Adam

'Your highness,' I started at the sudden voice, lifting my head from the bed. I must have drifted off at some point. My eyes darted to Aisling but she was as still as ever.

I had been here all night and she still hadn't woken up. The doctors weren't sure when she would but they assured me it would be soon. I couldn't tell if they were simply telling me what I wanted to hear or they were genuine in their assurances so my heart was in a constant state of unrest. My father's deadline was almost here but I was ignoring it. How could he possibly think I could leave her now?

'Your highness?' The voice said, a little louder this time.

'What is it?' I asked tiredly, reluctantly pulling my attention away from Aisling's sleeping face.

'The king is on the phone again, he wants to speak with you,' the guard answered not looking me in the eye.

'Tell, him I can't talk right now,' I sighed looking back at Aisling. My father had called several times since I arrived after they brought Aisling here but I refused him every time.

'He is being quite insistent, your highness. He said if you don't speak to him this time we are to take you to the palace immediately.' He replied uncomfortably.

'Fine,' I breathed. 'I'll be there in a minute.' The guard nodded and quickly left the room. I didn't want to leave her but I knew I had to. What if she woke up and I wasn't here?

Sadly I pulled my tired body from the chair and headed for the door of her room. How could this be happening?

Silently, I left the room and moved to where my guards were and one quickly handed me the phone.

'Adam?' My father's urgent voice echoed clearly through the phone and I knew I wasn't going to enjoy this conversation.

'Father,' I answered defeatedly.

'You've been ignoring my calls,' He answered, anger edging into his voice.

'I've been busy.' I answered shortly.

'You are the prince Adam, you can't do this.'

'You gave me two days,' I answered angrily. 'They aren't up yet.'

'Adam, you need to be home tonight.' He said firmly.

'I'm not leaving unless she's with me.' I replied defiantly, feeling my anger begin to rise.

'Adam, you have responsibilities. There are thirty-four girls here and no prince.'

'Send them home,' I answered simply.

'Adam, I mean it. You will be home tonight.' Before I even had a chance to answer the line went dead and I was left clutching a silent phone. What was I going to do?

'Your highness?' One of the men asked, but I was in no fit state to answer. All I could do was stand there, lost.

'I-I…' There were no words I had to describe how I was feeling or what I needed. I couldn't just leave her. She needed to come back with me.

'I need to see her doctor,' I announced finally, not looking at the concerned faces of my guards.

'Yes, your highness,' one of them replied before rushing off to find the man responsible for Aisling. Numbly, I walked back to her room and slipped inside. Shutting the door softly behind me I leant my head back against it taking in a deep breath.

I walked quietly to her side again and sat on the bed beside her, taking her hand in mine. She was looking better than yesterday, her body no longer covered in dirt and grime and all the dried blood removed. However, the bruises were still there, purple and painful.

'You're safe Aisling, I'll always keep you safe. Just please come back to me and I'll keep you safe forever,' I vowed placing a gentle kiss on her forehead before the doctor came rushing in. Eager to please the demanding prince.

'What's wrong your highness?' He asked nervously looking between Aisling and myself in confusion.

'I need to return to the palace.' I answered flatly and he continued to look on with uncertainty. 'Ailsing needs to come with me.' He was silent for a moment, considering my request. I had no idea if it was possible but I needed it to be.

'Of course your highness,' he finally answered moving to Aisling's side.

'Thank you,' I muttered, gripping her hand tightly in mine. She was never going to be in danger again.

Maxon

I hated being this way to Adam, but he was the prince. It was his responsibility to be here, attending his duties but he was with her. I hated asking him to leave, knowing if it were America nothing would have been able to pull me away. I felt my mind tearing in two, fighting the duties of a king and ones of a father. It was familiar, I had battled it since taking the throne and America falling pregnant with Amberly. Even after all these years the balance was constantly shifting in my mind.

'Maxon?' America's warm voice asked hesitantly from my office door. I realised I was clutching the phone receiver so tightly my knuckles had turned white.

