That's the spirit, Virginia." But the smile soon disappeared, replaced by a cold, steely glare. "You just keep being your lovely self, keep your eyes and ears open; try to ask questions, engage them in small talk. Something might spill. I am counting on you, Virginia. Don't screw this up for us."

~ Ramsey

Damn it. I think I really fucked things up with Marguerite. After our little romp in the linen closet I asked if I could see her later but she didn't commit only said, "I'll think about it."

I hated to admit it to myself but it stung a little that she wasn't looking forward to seeing me. Agh! What did she expect though?! Marriage? Recen had mentioned that last night but I wasn't ready for that. I didn't know if I'd ever see myself a married man. I enjoyed my freedom and I sure as hell didn't want to give that up. Yeah...I think I truly screwed up.

But I can't give Marguerite something I can't. I knew myself all too well. It would only be a matter of time before I proved an unfaithful husband. Like my father used to say, "There aren't enough asses a man can't get his hands on, Ramsey." Not that that made my father any happier. My mother had left him after his second affair which of course, no one else outside their bedroom door knew about or at least so they thought. I had overheard my mother tell my father to either leave his mistress or she'd leave instead. He wasn't going to leave his mistress he'd told her and so taking me and my brother, we left to live with my grandparents. I had sworn from that day forward I would never take a wife. It wasn't worth the pain I saw etched on my mother's face.

I tried to understand my actions. Why the hell was I so bent on hooking up with Skyler? Yes, I wanted to fuck her. She was a nice piece of ass and a tease. She could get my dick hard just by looking my way. But Marguerite was sweet and I liked that and she was more than a capable lover. Shit. What the hell. I was too much like my father. A selfish asshole. And yet the thought that I might've lost Marguerite...hurt.

I needed a smoke and was headed down to the servant's garden when an all too familiar face walked towards me flanked by two other guards. I straightened my spine but a cold chill ran right down the middle. My mind instantly condemned me. I couldn't help but think back to how Recen and I got away with our half worded truths as we stood in Sebastian's office. Did he find out we had been lying? Shit. He was a commanding presence and definitely the wrong person to fuck with. Jaws clamping hard, I schooled my features. But as we passed each other, I felt my shoulders relax and let out the breath I was holding.

"You!"

Sebastian's voice boomed in my direction and my feet froze in place. Suddenly, it felt as if the walls had closed in on me. SHIT!

I reluctantly turned to face a set of steeled eyes. The guards on either side of Sebastian stood next to their master like obedient, snarling dogs on a leash.

"Sir!" I immediately replied, my voice loud but steady. 'Show no fear.' The words had been drilled into us during basic training. 'No matter the threat. Show. No. Fear.' The face of my drill instructor, the image that I now saw in my mind's eye with that pronounced scar etched over the side of his face; a soldier's mark. I wondered if he realized his efforts would be lost on some wothless shit like me?

Sebastian approached and once again my breath stilled, my knees locked and every other bone in my body went rigid. Fear skittered like ghostly fingers down my spine. I felt myself swallow as the gap between us shrunk and I stood there like a hapless fool rooted to the ground. His hounds stood just behind him.

"It was you," he snickered. "I thought I recognized your sorry ass."

"Sir?" I played dumb. One thing I was good at was saving my own ass.

In a flash, jarring pain shot through my back as Sebastian's large hand gripped the collar of my uniform and slammed me hard against the wall. "We have a little unfinished business you and I."

And the only response I was given a chance to speak was an involuntary "Hmph," as air rushed out of my lungs, my chest suddenly tightened, gasping to draw breath. All air had been knocked out of me as a fist hurled into my gut. I felt the impact clear to my spine. I bent over, coughing and gasping. I was made to stand straight just to receive another helping of Sebastian's fist straight into my stomach. One, two and another for good measure he said.

Folding my arms around my stomach I fell to the floor on my knees, gasping for my next breath. The cold cement pressed against my clammy forehead mockingly reminded me that I was still alive or that perhaps I should pray for unconciousness as a better alternative instead of getting the shit beat out of me. With a quick jerk my head was yanked back, the hairs in my skull straining against the iron fist that held them... and I was looking at my reflection behind the Devil's own eyes.

