Tess's POV

One week later

I pace back and forth Queen America's office. Pacing is more of Matthew's thing, but I decided two and a half minutes ago to assume the stress-relieving activity. Goodness gracious, Matthew... Where are you? What in the world is happening?

I feel like I've been living under a rock! And that's not supposed to be taken lightly considering the fact I've been living in a palace.

"Your Majesty, I'm really sorry to ask again, but what's happening now?" I ask for what seems like the billionth time. (It's actually the one hundred fifty-seventh.)

Queen America holds up a finger to her lips signaling me to be quiet. I take a deep breath but don't dare exhale it. The queen says quiet, I'll be quiet. I sit on the couch next to her as she listens to the person on the other line. She nods periodically, and every time she opens her mouth to say something, she ends up closing it again.

Finally, the queen says, "Okay, I understand. Thanks for the update...So you'll be back tomorrow?...Okay. Love you. Bye." She hangs up and turns to me. Her casual sitting position makes me want to slouch myself. Her legs are tucked underneath her, and she wrings her hands for a moment. "That was Maxon. Their flight is tonight, and he and Matthew are coming back tomorrow."

At that, I sit straight up. "What time?"

"At one in the afternoon, I believe, considering they don't have any flight inconveniences."

I nod, chewing the inside of my lip. I hate not knowing anything. It's annoying and frustrating. Call me selfish, but I just need to know things. It helps me anticipate and expect occurrences. I hate the unexpected. I'm just hating this whole ordeal and...

"Tess," the queen says. I realize I have her silk throw pillow in a threatening grip. I actually think I ripped the seam a little. I loosen my jaw and set it down.

"I'm sorry. I just..." I laugh a little. I can't really explain everything I'm feeling into a coherent sentence.

She moves closer to me and gives me a hug. I can't tell whether it's for her sake or not, but I accept it, trying my best to properly hug her back. My forehead rests lightly on her cheek. "Do you know what's happening?" I ask like a curious little child, looking up at her.

Her ocean blue eyes flicker to the phone, thinking I didn't see it. "No," she says, her face straight and eyes on the throw pillow behind me. "I have no clue. Let's just hope they'll get home safely."

Note to self: Queen America is a terrible liar.


America's POV

I hate lying. I can't do it anyway, but the fact that I have to do it so many times...

I do know what's happening. Matthew just told me not to tell Tess. He said he'll tell her himself, but who knows when. Maybe when he's close to...

My father died of a heart disease that ran in the family. No one knows what it is, but it must have been passed down to Matthew. I can't help but feel guilty. If I wasn't his mother, he'd never have this horrible illness. Then again, he would have ceased to exist.

I can't help but feel the same overwhelming sadness when my father and my son died. I can't bear to have another family member taken away from me. So I release Tess and start to write a letter. She must have taken that as her cue, even though it really wasn't, but she says, "Good night, Your Majesty."

I'm too far gone within my letter to say anything back.

Dear Illéan Medical Research Corporation,

My son, Prince Matthew, has a heart disease. We do not know what it is, but please, as your queen, I ask you to research for a cure. If not, find one. My father died of the same disease, and I believe it is genetic. Please reply quickly. I think that Matthew has at least three years left as my father had, but I do not know.

If you recommend anything, do not hesitate to send another letter. Send as many letters as you like. Please.

Cordially,
Queen America Schreave of Illéa

I ask the guard outside to deliver it to the mail room, and I sit on the edge of my desk. I pray to God to bring Maxon and Matthew safely home. I don't want to lose anyone anymore. But I kill the thoughts. I can't afford to think like that.

So, instead, I do something else that needed attention anyway—organizing Tess's birthday party. I've already sent the invites—with help from Matthew, Rilane, Alexandra, and Maria, of course. Tess already said she wanted a party with just her families here at the palace, and that isn't a problem at all, even though she has technically three families. But I decided I want to plan something a little more grand. I know fancy and elaborate isn't really my thing, but it's my future daughter-in-law's nineteenth birthday. I have a gut feeling to go all out.

Tess isn't really the girl I expected her to be. I pegged her as more of the quiet, mischievous type, but she turned out to be a sarcastic girl with a witty sense of humor who always wants to smile and laugh. It's infectious.

So, here I am, trying to decide on a theme for the party; if a theme is even needed at all. Then I come up with the perfect kind of party for a quasi-mischievous, mysterious girl: a masquerade ball.


Hey guys! Glad to be back in the writing business! I'm so excited to write for you guys again. If you've read the stories that precede this, thank you so much for still reading my stories! It means a lot to me. :)

So, if you played my reference game during The Fire and you still haven't turned in a character, please do so immediately!

And thank you so much for the reviews! My email almost blew up from the notifications! Thank you so much and ily!

ReadLikeYouMeanIt- Yay! Special congratulations to you cuz you're the first reviewer! Whooo! And thank you for still being here :)

agb1700- Aw you're too sweet! Thank you so much and I hope to continue being amazingER!

Tori- OMG you had that problem too? Girl, it took me five stories to figure out the name thing. I'm sure you're very smart, and aw you're so sweet, I love you too! Thank you so much for all of your reviews! This was me when I saw this on my phone *scrolls, stares, shrieks, screams, see my sister staring, screams again* (BTW I love the name Tori)

LovableL101- I hope you were able to find out what you needed! I hope you keep reading and thank you so much! You really are Lovable :P

lilythemermaid- Bae, have I ever told you how much I love you? You're like my freaking goddess Internet friend. Liiiike, I can't evennn. LALOL!

kaylie2000- I KNOW RIGHT?! TOTES RIDICULOUS! Haha I'm not mocking you. That review was just totes adorable.

prnamber3909- Honey, I hope you're still alive! Thanks so much for sticking around :)

martinezsami11- THEY MIGHT POSSIBLY FIND A CURE BUT IDK THE RESEARCHERS COULD BE SUPER FREAKY AND NOT COMMITTED AT ALL AND MATTHEW COULD DIE MWAHAHAHA IT'S NOT A SPOILER OR FORESHADOWING I'M LISTING THE POSSIBILITIES :) THANKS SO MUCH!

ilona18- I do like heart-wrenchers :P But not as much as I like reviewers like you!

LittleMissTori- Your username gave me an image of either this perfect adorable little girl or this super badass chick who prefers to go by "little miss Tori". Idk I have a weird imagination :)

bubble4life- Awwww Matty boy isn't really arrogant or haughty. He just wants somebody to love :P P.S. I love being omniscient.

fantasybookgirl- You'll know soon enough, love! Thanks for reviewing!

winterprincess- I'm so glad you're still reading! Thank you so much!

Kiren- Aw thank you! That means soooo much to me :) Thank you!

theoneforever- OH MY FREAKING GOODNESS I LOVED THIS REVIEW!

magicalnerd123- Not as awesome as you! Thank you so much!

Love ya!- AcademicGirl