A Little Anxiety

America's POV

I stood at the end of a third story corridor and out the large window and watched as the limos pulled up to great palace gates that stretched up to the cloudless sky. The hall way was completely quite as I watched the Selected arrive. The guards posted outside the rooms along the hallway and at the corners where it veered into another hallway were like statues. I had smiled at them as I walked past, my stomach churning with thoughts of the Selected, they had given reassuring smiles back, but they hadn't given any other signs of even being alive after that. I couldn't believe it was time already, for the boys to be here, to actually be here at the palace. The competition was actually going to be starting. A bunch of them had probably met on their way here, maybe a few made some friends… I wish I had real friends. Friends other than Ellie and my other maids, I mean I had Daphne, she was the Princess of France and often throughout my childhood we were together. I had spent countless evenings trying to escape stuffy ballrooms with her and sneaking down to the kitchens in the night to steal cookies. We kept in touch and wrote as often as we could, but she wasn't here, she wasn't with me.

Tomorrow I would have to face 35 boys I had never met before. Worst yet, I would even have to make eliminations. I had to crush their chance with me before I even properly got to know them. From what I could tell from the Report they all seemed rather nice and I had to hope that was really the case. But this was the competition of a lifetime and the Selected knew what they were signing up for when they accepted when they decided to dress up and stand in line to have their photo taken, they knew the small odds of them even getting in let alone winning when they submitted their application. It wasn't like I could marry all 35 of them just because they were nice.

I sighed and lifted my gaze to the sky, away from the limos and the excess guards around the gates. The entire palace was buzzing with the boys arriving. My sister May being the biggest and loudest buzz of all. After the Report she came to my room in her nightgown with ice cream she had stolen from the kitchen all so she could discuss her favorites.

"I have to say I'm draw to Maddox Ferris." she had said with bright eyes as she popped a spoonful of chocolate ice cream in her mouth. She watched me intently as she waited for me to reply. I nodded my head, knowing I wouldn't get to say much anyway before she started up again "Or is it Drew Carter, oh my gosh do you think Daddy will let me have one when its all over and done with? I mean obviously you get first choice, America but like I get to pick one after the Selection is over. Wait! No I don't want it to be over, make it last will you America?" I nodded again taking a bit of my ice cream, as she bust into describing a boy she couldn't remember the name of, but had the best smile.

Needless to say I didn't get much sleep that night. Still it was nice to spend some time with May, which was hard to do with all the preparations for the Selection. I smiled slightly at the memory as I looked back down and focused on the new arrivals. They got out of the cars one by one and were escorted inside, each looking up at the palace in awe and wonder. It truly was a beautiful structure and I wished I could have seen it for the first time at an age where it would stick. I mean I was used to it now and god knows there are plenty of times when I wish it wasn't so big and vast, but I had learnt a long time ago that it wasn't any good to wish for things that weren't possible.

I recognized a few of them, but from such a distance it was hard. Not to mention I didn't really know them well enough to identify them by their hair and posture. I had been studying their names and faces though ever since the Report and I was given their files. Some of their talents and skills were quite impressive. One of them is going to be your future husband a voice in my mind whispered and gripped the windowsill tightly, the blood draining from my knuckles. Husband, marriage… I swallowed hard. It was all so much to think about. If this Selection was fast, then I could be married in a couple of months. However I knew my father was counting on the competition on being drawn out. He wanted it to be somewhat of a distraction for the unrest in the Castes and it was working already. I was glad I could help him in some way. I could tell he was getting tired; he didn't smile as much as he used to, and he was never the same since Kota and Kenna… I shook them from my thoughts. I needed to calm myself not dig up unhappy memories.

I smoothed out the light silky fabric of my deep purple gown. The color made my skin seem smoother and paler and yet didn't clash with my red hair, which was in loose waves down my back. I requested a corset-less, lightweight gown so that I could breathe and move easily today. It was after all the last day I would have truly to myself, ever. I didn't want the bone and structure of a corset digging into my skin or hairpins stabbing my scalp. My face was void of anything other than powder and lip-shine. A delicate gold chain with a teardrop amethyst hung around my neck along with matching earrings. I couldn't remember the last time my body felt so free during the day.