"I'm a man of very few words...Ramsey." He spat my name with pure contempt. "So let me be very clear. Stay away from Skyler." A pause, long enough for his message to sink in. "Do we understand each other?"

I swallowed, sweat beading on my forehead. "As clear as day...Sir." Damn my smart ass mouth. Sebastian gave a feral grin in response.

"Good."

He shoved my head away as he released the fistful of hair at the back of my head and stood.

And I was sorely mistaken thinking this was over. With a slight jerk of his head his dogs were on me.

~ Anne

We didn't return to our quarters after receiving notice that the Selected would be on their way back soon after breakfast. We were still riding high from the news Justin had graciously shared with us but it became apparent rather quickly that we weren't the only ones to have heard of it. If looks were daggers, well they were being hurled at us from every direction.

The Selection was already showing people's true colors. But we couldn't let the other maids know that their simmering hatred and barely masked jealousy had any effect on us. I sensed that there would be nothing some wouldn't do to get a leg up on the competition.

We tried our best to ignore the snide little comments and hisses we received as we walked down the hall passing opened doors and the stares that followed.

"Bitches," whispered a maid standing in the doorway as we passed by and I felt Lucy's body tense next to me. It took everything under heaven not to take Lucy's knitting needles and poke the bitter wench in her neck. I took a steadying breath whispering to Lucy to ignore her.

Lady America returned from breakfast with a much lighter air that swept in right along with her and she looked to have a little bounce in her step. She greeted us with a big, warm smile. It was like a salve to the cutting words that had been reserved especially for us. Truly, it had felt like walking through a gauntlet. But we would take them for her. Everyone of them.

"How was breakfast, my lady?" Mary probed not giving anything away. It made me proud. We had to be strong for our lady.

"Very nice, thank you."

I wondered if she would mention anything about her meeting with Prince Maxon or about her wager with the prince. I could see the same questions brimming in Mary's and Lucy's eyes. I gave them a very slight shake of my head, "Don't even think of asking," is what it said. If our lady wished to share, she would.

"Do we have any stationery?" Lady America asked, pulling open the drawer of her night table. "Prince Maxon told us we could write letters to our family." Her eyes beamed with excitement and her smile was unmistakable. So, this was the reason for her uplifted spirits. I felt somewhat guilty that my disappointment at her cheriness wasn't in direct connection with Prince Maxon.

"I don't believe so, Lady Singer but I can go fetch some for you."

"Would you be so kind, Anne?!"

I startled for a split second at her words. It was a rare day a servant was actually thanked for doing what was deemed their job.

"Of course, my lady. I won't be long."

Having secured some ivory colored stationery and writing implement neatly in a stationery box, I turned on my way swiftly back to Lady America's room. Only to run into Skyler as she walked in my direction, reading a letter.

She stopped when she saw me, giving me that condescending look she loved to throw my way. My mouth gaped open and I couldn't hold back a gasp as realization dawned on me.

"That's supposed to be private, Skyler!" I hissed. Even at her brazenness I didn't wish to speak loudly.

She folded the letter, Lady Kriss' letter as if she hadn't been invading someone's private thoughts. And stuffing it back into the envelope said, "Relax, Anne. Privacy is a luxury in this place. Besides, we know security is going to read it anyway. "

I looked at her incredulously. "That's not the point. I'm sure Lady Kriss wouldn't appreciate your snooping either way. She trusted you with that letter."

"Oh...get off your high and mighty horse, Anne. She doesn't own me and I don't owe her a damn thing." Like a snake her next words were sly and smooth. "Regardless, some of us have to learn to improvise, don't we? It's not as if we were extended a special invitation by his Royal Highness himself."

My nostrils flared. "Stop being petty, Skyler. It doesn't suit you."

She shrugged as if saying she could care less of what I thought. "I just find it quite interesting, really. That wager between your lady and the prince."

"Why?" I retort, "Because she's a Five?"

"The only Five." She leans a little too close. "It got me thinking, Anne. There's got to be more to this story than we know. Perhaps favors are being paid...strings pulled? Secrets hidden?"

I let out a sound of disgust but I didn't deny her reasoning; lady America's soiled nightgown came flashing to mind. Could that be what she referred to? Skyler was a bloodhound. She couldn't have known otherwise she would've made sure to call me out on it.

