A/N: Another Part! Sorry it took so long to post this! I'm getting a lot more writing time now that school is over and I've moved, but I have one more section of the CPA exam to take, so studying is a way of life... This chapter got really long, so I cut it here that way I could update. It shouldn't take me too long to post the second part...maybe a couple of days :).

In this chapter, Aspen and Marlee come into play! With that that said, enjoy :)

I stood in front of the window, looking down at the gardens below. The rooms we were put in weren't just nice for the secret tunnels. They had a beautiful view of the garden down below. There were braziers lit along the pathways, shedding a golden light all around the gardens. People were milling about, basking in the cool night air. The gardens sat right outside the ballroom, and I could hear the music start to play from here. I heard a soft knock at the door, and I turned to my dressing table.

"Come in!"

Marlee walked into the room looking like an angel. Her golden blonde hair was in an elegant braid woven with golden thread. She wore a mask made of dainty lace that matched perfectly with her gold and white dress. Her family had the money to order a gown that was special made to match her mask, but I could only afford the mask.

"You look beautiful!" I complimented. Marlee blushed just a little, before taking my hand.

"Well, you're not the only one trying to get a husband," she whispered playfully. "If I'm going to stand beside you, I'd better look amazing or no one's going to notice me."

"Yes, because you are so terrible looking," I drawled as I rolled my eyes.

"Would you like me to help you with your mask?"

I nodded my head, opening the drawer than housed my mask. It was adorned with peacock feathers and jewels, and it went perfectly with my royal blue gown. I handed the mask to Marlee, who tied the ribbons around my head. My hair was in a low knot, but I wasn't sure if I approved of the way I looked or not. I felt pretty, but I wanted Maxon to be happy. I felt the need to outshine all the other girls in the room tonight. I wanted to be worthy of the Prince.

"You seen preoccupied," Marlee noted. "In fact, you've seem to had something on your mind for the past few months."

I shrugged my shoulders as I dabbed on just a little more rouge. I looked way too pale, and I was sure that was due to my nerves. I stood up, but as I did, Marlee grabbed my shoulders.

"Who's the boy?" she questioned.

"Ex-excuse me?"

"I know that look. I've seen my older sister with that look. You like someone."

"I do not!" I protested. It was the truth. I didn't like Maxon…I loved him.

"I've known you your whole life, America Singer! You can't lie to me, so spill! Who is he? Did you meet him last time you were here? Is he eligible? You didn't do anything stupid have you?!"

I patiently waited for Marlee to quit her line of questioning with a raised brow. She finally stopped and heaved an impatient sigh.

"Yes, he's eligible, and I did meet him last time we were here."

"Well, who is he? Why didn't you tell me in your letters?!"

"I didn't tell you because there were some uncertainties which didn't get cleared up until I returned to court."

"Uncertainties? America, who is he?"

"You have to swear not to tell anyone, Marlee. Even my Father! I love him, I truly do, and we want to be together, but it has to be done delicately," I whispered desperately. Marlee was my closest friend and confidant. If there was anyone I could trust within these walls besides my Father and Maxon, it would be her. Her eyes grew wide, looking at me a little apprehensively. I knew she was worried about the severity of the situation.

"I won't tell a soul, America."

I took a deep breath. I looked around, but I knew we were alone in the room. After tonight, Maxon had said he was going to make his intentions clear to his father. It wouldn't have to stay a secret any longer.

"It's the Prince."

"HOLY MOTHER OF GOD!" Marlee squealed before slapping a hand over her mouth. I looked at her reproachfully, and she offered me an apologetic grin. "America," she murmured as he voice got lower. "You are being courted by Prince Maxon?" I nodded my head, offering her a timid smile. Marlee fisted her hands at her mouth, literally jumping on her toes. "You have to tell me how it happened! I need every detail! Have you kissed him!?"

"Shh, calm down! My father and your parents are due here any minute!" I quickly reminded her.

"Fine, we can talk later, but you didn't answer the question. You can't leave me hanging all evening."

My door creaked open, and my Father's head appeared through the cracks. "Are you ladies ready?"

"Yes, Father," I called out. Marlee wrapped her arm around mine, and I could tell by the look on her face that we'd never get through the night unless I answered her.

"Tell me, please," she whined quietly.

I looked at her from the side, her excitement fueling my own. "Yes, but that's all you get until later."

The ball was beautiful. The doors were thrown open so that the smell of the roses from the garden wafted through in the slight breeze. Wine and beer flowed freely, and the music was lively. The royal family had yet to arrive, so it was making me nervous. I had spent the last hour or so greeting nobles that I hadn't met the day before. My father came up beside me, and I was excused by the Lady of Kent.

"America, there is someone I want you to meet."