When I was younger I used to spend all my times in pants that made it way for me to keep up with my older brother and climb the trees in the palace grounds, but when I turned 13, not two weeks after my birthday I woke up one morning to find maids emptying my closet of all my garments. I tried to stop them, I even ordered them to stop, but they had direct orders from my mother, from the Queen to dispose of all my wardrobe's contents. I was collected by my mother and fitted for fifteen new gowns. She scolded me when I cried and told me that it was time to be a real princess. Back then she didn't know I would be queen one day, no one did, but I know it would have only cut my childhood even shorter if she had.

I took a deep breath and turned away from the window as the last boy entered the palace. They were all here. They were officially in the same building as I was. I steeled my expression as I began to walk back to my room. To say I was relieved that I didn't have to meet 35 men today was an understatement and yet I couldn't help but wonder if it would be better if I get it over with; sort of like ripping off a Band-Aid. But I suppose that would be soon enough. I had to attend breakfast with them all in the morning. I wasn't sure if it was a good idea to throw a nervous redhead into a room of over two dozen young men so early in the morning.

In the morning... I was really going to meet my future husband tomorrow. I couldn't help, but wonder if he was thinking about me too in this very moment. Would we click instantly? Or would it grow? In a couple months I could be in love. I could finally know what it felt like to be held in someone's arms and know that you were their world as much as they were yours. The thought made me perk up a bit at the prospect of breakfast. But after I greeted them all and spent a couple minutes with each one individually I was also going to have to eliminate half of them.

I turned around a corner, slowly approaching my room. My steps were soft and silent on the plush carpeted hallways and my gown was so light it barley gave a whisper as it trailed along behind me. I would have only have 2 minutes to talk to each of them in turn. That was hardly anytime at all to get to know someone. I didn't want to eliminate someone who I could have a chance with. There were probably a good portion of them who were only here for the crown, but what if I couldn't read them and their intentions? What If I sent a boy home that was here for me? I didn't want to think about it, but it was hard not to. I was going to marry one of these men and hopefully love one of them. I had to get this right. Two minutes… that wouldn't allow me to do that. I had to think about a way to get around it, I had to try and buy more time…

I reached the door to my bedroom. My usual guard was posted outside it and I gave him the best smile I could muster.

"Afternoon Your Highness, you look beautiful." He greeted with a tilt of the chin and a warm smile of his own.

"Officer Holmes." I replied slightly amused and flattered "And thank you. It is a nice surprise to return from my little wander to find you here." I assumed that there had been a rotation while I was walking because he hadn't been here when I left earlier. It had been some other guard I was less familiar with, I had guessed he was rather new because he blushed and bowed deeply as I had exited my room.

"The honor it all mine, Your Highness." I smiled at him. Holmes was young and handsome, he two years older than I and completely and utterly charming. I loved to tease him and he didn't hesitate to tease me right back, but although the first few moments just now had been light, conversing with him brought back my thoughts on the Selection and I felt the smile on my face slip slightly. His own expression dropped into a thoughtful one and he pressed his lips together as he watched me as thought debating whether he should say what he was thinking or not. "If I may say so, America," he paused and I looked up from the carpet, which my gaze had dropped to, when he said my name. Of course I had given him permission in the past to call me it, but much like my maids he usually kept to my title. "I don't think you have anything to worry about. The young woman they meet tomorrow will blow all those men away. They're lucky to have been accepted into the Selection, your Selection." His expression was still serious even after he finished and I felt my face heating up slightly as I nodded.

"Thank you Noah." I whispered, "That means a lot, truly it does." And a smile started to spread across my face.

"It had to be said, Your Highness." At the use of my title again I decided that was the end of our conversation.

"Pleasure conversing with you, Officer Holmes." I said and he nodded.

"The pleasure is all mine, You Highness." And with that he leant over and opened my bedroom door for me. I thanked him and he bowed before shutting the door behind me and I was alone. I thought over Holmes' words. The men in the palace now, they didn't know me like he did. They didn't even know me through the media because of the veil I wrapped myself in to shield myself from the press. I had never intended to be Queen. I was third in line when I was born after all, two years ago everything changed.

