I pulled out of Maxon's grasp, practically running down the few remaining stairs. I took off across the room, but Maxon managed to grab me before I made it to the door.

"Maxon, let go," I snapped as I struggled to get out of his grip. "I have to go after him."

"America, no-"

"I can't let my Father die!"

Maxon got a firm grip on my wrists, holding them together in front of me. "I won't either. But taking off without a plan only gets you killed as well."

The tears that had threatened were now finally falling. There was nothing I could do to stop them. I could only keep from sobbing. "I can't lose him. Not like this."

He dropped my hands and moved to brush the tears from my cheeks. "I made you a promise, to love and protect you and yours. That applies to your family as well. I will do everything that I can to make sure that your father comes home safely. Do you know which route he takes?"

"The main road, the one that goes through Kent and St. George. Occasionally we've taken the one that goes along the river, but it takes longer."

He nodded his head, taking my hand in his. "We've got to move quickly and carefully. No one can suspect anything." He pulled out a handkerchief and gently finished wiping away the tears. "We are going to take the tunnel out of here. I want you to go see Aspen. Tell him what has happened and send him to see me."

He pulled me back through the secret entrance, our pace hurried though the tunnels. This time, our journey was darker, the light of the candle much more feeble. Perhaps that was just me, the mood of the situation taking its toll. All of a sudden, Maxon stopped. He placed her ear against the wall, listening intently.

"I think it's clear. You shouldn't be far from Aspen's rooms. I'll find some way to get a message to you at your room, so stay there. We can't let my father realize that we know. If he finds out, there is no way to know what he will do." He brushed the hair from my face and leaned in to give me a gentle kiss. All of his love and worry could be felt through that simple touch. My hands gripped into his waist, holding him to me. He pulled away slightly, resting his forehead against mine.

"I don't want to leave you like this," he whispered. "You shouldn't be alone tonight."

"I'll be fine. I don't want that either, but I'll do whatever it takes to save him. Please be careful. I can't lose both of you."

Maxon pressed his lips against mine once more. "You will never lose me." He lifted a latch on the wall. The door eased open, just enough for him to make sure it was clear.

"Go," he said.

"I love you," I reminded him as I gently kissed his cheek.

"Until the sun stops burning."

I eased out. Once I was clear, I heard the faint click of the latch sliding back into place behind me. I walked hurriedly down the hall, thankful that there weren't any maids or soldiers. I made it to Aspen's door, knocking quietly. There was a shuffle behind the door, the faint turn of a key, and then, it flew open.

"America?" I slipped inside, and Aspen quickly shut it behind me. "America, what's wrong? Have you been crying?"

I nodded my head, the tear threatening once more. "He's going after my Father, Aspen. The King is plotting his death." Aspen's eyes went wide as I explained the entire situation to him. He quickly grabbed his sword, strapping the belt along his waist as I spoke. "Maxon asked for you to meet him in his chambers."

Aspen didn't say anything. He went to the door, easing it open so he could make sure we were still clear. He gestured for me to follow. Once he had locked his door, he pulled my arm through his. We walked in silence to my rooms, which weren't far from Maxon's. I gripped his arm tightly, thankful for his steady strength and warmth. His free hand brushed my knuckles. It was such a kind and tender touch. We passed a few people in the halls. They spoke to both me and Aspen, and I had to fight to keep my voice level. How in the world could these people not noticed the spurious look of ease? How could they not tell that I was falling apart on the inside?

We finally made it to my rooms. He opened the door for me, like a perfect gentleman. He took my hand, softly placing his lips on the back of it. I knew it was for show, for the few servants in the hall, but I felt like I was taking advantage of Aspen. We had dragged him into this madness, and I suspected that he stayed for me. My throat tightened. I gripped his hand, and Aspen looked at me questioningly.

"Aspen, you don't have to do this. We've asked too much of you."

He took a step closer to me, his thumb gently brushing my hand. "You can never ask too much of me, your highness," he replied with a smile. "Not only are you are my future Queen, you are my friend. If I can spare you from any sort of pain, I will do it without hesitation."

"At your own expense," I pointed out. Aspen looked down at his hands.

"It's a price I'm willing to pay. I'll bring him back, safe and sound."

"Make sure the same goes for you."

"Of course."

"Thank you." I leaned forward, giving him the briefest hug. When I pulled away, he bowed his head and left.

I shut my door. The maids had come by to tend to the fire, which was crackling merrily in the fireplace. I didn't have the heart to call for one to help me out of my dress. I simply paced the floor, hoping and wishing for news. The hours ticked by, but still, I had no word from my husband. Nothing could distract me. My thoughts were filled with receiving news of my father. If the King got to him before we did, what would we do? How would I protect my family?

Finally, I climbed on to my bed. I stared at the fire for a long time. Sleep wouldn't come, not matter how hard I tried. My mind was too busy fighting all the wayward thoughts.

After what seemed like an eternity, I finally heard a faint knock at the door. I hopped out of bed, practically running to get it.

"Marlee?"

My cousin stood at my door. Her cheeks were flushed, no doubt from the cold from her ride. Marlee had gotten married about a week after Maxon and I had our ceremony. It was a beautiful party, and my only regret was that Maxon and I couldn't experience it together. We didn't even get to share a dance.

She walked inside, and I quickly shut and locked the door behind her. "Marlee, what are you doing here? You are meant to be on your honeymoon."

