Maxon

'Harmonia my darling,' I said gently, placing my hand tenderly on her shoulder. She didn't even stir and I knew despite Adam's best efforts he hadn't been able to move her since Justin was brought to the infirmary in the palace. 'Harmonia, its time to wake up,' I said softly, pulling up a chair beside her where she rested her head on Justin's hospital bed. Finally, her head shifted and her beautiful blue eyes looked back at me. Tired and slightly disorientated, I saw a change in her. Something, existed in her eyes now that hadn't been there before.

'Daddy?' She asked sleepily before her eyes darted back to Justin.

'You need to leave his side sometime my darling. You're no good to him if you make yourself sick,' I said gently, running my hand soothingly along her shoulders.

'I want to be here when he wakes up,' she insisted, shuffling in her chair so she sat a little straighter.

'Harmonia,' I sighed. Why did all of our children need to be so stubborn?

'Please dad,' she begged, turning to face me but keeping a tight hold on Justin's hand.

'Harmonia, I love you and I know you want to be here for him but you need to rest and wash up. Justin is going to be fine and I promise as soon as he wakes up I will come and find you. I'll get Marlee to come and sit with him, she's been in the kitchens trying to act normal but we all know she wants to be here,' I said, standing and reaching out for Harmonia.

'I really, don't want to leave him,' she answered uncertainly, looking sadly at her injured friend.

'I know, but he wouldn't want you here making yourself sick.' I assured her. She looked at him for several more moments before finally reaching up and taking my hand. I pulled her in until her arms were wrapped around my waist and I was bent almost in half in order to hold her close.

'I was so scared daddy,' she whispered. 'There were running at us and I didn't know what to do, I froze and then Justin was there pulling me along and just as he got me to the passageway one of their shots hit him. They hurt him dad,' she sobbed, tightening her hold on my waist.

'It's going to be all right Hamonia, he's safe now, you're safe now.' I answered firmly, wishing my words were true. I had seen enough of these attacks in my past to know that none of us were safe. I held her as her tears soaked into my waist where she still held tight.

'Come on, we'll be back before you know it,' I said gently, pulling back and taking her hand in mine. She nodded weakly taking one last glance at Justin before allowing me to lead her from the room.

We walked in silence up towards her room, where thankfully the words which had been painted were removed. Adam had ensured anything that could unsettle his sisters was gone as quickly as possible. America was keeping the remaining selected occupied in the women's room, as well as a shaken Marinda. Adam was still trying to find the person who had tried to poison him as well as dealing with the security measures we were taking to ensure another attack didn't occur. Yet, despite the years we still seemed to be at their mercy. Waiting in fear for their attacks to happen. We never knew when and often struggled to find out how they were attacking us.

'Dad?' Harmonia's small voice broke through my thoughts, drawing my attention back to her concerned face.

'What is it my darling?' I asked bending down so I was level with my daughter.

'You aren't going to let them hurt anyone else, are you?' She asked earnestly, her eyes full of hope. I would promise her the world if I could but I knew despite my best efforts I couldn't save everyone. Over the years, being king I had learnt that if I were to believe that I could save everyone I was only setting myself up for a broken heart and disappointment. There were just too many people I wanted to protect. However, I knew I would protect my family.

'I promise you Harmonia, that I will try my hardest to keep all of you safe,' I answered but I knew she saw through the smokescreen of my words. I never said I could definitely protect everyone. Only that I would try, and my youngest daughter, even at twelve, knew the difference. I watched as some of the hope in her eyes dissipated and it hurt to know that I couldn't make her feel safe, but I wasn't going to promise something I couldn't deliver on. She deserved to know the truth and that was that none of us were safe, not anymore.

'I'm going to go and wash up,' she mumbled pulling her hand from mine.

'Harmonia,' I sighed, and she turned with her hand on the handle of her door. I wanted to tell her everything was going to be fine and I almost did, but I changed my mind at the last minute. 'Your mother and I want you to join us for a private lunch when you're ready, just us and your brothers and sister.'

'Then I can go back to Justin?' She asked, emotionlessly. I had never seen her this way before and I felt my heart ache for my little girl.

'Yes, then you can go back,' I said, straightening as she nodded and slouched into her room.

Amberly

'So, should we tell anyone?' I asked, watching as my ring cast a kaleidoscope of colours against Anthony's bedroom wall. We still hadn't moved from his bed since he proposed and I was content to lie here all day. Outside his walls there were problems I wasn't ready to face. I wasn't sure I would ever be ready to face them.