A knock on the door hauled me out of my thoughts. I assumed it was Officer Holmes that he had something he forgot to tell me. I knew it wasn't one of my maids; they usually just entered on their own accord. I walked over to my nightstand to check the time.

"Come in," I said called softly over my shoulder, not bothering to look towards the door as it opened. The person softly shut the door behind them as the entered. There was a short silence as I waited for who it was to announce themselves and when it didn't come I turned around. My father was leaning against my door, looking at me with his warm steady gaze. Usually it was enough to give me strength, but right now it just cracked my shell a little bit and I didn't fight it. There was no point in fighting it, not when I was with one of the only people whom I could show weakness around. "Oh, Daddy!" I choked out and ran over to him, wrapping my arms around his middle and pressing my face into the soft, but strong fabrics of his clothes.

"Whoa there, Kitten." He chuckled to himself before hugging me back. His arms were strong and supportive. I breathed in his familiar scent. I was so glad he was here; I couldn't imagine what meetings he had moved around just so he could come and see me right now. It was hard seeing him outside of breakfast and dinner –sometimes he didn't even make those- and the occasional board meeting I would sit in on or the random visits to his office. I missed him so much when he wasn't around. I was closest to him out of every member of our large and slightly dysfunctional family.

"Dad, I'm so nervous. I just keep thinking about letting everyone down, letting you down. What will I do if none of them like me? What happens if I get bad press and the people don't like me?" he pulled back, putting some distance between us so he could look me in the eye.

"Oh, America my darling girl," he said a smile gracing his lips "They will all love you, I'm sure of it. And when have I ever lied to you?" He asked raising an eyebrow as if challenging me to give an example. I was of course aware that he must have lied to me at some point in my life, but not when it ever counted, not when it really matter. "How could they not?" I sighed shaking my head and stepped out of his arms as I headed for the balcony.

"Yes, but is that simply because I'm the Princess? How can I tell the difference between those who are here for me and those…" I trailed off trying to get neither sad nor angry at the thought that followed "… and those who are here for the crown and the power it holds?" I brought my hand to my forehead and rubbed at the creases that were forming from frowning. I didn't want to get one of those stress headaches again.

"America, I'm not going to pretend that there won't be some of them that are just here for the crown, but there will also be genuine ones, the ones that are her for you and you alone. Or perhaps they are here for themselves, to find love that have been searching for and not yet found." I heard him approaching from behind and he stopped next to me, leaning his forearms against the stone railing of my balcony. "When the time comes you will know who have noble intentions and who do not." His eyes had been so serious, his gaze so intense as he looked out over the gardens that I was shocked when he laughed "They don't hide their personalities very well, trust me on that at least."

Sometimes I forgot. I forgot that he had been through all this before. It slipped my mind that he had 35 women chasing him at my age while I was wrapped up in my own worries of the present day. I studied my father, his face was tired and etched with lines, but you could still tell he was handsome. His smile was genuine perhaps a bit fatigued, but almost never false. His hair was salt and peppery, but still thick and full. This job aged you quickly. Running a country was also running yourself into the ground. I wondered if all the boys here realized that. I doubted it. If I could find one of them who were half the man my father was then I would be lucky.

"You will do great tomorrow, Kitten don't you worry. Your mother and I have faith in you." I took in a deep breath and let it my eyes close as I nodded. His words were comforting and reassuring. Grateful wasn't even part of what I felt at him being here. I was actually calming down thanks to him and I had to pray that when he left, which no doubt would be any minute now, I didn't fall back into a pile of nerves. I opened my eyes as I heard him straighten up and we both turned to face each other.

"I best get going, I have a meeting." I nodded, but didn't say a word. He pulled me into another tight hug "I would stay if I could kid, but this was all the time I could cheat, I'm sorry. But America I don't want you worrying. Really there is nothing to worry about. Those boys? They're the ones who will be sweating in their beds tonight." He walked over and gave me a kiss on the forehead. I hugged him back.

"Thanks, Dad."