I let my father guide me, and he brought me in front of a young man. He couldn't have been much older than me. He had dark brown hair and startling green eyes. He was muscular, and he looked quite handsome. He held himself like a soldier, which I assumed he was from the small dagger at his waist. Most soldiers never went anywhere without some kind of weapon.

"America, darling, this is Count Leger from Angeles. I believe you met his late father last time we were at court," my dad explained. Count Ledger inclined his head, and I did as was customary and offered him my hand as I returned the curtsy. As I rose, he gently lifted my hand to his lips and placed a chaste kiss on top of it.

"I heard tales of your beauty, but I am happy to say they did not do you proper justice. You are even lovelier than they say, Lady Singer."

"You are too kind, Count Leger. I'm sorry for your recent loss."

"Thank you, my Lady. My father lived a good life. But there is no need to dampen the evening with these sad thoughts. Will give me the honor of your next dance?" He offered me his hand, and I placed my own in it. Count Leger pulled me to the dance floor, and we began to move around. He led effortlessly, pulling and spinning me at the opportune moments. At first, he seemed so intimidating, so soldier like, but now, after a few minutes of dancing, I began to question my initial assumptions. There was something about his kind smile, the way his eyes sparkled and his gentle touch. He was a gentleman, one who would make a fine husband.

But he wasn't Maxon.

"I can't believe I am dancing with Lady America Singer," he chuckled.

"You sound like that is an accomplishment, sir."

"I believe it is," he countered as he spun me away and then back into his arms. "I think every man in the room is jealous of me right now."

"I highly doubt it," I scoffed. "There are plenty of beautiful women here this evening."

"Look around, Lady Singer. Yes, there are plenty of lovely women here tonight, but none of them have the same presence as you. You may not be the Queen, but you command the room like one." I felt the startled expression slide on my face. The music ended, and Count Leger gave me a quick bow before leading me off the dance floor. "Would you like a glass of wine, my Lady?"

I inclined my head, and Count Leger led me to the nearest servant. He grabbed two glasses off the tray, offering me one of them. The music stopped, and more guests were being introduced as they arrived to the party. A few were ones I remembered from before, but an unfamiliar girl with her family stood at the top of the stairs.

"Duke And Duchess Ambers of Columbia, with their son, Duke Fredrick Ambers, and their daughter, Duchess Kriss Ambers," the page announced.

Columbia…I remembered something Maxon had said about that province. His father wanted him to marry this girl! I looked up at her, part of me already resenting her. She was indeed lovely. She had brown hair and warm brown eyes, with a kind smile that was lighting up the room. My stomach sank, the inferiority creeping up inside of me. How could I compare to a Duchess?

"They run the most successful shipping business in the kingdom," Count Leger informed me as the crowd welcomed them. "They are the richest family in Illea besides the Royal family."

I nodded my head, draining my glass of wine. I tried to make polite conversation, to build a wall of confidence. "Do you know them well, Count Leger?"

"I only know of the Duke. I use his business to ship the iron and platinum we excavate overseas," he explained with a kind smile. "I should go speak, but I would love to dance with you again before the night is over, Lady America."

"I'd be delighted," I replied with a soft smile. He was a good man, and he made me feel comfortable. He didn't make me feel the way Maxon did, but he was someone I could become well acquainted with. Count Leger left, but his place was quickly taken by Marlee.

"Who was that you were dancing with? He was handsome," she gushed as she wrapped her arm through mine. She grabbed my glass of wine, hastily taking a sip. Marlee's cheeks were flushed a beautiful rosy color, her smile absolutely radiant. She was one of those people whose emotion shined through them. When she was happy, all those around her felt it and benefited from the glow.

"Count Leger of Angeles," I explained. Marlee's eyes widened slightly, and she let out an amused chuckle. "What?"

"You are a magnet for extremely eligible men, America! You know that he's soon to become one of the richest men in the kingdom, and he is incredibly kind from what I hear. His people absolutely love him. He raised himself up from practically nothing, even though he was born with a title," she explained. My eyes widened, and I looked over at Count Leger. He glanced away from Duke Ambers, offering me a sly grin. I returned it, and then placed my attention back on Marlee.

"Doesn't matter when there is someone even more eligible," I reminded her. "Now who has you all wound up?"

Marlee's eyes glazed over, and she looked over my shoulder. I followed her gaze, which rested on a young man who was speaking to our fathers. He had dark blonde hair and stunning blue eyes. He looked in our direction, and I heard Marlee sigh beside me.

"He's a knight, Sir Carter Woodwork. He's to inherit the Georgia province from Count Fulton. He doesn't have an heir, so it will pass to him because he's the Count's nephew by marriage. All that is left is for the king to approve it!"

"He'd be an agreeable match," I ventured. "Why don't you go dance with him?"

"Oh America, that wouldn't be proper! We've only danced one time!"

"Did he not ask you for another?"

"Well, yes, he did, but-

"But nothing! It's obvious you two are attracted to one another! His eyes haven't' strayed from you since we started talking. Go speak with him!"