'I think they already know love, we did have a party to celebrate our engagement. Admittedly, you did leave early,' he chuckled against my shoulder where his front was pressed to my side, his arms wrapped loosely around my waist, keeping me close.

'And whose fault was that?' I challenged with a raised eyebrow.

'Mine,' he smiled. 'My behaviour that night was unwarranted and I'm a despicable human being for what I did.'

'Glad you remember,' I smiled, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

'Amberly?' Anthony asked pulling away.

'Hmm?' I mumbled, resting my head on his shoulder.

'I know you don't want to talk about it but what are you going to do about your grandfather?' He asked cautiously. My body froze in his hold as images of my own father's back came to my mind. I had seen them years ago and had convinced myself that I hadn't but now that Adam had seen them too on my mother's back I couldn't deny it anymore. What was I going to do? How could my grandfather be capable of such cruelty? The man I had known since I was young would have never done that. He was serious and calculating and sometimes his face did fall into shadows but he was my grandfather and I wanted to believe he had changed. I didn't know him when he did those horrible things, why should I hold them against him now?

'What are you thinking love?' Anthony asked, gently tracing my forehead before rubbing his thumb along my cheekbone.

'What he did is unthinkable, unimaginable,' I said harshly, glaring at Anthony's chest.

'But…' he prompted, settling his arm back at my waist.

'But, I love him. He's my grandfather,' I answered him helplessly, shifting so I could meet his hazel eyes that shifted colours in the midday sun.

'Amberly, no one is perfect,' he began. 'I know this more than most people. Do you remember when you first arrived and my father and I covered your bed in toads?'

'Yes,' I answered shortly. 'What's your point Anthony?'

'Give me a minute love,' he chuckled before continuing. 'Well, I was so terrified you would leave that I called your parents. I begged them to help me. I needed to keep you here so I could try and fix the mess I had made but you were so adamant that you were leaving.'

'I remember, you know that butler never did come down with my bags,' I mused.

'I told him he would be fired if he went anywhere near your room,' Anthony admitted sheepishly.

'Anthony,' I scolded pushing back from him.

'Hey, if I didn't keep you here, you wouldn't be with me now,' he reasoned, knowing he had effectively gotten out of trouble. How often was he going to be able to do that?

'Fine,' I conceded and then waited for him to continue.

'So, when I was talking to your parents do you know what they said to me about you?' He asked, looking straight into my eyes. 'They told me that their daughter didn't give second chances and that I had already used up my first. Yet here we are over a month later and you're still here and wearing my ring no less.' He smiled proudly lifting my left hand and placing a kiss where my ring sat on my finger.

'Amberly, you gave me a million second chances, even when I made no promises to change. Your grandfather has changed, for you. The mistake he made was in his past, before you were even born. He deserves a second chance more than I ever did,' he finished, a look of intensity consuming his face.

'You think I should forgive him?' I asked, looking down at where my fingers were playing with Anthony's shirt buttons.

'Whether or not you forgive him is completely up to you but I do think you should give him a chance. A chance to explain what happened, a chance to be the man he's been to you for the past twenty-one years.' He said quietly, brushing away some of my blonde waves from my face. I didn't reply but instead lost myself in my conflicting thoughts. There were so many questions swirling around in my head each competing for my attention and I didn't know which one to answer first.

Throughout my entire inner turmoil Anthony just held me, being a silent comfort as I ran everything over in my mind. Occasionally, he would twist his hands through my hair or place a gentle kiss on my forehead when it got too crinkled but otherwise he let me work through my problems on my own. Giving me space without truly putting any between us. Why had I kept him away for so long?

Anthony

I don't know how long I sat with her in my arms but eventually the sun began to descend as afternoon approached and I knew someone would come looking for us soon. I was never one to oversleep but I knew my mother would be giving me space after yesterday. As if on cue there was a knock at my door and my father walked in moments later, never waiting for my reply. Amberly tried to move to see who it was but I kept her where she was. I had only just convinced her that the two of us were a good idea together, I wasn't going to let her go so quickly.

When I looked at my father I saw shock quickly transform into a knowing smile as he leant against the door frame.

'What's going on here?' He asked obnoxiously, never wiping the smug look off his face. I glared at him as Amberly jolted in my arms realising who had found us.

'What do you want?' I asked shortly, wanting him out of the room as quickly as possible.

'Anthony,' Amberly scolded, pushing away from me and turning to face my father.

'Good afternoon Amberly, I see you have both been enjoying a nice lie in,' he smiled, crossing his arms over his chest. Amberly ducked her head and I saw her cheeks flame with embarrassment and I wanted nothing more than to remove my father from the room anyway possible.

'Why are you here?' I demanded, climbing down from the bed and standing in front of Amberly.