"Favors?! Secrets?! You just can't stand the fact that your predictions are nothing but a load of bull and it kills you to see Lady America still here." And has Prince Maxon's attention. I held my tongue on that part. No need to poke a crazy bull.

"Testy, aren't we?" Skyler quirked the corner of her mouth and looking down at the letter in her hand sighed as if moving on. I would be lying if I said I wasn't relieved. Fanning the letter, "There's nothing exciting in here anyway," she shrugged.

"You're incredible."

"I know. That's what I'm told." Flashing me a wry grin, her words clearly finding their mark, I rolled my eyes as she walked off. I reached for the door knob, tightly gripping it, wishing it was Skyler's neck as blood pooled at my fingertips. The bitch knew exactly where to twist her daggers. I took a breath, a deep one, steeled my spine and walked inside.

Lady America wrote her letter to her family while we quietly busied ourselves with the tasks we had been working on earlier. I wondered if Lady America would tell us about the bet. I myself was treading a narrow line of sanity just willing her to tell us about it; to confide in us.

When she stood from the writing desk holding the envelope with her letter I could see the question in her eyes.

"One of us will take it down to the post for you, Lady America."

"Thank you, Anne." She handed me the letter which I could see was not sealed.

"I suppose they want to make sure we're not trading palace secrets with our families," she said with wry humor.

I felt my face heat. I didn't know why. I guessed since the palace was my home and we served the king, I never gave much thought to privacy. An unsealed letter somehow felt like such an invasion now.

"By the way, I think I you should know. Prince Maxon and I made a wager..."

~ Ashton

My heart was on the verge of bursting as my lips moved against Markson's. I tingled all over, my hands clutching his muscular arms as the sweetness of his tongue moved against mine. I had tried in vain to keep the kiss from deepining further but Jeremy was having none of that. I moaned, my arms now circled around his neck, pulling him closer to me, wishing to feel so much more of him.

"Jeremy," I whispered, my ragged breath brushing his ear. He only groaned a response. "I have to get going."

"Already?"

"Dinner…is almost over." I was panting like a shameless hussy.

"Just one more minute…please?" His pleading voice drugged me. I couldn't resist him as his kisses burned my throat and his hands were fast on my hips. The feel of his manly hands on my body burned through my maid's uniform. And there was no mistaking he had a full hard-on.

I wasn't helping this situation, moaning my pleasure, nearly climbing up his leg, letting him know how wonderful he made me feel. How much I wanted him. My treacherous heart had pushed aside my earlier fears...for now anyway.

You have every right to Jeremy's love. You have the right to your dreams. He has already declared himself, hasn't he? Don't hold back, Ashton. Don't let go.

And the more my heart spoke, the more I foolishly listened. I didn't wish to be anywhere else but in his arms right now; oh...we were perfect together. So perfect. But even through my foggy brain I knew I was being nothing but selfish.

He bore into me with those dreamy eyes and my heart thundered. "I want to see you tonight."

"I can't. It's my turn to stay with Lady Kriss tonight."

This encounter was a bit careless and the little alcove where we were presently making out, didn't offer much privacy if someone happened to walk by.

"Trade shifts with Skyler or Virginia." Those dreamy eyes would be the death of me and when his mouth came down on mine once more, heat flashed up in my most intimate place. My core. I could feel desire between my legs already soaking into my panties. My nipples ached for his mouth, his tongue...his teeth. It was so tempting just to give in.

"No!" I protested, gasping weakly once I tore my mouth away from his, my body cursing me at once. "And besides, Skyler's beginning to suspect…" I slipped.

"Suspect what?" I could see the curious look I evoked with that comment.

"Well…she thinks we're getting too serious," I dodged, keeping my tone lowered, averting his eyes.

"Aren't we…serious?"

I shrugged a shoulder. "I...guess…" I stared down at the floor. I couldn't look him in the eyes. I would fall apart.

"You guess?" He took a step back, his tone clearly frustrated.

"That's not the way I meant for that to sound but..."

"But what?"

"You know…" I didn't want to get into that conversation right now as the thinking, rational part of my brain began to emerge from the fog.

"No, Ashton, as a matter-of-fact, I don't."

"Please, Jeremy. Not now."

"When, Ashton? When are you going to give me a damn good reason because I sure as hell can't see one!"

