A/N: A quick, late night chapter... Hope you enjoy! -SJ

Elise joins us in the middle of Aspen's report. She received an unexpected call from her Prime Minister before she was able to make it to the party. So, not only did she get stuck in a safe room with only her personal guard, she never got any cake. I even forgot she was still with us, and feel guilty that I did not give her a second thought during the attack. Thankfully, Maxon included her in the meeting, especially as evidence is mounting that the active camp in New Asia is Loyalist-run. I pat the seat of the empty chair beside me and she obliges while I re-focus on what Aspen is saying.

"They were focused on our temporary detention cells, where we were keeping Bariel. So, their intelligence knew she was here. We moved her right before the party to our permanent center and she is still secure for questioning. We have doubled her guard, and the center is on high alert. They are well aware of what happened in Bonita." He looks at me, "Your Majesty, we don't believe that Didasko had orders to eliminate you this evening. Instead, he broke rank and tried to settle his personal vendettas. It was a six-person group tonight, and their goal was to free Bariel. We captured one individual for questioning. The other five, including Didasko, are dead." At least if Stavros died, it could not be in vain. "If nothing else, we know that we have the right person in custody. They sent six of their own, including another leader, to recover her. Stavros is our only mortality, and damage to the palace is minimal."

Maxon delicately takes my hand under the table, and the contact is calming. "But, the third leader is still unknown."

"Yes," Carter and August affirm. Georgia's eyes are pained, but she doesn't speak.

Maxon makes a noise deep in his throat, a cross between a growl and a groan. "Before the attack, Stavros pulled me from the party with urgent information. He asked if I trusted him. And, I mentioned how I knew he would defend me to the end. He said to remember that, and handed me this key," Maxon shows us a small brass key. "But then, the children began to play hide-and-seek. Kota came upon us in the alcove, and Stavros excused himself with an assurance that we would continue our conversation later. I ran up here to secure the key and then the alarms rang."

"What does it open?" asks Georgia.

"I don't know. Nothing in my office and we're guessing nothing in his."

Carter adds, "Stavros' key ring is also missing."

"It isn't on any of the bodies of the Loyalists?" I question, squeezing Maxon's hand.

"We haven't found it yet."

"And his office?" I continue to press. Maybe they overlooked something in their hurry.

August answers this time, "I checked myself, before the meeting. It is pristine—nothing out of place, as usual. And, curiously, nothing is locked."

I'm about to speak again, when Maxon's phone begins to buzz. His look of confusion turns to one of exasperation as he answers, "Daphne, it is 11:00 PM, what could you possibly want?" He does not bother to get up from the table, and I know it is because he does not plan to speak long. His look of annoyance is mirrored in every face around the table. "I'm sorry, Daphne, the children are asleep. Did you forget the time difference again? When they wake, I'll have them call you so you can wish them a happy birthday." He rolls his eyes as he continues, "You have really caught me at a bad time, and I can't talk now." He pauses and cocks his head, "Yes, I promise. Tomorrow. Good bye." I am just as irritated. Daphne always has impeccably bad timing. He shoves the phone back into his shirt pocket and mutters something about changing his number.

"If the key doesn't fit anything in his office or this study, where do we look next? Stavros surely didn't intend to send us on a wild goose chase," I offer.

Maxon rises from the table and begins to give orders. "Carter, find Avery, and get to work on the safe room locks. I don't need to remind you that they need to be changed immediately. Aspen and August, go introduce yourselves to our new guest. Georgia, we need you to make arrangements for the family to leave for Italy. Ethan is more than welcome to travel along. After that, please return to America's study so we can work out an essential personnel plan." Each person stands as their name is called, nods to Maxon, and takes off in the direction of their next task.

As the room clears, Elise addresses Maxon. "I know this is not the best time, but my Prime Minister needs assurance of your political friendship and backing in the removal of the rogue camp. It needs to look like a friendly letter."

I respond, "Well, I know how my next hour will be spent. And you?" I look at Maxon, and he holds out the key.

"I'm apparently going on a treasure hunt."

Elise and I are surprised by a visitor in my study; my mother seems to be ransacking my desk. She looks up as we enter the room. "Oh, sweetheart, how are you!" she exclaims and crosses the room to me.

"Mother, what are you doing in my desk?" I try to keep teenage angst out of my voice, but I am not sure I do such a good job of it. What is it about being with my mom that transports me fifteen years backwards in time?

"Nicoletta said the family is leaving for Italy in the morning. I am looking for the children's passports. I'm just trying to be helpful."

I focus my breathing, "Georgia will handle the arrangements. Why don't you head back to your room and start packing? That's the way that you could help us the most right now." I ignore my mom's hurt look, and explain, "I have several diplomatic duties that need immediate attention." I allow the hug she so desperately wants to give me, and turn my attention to Elise as she leaves the room.

"This should only take a second," I assure Elise as I sit at my desk. "Please sit. It's been so long since we've been able to chat. I'd be happy to have the company while I write." I try and open my drawer where I keep my stationary, and am completely flummoxed when my pulling meets resistance. "Dammit, Mom," I mutter to myself, "Now my desk is jammed." My mumbling gets louder as I become more frustrated and pour my emotions into trying to retrieve my tools for letter-writing. "This desk is never locked. I should make her come in and fix what she's broken."

"America?" Elise questions.

"I'm sorry. I'm going to have to get some stationary from Maxon's study. I'll be right back."

"America, hold on a second. Think."

"About what? My desk is jammed and my stationary is in the desk. I have some in Maxon's study and in my room. Maxon's study is closer."

I think Elise would roll her eyes at me if the night hadn't been so difficult already. "America, could your desk be locked?"

"No, I don't even have the keys to it. I rarely work in this room, and my office supplies are of little value. We freely give out the pens with the seals. Would you like one? I'd give you one, but my desk is jammed."

"America," she patiently repeats, "Could your desk be locked?"

I freeze.