'Right,' he shook himself, now that Amberly was basically out of sight he was able to focus on why he had come. 'I need you to come and get ready to address the people. We need to inform them of everything that is happening. They need to have confidence in us and if we provide them with all the news as we have it they will have no need to doubt us.'

'Of course, I'll be there soon,' I answered and my father nodded at me before he laughed and left the room.

'Don't let you mother find the two of you like this,' my father warned with a chuckle as the door fell closed behind him.

'We didn't do anything,' Amberly gasped, looking at me with wide eyes.

'He knows that, he's just having fun,' I grumbled, rubbing the back of my neck.

'I guess I should probably go so you can get ready?' Amberly said from behind me and I quickly turned to face her as she toyed with the bed cover.

'You can stay here as long as you want. I'm sorry I have to go,' I apologised, taking both of her hands in mine.

'It's fine, I understand. I need to speak with my grandfather anyway.'

'Are you sure you're up for that? Have you made a decision?' I asked a little worried she was ready to face Clarkson so soon.

'No, but I will before I get to him. I just have to do something. I don't want to sit here thinking about it anymore,' she answered resolutely, pushing off the bed and standing beside me.

'If anything goes wrong please come and find me,' I begged. I wanted to help her do this but it was something she needed to do alone and I had a feeling if I was face to face with that man the conversation wouldn't go well. I didn't believe the words I had told Amberly. I couldn't believe that so much darkness could just leave a person. I couldn't believe that he had changed completely.

'What if you're busy? I don't want to interrupt you,' she answered me worriedly. I had never seen her so lost and it was unsettling. However, I liked that she would come to me if she had a problem. It was nice to be needed by her for a change.

'Amberly, I will never be too busy for you,' I answered earnestly, bending slightly so her eyes were level with mine. She nodded in response, without meeting my eyes and I quickly placed a hand under her chin so she had no choice but to look at me.

'Whatever choice you make will be the right one love,' I told her gently before placing a soft kiss on her lips. When I pulled back she looked a little less conflicted but still had that lost look in her eyes. Suddenly, she reached out and her arms were wrapped around me and I didn't waste a moment before wrapping my own tightly around her.

'Thank you Anthony,' she whispered into my chest but she didn't appear to want to let me go anytime soon. After several minutes she finally unwound her arms from me and I reluctantly released her.

'I'd better go, you need to get ready,' she managed a weak smile before leaving the room silently. Why did everything need to be so complicated?

Adam

This was useless. I was back in the kitchens trying to determine who the traitor was but it was evident they weren't here anymore. No matter how many members of staff I asked.

When two guards had come looking for me earlier, I was still in my office with Aisling. Thankfully, we were only sitting on the sofa in my office at that point but it didn't stop the embarrassed flush spreading across Aisling's face.

Once Aisling had left the two guards went straight into how we needed to improve security to prepare for the next attack. It was long and tedious and I never wanted to talk about another guard rotation again.

I hadn't even seen my parents since they arrived home because I was too busy.

'Your highness?' A small maid appeared beside me, nervously wringing her hands. I had never seen her before, but that meant nothing. I rarely paid attention anymore. There were so many staff in the palace it was impossible to know them all. Looking at this maid she reminded me of Aisling, that first time I saw her at Avery Manor. Although this maid was dressed well and appeared well nourished, she still held many similarities to Aisling. I hoped she had never suffered like Aisling had. She was looking at me oddly and I realised I hadn't answered her yet.

'Sorry, what can I do for you?' I asked shaking thoughts of Aisling out of my head. I hated thinking about where she came from, it always made me angry.

'The king has organised for a private lunch for the queen and the other prince and princesses. His majesty has requested your presence as well,' she answered, straightening her palace maid uniform.

'Thank you,' I dismissed before a thought came over me. 'What's your name?' I asked, and she turned to face me with a worried look on her face.

'Erin,' she answered shakily, reaching up to straighten her tight mousey brown bun.

'Can I ask you another question Erin?' I asked getting up from the seat I had been sitting in for the past hour watching the staff in the kitchen.

'Of course your highness.'

'Do you like working here?' I saw uneasiness travel across her face and I knew she didn't want to answer my question. Who would? I hold her job security in my hands and I was asking her to tell me what she really thought.

'Well…' She shifted uncomfortably looking anywhere around the kitchen but at me.

'Please Erin, be honest with me I promise you won't be in any trouble if you tell me you despise working here,' I assured her, but she still seemed uneasy, her eyes finally focusing on the floor between our feet.

'Is it really that bad?' I asked, ashamed the people who worked here didn't seem to enjoy their work.