'I hate doing this,' I ground out, finally releasing the phone from my hold.

'Then don't,' she answered simply and I let out a groan of frustration leaning back in my chair.

'You know he needs to be home, this competition can't wait any longer. We can't tell the nation where he is and the girls are upset they haven't met him yet.'

'I know, but you can't make him leave without her, he'll hate you and resent you for it.' She tentatively made her way into the room as I tried to calm my anger and frustration.

'I know, it's just…' I didn't even know anymore. Everything was just too much. The balance was tipping and I didn't seem to be able to stop it.

'Maxon, he's your son,' she said firmly, sitting down on my desk facing me.

'I know but I'm also king and he is the prince. The country needs him here-'

'And he needs you to support him,' she implored.

'I do, as a father I support him but as a king I cannot condone his behaviour.' I said in frustration, dropping my head in my hands.

'Maxon, it's going to be fine. Adam will come home, soon.' She assured getting up to run her hands soothingly over my shoulders.

'I know, I just don't like that he's out there at all. It's not safe.'

'I know you're worried Maxon, but you need to trust him.'

'I know and I do, it's the rest of the world I don't trust.' I sighed, taking both of America's hands in my own.

'He'll be home soon,' she reassured as I pulled her in front of me.

'Let's talk about something else.'

'Amberly called again,' she smiled, thinking about our overprotective daughter.

'She's relentless,' I sighed.

'She cares for Adam,' she said placing a sweet kiss on my forehead.

'What about the prince?' I asked trying to get my mind off Adam.

'She seems to be coming around, maybe, I don't know. I think he was turning on the Glaystone charm.'

'I didn't think it would work on her,' I answered a little stunned by my stubborn daughter's turn around.

'I think she's just home sick and needs someone to lean on.' America mused. 'As soon as he does something mischievous I'm sure she'll change right back and that poor prince won't know what hit him.'

'I just hope they don't let her near anything deadly, like a knife or a gun. They may not have a prince anymore.' I replied seriously. If that prince pushed her far enough there was no telling how she would react.

'I'm sure he'll win her over eventually. Frederick called and told me Anthony was trying to comfort her and she let him.' I looked up at America in surprise and she nodded her head at my silent question.

'Maybe, there's hope for him yet,' I laughed, feeling some of the weight lift from my shoulders. America always knew how to make everything feel a little lighter.

'Amberly said they were going to a ribbon cutting ceremony today for a new hospital. She seemed optimistic, if still a little homesick. I think she's going to be just fine.' She announced, but I still had my doubts.

'At least one of our children will be.'

'Adam will be fine as well Maxon.'

'I know,' I sighed as my phone began to ring.

'Amberly,' America chuckled moving from my hold and making her way from the room.

'Why do I need to talk to her?' I asked reaching over for the receiver.

'I've already spoken to her twice today, it's your turn. I'm going to see what our other three children are up to. I noticed Marinda was sneaking around the selected's rooms.' She answered, shaking her head and leaving me alone to speak with my eldest daughter.

Sighing heavily I picked up the receiver and prepared for the onslaught.

Amberly

'Why will no one tell me what's going on?' I demanded.

'Amberly, we're telling you everything we know. Aisling is hurt and Adam won't leave her side. I've told him he needs to be back to the palace tonight otherwise the guards will bring him with or without her. That is all we know.' Dad finished tiredly.

'What's wrong with her?' I asked for the hundredth time. I had even called Marinda and she didn't know either.

'Adam won't say, the guards don't know the whole story but it has something to do with Aisling's father and stepmother.'

'The one who was arrested?' I clarified.

'Yes, her,' dad affirmed.

'Princess Amberly, the prince is requesting your presence in the foyer. They are preparing to leave.' My maid informed me and I nodded absently returning my attention to the conversation with my father.

'I need to go dad, but please I need to know what's going on.' I begged getting up from my chair.

'You'll know as soon as we do Amberly. He should be home in a few hours.'

'Call me immediately,' I instructed.

