Maxon

'Mom!' Marinda and Michael shouted as they ran for the car approaching the palace. A king would restrain them and tell them to remember their etiquette lessons but a father watched with happiness as his children ran for their mother who had been away for far too long. If my father hadn't trained me differently I would be running after the twin terrors, racing them to the woman who had always held my heart. Instead, I stood beside Amberly on the front steps of the palace patiently waiting for the car with the other half of my family in it.

When the car finally came to a stop and America stepped out the twins quickly wrapped her up in a tight hug and her beautiful face broke into a mesmerising smile. The years that had passed since we had finally gotten married had never dulled the light that shone from her breathtaking face.

After America, came Harmonia, our precious golden haired baby girl. Every time I looked in her eyes I could see America staring back at me just like with all of our children but she was daddy's little girl. I would drop anything for her and she was running for me now.

'Daddy!' She shouted before launching into my arms. Luckily she was small just like America otherwise we would both be on the floor. 'I missed you so much.' She whispered into my ear as I held her close with her arms wrapped tightly around my neck. Harmonia was still my little girl and still needed me when all the other's had grown up and I felt obsolete in their lives. I wanted her to be young forever but I knew one day she would grow up too and I would need to let her go but for now she was in my arms and I was still her hero.

'I missed you too my darling. How was your trip?' I asked resting her on my hip so her eyes were level with mine.

'It was all right, Adam was so annoying though. He knows nothing about girls.' She answered truthfully, but what chance did he really have, he had me as a father and it was proven time and time again that the female species would always remain a mystery to me.

'Did you at least enjoy the balls?' I asked laughing at my youngest child.

'They were amazing. Did you see me singing with mom?' She asked eagerly bouncing in my arms.

'I did, you're almost as good as her now.'

'Can we have a ball here daddy?' She asked expectantly and I knew I would never be able to say no to her.

'We can have one hundred balls as long as it will make you happy.' I smiled as America made her way up the stairs with Marinda on one side and Michael on the other. The two had inherited her fiery red hair and my brown eyes. However, their looks were deceiving because their personalities were nothing alike. Marinda had America's impulsive attitude whilst Michael was quiet and contemplative like I was as a child.

'I just want one dad.' Harmonia giggled, as if my suggestion was absurd. I looked up from my giggling princess to see Adam get out of the car. Amberly quickly rushed up to his side and began talking hurriedly, never letting him get a word in. Those two were so close it was going to be hard on both of them when Amberly left.

'Adam, we need to talk when you're finished with your sister.' I told him seriously as he and his sister disappeared inside. I got a nod in reply and then the two were gone.

'Maxon,' America said and I quickly put Harmonia down eager to have my wife in my arms again.

'America, you're never allowed to leave again.' I breathed into her hair pulling her in for a tight hug. This was the longest time we had spent apart since the trip I went on only the day after we were married.

'Blame your son, it's his selection.' She laughed pulling back and looking at our three remaining children.

'How about you three go and see what the cook has been working on for lunch?' She smiled down at them and I saw the evil gleam in Marinda's eyes and I knew we were in trouble but I was too wrapped up in having America back in my arms to care. The three quickly ran off, up to mischief no doubt.

'I'm not sure that was the smartest idea.' I mused wrapping my arm around America's waist and pulling her inside.

'As long as it keeps them out of our hair for the next hour I don't care.' She laughed, knowing her daughter would probably be causing all kinds of chaos around the palace.

'Let's go make the most of it then.' I whispered pulling her in for a long overdue kiss. This was where she was meant to be. Always had been and always would be. I was only one half of a whole when she wasn't in my arms.

Despite being married to her for over twenty years, everyday I woke up to America sleeping beside me I fell in love with her all over again. Each one of our beautiful children were a reminder of our love and what it was able to create. Everyday I felt lucky to be their father and their mother's husband. She had given me everything and I constantly found myself trying to repay her for all she had done but it would never be enough.

'I love you Maxon.' She smiled as she climbed the stairs towards our room and I felt my heart swell at hearing the most beautiful words to ever grace my wife's lips.