'No,' she said quickly, raising her hands, her brown eyes darting to mine finally. 'I like working here. It's much better than working anywhere outside the palace.' She assured me but I wasn't consoled by this. How much worse was it for people who weren't employed by my family?

'What's it like out there?' I asked. I may be prince and I may have just spent two months among the people but I still knew very little about the lives of those I was in line to rule.

'Not like here,' she answered gravely, rubbing her hand up and down her arm, anxiously.

'What do you mean?' I asked hesitantly, afraid of the answer.

'My sister, Elentra, she works for a family who were formally twos. They still live in the past. They still believe they are worth more as people than my sister.' She answered sadly.

'Why doesn't she go and find another job?'

'There are no other jobs and they're all the same anyway.' She shrugged trying to cast aside her sadness.

'Did you and your sister go to school?' I asked.

'Yes, but the people in society who were rich before the castes were eliminated still stick to their own. They have the power to hire and fire whoever they choose. Some are lucky, but others never make it out of the pigeonhole the caste system created for them before they were even born.'

'This is happening everywhere?' I asked, ashamed I hadn't even known this was happening in my own country. Erin just nodded, looking at the ground again. 'So nothing has changed?' I said in defeat, slumping back in my chair.

'No, everything has changed,' she assured me. Stepping closer to me, her eyes locked on my own. 'There is now hope, at least for the children, that they can better their status in society where before you were what your number said you could be.'

'But the people are still suffering,' I replied flatly.

'Not like they were before. The king and queen have changed so much for this country but sometimes it feels like there is no end in sight. Many people believe we will never achieve freedom or equality.' I nodded my head in thought but I could come up with no solutions to the problem within my own people. How did you change an attitude which had been fostered over generations? I guess it was just another thing I had to thank my grandfather for, I thought grimly.

'Thank you Erin,' I said neutrally, getting to my feet. 'I should probably be getting to lunch, my family will be wondering where I have gotten to.'

'Yes, your highness,' she said softly as I left the kitchens.

'Adam,' my mother gushed running over to me as I made my way into the dining room. 'How are you?' She demanded, brushing at my hair and straightening my tie as if I were ten years old again.

'Mom,' I groaned, pushing her away and moving to take the only seat that remained between Marinda and Harmonia.

'I just missed you Adam, can't a mother miss her child?'

'Yes,' I grumbled watching Harmonia stare listlessly at her empty plate. 'How's Justin?'

'Fine, the bullet went through his left arm when he pushed me through the door. He's just been sleeping a lot,' she answered flatly, nothing like my youngest sister.

'Adam, how is the search going?' My father asked and I didn't even raise my eyes to look at him.

'I've found nothing,' I answered shortly as the maids began to bring out lunch. My father didn't try and engage conversation again but instead focused on my other siblings. My mother was unusually quiet and I knew she was watching me closely but I was too tired to pretend. I felt like my father had betrayed me after what he had let happen to mom.

After I had told Amberly, she quickly got off the phone with me before I could even talk to her about our grandfather. I assumed she would be furious with him, but now I wasn't so sure. Could she really forgive him? I wasn't even willing to forgive my father for allowing it to happen how was I ever going to forgive grandfather for doing it in the first place?

Finally, lunch was over and Harmonia almost ran from the room to be back by Justin's side. Marinda and Michael left just as quickly, their heads bowed together in deep conversation. Michael seemed to be reassuring her of something. Apparently, he had forgiven her after their little fight. I stood to leave as well, just as my mother and father did the same.

'I'm going to call Frederick, he needs to know,' he murmured to my mother before placing a soft kiss on her lips. He sent a look at me before he left the room but I ignored him and went to walk out after him.

'Adam, can I speak with you for a moment?' I stopped just in front of the door and turned to face my mother, reluctantly. 'Why don't you come and sit with me?' She asked patting my father's recently vacated chair.

'Of course mom,' I answered softly, walking tiredly back to the table and sitting beside her.

'I'm proud of you Adam,' she started, a gentle smile filling her face. 'You've done well since we left. I know it couldn't have been easy dealing with the country, attacks, your siblings and the competition. It was far too much for you to bear alone.'

'I'm obviously not ready to lead,' I muttered.

'Why would you say that?' She asked, taking one of my hands in hers.

'While I was in charge I was almost poisoned, the palace was attacked and the threat of war seems impossible to avoid,' I sighed heavily, letting my shoulders fall forward.

'At least you didn't burn the palace down,' mom joked trying to lighten the mood.

'Mom, this isn't funny,' I groaned.