Marlee gave me a grateful squeeze before walking quickly in their direction. I watched their interaction with a smile on my face. Horns sounded in the space, and everyone looked up to the top of the stairs.

"His Royal Majesty, King Clarkson Schreave, Her Majesty, Queen Amberly Schreave, and his royal highness, Prince Maxon Schreave."

All eyes were on the royal family as they came down the stairs. I saw Maxon looking through the crowd, his eyes searching for something. He was true to his word, wearing almost the exact same shade of blue for his banner. His eyes met mine, and I saw the smile stretch across his face. It melted my heart, to see him that happy. When we had talked last night, I could tell that he was worried for the country. There was civil unrest in the southern provinces, and with the foreign enemies we had, a civil war would leave us ripe for invasion. Maxon was trying everything he could to appease them. His father had a rougher idea on how to handle the situation, but Maxon didn't think it was the best plan. Throw that with the arguments over his looming marriage, and you had the tension that existed between them now. As soon as they made it down the steps, Maxon made his way towards me. His father was greeting the other nobles, but I noticed that his eyes followed his son and the direction they were going. They came to rest on me, and his gaze narrowed slightly. I met his gaze, and I was glad I was far enough away that he couldn't see my shaking. I nodded my head politely in his direction, but the King did not return the gesture.

"My Lady, you look wonderful."

Maxon's voice broke the tension, and I finally felt at ease. I curtsied lightly in front of him, just so no one would suspect.

"It is an honor to speak with you again, Your Highness. Have you fared well since our last conversation?"

Maxon took a step forward, whispering lightly so no one would be able to overhear us. "I think you know very well how I fared. I didn't sleep a wink."

Maxon had led me to his room last night, where we talked in front of the fire for hours. It was so easy to just be with him. We didn't even kiss last night. He simply held my hand, playing gently with my fingers as we talked.

"The nerve of the person who stole your time! Do they not realize that you are the crowned Prince?" I taunted him.

"Alas, this lovely person did not steal my time. It was willingly given," he countered.

"This person must be special to you," I wagered with a smile.

"More than she will ever know," he grinned and offered his hand. "Will you please do me the honor of a dance, milady?"

"Of course, Your Highness."

Maxon led me to the dance floor and pulled me gently into his arms. His touch sent a rush through me. I was comfortable, but at the same time, I wasn't. Butterflies were fluttering wildly in my stomach, making me feel light-headed. I had never been held like this by him in public before. He was holding me a little closer that was socially acceptable, but I didn't care. I was in the Prince's arms, and no one would say a word.

"I can't wait until I get to hold you like this all the time," he murmured softly into my ear. "I have a right mind to declare myself right now."

"I wouldn't stop you."

"I care too much for your safety to do that now. My father is watching us."

"Did-did you speak to him?" I questioned. Maxon nodded his head, a more sober expression taking place. The same nervousness I felt when I looked at the King earlier seeped back into me. Something about the King unsettled me. Maxon gave me a reassuring squeeze, his gentle smile coming back.

"I did. My mother approves whole heartedly. My father seemed… indifferent. He is still pushing for the Duchess of Columbia. On a good note, the Princess of France just got engaged to the new King of Spain. Did you know that the King died last week?"

"I didn't."

"The new King, King Marcos, needed to provide an heir, and they need the help of France. They are always bickering back and forth, and neither country can risk war right now. Father received a bribe from both countries in trade treaties to allow our marriage talks to cease, so he's happy."

"Are you happy about it?"

"Happy? Now I have one less obstacle in my way to marry the women of my dreams. You can be assured that I am incandescently happy about that," he vowed. His words brought a smile to my face. The song ended, and I started to pull away, but Maxon's hand didn't leave my waist. "No so fast, my dear. You're not getting away from me so easily just yet."

"People will talk."

"Let them," he asserted. "Just like my father, they will have to get use to it."

We began to move to the new song, and Maxon held me close. "I hate when you call me that."

"What? My dear?" he laughed.

"Yes, it's what my father calls my mother when he's cross. And you say that to everyone!"

"What shall I call you then? My angel, my love, my darling? The love of my life, my most precious woman? Or how about a thorn in my side?" I playfully pinched his side with my hand, and his warm laugh filled the room. A few more people looked at us, but in that moment, it was just the two of us, alone on the dance floor. "My darling America, in truth, the only thing I want to call you will have to wait."

"And what's that?"

"My beautiful, mesmerizing, captivating Queen. My Queen America Schreave," he breathed so only I could hear. The rest of the time, we just looked into each other's eyes, captivated by the love that we had for one another. When the song ended, we both bowed, and Maxon took my hand. "This will not be our last dance of the evening."

"I hope not," I muttered with a grin.

Ahh I hope you enjoyed! Please leave a review to let me know what you thought :)

-Holls