"Anytime, Kitten." I watched as he turned and strode from the room, I heard him acknowledge Holmes and then it was silent. I glanced out a window on the other side of the room to see another limo pull up outside the palace. I was confused for a moment. Hadn't all the men arrived already? Curious I walked over to get a closer look. Sure enough the door opened and a young man stepped out, followed by another and another. Late arrivals. I wrapped my arms around myself and was tempted to press my forehead up against the glass, but stopped. One of the boys turned his head as if to look up at the sky and I was surprised when his eyes met mine. For a moment I thought I was imagining it, but he had paused mid step. The other boys didn't seem to notice his hesitation. It was hard to tell, but I thought I could make out smile on his face as he did a discreet wave up at me and raised my own hand in response. Thank god he wasn't close enough to see my cheeks warm. I wasn't exactly shy, but just the whole ordeal had me a little flustered that's all. Tomorrow at breakfast I would be ready, my face set and prepared to meet them.

I saw one of the guards say something to the boy and he turned to go inside, risking a quick glance back up at me over his shoulder. There were strict rules when it came to the Selection. One of the most important being that no one met the Prince, or Princess in my case, before the set meeting. You weren't supposed to have any unfair advantage. Did waving count as a meeting? I doubted it; we were over 100 meters apart and separated by three stories, not to mention stone and glass between us.I ran my fingers through my hair and gathered it over my shoulder. My eyes settled on my piano in the corner of my room by the bookcase and decided to sit down.

It was cream and shiny; the black keys had all been replaced with baby blue ones at my request to match the color of my walls. It wasn't exactly a secret to anyone in the palace that blue was my favorite color. I stared playing one of my own pieces making adaptions that I wouldn't remember as I went along. It was as though I breathed the music into my lungs and it flowed into my bloodstream. I got lost in the melody.

Xxxxxxx

"My favorite must be Sir Callum." Mary chirped from my bathroom and then reappeared in the doorway. My eyebrows furrowed at her words.

"Wait, do you mean to say you met them?" I asked slightly shocked. Ellie nodded her head enthusiastically. I ignored the little spark of jealousy that ignited in my stomach and asked, "What are they like?"

"We have Your Highness, they are all very handsome and polite, but not all proper. If you know what I mean." She paused as if to consider what words would be best "They're nice, but some miss the decorum of the upper castes. Not that I'm discriminating, Miss." She said adding the last as an after thought, albeit a little nervously. I was sure I knew what she meant, but I didn't think that any of them would have problems and would learn as they went along.

"Did any standout to you?" I asked. I couldn't help the peak of interest I had, the girls had met the Selected. They could tell me about them. I was shocked at how eager I was to hear what they had to say.

"Well, Your Highness, we aren't really entitled to favorites, now are we?" Anne piped up seemingly reluctant to share. The thought that perhaps asking for my maids' preferences would give some of the boys an upper hand and unfair advantage occurred to me, but I didn't really care at the moment.

"Please Anne? I insist, in fact I give you permission to have favorites and state who they are as well. When I talk to them tomorrow, I can look out for them and try to pay extra attention. I mean, I do have 35 to talk to and only two minutes to get to know them enough to judge if they should stay." Mary and Ellie and I all watched Anne waiting for her to sanctify the conversation. Eventually she sighed and nodded her head. She was the mother hen of our group, despite the fact she was the one in uniform and I had a tiara on my head.

"I guess we could help you out, America." I smiled at her use of my name "I'll go first," she said and I saw Ellie and Mary giggle to each other. "I guess you could say that I have taken a liking to Sir Rowan, or perhaps Sir Maxon." I couldn't help but laugh. We aren't entitled to favorites my ass.

At the mention of Maxon I remembered the blonde with the warm brown eyes and charming smile from the Report. His face along with a couple of others had stuck with me. Sir Rowan also conjured an image. He was a Two like Maxon, but their similarities ended there, while Maxon seemed to be amiable and sweet, Rowan's picture seemed to ooze arrogance and cockiness with his smirk and dark eyes. My lips pursed at the thought of him, he didn't seem like the one for me, but I didn't want to judge too harshly yet.

"Alright and how about you, Ellie? Any recommendations?" I leaned forward slightly, my mind going through a fast-forward slideshow off all the Selected and their pictures. Ellie turned away from my watchful gaze and busied herself with folding my old sheets that needed to be washed. She had just finished making my bed and putt fresh linens on it.