'Your father and I weren't so lucky. Only weeks after your father took the throne the palace burnt down. I'd say based on those standards you're doing well.'

'Those aren't very high standards,' I scoffed.

'You will be a great ruler Adam. You believe in this country and care for the people too much not to be.' Mom said earnestly, giving my hand a tight squeeze.

'I don't even know the people,' I grumbled thinking back to Erin and the first time I ever saw Aisling at Avery Manor.

'Adam, what have you wanted to be ever since you were young?' My mother asked and I looked up at her as if she had lost her mind.

'I've never had a choice, my future is to rule this nation,' I answered.

'But what do you want Adam?' She asked again.

'I want to make Illea a better place. I want to be a king my people respect. I want to protect them, provide for them and see them prosper,' I replied confidently, thinking about all the people of Illea out there everyday who suffer.

'See, as long as you remember that the people make the king then you're going to be a wonderful ruler.'

'I don't know,' I answered running my hands through my already messy hair.

'Adam, you've wanted to be just like your father ever since you were young.' I cringed at the mention of my father but I allowed her to continue. 'You wanted nothing more than to wear your father's crown and then hold court among your siblings, listening to their imaginary concerns and requests.'

'Mom, that was a long time ago. The world isn't that simple.'

'I remember the first time you tried on your father's crown. It was the day we went out to meet the people after the twins were born. You were only four and you wanted to be just like your dad. You came barrelling into our room and climbed up on our dresser as your father and I were getting ready. You only had eyes for that crown from the moment you got in the room. Maxon picked it up and held it on your head but you were stubborn and all you wanted was for him to let go,' she laughed getting completely lost in her memories.

I couldn't remember this but it obviously meant a lot to her so I let her continue, not eager to get back to budget meetings or looking for the person who tried to kill me.

'When he let it go you almost toppled over. He only just caught you and the crown in time. When he set you down again on the floor you tried to take the crown back but Maxon told you it was too heavy for you. However, you were adamant that you could wear it, not matter what your father told you. Eventually, he convinced you that when you got a little bit older you would be able to carry the crown but you still eyed it closely for the rest of the day.'

'That's a nice story mom but how is it of any help now?' I asked, not ready to relive any other childhood memories.

'Adam, what I'm trying to say is even though that crown hasn't gotten any heavier since you last wore it when you were four, you have gotten stronger. You are far better equipped to handle the responsibilities of a ruler. You may not be completely ready yet, but you don't need to be. You have your father and until you are ready he will carry that burden but you need to work with him. Most importantly you need to forgive him for something he never had any control over.' She finished sadly, ducking down so her eyes found my own downcast ones.

'Mom, he betrayed you. He should have been there to protect you,' I answered, reiterating my previous argument.

'Adam, your father has never betrayed me and when your grandfather hurt me I knew what I was doing. Yes, the pain was unimaginable and the scars haunt me everyday but they remind me as well.'

'Of what?' I sneered.

'They remind me that for once I was able to protect your father. For once I was able to take responsibility for my own actions. I'm not the only one with scars Adam. Several on your father's back are a direct result of my actions.'

'I don't understand. If grandfather was so dangerous why did you and dad let him stay?' I asked, surprisingly there was no anger in my tone, only curiosity.

'Everyone deserves a second chance Adam,' she answered simply.

'But, what he did was unthinkable and unforgivable,' I retorted in disbelief.

'It's a very complex situation Adam and you may never understand the relationship between the three of us but you shouldn't allow our past with your grandfather to affect your future. Your relationship with your grandfather should be based on the man he has always been to you. Has he ever hurt you or your siblings?' She questioned.

'No,' I replied reluctantly.

'Have you ever seen him act aggressively towards myself or your father?'

'No, but I know he doesn't like the way you and father rule sometimes,' I argued.

'People are all entitled to their own opinions Adam.'

'I know,' I sighed. 'It's just hard to trust him now that I know. What if he did revert to his old ways? What if he hurt Harmonia or you again or Aisling?'

'Adam, you need to have faith that he won't. When you saw Aisling with your grandfather, did she ever look threatened or in danger?' She prodded.

'No, she looked fine. I think she enjoyed his company,' I admitted grudgingly.

'Then all you can believe is that he has changed, that he has become a different person than who he was in the past.' I nodded slowly, mulling over all her words. Could I really forgive him for what he had done?

'Adam, please don't let this hurt your relationship with your father, he loves you very much and he's going to need you with everything that's going on right now,' she pleaded, cupping my face gently with the hand that wasn't holding my own.

'I need him too,' I whispered. I honestly missed my father when he and my mother were away. I was just too stubborn to admit it. I needed his advice, his wisdom and most of all I just needed my dad.

