Hue guys! Sorry I haven't updated in a while, been busy. Hopefully this makes up for it!

Happy Birthday to Mandyo14, hope you had a good one! This chapter is dedicated to you.

Love y'all!

America's POV:

I wake up to the giggles and whispers of my maids. "Ladies?" I ask groggily. "Why so happy?" I prop myself up on one elbow. They stop their whispering and look at me. Lucy tries, and fails, to hide a smile. "Can't we be happy for no reason Miss?" Mary asks. Anne gives her a stern look. "We got carried away, Lady America. I am sorry." she apologizes.

"There's nothing to be sorry for." I say, and slide out of bed. "I'm glad you're happy." Lucy giggles again, but is soon silenced by the look Anne gives her. "Well?" I ask expectantly. "What is the cause of your giddiness?"

Lucy can't contain herself anymore. "The Prince is planning a surprise for you! He told us about it!" she exclaims. A suprise? I'm not usually one for surprises, but if it's from Maxon then I suppose it will be fine.

"Lucy!" Mary gasps. "Don't say another word." This time I giggle, causing Lucy to giggle, then Mary, and finally Anne. Pretty soon, we are all gasping for air. I don't usually laugh like this, but it's good to see the girls so happy. They're always so somber nowadays, with the competition coming to an end.

An hour later, after composing ourselves and getting ready, I head down to the dining hall. It's been three weeks since the king's mistake, and everything is back to normal. Well, almost. Kriss still ducks her head and cowers away whenever she sees the king, and Maxon is still very overprotective. Which I like.

My birthday is only a week away, and the planning is in full throttle. Silvia is working 24/7 on all the details, while I'm trying on dresses, tasting foods, and picking out I'm sampling different types of cake, and choosing the one that will appear at my celebration. I have to admit, this is pretty exciting.

Over the last few weeks, the rebel attacks have occurred more frequently. Mostly the Northern ones, so it's not as bad, but it's still dangerous. I'm hoping that once I become Queen, they'll stop. Who am I kidding? That'll never happen.

When I arrive at the dining hall, I smooth down my purple satin day dress and take a moment to collect myself. You're here for Maxon because you love him. And nothing else matters, not even the rebels.

I open the door and step in. The sight that greets me is of Queen Amberly and Maxon, with no Kriss or King Clarkson. Good.

Maxon smiles at me immediately, his pearly white teeth shining under the light. I wonder what the surprise he planned will be?

Queen Amberly looks lovely, as always. She's still been giving me personal lessons in etiquette, which I have come to greatly appreciate.

"America, your favorite." Maxon gestures to a plate of strawberry tarts. The sight saddens me. I miss my family, May, Gerad, Kenna, my parents. I haven't seen them since the Halloween Ball, which seems like years ago.

"Strawberry tarts aren't my only favorite, you know. I have many favorites. Including bacon." I say, spying the crispy meat on a platter. Maxon laughs. "Of course, my dear." His mother watches our conversation with a content smile. I hope I could be a good daughter-in-law, let alone Princess. Can I live up to the Queen's expectations? I don't know.

Breakfast is a lively affair, all jokes and laughter. It's good to get my mind off things, and I can see Maxon enjoys it too. He's been acting more run down lately, like everyone else around here. He's only 19, yet the whole country is depending on him to be better than his father. I know Maxon can do it, but does he know that?

Two hours later, I'm in the kitchen. "This is good." I declare, tasting a red velvet cake.

"This is marvelous." I state after trying a lemon cream. "Delicious!" I explain for a chocolate. "Delectable." I say for a butternut. "Creamy, I'll give it that." I add after trying a vanilla mousse.

30 minutes and ten cakes later, I finally decide. "That one." I point. "It's perfect." The cake is an angel food cake, so light and fluffy it practically floats in my mouth. Raspberry icing decorates the top, making it even more delicious.

"Excellent choice." the chef says, nodding. "Would you like any designs on it?" he asks. I nod. "A single red rose in the middle." I say. Roses are my favorite, and it reminds me of the gardens. He smiles, and I excuse myself, heading to my room after a long (half) day.

I flop down on my bed. Silvia would be mortified, but I don't care. No one can see me. Yet I have this feeling as if someone's eyes are on me. I look around, confused. That's when I hear a scream.

"Suprise!" May shouts, bursting out of my closet. Gerad follows closely behind. I shriek, and gather them in a hug. "When did you get here? How are you? You look so good. I've missed you so much!" We all say. I laugh, overcome with happiness. Then a knock sounds on the door.

I rush to open it and find my parents. "Mom! Dad!" I cry, and fling myself into their arms. They smile and hug me back, though mom does look a bit embarrassed. Dad just looks happy. "It's so good to see you! How did you get here?" I ask. Mom just points down the hall, to a figure leaning on a door. Maxon.

"We're so proud of you honey." my mom smiles, a single tear running down her cheek. "You've persevered, even when the going was tough." my dad adds.

"We're sorry we couldn't come sooner, they wouldn't let us. Something about deciding the king's fate." my mom apologizes. "I'm going to rip that man's throat out." my dad growls. I just smile, too overcome with happiness to say anything. They calm down once they see my expression, and excuse themselves for a moment to talk to May about screaming in the palace. I know they're just giving me a chance to thank Maxon, which I intend to do.

"So, this is the surprise." I say, walking over to him. He nods, and a piece of his hair drops onto his forehead. I brush it back, and let my hand linger for a moment.

"Do you like it? I didn't know if it was too soon, or too late, or-" I cut him off with a kiss. "I love it. I love my family, and seeing them for the first time in months is the best birthday present I could ever get. Your absolutely amazing, Maxon Shreave." I tell him. He smiles, and leans in for another kiss.

We stand in the hall for what seems like hours, kissing and whispering to each other. I know my family is close by, but I don't care. When I'm with Maxon, nothing else matters. Finally, someone clears there throat behind us. It's May, looking a little embarrassed. "America? Could I talk to you?" she asks. I look at Maxon, exasperated. I know this is my sister, but still...

"Excuse me, ladies." He bows, and pecks me on the cheek. "I love your family." he discretely murmurs into my hair. "And I love you." I reply. May overhears and sighs dreamily. She's always been a sucker for romance. Maxon grins, and walks away.

All I can think about for the remainder of the day is how lucky I am. How lucky I always have been, and hopefully always will it's not luck that keeps me going.

It's love.

And to those who were wondering, I'm continuing this story. Sorry, you're still stuck with me. Haha oh well...

As always, thanks for all the reviews. Have I told you that you're the best? Cause it's true.

Love,

Sara