'Of course my darling,' and I could hear the amusement in his tone.

'Dad, this isn't funny.' I chastised.

'I know Amberly, we'll call you as soon as he gets home.' He chuckled.

'Bye dad,' I answered angrily.

'Amberly?' He called down the phone as I moved to end the call.

'What?' I demanded in frustration.

'I love you, my darling.' He said sincerely and I immediately felt my anger slip away.

'I love you too dad,' I smiled.

'Your grandfather hasn't heard from you in a while. You might want to give him a call.' He suggested.

'I know,' I sighed, I had been so busy worrying about Adam I hadn't had the chance to call him. The truth was I missed him too much and I didn't want to hear his voice in case it was the final thing that tipped me over the edge causing me to go running home to my family. Things were definitely better here but I still felt the overwhelming sensation of homesickness everyday. I just missed my family so much.

'Bye Amberly.'

'Goodbye dad.' I quickly ended the call and rushed from my room for the foyer. I didn't want to be late and miss them. I needed to get out of the palace. I hadn't left since I arrived over a week ago and it was beginning to warp my mind. Yesterday, I even allowed Anthony to comfort me.

After he left last night my mind went into overdrive. How could I have let him do that? What did it mean and why did it feel so good?

Just as I rounded the corner for the stairs that led down to the foyer I quickly shook my head, I couldn't leave my mind so frazzled when I was around him. He somehow weaselled his way under my skin yesterday and I couldn't let that happen again. Honestly, when he left I felt fear engulf me and confusion reigned in my mind. He was a child, how could I allow him to be anything more in my mind. It was only setting myself up for future heartache.

Taking a deep breath I walked steadily down the stairs and looked up to find Anthony's eyes on me the entire time. No one else was in the room except for us. I felt myself blush under his intense gaze and then I quickly scolded myself for my irrational reaction.

'Good afternoon, Amberly,' he smiled offering me his arm.

'Where is everyone?' I asked reluctantly placing my arm in his and allowing him to lead me from the castle.

'They left a few moments ago, we're going separately.'

'Oh, okay,' I stuttered, not entirely sure I was comfortable being alone with him in a confined space.

When we were outside a butler opened the car door and Anthony helped me inside, following closely behind.

We sat in silence for the majority of the trip but when we were nearing the hospital my nerves were in tatters. Suddenly, a hand wrapped around both of mine, which were almost shaking in my lap.

'Hey, what's wrong love?' He asked dipping his head so his eyes were level with mine. I saw the sincerity in them and my heart gave an odd double beat in my chest.

'I-I'm…' I stuttered not sure how to tell him.

'What's wrong Amberly?' He asked a little concerned moving a little closer and my heart gave a more excited beat than before. What was wrong with it?

'I'm…' I took a deep breath and closed my eyes before letting all my words rush out in a single breath. 'I'm afraid of crowds.'

'What?' He asked a little surprised.

'I don't like crowds, they frighten me.' I admitted again, feeling ashamed.

'But, you're a princess. You're in front of crowds all the time.' He stated a little bemused.

'I know, it's irrational but when I was five we were doing a tour of the country and the crowd got a little riotous. I was clinging to my father's hand when we got separated. I was safe but I didn't know where my parents were. It was an hour before they were able to reunite us and by that time I was shaking so terribly that my teeth were chattering.' I admitted, remembering how my father had held me for hours afterward trying to soothe me, patiently waiting for my fear to leave my body.

'I've never been in front of a crowd without Adam by my side holding my hand. I need him to calm me, to remind me I won't get separated.' I continued in a quiet voice. I was so embarrassed by my irrational fear I couldn't even look him in the eye. We had stopped by now and everyone was waiting for us to get out of the car and I could feel my anxiety increasing.

'Amberly, it's going to be fine. We have guards everywhere. No one is going to get to you, you'll be safe.' He tried to reassure me.

'It doesn't matter,' I muttered, pulling my hands from his and clenching them tightly in my lap.

'Amberly, what if I held your hand the entire time? I promise I won't let it go.' He said earnestly, but I refused to believe him.