"Oh well no one really, they all seemed very nice but-" she came to an abrupt stop as if she were holding her tongue. She had caught herself just before she said what she what she was thinking. She had favorite, she was just keeping it to herself is all. Of course I had to get it out of her and from the expressions on Mary and Anne faces' they were on the same page as me. I wiggled my eyebrows at her my young blonde maid as she looked over her shoulder at me.

"Really?" I prodded "Are you sure you don't have one favorite? Just one handsome face that stuck out perhaps?" she shook her head quickly, but slowly the gesture turned into a nod subtle nod. I knew there was someone.

"Oh, come on Ellie, won't you tell us! What's said in this room stays in the room after all." Mary pushed reciting our golden rule. All discussions that took place in this room were not to leave it. That meant no gossiping about Princess America's fear of spiders or that time I tried to hang from my chandelier and tore my nightgown. It was miraculous I didn't rip the light fixture down. In turn I of course told no one about walking in and finding Mary and Ellie trying on all my dresses while they thought I was away in France. I had been at first, but I came home early because I wasn't feeling well. It was quite the site.

"Well, I guess if I had to pick, and I'm not one to judge, but it might be Sir Woodwork." I knew that name Carter Woodwork; he was a Four, knew three languages and was rather handsome. Though I couldn't help, but think he wasn't as striking as a pair of green eyes… I thought I felt a slight flutter when I thought of the boy from Six.

"Oh! Miss, you flushed! Did she not flush, Ellie?" Mary exclaimed animatedly. Ellie smiled slightly, but her eyes were cautious.

"Indeed." She confirmed and I touched my cheek with my fingertips. They were warmed with embarrassment that the girls had noticed.

"Please, it's only a little warm in here. That is all." I protested and tugged at my neckline of my nightgown to backup my case. All three of them eyes watched me warily.

"Are you sure it wasn't Sir Carter's name that brought it on?" Mary prompted and I chuckled lightly. At least I could say that that was, most certainly not the case. I had blushing for a different contestant. Ellie seemed to watch me curiously, waiting for my answer.

"Oh, Miss! You did!" quipped Anne, before pretending to have a little tickle and clear her throat; her fingers continued braiding my hair for bed. I smothered a smile. Anne was one with burning ears and a zipped mouth. In other words she liked to listen and absorb. She pretended to be above gossip, but she was the busiest bee.

"I don't have any preferences yet, no. I haven't even met any of them presently, it would be unfair to judge any of them now, but I shall look out for your favorites. I trust your judgments." mind flashed back to the boy who saw me at the window. It wasn't a proper meeting, but it was as close as I had gotten to know one of the Selected thus far. I hadn't been able to work out who he was from the files I had, but perhaps it would come up tomorrow at breakfast. It was a mystery, just like my future was at the moment.

"Whatever you say Miss. Now come, let's get you to bed so you won't be tired in the morning. You should be bright eyes and bushytailed come sunrise, yes? Don't want the men to see you sleepy. I don't need the extra work of covering your bruised eyes with makeup if you don't get any rest." She ushered me over to the bed. It had already been turned down by one of them and was set for me to snuggle up. I climbed in and stared at the ceiling. Anne went to sit down in a chair by the door as she usually did. I was meant to have someone in my room at all times of the night for security reasons, especially with rebels breaking into the palace (although that hadn't happened since my selection was announced). All noble residence and guests had at least a maid or footman in their room with them at night. I cleared my throat to get Anne's attention and she looked up from the handkerchief she had took out to darn.

"Yes, Miss?" she asked. Ellie and Mary were just tidying up my dressing table and cleaning out my hairbrush before heading out. I only need one of my maids to stay with me and they were on a router.

"You don't need to stay tonight." I said and of course she immediately began to protest. She knew I didn't care for the whole idea, but usually I accepted it. Especially because one of them could get in trouble if I was left alone, but tonight I needed to be alone. I wanted time to myself.

"But, Miss, We are supposed to-"

"I am aware, but I just want to be alone tonight. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?" I propped myself up on my elbows, it was a very unladylike position and I was sure the Queen would have scolded me for doing so. "Please, Anne?" I pleaded, and I hardly ever plead unless in a teasing manner. She pressed her lips think, pink lips together and I could she was fighting an inner battle between following her duties and listening to me.

