A/N: Thank you for continuing to read, and I always enjoy the reviews.

Athenachild101: Hmmmm…interesting consideration. We'll see. ;)

The Devil Wears Westwood: Thanks :)

jthornestudent: I must have something set weird, b/c reviews are coming in late. Sorry. But thanks, that means a lot. I'm glad you're enjoying it.

Totalbooknerd13: Thank you. :)

vi-mcmxcviii: Glad you're loving it, and hope the butt-kicking works for you. All I can say is it's coming… Thanks for the encouragement. Looking forward to your constructive critique. Again, appreciate the support. :)

The Selection Fangirl: Thanks—and I'll try. I know the chapters started out especially short, and they got longer and longer…

Melody: Thanks for the review. I know, right. Those fish or cut bait discussions really suck in a relationship. At least they decided to fish! Hope the rest of the chapters don't disappoint.

Hope you enjoy the next chapter!

SJ

PS. Did everyone see The Queen novella is coming out in Dec 2014?

As Maxon shakes August's hand, I mentally pick my jaw up and fix my face into a composed smile. "Good afternoon, Cousins. Would you care for anything to eat?" How long had it been since I had actually seen August and Georgia? It seems like yesterday that told Maxon they could avoid conflict with the Northern rebels by marrying me. Then, they were in the palace the night the Southern rebels attacked. They ultimately saved us from total destruction with the help of weapons provided by way of an Italian alliance orchestrated by me at a tea meant to show I had no connections. Soon after, keeping a low profile, we had attended their wedding. But the peace that had enveloped the palace in the last fifteen years pushed them to the back of my mind. I look at them both, a little dazzled.

Georgia laughs, "I was going to say, only if there's cake, but I see there is." She takes the seat I offer her and the cake Marlee places before her and continues, "America, it is so good to see you again. August and I always knew you were the right choice, both for Maxon and the country. We are so proud of our connection to the direction the country is taking."

"I'm flattered, Georgia, but I'm not sure…" I look questioningly to first Maxon and then Aspen. Blank slates. They give me nothing, and instead make me ask, "To what do we owe the pleasure?"

August joins his wife at the table, tilting his head to me. "Cousin, we understand that the Loyalists have managed to organize. And, we know that puts you in an uncomfortable position, as Commander Leger has shared with us. You also know that the Northern rebels protected you with our lives. We are no longer considered rebels, I suppose, since we are allied to a fair and forward-thinking King." He nods in Maxon's direction, "But we are still sworn to protect your monarchy. We did not lose so many of our own only to let cronies of Clarkson regroup and rewind our progress. As you know, over the last fifteen years, that has meant keeping our ears to the ground and our training up-to-date. Now, it means a bit more." August smiles at Marlee as he accepts a piece of cake, as well.

Georgia pats my hand. "I know we were a surprise for you, but when you hear the plan we've developed with Commander Leger's team under the King's approval, we hope you will be on board."

"All I've been hearing about all morning is that Commander Leger has a brilliant plan," I smile, though I grit my back teeth. "I am so looking forward to hearing it."

Aspen sees the warning in my eyes and responds, "Your Majesty, we are all here to keep the people of Illea—including its royal family—from coming to harm." But his eyes speak back, C'mon, Mer, we're family. You can trust me.

Maxon sits at the table, motioning for Aspen to do the same. We all turn to him as he speaks, "Commander Leger and his team have some interesting information to report. We believe we know the catalyst for the organization of the Loyalists, as well as their ultimate aim. And, as we act, we know that the Queen has some ideas that would help increase the security of the royal family. Commander Leger, you may report."

"First," Aspen looks at me, "We have known that twos loyal to the crown have not ever been supportive of the union between their Crown Prince and a former five. That doesn't mean all twos are loyalists, but King Clarkson's special group received unimaginable perks. They had access to the palace, automatic government contracts. Some were his advisors. Their daughters represented their provinces for the Selection."

I remove myself mentally a little as Aspen speaks, because we know all these things already. When he says the name 'Didasko,' I refocus. "Excuse me did you say, Didasko?" Breathe in. Breathe out. Portray calm. Everyone around the table looks at me carefully. I cannot believe Aspen and Maxon neglected to give me a heads up about this, choosing instead to let me hear that name in front of a group of people.

"Yes, Your Majesty. Didasko, former head education advisor, was from a family of twos that helped to organize the university system in the provinces."

Angry. I'm so angry. Breathe in. Breathe out. I respond, allowing an icy edge to creep into my voice, "I know that. I was just unaware that his side assignment was to drive a wedge between the King and Queen by whatever means possible as he gathered information for people who would rather see us dead than alive." Aspen nods, eyes approving my reaction. That's right, Mer. You should be angry.

My eyes flash, "Were we aware of his affiliations when he worked here?"

"No, Your Majesty. We discovered his loyalist bent several months after he left, approximately a year ago." About the same time we had Barrett and Griffin. I look at Maxon, noticing that his face is carefully composed, but his jaw is clenched as tightly as mine is. The hand resting on the table is flat and relaxed, but I know by the tension in his arm that the one in his lap is balled into a tight fist, the knuckles white. Didasko did more than try to subvert our work, he almost succeeded in convincing my husband that I was unfaithful to him. We almost allowed him to ruin our marriage. And, while he had both of us distracted and isolated, he collected the information he needed to begin an uprising and threaten our family. I remind myself, not just our family, but the citizens of Illea, as well.