'I can do this,' I said determinedly, taking a settling breath. I could do this, it was about time I learnt to stand on my own.

'Please, love, let me do this for you.' He begged reaching for my hand again and surprisingly I allowed him to take it.

'I don't need you,' I said harshly looking down at our hands.

'I know love,' he chuckled pulling me from the car and I felt like the noise of the crowd was pushing us backward and inexplicably I held his hand tighter feeling my eyes go wide.

'It's okay love, I've got you,' he whispered in my ear and I nodded my head numbly in reply. There were people everywhere. The guards were escorting us to the platform Anthony's family were already on, which had been set up in front of the hospital. There was a massive red ribbon covering the doors to the entrance of the hospital and I noticed little Elliot was holding a pair of scissors which were almost larger than him.

I followed behind Anthony, never letting his hand go, trying to block out the noise. I thought of anything to take my mind off it until we stood beside the royal family and I was forced to look out at all the people. I felt my face go blank and my body go ridged, like it usually did at large gatherings. I felt Anthony's eyes on me but I ignored him. This was the only way I knew how to cope. I needed to hide everything, show nothing. Anthony squeezed my hand but I was numb.

Anthony

She was scaring me, her face was devoid of emotion and her body stiff. At first, in the car I thought she was joking but then I remembered it was Amberly and she wouldn't joke about anything. She was terrified and all I wanted to do was wrap my arms around her and make her fears go away but I knew I couldn't. I knew she wouldn't have let me.

Despite yesterday, I knew she wouldn't let me do it for a second time. When she had been walking down the stairs back at the castle I could see the uncertainty in her eyes and I didn't want to push it but looking at her now I was afraid. How did she shut down like that? She gave nothing away. It was as if a wall came up behind her eyes and she wouldn't let anyone in.

When my father began the ceremony I reluctantly looked out at the crowd and put a practiced smile on my face. I usually enjoyed these events. I loved to interact with the people but feeling Amberly's wooden body beside me all I wanted to do was get her away from it all. That's when I remembered what my father and I had planned for today. We always did something when we came out among the people. I didn't think Amberly would react too well to this but it was too late now and I really wanted to do it. Maybe she would be all right, maybe she might even want to join in.

Once Elliot awkwardly managed to manoeuvre the giant scissors to cut the ribbon my father looked over at me and winked. I offered him a weak smile and turned to Amberly.

'Amberly, I need to do something with my father.' I offered vaguely but her face gave away nothing. She simply nodded her head robotically, her eyes looking right through me.

'Elliot,' I called and my little brother quickly rushed over to my side, thankfully he had pt the scissors down.

'Ant?' he asked eagerly.

'Ant?' Amberly questioned, her face slipping into something less neutral.

'That's what I call him,' Elliot announced beaming up at me and I shook my head at my little brother.

'He's the only one who calls me that,' I said in a low, amused voice, ruffling my brother's hair.

'I'm allowed because I'm cute,' my brother explained and I saw a small smile cross Amberly's face, the crowd forgotten.

'Hey, Elliot, I need you to do something for me, it's really important.' I said gravely, crouching down in front of him.

'What is it Ant?' He asked his little face all serious.

'I need you to stay with Amberly. Do you think you can do that for me?' He nodded his little head emphatically his blond hair swaying with the movement. He quickly moved away from me and took Amberly's hand in his looking out at the crowd accusingly and I smiled at my youngest brother.

'Are you going to be all right, love?' I asked, standing back at my full height and looking down at Amberly who was watching Elliot with a warm smile in her lips.

'We'll be fine,' she laughed without looking at me. I gave her one last glance before I disappeared after my father's retreating back, dragging Jared after me.

'She's not going to like this Anthony,' he warned gravely. My brother was always so serious, he definitely didn't get my father's genes despite looking almost exactly like the two of us. He enjoyed riling me but he never enjoyed participating in any of our jokes. He was quiet and reserved when he wasn't around us. Mum said he was like our grandfather, but he died before I ever met him.