"Alright, but be careful Miss." Anne let out a sigh, tucked the handkerchief she had been working on back into her apron pocket along with her needle and thread. She then got up and left behind Ellie and Mary.

Xxxxxx

I couldn't sleep. I was simply tossing and turning all night. At around 6:30 I decided to just get up and put myself out of my misery. I had about an hour and a half before my maids turned up to wake me. I slipped on a pair of silk slippers and robe. Not that I really care for them much, to be honest I preferred my bathrobe, it was fluffy and light purple and, probably one of the least expensive things I owned. I guess that might have been one of the reasons I liked it so much. I went to stand out on the balcony for a bit. The morning breeze was blew the stray strands of hair that had escaped Anne's braid into my face. I closed my eyes and for the first time all night I felt like could fall asleep. Morning dew start to seep through my slippers, but I ignored it. My room was stuffy and I liked being outside.

The sun started to rise and for some reason I had the urge to go down to the gardens. I made my way to my door. I knew there was a guard outside my door, but hopefully it was Holmes. He would keep quite about me sneaking out. Slowly I cracked my door open to peak out. It wasn't Holmes, but it was better. The guard outside my door was asleep. His body was leaning against the wall, head flopped over and resting on his shoulder. He had actually dozed off standing up and the site was so comical. I had to cover my mouth to stifle a giggle so as not to wake him. If a patrol came past he would be in big trouble. I tiptoed out, slipping out of my room and closing the door as quietly as I could. It barely made a sound, except to click shut. Holding my breath I hurried down the hall and the grand staircase. There was a squish sound every time one of my feet landed on the plush carpet since my feet were wet from standing on my damp balcony. Had it rained last night and I hadn't noticed? When I reached the glass doors to the gardens I saw that there were guards positioned on either side of the glass doors were not asleep like the one outside my door. I wasn't surprised to see them, but they were flabbergasted to see me.

"Princess America! I mean, your Highness," they both bowed quickly "what are doing up so early?" the taller one questioned. I was familiar with him, his name was Westwood and his partner was Green. I gave them a true smile. I liked talking to the staff at the palace, more than my own family sometimes. Glancing out the doors though I could see the sky brightening I really didn't have to time to chat, I wanted to see the sun rise.

"Westwood, Green," I nodded to each of them in turn "I couldn't sleep." I confessed, honesty was the best policy after all "Big day and all, my nerves on bouncing like a bunny and I thought watching the sunrise from the gardens might calm them." The two guards shared a look, similar to the look Anne had when I asked her to leave my room last night. Technically speaking I wasn't meant to go outside by myself. "I just need some fresh air and some solitude." I added so they would no I didn't want them to follow me. I knew they would keep their eyes on me until I came back in though. After some silent communication between them, Westwood nodded his head (albeit reluctantly) and the two stepped aside and opened the glass doors.

"Stay safe, Princess. Don't need you getting hurt by any rebels before you meet the Selected." He said and gave me a smile, which I returned as I walked through the doors and onto the gravel path twisted though the whole garden. It wrapped all around the palace and slithered through all the flora and fauna kept neatly trimmed. Woodwork, surprisingly, shut the doors behind me. Once I was outside I felt as though I had a moment to relax, without eyes on me, without the palace walls closing in and guards monitoring and cameras watching. I eyed a small wooden bench with, a wrought iron framing in the shape of vines to decorate it. Walking over to it I perched on it and tucked my legs up underneath my nightdress in a fashion I never would in the presence of anyone. The birds were already singing and calling to each other as day broke. Few clouds dotted the sky in a wispy water colored way and I could already feel the warmth of the sun on my bare face. It felt nice to be out without any makeup on. A noise from above woke me from my dreamy gaze and I looked upwards.