We were going back and forth with hushed voices.

He couldn't see one? Well, I saw many! "It's complicated, Jeremy," I frowned, freeing myself from his hold.

"What's so damn complicated?"

I swallowed. I braved to look at him. He was angry with my indecision. But I couldn't put him through that. I couldn't make a mockery of him. He was too well respected. He was a high-ranking guard. He was a natural Two. He was success and prosperity. He was society. How could I possibly lower his stock? I wouldn't dare. I loved him too much. And I would sacrifice my dreams because I did.

"Can we talk about this later?"

"We've tried talking about it, damn it. And every time you keep skirting the issue."

"I…"

"Don't you love me?"

I wanted to say it, to scream, 'YES!' at the top of my lungs but I couldn't bind him to me like that. He deserved so much more than me.

I opened my mouth to say something, anything.

"Officer Markson! There you are, sir," called a guard I didn't recognize. He immediately flushed as his eyes veered between us. I felt my own cheeks heat but I couldn't help the huge sense of relief that also washed over me. I was saved. The distance between Jeremy and I widened. But the breach wasn't merely a physically one but an emotional crack that was beginning to splinter between us because I kept driving a chisel to it. I kept pushing him back.

"What is it, Masterson?" he asked, visibly irritated, eyes darting briefly to the guard and then landing solid back on me. I felt the weight of his stare.

"I was sent to find you, sir."

"Well, you found me." Markson's eyes didn't shift but kept them solidly fixed on me, pinning me in place.

"King Clarkson is requesting your presence at a briefing in his office. It's official. I can't say any more than that, sir." He glanced over to me, telling me in so many words whatever news he had was not for my ears to hear.

Markson didn't bat an eyelash. "Very well. I'll be there."

"Immediately, sir." The guard's words snapped the tether between us. Relief bathed me once again.

He nodded. Then looking at me he said, "We'll finish this later."

I watched as he turned, joining the guard and they both disappeared, having rounded the corner. I stood there for what felt like an eternity. I was making things worse. Maybe I should break things off with Jeremy. At least, that's what my mind was telling me but my heart was not agreeable to that option. I knew I would have to make a decision soon. A man like Jeremy was indeed a rare find but I also understood his patience was waning. How long could I expect him to wait until I made up my mind…if ever? I couldn't do this to him. I couldn't continue dangling hope before his eyes. I needed to end this. I needed to. I felt sick.

~Anne

If castes were a problem outside the palace one would think such divisive class distinctions would find little to no place inside the palace. We were after all servants here, Sixes...except for the tradesmen and of course, the guards and most of them weren't natural Two's but had been elevated to their new stations from many of the lower castes. But regardless of what number had been pasted on us, we were still servants to the royal household.

It always amazed me how the lines of division still existed amongst the servants. It was better to be a butler than a stable hand. It was better to be a chamber maid than a maid in the kitchen or the laundry. It was better to be a lady-in-waiting than a common chamber maid. As if all of us weren't all a bunch of zeros trying to make ourselves bigger zeros than the rest!

Of course, some were even bigger assholes than others be it by nature or ambition. For example, Clayton. Clayton "The Brown Noser" Park. We called him that because his nose was so far up the head butler's ass it was hard telling where one ended and the other began. He had made it no secret that he wanted to be Head Butler one day and once old Jeffries gave up the reins, the ambitious little twerp would be ready to pounce!

So when he personally delivered a personal package for Lady America from Prince Maxon, the smug little bastard couldn't help himself.

"And make certain you keep those other two in check." He looked over my shoulder at Mary and Lucy. We wouldn't want the lady's gift to be sullied. It's probably the best she'll do while she's here...being a Five and all."

I snatched the package from his hands wishing I had the guts to punch him in the nose!

Mary, who stood directly behind me now, took my place at the door when I turned into the room to place the package on our Lady's bed.

"Ugh! What is that awful smell?" I saw her sniff at him.

"What smell?" His eyes flashed wide as Mary leaned in closer. Alarmed, he proceeded to sniff his jacket.

"Don't you smell it?" She asked him.

"No. I can't say I do. What sort of smell?"

"Oh! The shit you're wearing on your nose, asshole!"

And slammed the door in his face!

When Mary turned to face us, laughter burst from each of us. It was the best laugh we'd had in a very long time.