Somehow, I managed to rope him in today but usually he remained as far away from our pranks as possible. Maybe today I should have as well.

Amberly

After several minutes and Anthony still hadn't returned I began to get nervous.

'Elliot, where did they go?' I asked looking down at the youngest prince who seemed completely at ease.

'I don't know, they'll be back soon. Don't worry Amberly, I'll protect you.' He answered firmly scanning the crowd still. I returned my attention to the crowd as well who were dispersing after the ceremony was complete. The area was almost clear when I noticed a group of men dressed in camouflage who looked really suspicious. I looked over at Queen Olivier in alarm but she looked completely calm. What was going on? The men were trying to make their way stealthily around the area as the remaining crowd looked on in amusement. Why were they amused? These men looked threatening. Was that a gun?

'Elliot? What's going on?' I asked nervously as another group of men entered the area dressed in similar camouflage but with a red armbands around their right arms.

'Elliot, they have guns,' I announced trying to pull him from the stage. Before I even had time to react I heard a strange sound and Elliot dropped to the floor in front of me as the queen moved off the stage and into the hospital shaking her head.

'Elliot!' I cried dropping beside him. 'Elliot?' I rolled him over and saw a purple stain on his little suit and looked down at him in confusion.

'I'm dying Amberly, quick, save yourself. You still have time,' He wheezed, dramatically.

'What?' Before I had a chance to figure out what had just happened the area erupted with the strange sounds and people were covered in different colours of paint.

'What's happening?' I demanded, asking the guard beside Elliot and I.

'Paintball war,' He said a little amused and I noticed the street had been cordoned off and the crowd was at the barrier watching as the fight erupted.

'What do you mean paintball fight?' I asked looking out at the scene in alarm.

'The princes and the king are having a war, it's been going on for some time now.' He explained, before I had a chance to ask anymore questions something hard hit me in the stomach and I recoiled in pain.

'What was that?' I asked, outraged looking down at the red stain on my blue dress.

'That was Prince Anthony,' the guard nodded towards one of the fighters who was saluting me. This was ridiculous. I quickly felt my anger begin to boil and I looked up at the guard who stumbled slightly at my harsh glare.

'Give me your gun,' I demanded.

'Umm…your highness, my gun isn't a paintball gun.' He explained nervously placing a hand on the gun at his waist.

'I know,' I answered getting up to stand in front of him.

'Princess, I can't let you have my gun,' he replied anxiously taking another step back from me.

'Fine,' I said angrily turning from him and jumping off the stage leaving the still dying Elliot and storming towards Anthony. I didn't even notice all the paint pellets flying around me, my focus was solely on the childish prince whose face had turned a satisfying pale white.

'Amberly-,'

'What is wrong with you?' I cut him off, jabbing my finger into his chest.

'I-,'

'How can you be so irresponsible? A paintball fight in the middle of the city? Someone could get hurt.'

'Amber-.'

'No, I don't want to hear it, you and your father deserve whatever you get. This was dangerous and irresponsible. I can't believe the two of you.' I almost screeched and I watched as his face morphed into a cocky smirk. Immediately, I felt my anger spike. How could he possibly think this was funny?

'Were you afraid I would get hurt love?' He asked, stepping closer to me and I quickly stepped away from him in disgust.

'I can't believe you,' I answered exasperatedly, flinging my arms in the air.

'Amberly, no one was going to get hurt,' He smiled walking towards me again.

'You shot me,' I yelled in outrage.

'It's only paint love,' He smirked only infuriating me further.

'Amberly, I didn't know you would be joining us,' Jared had appeared at my side holding his own gun and I quickly snatched it from him and aimed it at Anthony. It was much heavier than I thought it would be.

'Amberly,' Anthony said nervously stepping away from me.

'Anthony,' I replied in a low voice wrapping my finger around the trigger.

'You're meant to be on my side Jared,' He accused, yelling at the smirking Jared who had his arms crossed over his chest.

