The rebels were eventually conquered by the guards, but not without great damage. With all the damage done, I decided to wait a day to see Marlee. Moving from my original spot, I found a place to sleep in, an arrangement of bushes and trees next to the palace, camouflaging me from the outside. I pushed the pointy branches away, crouching as i stepped, careful, not to fall. I mustered my way through the thick woods, eventually i came upon a campsite. I flattened out a patch of tall grass and surrounded myself in the leaves for a blanket, and used my pack for a pillow. I felt cold, damp, and weak, but in all this weakness felt more strength.I set my head down to sleep.

Daylight arrived all to quickly. I felt like I had just laid down. The sun burned my eyelids, i blocked the light with my arm and moaned out of discomfort. I lifted my back from the ground supporting my limp body with my hands. I just sat there, taking my time, but eventually my senses kicked in and I stood. I picked up my pack, fixed my hair, to the best of my ability without a mirror, fluffed my dress, pinched my cheeks and walked towards the back entrance of the palace.

I reached the rod iron gate surrounding the palace, and placed a finger on the button. I heard a voice, "Identify yourself." i responded, "Shea Carter, maid, here to apply for a job." I waited but no response.

Then I heard a buzz and creaking, the gates swung open. Walking inside i felt a familiar pain, but pushed it aside.

Finding Maxon is for later.

I was approached a guard, and checked for weapons and escorted me to Silvia's office.

I knocked on the door, and a faint voice said, "Come in."

I walked through the door, to be met by another familiar pain. She looked up at me, tilting her head down to see through the top of her glasses.

"Who are you?" she asked, quite shortly, continuing to write whatever she was writing before I walked in.

"My name is Shea, I am here to apply for a job, maid preferably. I am a three, plenty of experience, and know the palace's head baker if you need a reference."

Her pen stopped moving, "Really? Ok then," she turned and spoke into a machine, asking for Marlee under her new name.

I stood there for a few moments waiting for Marlee, praying, and hoping she would recognize me.

She walked in the door, and meekly asked, "Why am I here?" Silva retorted, "Do you know this girl? She claims she knows you, and is asking for a job." Marlee looked at her, then to me. "I don't recognize her, perhaps if she reminded me where we met i could."

Before Silvia could respond i spoke, "We met on a plane...with a few other girls...we stayed in the same place for a couple months... but you had to leave because of your husband." i stopped and took a deep breath.

Oh please darling Marlee, please get the riddle. "Now i remember, oh darling you've changed so much, and cut your hair i didn't recognize you. Yes, i know her and she is qualified for any job you have." she ended, looking at me with a devious smile, then ran to hug me.

She knew.

She broke the embrace but gave me hand a quick squeeze.

"Well if you know her i suppose it's alright since we are shorthanded, due to the attacks. You will train with Justin, and serve meals to the guests and royal family. Between meals you will clean the second floor, where the guest rooms are, and other unused rooms. Once you have shown your work, and worth you may be trusted a more suitable position. Justin is on the 3rd floor now serving the prince, I will have a guard escort you to him, give him this," she handed me a letter, "That is all." She waved us away.

I stepped outside the door and looked at Marlee, and winked. She ran off because a guard was near, but i knew we would speak soon.

I turned to the guard, he motioned, "Follow me." I did, and a few moments later we approached Maxon's door.

I took a deep breath and said, "Ill wait out here, if you would just give Justin this." I handed him the letter and he nodded.

He knocked on the door and entered. I stood there and expected Justin to come. Minutes later a figure came out the door.

This was the last person I expected to see.