'It's going to be okay Adam, we're going to get through this,' mom murmured pulling me in for a tight hug.

'How do you know?' I whispered.

'We've been through this before and survived,' she answered assuredly.

'What if it's worse this time? They want me dead mom.'

'Adam, I would never let them kill you and even if this time is worse than before we have more friends now. We're stronger than before Adam the people are stronger.' She answered earnestly and with complete certainty. I wanted to believe her but I knew in my heart there was doubt.

Aisling

If it were even possible my body was still humming from Adam's kisses earlier. I couldn't seem to wipe the smile off my face and the other girls were beginning to notice. We were all sitting in the women's room, clustered around where the queen had been seated before she left for lunch with the rest of the royal family, with Adam.

'Aisling, you know if you keep smiling like that people might begin to think you're mad,' Alice teased from beside me, still wearing her smug smirk from this morning when I finally realised I didn't want to leave Adam. How did she know these things?

'You're the one that's mad,' I shot back but the glowing smile still lingered on my face.

'So, where did you go after breakfast?' Alice asked, with a teasing smile.

'Nowhere,' I answered quickly.

'Does nowhere, involve a certain prince?'

'No,' I replied weakly, not noticing that most of the girls were watching us now.

'I don't believe you,' she said adamantly, crossing her arms over her chest. She was wearing a red dress today with a belt that appeared to be made out of cards, the Queen of hearts acting as the buckle. She had her blonde hair pulled back into a high pony tail, with a massive red ribbon tied around it and of course she was wearing her cowboy boots.

'I didn't go anywhere,' I retorted.

'Don't lie to me Aisling, you aren't very good at it. I believe you went and had a little meeting with our prince and if your smile is any indication I'd say you shared quite a pleasant interaction with him as well.' She stated smugly as my cheeks flamed red.

'Alice,' I hissed.

'I knew it,' she beamed.

Suddenly,both our expressions slipped from our faces as a chair slid back harshly and a livid Medea stormed from the room leaving the rest of us open mouthed and confused. We sat in silence watching as the door fell closed, echoing loudly around the room. Not even Corabella or Anastasia followed after her.

'What was that all about?' I muttered to Alice.

'What do you think it's all about?' Corabella sneered. 'From the start you have monopolised the prince's time leaving very little for the rest of us. What was even worse was that you didn't want it. However, that meant that the rest of us might have a chance when the prince finally came to his senses and realised what you were but now, now you've given him everything he ever wanted and none of us have a chance. You don't deserve this, you haven't worked nearly as hard as all the rest of us to be here.'

'I-'

'You barely even show up for lessons and when you do you can't even do the most basic things. How could you ever be a princess? Can you even read?' Anastasia spoke up and I felt her words pierce my skin, as if I walked through a bush of thorns. Although small, each tiny cut stung me reminding me of who I was.

'I would never want you as my princess,' Corabella snapped. 'Can you imagine what the world would think of us? A country ruled by a maid,' she chuckled darkly.

'What a disgrace,' Anastasia added as the two got up from their chairs and followed their leader out of the room. The rest of the girls were silent. Not even Alice spoke up beside me. I didn't dare look at their faces but I could feel their stares.

'Is that what the rest of you think?' I asked in a small voice, never raising my eyes from the ground. No one answered me, their silence spoke volumes. Tears pricked at the back of my eyes and all I wanted to do was escape the constricting room. Hurriedly, I got to my feet and almost tripped on my shoes in my haste to get away. I needed air, I needed to feel free of their harsh stares boring into my back. I had thought some of them were my friends but then I was reminded that this was still a competition and they wanted to win.

'Aisling,' Alice called but I was already out the door and gulping down deep breaths in the corridor. I couldn't blame her for not standing up for me. She shouldn't need to protect me all the time.

I hurried down the corridor looking for somewhere to hide but I had no idea where all the doors led to and I didn't want to be found crying somewhere I wasn't meant to be.

Finally, I stumbled into the gardens and collapsed on a bench under a secluded tree trying to catch my breath. Every word those girls spoke was flying through my mind completely blocking out the rest of the world. It was as if they knew what I feared if I were to ever be with Adam. If they were thinking like I was, should I even try?

However, before I could continue with my self-hatred I was startled by voices that I hadn't noticed before. I edged closer to them on my seat but I couldn't pin-point where they were.

Suddenly, their voices raised and I could hear them more clearly but it didn't make understanding them any easier. They weren't speaking English. It was an exotic language I had never heard before. I had heard several European languages and it didn't sound anything like those.

Why were they speaking a different language?