'If we're picking sides I choose her's,' he answered pointing at me, my focus never wavering from Anthony.

'Amberly, please, why don't you just put the gun down and we can talk about this.' Anthony reasoned eyeing the gun warily.

'You should have thought about that before you shot me.' I answered menacingly revelling in his fear.

'Shoot him Amberly,' Jared encouraged and I was more than willing to oblige him. I got three good shots at his chest before dropping the heavy gun and turning away from him as he doubled over.

'Grow up Anthony.'

'You tell him Amberly,' Jared laughed as I stormed away.

'Paintball fight,' I muttered under my breath stopping beside the over dramatic Elliot.

'Are you done dying?' I asked impatiently.

'Sure,' He said jumping to his feet and grabbing my hand.

'Good, let's go then,' I announced pulling him in the direction of the waiting cars.

'Isn't Ant going back with you?' He asked confused but keeping pace beside me.

'He can walk back for all I care, or better yet he doesn't need to come back at all.' I seethed opening the door for the youngest prince.

'Are you mad at me Amberly?' He asked nervously.

'No, Elliot only your brother,' I sighed as he smiled and jumped into the car before I followed him in.

'You know Amberly, I think Ant really likes you,' he announced as the car began to roll away from the paintball chaos.

'He has a funny way of showing it,' I mumbled glaring out the window as London passed us by. It was a city which had been untouched by time, untouched by war. Apparently in the first two world wars it was heavily hit by the violence of war but in the last two it remained relatively unscathed physically but like all the other nations in the world the scars of war ran deep among the people. However, unlike Illean's people, the people of England seemed to be in high spirits. How was it possible that a nation with two children as the ruler and future ruler seemed to be happy and prospering? Yet in my own country a frivolous selection was used to boost morale. A weight too heavy for my younger brother's shoulders. I just hoped he was going to be okay. I just wanted to know what was going on.

Adam

We were finally on the plane back to the palace. I don't know how the doctors did it, nor did I care as long as she was returning with me. She was sleeping soundly on a makeshift bed that had been strapped into the plane. She had all kinds of tubes and bandages over her but she was here and that was all that counted. I just wished she would wake up so I knew she was all right.

I didn't even know what I was going to do with the rest of the girls back at the palace. I knew I wanted her but what if she didn't want me? She seemed pretty adamant not to come with me when I asked her before…the incident. What if her opinion hadn't changed? What would happen when I told her Flora wasn't here anymore? What was I going to do about her father's identity? Did I tell her? Would she hate me? I couldn't handle it if she hated me.

I got up and started to move around the plane needing to take my thoughts off everything. I couldn't keep running through the what if's in my mind. I needed to believe she would want to be with me. I wouldn't do anything till she woke up. When she woke up everything would be fine. I needed to believe that.

I let out a groan and ran both my hands through my hair in frustration. I didn't even remember the last time I showered or ate. It all felt like one long night. One I wasn't likely to wake up from until her eyes were open again.

'Your highness, we'll be landing soon and we need you to take your seat and fasten your seatbelt,' the stewardess said and I nodded my head reluctantly. I took the seat closest to Aisling taking one of her hands in mine and placing a soft kiss on it.

It was late into the night now so most of the palace should be sleeping but I didn't doubt both of my parents would be there to greet me. I knew everything was about to get a whole lot more complicated. When I returned I would be the prince again. There were duties I had been ignoring and thirty-four girls I needed to entertain. When all I really wanted to do was wait by her side until her beautiful green eyes lit up the world again.

As soon as I stepped off this plane I would return to reality and dreams would be a distant memory. There was no time for them in my world.

I'm sorry this chapter took longer than usual. I don't know why but for some reason I just couldn't seem to figure out how to write it. Oh well, it's here now so I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you to everyone who's been reading and reviewing, I love all of you :) especially my beautiful Austrian Guest, I still think it's amazing that you go through so much effort to read my story.

Lolo I'm sorry I kept you impatiently waiting for so long, please forgive me :)

Until next time my wonderful readers...