'I love you too America.' I replied mirroring her smile and tightening my hold.

Adam

'There's nothing?' I asked in disbelief.

'No, its like she's lived under a rock for her entire life.' Amberly answered flicking through all the magazines she had piled on her desk.

'So she just came out of nowhere?'

'It appears that way, unless she isn't who she claims to be?'

'Why would she lie, why bother coming to the ball at all?' I asked in frustration.

'I don't know Adam.' Amberly answered defeatedly dropping the magazine that had Flora running from me last night, her green dress trailing behind her.

'It doesn't matter now, she'll be here in a week with the other thirty-four girls.' I sighed feeling something unsettling pass over me. It happened every time I thought about seeing Flora again. It felt like there was a shard of doubt hiding in my heart trying to tell me I would never see her again, but that was impossible.

'I guess, but something feels wrong about her.' Amberly answered, reflecting the doubt sitting painfully in my heart.

'This fell from her wrist when she ran from me last night.' I said offering the only thing that felt definitive about her. Amberly took the silver bracelet in her hand gently, examining it as I had been ever since the ball the night before. I had barely slept from all the worry and unsettling thoughts running through my mind.

'Molly Zander?' She asked the same question I had been wondering about since I saw the name last night. 'Isn't her name Flora Avery?'

'I know, it doesn't make sense. If it was her mother's or something wouldn't the bracelet still have the same last name?' I asked as I paced in front of my sister.

'Maybe it's her mother's maiden name? But I checked her birth certificate-'

'What?' I demanded, stopping to face my sister in alarm.

'Well, something felt off so I did some digging in the official records.' She admitted guiltily before continuing. 'Her mother's name is Malvolia, not Molly.'

'Then why was she wearing this bracelet?' I asked thoughtfully taking it back from my sister.

'I don't know.'

'It doesn't matter now she'll be here in a week and I can ask her all these questions then.'

'Yeah,' Amberly answered vaguely as if she didn't believe it.

'What about you and your prince? Are you ready to go to London?' I asked trying to change the subject so I would stop agonising over Flora and whether I truly would see her again.

'I don't know. What if he is like everyone claims he is? I don't think I'll be able to handle it Adam.' She admitted and I knew this trip was weighing heavily on my older sister. I could see the battle between her duty and her heart playing out in her eyes. It didn't appear that either side was wining but was instead pulling her apart from the inside.

'You can always come home Ambs. No one will be disappointed in you if you can't go through with this.' I said softly watching as a wall came up behind my sister's eyes.

'I need to do this Adam.' She answered firmly.

'No, Amberly, you feel obligated to do this there's a difference.'

'No Adam, I am the eldest and we need to ensure our alliances for the future.' She replied formally and I knew I wasn't going to be able to get through to her now.

'You're wrong Amberly, your happiness is far more important than any alliance.' I answered sadly knowing she wouldn't agree with me.

'We need this, our people need this.' She repeated.

'You need love Amberly, remember that.'

'I already have all the love I need.' She whispered and I knew she was thinking about our family but sometimes that wasn't enough. You needed someone who was your other half like mom and dad. It was as if they shared the same heart and it only beat if they were together. I knew Amberly wanted that. She had told me as much when we were younger, spying on our parents in their office trying to figure out what they were getting us for Christmas.

We may not have found out what they were going to give us, but that day, watching my parents together I realised what true love was. I was only young but I knew I wanted what they had. I wanted someone who completely understood me and loved me for all of my flaws. However, with age I began to realise that dream would more likely than not never come true.

Then I met Flora and it didn't seem so absurd to find your love in such a structured way. I needed her to be there next week. I needed to know that I could have that love my parents shared. I needed to know if I could have it with her. Otherwise, I might forever wonder, 'what if,' no matter who I chose in the end.

'I'm going to see what dad wanted to talk to me about.' I announced but my sister wasn't listening anymore, she was too lost in her thoughts to even acknowledge me as I left her room.

I was pacing outside dad's office when finally he rounded the corner talking hurriedly to an advisor before realising I was there.