All of a sudden I heard footsteps moving towards me and I had the urge to hide. Whoever, these people were I had a feeling I shouldn't be seen by them. Quickly, I got to my feet and ducked behind the tree I was seated in front of only seconds before. Just as I got out of sight I heard two sets of footsteps walk past. I waited, perfectly still, not even breathing afraid they might hear me.

Finally, they came into my line of vision and I almost let out a gasp of surprise. Fortunately, I was able to catch myself and focused on the two people. They stopped again before the doors and checked the corridors were clear before turning to each other. They started talking in their language again and the words rushed over me until I heard her say my name. She didn't look happy about whatever she was saying to the man beside her. However, his reaction was even more unexpected.

This time I did let out a gasp but they couldn't hear it over the sound of his hand striking her face. She faltered slightly but quickly straightened with a blank expression on her features. The man, who was dressed in the palace guard uniform turned from her and went back into the palace without another word. She stood there for a long time, taking deep breaths. I could tell she was trying to hold back the tears as the sting on her cheek seared across her face. It was a familiar feeling and it was one I never wished upon anybody. Any hit always cut deeper than the physical and not even she deserved that kind of pain. I never thought anyone would be strong enough to hurt Medea. Yet here she was, holding her tears in the garden after a mysterious conversation with a man.

Finally, after gathering herself she left and I was alone in the gardens, uncertain of all that I had seen. Who was that man and why was he so mad? What had Medea done and why was my name involved?

I was still in the garden's an hour later when someone came and found me. Thankfully, I was happy to see this person, especially after his face lit up when he noticed me sitting on the same bench I had been on before Medea and the mystery man walked past.

'How is it that you always know where to find me?' I laughed as he sat down beside me. He slipped his hand into mine without even a moments hesitation and it sent warm butterflies summersaulting around my body.

'I told you my compass always leads me straight to you,' he smiled lifting my hand to place a kiss on it.

'I'd like to see this compass,' I smiled, watching his blue eyes dance in the dying sunlight. It was as if his eyes had captured part of the sky and kept it trapped inside.

'I'm sure you would,' he laughed. 'What are you doing out here anyway?'

'It was getting a little crowded in the women's room,' I muttered, immediately feeling my happiness deflate at being reminded of their words.

'I eliminated over half the competition this morning,' he chuckled. 'How could it possibly be crowded in there?'

'There's a lot of emotions running around that room at the moment.' I mumbled, looking away from him.

'Aisling, what happened?' He asked in concern, tugging on our joint hands.

'Nothing, just girl stuff,' I answered, turning back when I felt I could better compose my emotions. 'What have you been up to? Was it nice to have your parents back?' I deflected.

'Yeah, the others have really missed them,' he answered giving me one last appraising look.

'Did you miss them?' I prodded.

'Yeah, I did. I missed their advice. I think I need them more than I believed before they left. Especially my dad.' It was still odd hearing him talk about the king and queen so casually but to him, they were just his parents.

'Shouldn't you be somewhere right now with him?'

'Yeah, a budget meeting but I think he can handle this one on his own,' he smiled, lighting up his whole face.

'Maybe you should go, he might need your help,' I suggested, not really wanting him to leave.

'Are you trying to get rid of me Aisling?' He accused, leaning into me.

'No, I just don't want you throwing aside your responsibilities so you can goof off with me,' I answered distractedly, watching his lips curve into a mischievous smirk.

'Well, I'm so glad you care about me but my father told me to take a break actually, so I came to find you.'

'You found me,' I whispered my eyes flicking between his lips and his eyes. He ran his free hand down the side of my face and then his lips were on mine and my breath was immediately taken away.

It was as if he had stolen it from me, but if this was the price then I never wanted it back.

When we broke apart he untangled our hands and wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side as we both caught out breath. We sat in silence for a long time just watching as the lowering sun casted shadows across the gardens until the lamps started to flicker on and fireflies fluttered through the night air.

'Aisling?' He said after some time, eventually breaking the silence.

'Hmm?' I mumbled in reply.

'I was wondering, would you show me your burns?' He asked hesitantly and I pulled away from him harshly, moving to the edge of the bench.

'Why?' I demanded, watching him with apprehensive eyes.

'I want to know you Aisling, everything about you, even your past. They're a part of who you are, even if you don't want them to be,' he answered watching me closely but not moving any closer.

'I don't like talking about my past. I didn't even let Flora see them,' I whispered.

'I've already seen then Aisling, you know what I think about them,' everyone was entitled to their own opinion. His was just wrong. My scars were ugly. They weren't strength, they were weakness, my weakness.