The sight of a boy startled me to my feet. He was stood on a balcony looking out at the horizon, his face creased into a frown as he leaned onto the railing. These rooms that looked out at the garden were usually empty since they were guest rooms and the idea that they had been filled by the Selected slipped my mind. The fact that I was stood under him in my nightgown, which skimmed the top of my feet, but was probably see-through in the outdoor light, had me crossing my arms over my chest and I stumbled forward in attempt to sneak away unnoticed, but my bare foot slipped on the dewy grass and I fell flat onto my butt. My toe hit the leg of the bench (my flimsy slippers doing nothing to protect it) and I yelped in pain. I brought it to my chest and hissed out between clenched teeth. I heard a gasp and looked up again to see the boy in complete shock. His mouth was popped open like a fish out of water. My heart stopped as I met his wide, emerald eyes. I watched as he took in my appearance and a slight pink tinge colored his cheeks. It was Sir Aspen, the Six. He was only in some flannel pajama pants that hung low on his hips. There was no shirt to cover his chest. His skin was tanned and his chest and arms were toned, but not overly worked like the models in the magazines. It was obvious he had just rolled out of bed by his hair, dark and tousled about his head.

Slowly I let go of my aching toe (secretly hoping it wasn't broken) and tried to get to my feet as elegantly as possible, which wasn't really possible.

"Good morning," I said and brushed some loose strands of hair out of my mouth. He didn't reply and it seemed as though he was at a loss for what to say. That makes two of us.

"Are you alright?" he finally asked and raised an eyebrow. The corner of his lips were turned down into a frown again as they had been when I first spotted him. He didn't look very happy.

"I'm fine thank you," I paused "Are you?"

"I'm not the one who fell in the mud." He replied his expression only growing more unpleasant as though talking to me was offending him. I noticed shadows under his eyes. Maybe he hadn't slept after all…

"Well I was startled, that's all. You seem tired." He crossed his arms over his chest in a defensive position.

"I didn't, I'm sorry if I don't find sleeping in a cage very cozy." His tone was bordering on angry and I couldn't help the surprised expression that took over my face. No one had ever spoken to me in such an abrasive, honest way before. His comparison to the palace being a cage reminded me of how I had been thinking similar things before I came outside.

"I suppose not," I replied with a slight smile. My smile seemed to only annoy him further. "I must say I've had similar thoughts before." I let my eyes wander away from him for a moment and I scanned the towering stonewalls "Hopefully once you settle in you shall have a better nights sleep." I said and looked back at him with another smile and his expression was suddenly less hostile and more curious, confused.

"Did you really just use the word shall." He asked looking put out by the thought and I laughed lightly.

"I did indeed, it's a habit I suppose. The Queen uses it a lot and I picked it up, but if it bothers you I'll try not to use it when in your company." I saw his lips twitch slightly, but he resisted the smile. My heart fluttered all the same. He had looked so happy in his photograph on the Report as though he had some inside joke that no one would understand.

"No use it whenever you want I could careless." He looked away from me from for the first time and back out at the gardens. I felt disappointment seep into my posture and expression. The twinge of hurt that pricked me was unavoidable. Were they all going to be like this? Closed off and resistant to my attempts at kindness? I had to have breakfast with them all in—dear god! Breakfast! I had to get back, Anne, Ellie and Mary were sure to be in my room by now to get me ready and now that I had fallen with grass stains on my palms and legs.

"I beg your pardon, Sir." I said and his gaze snapped back to me. "I must be going, I don't want to be late for… well for breakfast. I would greatly appreciate it if you," I paused and tried to earnestly plead with him. It was important for him not to tell the others about this conversation. I was sure it would cause so problems since I wasn't meant to meet any of them until later. "I would appreciate it if you didn't mention this to any of the others. Strictly speaking this conversation shouldn't have happened and I know this hasn't been the most romantic encounter," I shot him a teasing smile and was shocked when he turned his face down and away from me to smile too "But I don't want to get in trouble."

"Of course," he said and then added "Your Highness." I thanked him and gave him one last smile before limping away as quickly as I could. I hurried past the guards and thanked them too, though they didn't get anytime to reply. I was carful not slip on the marble flooring with my soggy slippers. I was practically jogging once I reached the corridor that lead to my room. The guard was awake now and he had a nervous expression on his face until he saw me. He stood to attention with the most relieved expression I had ever seen. He opened his mouth to say something but I quickly entered my room and shut the door behind me with a thump. I had barely taken a breath before I jumped four feet in the air.

