A/N: A short update-as I am rewarding myself with fun writing as I work on a project due at the end of next week. Thanks for all the reviews, follows, and favs! I'm glad everyone is enjoying the story, because I am enjoying writing it. Your reviews make me want to write more, but I am a little behind in the project! Let me know what you think, and I hope to update in a couple of days. Happy reading! SJ

The Devil Wears Westwood: Here's your update. I can't believe you called me out in your story! :) Thank you for reading and commenting on every chapter. Keep sharing your evil plot bunnies! I appreciate your dedication to this story. I can't promise America will shoot anyone-cause she's disappointed she has to carry again, but I really like the idea that she is a good shot? I'm not sure why. Maybe because it's a way to combat the powerlessness they must feel cowering in those darn safe rooms. Anyway, looking forward to your response to this installment! :)

jthornestudent: I always appreciate your reviews! It's nice to know you are reading and enjoying my work. It's really motivating to write more when people are enjoying what you're creating. More interactions between America and Abrielle, headed your way soon... :)

Totalbooknerd13: I kinda love them, too. And can't you just see Maxon thrilled with the "pile-on-Daddy"? Thanks for your review! :)

prnamber3909: Thanks for sticking with me! Glad the last few lines could make you laugh. :)

Selection Fan: Wow! I am flattered by your review. I really am at a loss for words. Thank you! :)

Anna: Thank you for stopping by. I am glad you are enjoying it! :)

oreocheesecakes: I heart the Schreave babies, too. (I guess that's a little obvious?) Thanks-I couldn't see them not interacting with their kids. Maxon was so lonely as a kid and America was so close to her family... And as to my writing, thanks. I was hoping so. Writing every day has been fun, so it is nice to know that I'm improving, too. :)

KieraCass rocks: Thanks so much! I appreciate you stopping by to read. :)

Maxon settles Brie into the car and quickly kisses the top of her head. Then, he shuts the door as we take a moment for a private good-bye. Aspen is already at the airstrip with a small team, readying the plane. Georgia, Marlee, and Mary keep Abrielle company. Officer Riley and August are in the front seat of the car. They will return to the palace following airport detail. After the warmth of this morning, I hate to step into the black armored vehicle. This was really it. And, still, I feel like I'm missing something-forgetting something important.

This uneasiness has been following me around for the last two weeks.

I wrap my arms around Maxon's neck. To the casual observer, I am a caring wife giving her husband a sweet farewell. Instead, I whisper, "Maxon, we're missing something. I don't know what it is, but the pieces just aren't all falling into place for me yet."

"We'll figure it out, Ames. Maybe we don't have all the parts of the puzzle." He looks at me, and pulls me tightly to his chest. "Promise me, no unnecessary risks." As I nod he reminds me, "According to me, anything that puts you in harm's way is unnecessary."

Smiling, I reach up and place my lips against his own. "I love you. I'll call you when we land."

"I love you, too, America."

He helps me slip into the car, and closes the door behind me. Brie grabs my hand and releases a little squeal of excitement. Maxon takes a step back, and looking a bit lost, waves as we drive away. I try to memorize how his hair falls across his forehead, and how he clasps his hands behind his back as he turns to walk back inside. Alone.

I am awash with dread.

Brie chatters happily during the short drive to the air strip, and continues even as I fasten her into her seat between Mary and me. She loves flying, and is even more excited that she gets to do something her big brother wants to do, but isn't allowed to do. As we taxi and lift off, Mary entices her into a game of "I Spy" as I open my folder file. I have to re-read my notes on the activities for Kent and narrow down our next stop. Marlee joins in the game, and soon Georgia does, too. I smile to myself, even as I make note of names, places, and schedules. We'll visit the school and attend a small reception at town hall. It looks like Marlee will have time to visit with her parents. As a farming province, Kent had its share of all castes, but was not particularly heavy with twos. When Marlee's caning was televised across the kingdom, the province had threatened to withhold commodities from the King. Maxon is credited with deescalating the tension created and preventing a mass downgrade of caste status. The province governance understands the symbiotic relationship shared with wealthier citizenry and the workers that provide essential services. And, Marlee is still the darling of Kent.

I lean my seat back a bit, and run my hand over my temple and across my forehead. And then where to? I open my eyes when I hear someone slip into the empty seat beside me.

"Your Majesty?"

"Yes, Commander Leger."

"Kent is prepared."

"Thank you," I return to my notes.

"And if I may ask," Aspen begins, and I cut him off.

"I don't know. Perhaps you can advise me?" One of the benefits to knowing Aspen as long as we have is the ability to communicate with few words. I show him the briefs I have in front of me, and cock my head to the side.

"As much as I hate to say it, I think Sota it is." From his tone, and the overview he provided in my notes, I know that Sota is not as secure as Columbia.

"That's what Maxon said this morning," I say, keeping my voice low, so as not to be overheard. "I see they are planning a large reception—and they had a higher concentration of twos. Almost as many as Clermont."

"Our military presence is pronounced on a normal day, but with the tour I think you'll see a marked difference. You should notice my plainclothes agents in addition to uniformed enlisted. Unfortunately, we won't stay overnight in Kent." I feel a pang at this statement, because I know Marlee doesn't have many chances to go home. We'll travel after the reception, and everyone will sleep on the plane. "When we get to the base in Sota, there will be secure quarters to prepare for the day."

Everyone seems to be occupied with their own tasks. Abrielle has fallen asleep against Mary's arm, and Mary herself dozes. Georgia and Marlee are looking at the education project folders, and organizing their administrator questions. Members of Aspen's team are around the cabin, some sitting starkly at attention, others more casual but exuding alertness.

Restlessness kicks in. I try and will the plane to move faster. The sooner I get there, the sooner I'll be home.

The stop in Kent was uneventful, as we had hoped. Marlee was greeted to cheers and whoops and spent a good amount of time signing autographs. Abrielle was ecstatic when a little girl about Cal's age asked to take a picture with a real, live princess. The school was simple but purposeful, and the students were performing well. The administrators could not contain their pride. Influential individuals all pledged their continued support of the monarchy in discrete and proper ways during the reception. I explained everything to Maxon over the phone on our way to Sota, preparing myself mentally for a different greeting. Abrielle shared her adventures for the day, including eating an ice cream cup in the school cafeteria with a tiny wooden spoon. Calix bragged about his ever-increasing rifle skills. Even the little boys had babbled into the receiver. By the time I had finished my update and we said our "I love yous," it was a little past midnight. The lights had been dimmed in the cabin, and Aspen, the guards, and I were the only ones still awake. He nods at me in a small salute, firm and steady no matter the circumstances. I remove my jacket and shoes and grab the blanket Marlee had handed me earlier. I spare a glance at my sleeping daughter, curled into her fully reclined seat with a navy blue travel blanket across her body. My heart swells and a smile plays across my lips. Her energy and enthusiasm had fueled me all day. Watching her rest reminds me why I am touring in the first place: for the safety and security of all the children of Illea.

I lean my chair back and close my eyes, and sincerely hope for all our sakes that the next school serves ice cream as dessert, too.