"I'm here because Maxon said you might need me," she murmured.

"You saw Maxon?"

She nodded her head. "I'll explain, but let's get you out of this dress. You look like death, and I know it's uncomfortable."

I rolled my eyes before turning around. Marlee began undoing the laces, talking as she went. "Maxon and Aspen came to our estate. He explained what both of you had overheard, and Carter volunteered to go with Aspen to try and save your father. They are riding through the night in hopes of getting to him before these supposed rebels do."

"And Maxon?"

"He came back here to the castle to avoid suspicion. He's got a meeting with the King and a few nobles in the morning," she explained. "He sent me to tell you what's going on. He said you'd be going mad with worry."

"I am," I sighed as she finished the lacing. I slid out of my dress, thankful to have the weight off of me. I walked over to my trunk and pulled out my sleeping gown.

"He also said he'll try to find a way to meet with you tomorrow. If he hears anything, you'll be the first to know. He advised that we stay in your rooms."

I nodded my head. It was silent for a few minutes. I looked out the window, wishing that my father would magically show up right now. "What if this doesn't work, Marlee? What if my father dies? Kota can't be counted on to support our family, and Kenna's just had a child. That means I'll have to marry, and…" I couldn't finish the sentence. Marlee moved over to me and placed her hand on my shoulder.

"Maxon is smart. He'll figure out a way. I've never seen someone fight so hard for something that they love. We both need some sleep, and there is no use in sitting here worrying ourselves. Come to bed. This way, we'll be ready to handle whatever tomorrow brings us."

I let her guide me to the bed. I climbed in without hesitation, and Marlee pulled the blanket up around me. She walked to the other side and got in. She reached across, grabbing my hand like she use to when we were little girls. I looked into her eyes. She was trying to be brave for me, and I loved her for it. How did I become so lucky to have friends like this?

"Do you think they'll make it?"

"I think so," she replied. "Carter scares me to death with how fast he rides."

I managed a laugh before closing my eyes. It took a while, but I finally drifted off to a fitful sleep.

The next morning, I took breakfast in my rooms. Marlee stayed with me to offer me a little comfort. After all, no one knew she was here yet. We sat on the bench at the base of the window, a perfect view of the gates. Hardly anyone had ridden in today. It was just the usual changing of the guard.

"America, staring at the gates isn't going to make them come any faster," Marlee sighed from the bench by the fire. I looked up at her, my eye brows raised.

"I was reading."

"If you were reading, then I'm a chicken."

I slammed by book shut. "But you are a chicken. Did I not take the blame for you more than once when we were children because you couldn't confess to your misbehavior?"

"No, I was just smart enough to not get caught."

I rolled my eyes and stood. My nerves were frayed. I walked over to the fire, wrapping my arms around my chest. It was close to noon, and we still hadn't heard anything. I hadn't even bothered coming out of my rooms. It was easier than trying to fake my emotions. I fiddled with my braid, watching the flames dance on the logs.

There were raised voices just outside my door, just loud enough that they carried into the room.

"The Prince wants to see you, my Lord."

"The Prince can wait for five minutes while I check on my daughter."

A man came barging through the door, the hood of his cape still up. Aspen and Carter followed behind, looking exhausted. The man lowered his hood, and my heart stopped. Marlee stood, her gaze falling on her husband and then the man in front of her. He stood stock still, taking in the sight of the two of us.

I bounded across the room, flinging my arms around him. My father seemed a little startled, but his arms wrapped around me, holding me to him. He pulled away, looking over me like he was examining me for injuries. I did the same. He looked tired, but he was unharmed. Tears brimmed in my eyes. I took a deep breath, fighting to keep them from falling, but I was so happy. My father was safe.

"America, are you ill?"

"No, no, I'm fine, just tired," I admitted.

"America, what's going on? Count Leger said there was an emergency, that I was needed at the castle straight away. I rode through the night. I thought something had happened to you."

I shook my head and bit my lip. I looked at Aspen, who met my gaze with a grave one of his own. "Maxon wanted to see him?"

Aspen nodded his head. My father looked disbelievingly at me. "America, you know better than to call the Prince by his first name."

"I do, but I think I have the right," I began. "He wants to talk to him alone doesn't he?" I added to Aspen.

"He told me to bring him straight to him, but your father was worried about you," he explained. My father looked back and forth between us, his eyes narrowing slightly before resting on me. He didn't look angry, but there was something stern in his gaze.

"America, I know that look on your face. What aren't you telling me?"

I never wanted to bring my family into this, not until the drama was over with. I wanted Maxon to ask my father for his consent, for him to walk me down the aisle and never know the King threatened me. I didn't want to disappoint him, and I was deathly afraid I would. But the time for that feeble hope was far past. There was no doubt in my mind that the King intended to hurt my family, and I'd be damned if I let him. If I was going to be Queen, then there would be difficult decisions for me to make. If I couldn't stand strong with my father, I wouldn't be able to stand up to the King. I wouldn't be able to be strong for my country.

"Aspen, we are both coming. I think it's time we explained things to my father."

A/N: Sorry this took so long! I was trying to post it earlier tonight, but it wouldn't load for some reason. I'm not completely happy with this chapter, but I felt like a little filler was needed. Now, we know America's dad is safe! What do you think his reaction is going to be when he find out his daughter is basically married to the Prince?

Please leave a review! I love to hear from you guys, and I cherish each and every one!

I'll have another one posted soon!