We were beside ourselves as our Lady finally made it back. I tried to contain our composure as best I could but dying to know what was in that box about killed us outright. I believe we had been more distracted by the gift than our lady's date with the prince!

In all honesty it was near torture staring at that handsome package with the big red bow for most of the evening, so when Lady America finally returned we were nearly set to jump out of our own skins!

"Can we see?" Lucy asked.

"Lucy, that's rude!" I chided.

"They dropped it off the moment you left! We've been wondering ever since!" Mary exclaimed.

"Mary! Manners!" I scolded.

"No, don't worry, girls. I don't have any secrets."

I was relieved that Lady America was as easy-going as she was, not seeming to mind our reverie. We gasped once our eyes caught sight of the gift or for better definition, gifts. The prince had been quite generous with our lady even after winning the bet, gifting three different sets of pants! There was a card included which our lady took to read in private. This was indeed a very, very good sign. It was apparent that Prince Maxon had been quite taken with her. I could only imagine what a lovely time they must've enjoyed together. If things kept at this pace, I was extremely confident our lady would be one of the Elite!

~ Ramsey

"What the hell happened? Recen said as he rushed inside our quarters. I stood before the night table next to my bed, stuffing ice cubes from a small bucket of ice into an ice bag. "I just heard you got into it with Torgan and Bosch." Sebastian's dogs. "Are you crazy?!"

I merely huffed before replying. "What do you think?"

"What the hell?" He rushed to my side and he looked as if he was ready to lose his shit. "Did Sebastian...?"

"No. You can relax. This is unrelated to that other thing." Our little, big lie about the prince and the girl. "You're safe."

"So what's this...?" Realization dawns on my friend. "I knew it! I warned you..." He glared at me. "I warned you about Skyler! Everyone knows..."

I stuffed the last of the ice into the bag. "Yeah, yeah...save it, mother hen." I whinced as another wave of pain rattled my bones. "I don't need any long-winded lectures, thank you."

"Well, I'm relieved you think this is so funny."

I didn't respond, just twisted the cap on the bag and pushing myself painfully past Recen, slowly lowered myself on to my bunk.

Recen shook his head as if saying in so many words he was sorry.

"Don't look so damn...pitiful, will you?" I managed to grin. "I might start to believe you actually care."

"Don't get used to it."

I grunted as I lifted up my shirt over my abdomen. My body trembled as pain shot up my rib cage. Purplish blue marks riddled my midsection.

"Damn..." Recen frowned at the sight of my badly bruised ribs. Yeah...I had gotten worked over pretty bad. "You need to go see Dr. Ashlar, man."

I shook my head. "Can't." I took a painful breath. "Forbidden...to go." I groaned lying back on the pillow. This was classic Sebastian. He made sure you suffered in silence. And leaving no visible bruises assured that you did so.

"But you got duty tomorrow."

"I'll manage. At least I should be grateful...everyone can still admire my pretty face." I tried to smile but whinced from the pain.

"Will you quit the shit for once? Sebastian's not someone you want to fuck with. Trust me."

"I got it okay? Now quit giving me shit about it." I placed the ice bag on my right side. Seems like it had gotten the worst of it. I sighed with relief.

"Look...I know...someone who owes me a favor. Can get you some painkillers at least."

I tried to chuckle but it hurt too damn much. "You? Mr. Clean? Didn't think you rubbed shoulders with the deviants." I mocked.

Recen grinned. "I'm your friend, aren't I?"

The only one I had.

"You can call me Survivor Man, alright?"

I stared at the ceiling. "Hmph...I like it."

"Yeah? Well start thinking like one you dumb ass."

Recen said he'd return soon with the meds and here I lay staring at the ceiling not only with a wounded body but most importantly with my wounded pride. I had taken a beating and was left licking my wounds. But not for long. I might be a dirty dog but I was a live, dirty dog. I was still standing to live another day.

Recen was right.

I had two years left in this hell hole. Two years to cut lose from this place; from the shackles keeping me here.

I would survive the rebels. I would survive the King.

And I would survive Sebastian.

And I knew exactly what I needed to do.

I know this has been a long overdue update but if you're still reading this, thanks for sticking with me!

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Stay tuned for Chapter 13...coming...?