Hi guys! First off, I want to apologize. I'm really sorry I haven't posted in a while. I went to Colorado, and then had exams, and was just so busy, but I know thats not an excuse. And I'm really sorry. I'll post every day until this story is over, and I hope that makes up for it. Again, I am supremely sorry.

Ok so this is the preparation chapter and tomorrow is the birthday ball!

America's POV:

One more day. One more day until my birthday ball. I take a deep breath.

"America!" May giggles. "Come on! We're going to have tea with the Queen!" She twirls. When she sees my nervous expression, she stops. "Are you still worried about your ball? Don't worry, just have a fun time. It will be your birthday! You'll be eighteen." May says with awe and reverence. I guess when I was her age, eighteen seemed so grown up. But now it just sounds like more responsibilities and stress. I force a smile for her, though.

"You're right, May. Now let's go get ready for tea!" I say, trying to sound excited. We exit the library and head to my room. "Should I wear pink or blue? Straight or curly hair? Flats or sandals?" May asks on a flurry of questions. I smile, finally getting into it. "How about pants, boots, and a robe?" I ask jokingly. She stops and looks at me, aghast. I laugh at her expression. "I'm just kidding May. Even I wouldn't wear that to tea." she smiles and continues on. "I thought you were serious America! Don't scare me so."

We arrive at my room, and my maids open the door to greet us. "Tea?" Anne asks knowingly. I smile, and so does she. They could hear May from down the hall. "Of course! And I have to get ready! I was thinking my pink chiffon dress would work." my sister informs Lucy. Lucy nods and whisks her away, playing along like I did.

"How about this one, Lady America?" Mary asks me, holding up a satin sapphire blue day dress. "With these shoes." Anne pulls out silver kitten heels. "Looks good to me." I say. They get me ready in a matter of minutes, pinning my hair up into an elegant bun. I am always amazed by their skill.

"Thank you Lucy!" May calls out as we walk away. Her attention soon turns to me. "I was thinking, America. We should probably get manicures and pedicures before tomorrow. We want to look our best." she informs me, very seriously. I chuckle. "You look like you're talking about politics, not beauty." I explain. She smiles too, and we arrive at the Queen's office.

"Come in ladies." Amberly calls after I knock. We enter, and take a seat. "Please, try some lemon cakes. Our chef made them this morning." she gestures to a plate piled high with lemon cakes, chocolates, cookies and frosted tarts. May immediately reaches for a tart, while I indulge myself in a still warm lemon cake. We both take a bite of our delicacies. "Delicious!" May exclaims. "My regards to your chef, as always." I say. The queen laughs, and starts our conversation. "So tomorrow is the big day. Are you ready, Lady America?"

"As ready as I'll ever be, Your Highness." I reply. Amberly smiles. "It will be a special day for both you and my son. The country is expecting a proposal soon, and Maxon should be proposing tomorrow. But to whom remains unknown." I feel giddy. Will I be engaged, or Kriss?

We talk some more, mostly discussing details and even some gossip. Nothing said is important, until May and I stand to exit. That's when the queen turns to me and takes my hands in hers. "No matter who turns out to be my daughter in law, I shall always be there for you and Kriss. Remember that." she says. I nod. "Thank you." May and I curtsy, and leave the room.

"Did you hear what she said! It's like you're her family!" May gushes. I smile. "I know! It is a bit exciting." I reply.

May turns serious. "Do you think Maxon will propose to you?" she asks. I become serious also. "I don't know May. I really don't." We walk silently for a minute, both pondering the future. Trying to lighten the mood, I turn to my sister and ask, "Manicures and pedicures?" She smiles. "Of course!"

Maxon's POV:

Kriss or America? A calm or wild life? I'm supposed to propose tomorrow, yet I don't know who will be my wife! Thankfully, I have a ring made for both of them. Which one will I use? It would only be fitting to ask America, seeing as it's her birthday, but still...I never know with her.

The question is, who do I love? Kriss, the sweet quiet woman who will always be there for me? Or America, with the fiery temper but is still a breath of fresh air. I don't know.

Hello! Hope you guys liked it! Sorry it wasn't that good. Thank you for all the wonderful reviews! They really kept me going. See y'all tomorrow!

Love,

Sara