"There you are!" came Anne's shrilled voice. She came bustling out of the bathroom and over to me with Mary and Ellie hot on her heels. All of them wore similar relieved expressions to the guards. "I was about to arouse a search party for you!" she scolded, waging a finger in my face, but then she bit her lip nervously and quickly averted her eyes. I only chuckled knowing she was rethinking her words to me. She had just scolded the princess.

"We came in to wake you and you weren't here." Mary said.

"We were worried." Ellie mumbled, stating the obvious considering their faces and reactions to seeing me.

"Where were you?" Anne asked looking slightly annoyed again at my amused expression.

"I went out to the gardens to get some fresh air and I… lost track of time you could say." I replied, not wanting to mention the part where I spoke to Sir Leger. I meant what I said to him about no one knowing and that meant on my end too.

"And what distracted you enough to completely forget about the 35 young men that are getting ready this minute to see you?" Anne prodded and the others leaned in closer too, curiously. I smiled and went to reply before Anne raised a hand signaling me not to continue. "You know what, it's probably best if I don't know, Miss." She added the Miss on the end as an afterthought.

Then they started to prepare me in the usual way. Anne almost had a strong when she noticed the state of my nightgown and the green stains on my hands and practically dumped me into the bath. Ellie confiscated the ruined nightgown and I was sure Anne would have her burn on a matter of principle. I laughed at the thought. Once I scrubbed down till I smelt like lavender and soap I put on my undergarments and they started on my makeup. There was not time to properly pain my nails, and Mary just brushed on a quickly clear coat to make them shine. Ellie pulled a pale yellow dress out of my closet and my heart soared at the feel of it against my skin. It had a full skirt, a couple layers of tool underneath a buttery yellow Carmeuse. It was lightweight and silky, as though it really were melted butter. As I walked the dress shimmered like it had been soaked in gold dust and swished as it just brushed the floor. It had a sweetheart neckline and an empire waist. Mary placed my songbird necklace around my neck. My eyelashes were dusted in gold like my dress, from who-knows what kind of mascara and my lips had a ballerina pink lip-gloss.

"Perfect!" Anne exclaimed as she fastened up the last bit of my hair. I had soft curls pinned up around my face with bobby pins bejeweled with citrine. I told them to leave off the tiara.

"Are you ready?" Mary asked excitedly her face about to split in half with the smile she was wearing. I took in a deep breath, grateful my corset wasn't too tight this time.

"Ready as I'll ever be." And with that I headed down stairs to breakfast.

A/N- I HOPE YOU LIKE CHAPTER TWO OF THE EDITED VERSION! ITS SO CRAZY LONG I WAS THINKING OF SPLITTING IT UP (7,547 WORDS) BUT THEN I THOUGHT NAH I'LL GIVE THEM A METAPHORICAL COOKIE.

TELL ME IF YOU THINK THAT IS TOO LONG FOR A CHAPTER.

SO BECAUSE THIS IS ME EDITING MY FIRST DRAFT OF THESE CHAPTERS I HAVE THE ORIGINAL CHAPTER THREE IN MY POSSESSION.

CURRENTLY IT HAS MAXON'S POV INCLUDED (THERE IS STILL SOME AMERICA'S TOO) AND I WAS WONDERING IF YOU WOULD LIKE ME TO KEEP IT OR REMOVE IT AND DO THIS WHOLE BOOK IN JUST AMERICA'S POV.

LAST THING I PROMISE. ITS BEEN A WHILE SINCE I READ THE SELECTION AND LITTLE DETAILS MAY HAVE BEEN FORGOTTEN. IF YOU NOTICE ANYTHING I HAVE WRONG PLEASE TELL ME SO I CAN FIX IT! FOR EXAMPLE I HAD WRITTEN THAT MAXON HAD BLUES BEFORE AND A REVIEWER INFORMED ME THAT OF COURSE HE HAS BROWN EYES AND SO I FIXED IT! YAY! ALSO FEEL FREE TO POINT OUT ANY GRAMMATICAL OR SPELLING ERRORS. I DO CHECK, BUT SOME SLIP THOUGH HAHA :)

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW! THANK YOU FOR READING!