'Adam, perfect,' he smiled before turning back to the man beside him. 'We'll finish this later.'

'Yes, your majesty,' the man bowed and then quickly scurried away. Dad opened his office and I followed him in taking a seat in the chair across from him.

'Why did you want to see me?' I asked getting to the point as dad shuffled some of the papers around on his desk.

'We need to talk about tomorrow night.' He answered seriously. 'On the report the girls will be revealed to the public and then the true competition begins.'

'I know dad, I'm the one whose been travelling around the country attending ball after ball, meeting girl after girl.'

'I know but I want you to be ready for when they arrive. It's going to be very overwhelming at first. I suspect you don't even remember half of their names.' He laughed but I didn't share his amusement.

'This isn't funny dad. You know I don't know the first thing about girls. I've lived in the palace my whole life.' I mumbled annoyed he was joking about the competition which would decide who my future wife would be.

'I know Adam, I was the same but I didn't get to meet them before they came to the palace. At lease you have a head start.'

'Hardly, if you recall I don't even know their names.' I deadpanned.

'They'll have name tags for the first few weeks.' He answered dismissively.

'What if I don't find her dad?' I asked quietly.

'After what happened last night I think you might have a pretty good candidate.' He smiled and I absently reached for Flora's mysterious bracelet in my pocket.

'What if I'm wrong?'

'The heart is never wrong Adam.' He answered solemnly and I knew from the look on his face that he was thinking about mom.

'What if my heart says one thing and the nation says another?'

'In the end only a king who has a healthy heart will be able to rule his people with strength. You need to make sure your heart is looked after before you can ever use it to better this nation. If they don't understand at first they soon will. You need to remember Adam that this decision is ultimately yours. No one else can make it for you.' He answered fiercely, I could tell he was remembering something from his own selection. 'I didn't have that freedom when I was in your position Adam. Everyone thought they knew what was best for me and the country but they never asked me what I thought. If I had listened to their advice your mother would never be by my side now and you and your siblings wouldn't exist.'

'Okay.' I nodded, lost in my own thoughts. Ones that circled around a green-eyed girl who always seemed to be on my mind.

'Tomorrow night when the girls are announced and when they arrive next week I want you to take your time. I want you to get to know all the girls you have chosen. No one will pressure you unless you allow them to. This is a very important decision. I know you're going to make the right one Adam.' He finished with a warm smile.

'Thanks dad.' I returned his smile feeling some of the building pressure about the upcoming selection slip from my shoulders.

'If you need anything, you come and see me or your mother. We will be here for you the entire time ready to answer any of your questions.'

'I know.' I said getting up from my chair.

'We love you Adam.'

'I love you too dad.' Then I left his office with only one thing on my mind, Flora.

Aisling

We were alone. Most of the staff were off working or out shopping, with only Malvolia at home there was little for them to attend to until later when Flora and Mr Avery returned. I was hiding. I knew it wasn't long before she found me and when she did I knew what was going to happen. I had four reminders of what happened when I did something she didn't like. Three of them I didn't even know what I had done.

Sometimes, I believed just breathing was my only crime but this time I had done something wrong. This time was different, I just prayed I would live through the pain.

I was hidden behind the sacks of flour in the kitchen pantry, my body shaking uncontrollably waiting for her to find me. I should have left Avery Mannor years ago but I knew the streets could be even harsher than here for an orphan girl. At least here I was guaranteed at least one meal a day unless Malvolia was punishing me for something. I had once gone five days without a meal, my stomach growled so loudly that I could hear it over the roaring of the furnace that was beside my bed in the cellar. Finally my body had given in and I had passed out in Flora's room. She was the true reason I stayed. I couldn't leave her. I needed her more than anything. She was the only person in the world who cared about me.

Footsteps. They were slowly walking around the kitchen and I knew they were hers. I prayed to any god that would listen to let her not find me but deep down I knew no one was listening to my cries of help. They never had before why should they now.