'Aisling, please. I hate that you always cover up who you truly are,' he murmured, inching closer to me.

'You think these are who I truly am?' I demanded disgustedly, pulling up the sleeve of my cardigan roughly, revealing the five silver marks on my arm. The final one had finally lost all its redness and had faded into a silver scar just like the others.

'Aisling, I'm not talking about what you physically hide, I'm talking about what you keep locked inside. You're strong Aisling but you keep yourself hidden. You don't even know you're doing it.' He said sadly taking my arm in both of his hands. He silently ran his fingers over the uneven skin and I watched his eyes, waiting for him to be repulsed by the hideous marks on my skin but it never came. He traced each mark almost reverently as if they were the key to a secret and all he needed to do was decipher them in order to unlock it.

'They're the figure eight. She wanted to remind me of what I was,' I explained emotionlessly.

'She was wrong, they're not eights Aisling,' he replied, finally bringing his eyes to mine. 'If you move your arm and look at them like this, they're simply the sign of infinity.' He said shifting my arm so when I looked at it I no longer saw eights. Instead, I saw what he wanted to show me.

'You're infinitely beautiful,' he whispered, tracing the one closest to my elbow. 'Infinitely kind,' again he traced the next burn. 'Infinitely smart and infinitely strong,' he listed again tracing the next two marks on my skin. 'Finally, you Aisling, are infinitely loved, even by those who are no longer here to tell you.' This one he placed a kiss on the inside of my wrist where my newest burn mark was. It was the one I had received for going to the ball to meet him.

'Do you really think all of that Adam?' I asked, keeping my eyes on his as he looked down at me.

'Aisling I would be blind not to be able to see all of that in you,' he smiled warmly placing a kiss on my forehead.

'Thank you Adam,' I whispered, my arm warm where he still held it in both of his hands.

'Don't you ever doubt a word of it,' he murmured, capturing my lips again, all thoughts leaving my mind. I knew there was something I needed to talk to him about but at the time I just couldn't think of what it was and I was too happy to care.

So, it's been a while and I'm sorry. I always meant to write and then suddenly it had been over a week and I still hadn't given you guys anything. It had been so long I even had people asking me if I was finished. No, I am definitely not finished. There are too many questions to answer :)

Thil, it's awesome to hear that you love the story and it's nice to know you're still reading even when I disappear for unexplained absences :)

To the amazing guest who appreciates my efforts, it's lovely to hear that you are enjoying the story and I'm grateful for your support :)

maxamericalove, I'm excited to hear that you loved the chapter so much. I tried to give everyone a little bit of something to be happy about. When I was writing the Antherly part I had no idea what I was doing and then I remembered that right back at the beginning he said he had the ring hidden under his pillow and I was like, well now's as good a time as any. I really wanted it to be funny because Amberly always manages to make him look like a fool :) I secretly enjoy making him look like a fool.

To the lovely guest who may have made my day when you told me you were falling in love with Aisling and Adam. I may have punched the air with excitement :) Don't get too used to Antherly's happily ever after, they still have a few problems that are to be thrown their way ;) Hope you enjoyed the latest chapter.

lola5147, thank you so much for your support, I love getting to hear what everyone thinks of the story. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the chapter and I hope you liked this one too, even though there was less love and happiness.

To the beautiful guest who loved it SOOO much, thank you for your lovely review, I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it and I hope you continue to :)

Sam :), it's so nice to hear about your reaction to the story, it made me smile. Don't work too hard at summer school ;) I'm sorry it took me so long to update, like I said I have no idea where the time went. I think I skipped tuesday... Wonder where that got to?

Shriya, It's really exciting to hear that you spent the entire day reading my story and I'm sorry I've kept you waiting so long for an update. I love writing the entire English royal family, their super fun and at times insane. I do have a soft spot for Elliot :) I'm uncertain about Justin and Harmonia because she is twelve and he's fourteen but it's more of a love for the future, one she will realise when she's older I guess but who knows? He knows he's in love with her but she has no idea :) To her, he's just her best friend.

To the amazing guest who just wants me to write more, I'm trying I promise. Even though it takes me far too long sometimes. I hope you enjoyed this chapter :)

anime lover 26, no this is not the end, sorry it was just taking me longer than expected to get out. I think at one point I promised at least once a week, I am obviously a liar both to you guys and myself. I'd say I promise to never go this long again without posting but who knows, my mind is uncooperative. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Wow, I don't think I've ever had so many reviews for one chapter, you guys are the greatest people in the entire world :) Again, I'm so sorry I left you all waiting so long for the next chapter but I hope you liked it :) Happy reading wonderful people :)