A/N: It goes without saying, but I feel I need to say it: Thanks for continuing to read! KC—thanks for the characters. :)

Anthenachild101: I'm glad it helps! Btw, read the first two one-shots in your collection. You have a really nice voice—I'll post the same to your story after I post. :)

The Selection Fangirl, PokemonLuver151, Princess Rose: Thanks so much for continuing to read. I always appreciate knowing you all stopped by!

jthornestudent: I'm glad you enjoyed it—I'll do my best.

vi-mcmxcviii: Thank you. It is so nerve-wracking to put writing out there, but I am seriously flattered by the review. I love the series and am glad my take reflects that admiration! (But ridiculously hard to respond to your review, because "Squeeeee! *fistbump* didn't seem like quite enough!)

SJ

I touch the desk in the middle of the room, and pretend I can feel the energy of all the women who used it before me. Maybe if I place my palm on it long enough, I can find support directly from Queen Amberly. Fifteen years later I still think of her almost daily and hope she would be proud of all we accomplished. I glance across the top, and my gaze lingers on framed pictures that adorn the left hand corner—a formal picture of Maxon and his parents, a wedding picture, several candids of our family taken by Maxon.

Marlee has settled in to work at one end of the conference table, organizing project files and making priority lists. I have not told her yet why we are working here. I spare a glance for the clock. It is approaching noon, and still Maxon and Aspen have not made an appearance. I resist the urge to pace. Dammit, I do not want to explain this myself.

I finally sit, and Marlee's eyes flit in my direction, but says nothing. She knows she will know what she needs to in due time. She is infinitely more patient than I am. Always has been.

I promised Maxon that I would at least be in my study meeting-free from 10 AM until 1:00 PM. So, where is he? Mary appears at my door, curtsying with the utmost formality. Another reason I prefer to work in our rooms, rather than my study. "Yes, Mary? Please come in."

"Your Majesty, may I bring you a lunch tray?"

"Thank you, Mary. We lost track of the time. And please wait in the kitchen while they prepare it, if you can spare a minute or two."

"Of course."

I turn my attention to a blank piece of paper on my blotter. Grabbing a pen, I begin to scratch a to-do list in light of the new developments. Mary will hopefully bring back the kitchen gossip with our lunches. I very much want to hear what the palace staff thinks of last night's drill.

I'm engrossed in my list when Maxon finally appears in the doorway, Carter a half step behind him. Marlee rises and curtsies. I stand and cock my head to the side, stopping short of crossing my arms across my chest. You're late. He responds by raising an eyebrow, as if he can tell that I'm thinking, Trust me? I nod imperceptibly.

Our telepathic conversation is interrupted by Mary's arrival. She stops short.

I wave her in. "Oh, thank you Mary. Please, prepare the table. I didn't have a chance to ask you two gentleman if you have taken lunch yet." The tray was piled with croissants stuffed with savory fillings, a bowl of mixed cut fresh fruit, and sliced cake. Mary knew I was waiting for Maxon, and brought enough food for three times as many people. And chocolate cake. Marlee clears our files, and helps set out the plates.

Maxon turns a warm smile to Mary, "Thank you. No need to stay and serve."

She curtsies again and turns to leave. I stop her with, "Mary, I have an idea for the dress you were speaking we me about this morning. Please meet me before dinner in the family rooms."

"Yes, Your Majesty." I know Mary will immediately head to our common room. As silly as it is, I feel better knowing she is there while Carter is here.

"Please, have a seat."

Maxon seems to be enjoying testing my hospitality skills. "Of course, my Queen." His eyes are teasing me gently, as he and Carter both seat themselves. Better to laugh than cry. "It is not every afternoon we have our luncheon with such wonderful company."

"Thank you, my King. Now," I said, as he bit into a croissant filled with chicken salad, "Are you ready to debrief Lady Marlee? I have kept her in suspense all morning. And, since I can only assume Commander Leger will be here shortly…"

"Well, Officer Woodwork, it seems like our esteemed Queen America has had enough of waiting today," Maxon smiles at me and takes my hand across the table. He wipes his mouth, and sighs a little. Marlee looks up, eyes going from one face to another.

She puts her napkin on the table, and quietly says, "This must be quite the announcement. If your goal is to make me incredibly nervous, it has certainly worked." Marlee's usual smile was hidden with a frown of concern.

Maxon quickly and explains about the loyalists, and the measures we have already put into place, and the next immediate steps. He looks at both of us as he concludes, "Commander Leger has new information, and will be arriving here shortly to update all of us. Of course, discretion is of the utmost importance, in and out of the palace."

"In the palace? Confirmed informants on staff?" As Maxon nods, my face betrays my true emotions, and I push my plate from me. Of course, I knew that we've always had spies on staff. And we were usually able to monitor them as much as they monitor us. However, my obvious anguish encourages Carter and Marlee to drop formality. Marlee hops up to close my study door, something that rarely occurs. I stand, and turn from the table. They are truly our friends, not just member of our staff. "Carter, who's at the door to the family rooms?"

"Avery, Queen America."

"And you trust him?"

"Yes. Aspen and I have both depended on him for our lives, more than once."

Maxon pushes his chair from the table, turning his full attention to me. "Come here, Ames" he says, and wraps me in a hug when I respond. He whispers in my ear as Carter and Marlee turn discretely away. "You can do this, love. Rooting out disloyal staff, tracking down a loyalist uprising, should be all in a day's work for the woman who initiated the removal of the caste system, armed the Northern rebels, and gave birth to four children without pain medication." His statements, though teasing, did have a ring of truth. I know he's right, and I fight to subdue the panic that threatens to reveal itself as I receive each new piece of information. "Just think, the calmer we are the easier it will be to keep everyone safe. They want us to fall apart, and I for one am not giving them anything they want." I nod and attempt a smile. "There's my girl." He kisses my temple and squeezes me a little tighter.

When he releases me, I grab the to-list from my desk. And lean against the polished wood "I was making a list of some things we might want to consider," I begin, as there is a sharp staccato knock at the door.

Maxon nods to Carter, and he opens the door. Aspen is framed briefly in the doorway as he ushers in three additional people, and then swiftly closes the door behind him.

Maxon and I both try to hide our surprise as August Illea extends his hand. "Your majesties, I understand you require my assistance."