"So, the ousting of Didasko was a catalyst." I look at the table and furrow my brow, trying to make connections. The Loyalists have never demanded anything or made an overt gesture. Until the last year, they hadn't even been particularly organized. Their businesses were flourishing, though they might not like their children schooling side-by-side the children of the kitchen help, the gold from our new Illean partnerships often flowed through their fingers. They were the most prepared to take advantage of our new alliances and trade agreements. In the palace, their informants collected mostly insignificant data that we didn't mind sharing. Suddenly, I look up, "Parliament. The structure for the province representation started under intense debate two years ago. And it is still being amended. It will still be a few years before even the rudimentary plans can be enacted, but…"

"They're planning to make sure every seat is taken by a Loyalist or a Loyalist puppet," Maxon finishes.

Aspen looks to August, "We gravely underestimated our opponents."

"Easy to do when you were so used to running for your life. This race will be a little bit different, but it can be just as dangerous."

"So, is Didasko the head of the movement?" I ask, impatiently. Every time I say the name, I shiver inwardly. In this very office, he had the penchant for coming to me. Lingering too long after kissing my hand. Making veiled statements about…I push those experiences from my brain. Just theater used to distract. Marlee catches my eye, her face reflecting my disgust. She remembers, too.

Aspen answers, "We believe he is one of three, but we have not pinpointed the other two."

"We have been zeroing in on the sources, but they are extremely careful when it comes to this plan. It isn't close to finished now, and it has been fifteen years in the making," August explains. "They aren't going to risk the ultimate goal by getting sloppy. The only reason we know about Didasko," he nods to Aspen to finish the statement.

"The only reason we know about Didasko, Queen America, is because he holds a special resentment for you. We believe he has taken your rejection personally, and then the King added insult when dismissing him from the council. It's loosened his lips, thankfully. But it also means in no uncertain terms that you are a target."

I want to jump up and run from the room. I want to throw myself in Maxon's arms, and let him comfort me with kisses. I want to dash the stack of dessert plates against the far wall. Instead I say, surprising myself with my composure, "So, what's next?"

Georgia says, "Cousin, Commander Leger shared your wish to be trained in self-defense tactics. That you wish the older children, Lady Marlee and Lady May to be trained. We think that is an excellent idea. Our son Ethan has been learning tactics since he was Abrielle's age. So, as long as you do not mind, I will be joining your staff as one of your personal assistants. This way, I can be with you and Lady Marlee at all times of the day without drawing undue attention to myself."

I nod quietly. I dearly hope my face is still composed. My eyes finally turn to the third member of the Northern group. Her face looks familiar, but I can't place why. I give her a warm smile, "We've met, haven't we? I'm sorry, but you'll have to remind me of your name."

"Paige, your Majesty," as she tilts her head in my direction, I travel back in time. My hand unconsciously goes to the scar hidden under my blazer. Another few inches to the left…

"Ah! That it explains why I can't remember," I try to joke. "I don't think I ever properly thanked you for helping me that night."

"Oh, Your Majesty," Paige explained, "You helped me more than I helped you!"

Georgia continues, "Paige has been working with us since you saved her from the fate of a young girl without family on the streets. She is a highly trained informant, and part of the new security plan for the palace. Cousin America, she's one of the best in Illea, maybe the world. You asked for the best. Again, if you agree, Paige will join your staff as a nanny to the children. She can train them and Lady May, and should the need arise, defend them."

We spent most of the rest of the afternoon sketching out training schedules and security plans, including ways not to draw attention to those same necessary plans. I participated fully in the strategy session with Maxon's encouragement. He is not as quick as he once was to scoff at my ideas. The light outside the windows turns dusky and Aspen stands, commenting to Maxon and the Northern team, "Now might be a good time to leave. We will have you reenter the palace tomorrow under your new employment."

I feel relief when I hear Maxon dismiss the team, and watch as Carter and Marlee leave to head back to our family rooms. "America," Marlee says quietly, "We'll wait until you and Maxon return."

"Thank you," I smile genuinely. "Could you arrange time for May to talk to Carter? That is, if you're willing to debrief her. I know she is probably anxious to hear."

"Of course," Carter nods and they both head out the door. They are careful not to touch in the palace hallways, but anyone could tell how tenderly they feel for one another just by looking at them.

Maxon quietly shuts the study door and turns to me, holding out his hand. I go to him and take it, but refuse to let any more tears roll down my cheeks today. The Loyalists have already stolen enough of my time. He cocks his head and looks at me saying, "I always knew you'd be a good queen for Illea, America. Today is just another example."

I exaggerate a curtsy, trying to lighten the mood. I really don't want him to extol my virtues while my motivation today was to stay alive. He does chuckle and pulls me the rest of the way into his arms, "I love you," he tilts my chin up and places a soft kiss against my lips. "Always."

"Better enjoy that while you can," I tease, wrapping my arms around his neck and playing with his collar. "So many people are going to be in our common rooms..."

His next kiss stops me from finishing my statement. The one after makes me forget what I was saying.