'Aisling?' She growled from inside the kitchen and I could almost feel her anger rolling off her. 'Come out Aisling. It doesn't matter how long you hide I will find you.' She threatened and I involuntarily let out a whimper and quickly slapped a hand over my mouth. Terror filling my heart until there was no room for anything else.

I heard her footsteps walking towards me and my heart stopped all together. They were so close now, almost on top of me, it was only seconds before she found my hiding place. Suddenly, I heard them start to walk away and I let out the breath I had been holding on to, some of the tightness in my lungs melting away. She hadn't found me. I was safe, for now.

All of a sudden, I was ripped from my hiding place and was being dragged across the stone floor by my hair. I struggled in her hold but it was no use. My body was weak and brittle. Easily tossed aside and broken.

'You worthless little wretch. I can't believe you would do this to my Flora.' She hissed pulling me towards the dying embers of the fireplace.

'No, please.' I whimpered, tears streaming down my face, my body tensing in anticipation. I could almost feel the burn on my arm.

'You stole from me you ungrateful child.' She growled as I tried to tug my arm from hers but she wouldn't release it. With every step we got closer to the fire my heart beat a little faster, a little wilder until you couldn't even distinguish one beat from another.

'Please, let me go.' Even if she cared about my words I'm not sure she would have been able to understand my pleas through my tears.

'I always knew you were a little snake. Always so jealous of my beautiful Flora, you've always wanted everything shes had but you'll never have it. You're worthless, nothing but a filthy maid, a disgusting eight that no one wanted.' Her words washed over me, my eyes trained on her in horror as she reached for the brand that had given me all the other burns on my right arm. I felt them ache as if they remembered the pain from last time. I was frozen in fear, how could I handle this pain again? Why did she hate me so much?

'You deserve this, you need to be reminded of what you are and always will be.' She breathed into my ear as the hot metal seared my skin. I screamed in agony wishing it was over, wishing for death, wishing for anything to make the pain go away.

For a moment, a blissful moment, my world went black but the seconds of relief were fleeting and when the world returned so did the pain but I wasn't in the kitchen anymore. Malvolia was dragging me down the hallway to the cellar door. I heard it squeak open and then suddenly I was falling. I lost consciousness before I hit the floor.

'Ash, Ash? Oh please Ash wake up.' I heard someone sob beside me and I slowly cracked my eyes open trying to see through the pain.

'Ash,' Flora breathed, but I could barely make out her silhouette in the darkness.

'Flora?' I croaked not even trying to lift myself off the floor.

'Oh Ash, you're awake.' She breathed taking my face in her hands too afraid to hold me anywhere else.

'How long have I been out?'

'It's past midnight. I had to sneak down here when mom was asleep.' She answered sadly. 'Let's get you over to the bed.'

'I don't think I can move.' I admitted sadly, trying to decide if the fall had broken anything this time.

'It's going to be okay Ash, I'm not going to leave you, I promise.' She said earnestly moving her hands from my face to my own hand and holding it tightly.

'I love you Flora.' I whispered as the darkness started to consume my vision again.

'I love you too Ash. I'll be here the entire time.' Slowly, her words drifted away until the world was silent and black, devoid of life and free of pain. Not even my dreams could reach me here.

I'm so excited that you guys like Anthony, I realised today (and I should have realised sooner, honestly, I don't know how I missed this) all of my main character's have name's starting with A. I mean I know I already said I had a lot of characters that had names starting with A but I didn't realise it was all the central characters. Oops. Anyway, Maxon's Rose, I love that you picked up on the Cinderella theme. I absolutely adore fairytales and I'm super excited for all of you guys to meet the rest of the selected girls because I really, really enjoyed picking their names out. I'm literally bursting with excitement to reveal their names to you but I want it to be a surprise when they are introduced. Also, I know you want some Maxon and America and I promise there will be more than what I gave you in this chapter but I put that little bit in there especially for those who had been dying for some Maxon and America. Don't worry though there will be some cuteness from the two of them later. Thank you again for reading, reviewing, favouriting and following obviously I get a little excited when you do(hence the epicly long authors note, just so you know this was me restraining my excitement) Happy reading everyone :)