Adam

'Adam, can I speak with you?' I looked up from my desk to find my grandfather looking over at me from my doorway.

'Of course,' I sighed running a hand through my already disheveled hair. He slowly moved across my room and sat heavily in the chair across from me. We'd been back for a week now and tomorrow I had to tell the other girls my decision. Tomorrow was the day I revealed to the country who my wife was going to be.

Shock had already rippled through the public after Aisling's unexpected removal from the competition and there had even been people at the gates of the palace demanding for her to come home. They wanted their daughter of Illea back and every morning I saw them waiting outside the palace gates I fought with myself not to jump on a plane and do exactly what they wanted.

Now, it was too late to change my mind. I needed to make a decision for the future of this country and if I was to focus on defending our shores from future threats I needed to be focused. That was only going to happen when she was safe and I knew she wouldn't be if I kept her by my side. Those men had been after her that night. She would have died if Captain Leger hadn't arrived in time. I could still hear her screams in my nightmares.

'I think we are both having a bit of trouble with some of the decisions we have made,' my grandfather mused, snapping me back from my thoughts.

'I don't regret my decision grandfather,' I replied flatly, shuffling some papers on my desk uselessly.

'I think you do Adam and there is no point lying to yourself. Eventually the lies will catch up with you and you'll look back at your life and only see regret,' he paused before he continued, his voice softer than I had ever heard it before. 'I've lived that life Adam. Lies and deceit and denying yourself happiness will not make you a better ruler.'

'I need to protect her. I can't show weakness.'

'You've seen her strength. A marriage is a partnership, you give each other more than you will ever take. I forgot that.'

'I can't have her here grandfather,' I sighed, finally looking up at his own tired eyes. They looked so much like my father's but I knew they told an entirely different story.

'That is your choice Adam,' my grandfather answered stoically before he slowly got up from his chair and for the first time since I could remember he showed his full set of years in his movements. 'But remember, she has a choice in all of this as well.'

Before he turned to leave the room he set a small box down on the edge of my desk looking at it for a long time, his eyes misting over with memories.

'Your grandmother would have wanted you to have this,' he smiled, his wrinkles bunching around his eyes. 'She would have loved her just as much as I do. Remember Adam, marriage is a promise, and that promise should never be broken. When I placed that ring on your grandmother's finger I promised to love her, adore her and devote myself to her. Don't make my mistakes and don't think that just because you haven't put that ring on her finger that you haven't already made those promises.'

'I know,' I muttered dejectedly as he left my room leaving me in the stifling silence again. I stared at the black box for a long time. I knew what was inside, I had seen it before. Grandfather had shown it to me when I was a young boy. Amberly and I were in his room and she found the box on his bookshelf and demanded he show it to us. He never could say no to my sister.

He brought the box down and revealed our grandmother's engagement ring to us. An emerald surrounded by small, elegant diamonds. It was mesmerising and I knew the stone would match Aisling's eyes perfectly. It would fit her just as it had fit my grandmother.

Gingerly, I reached across the table and picked up the box rolling it around in my fingers trying to force myself to open it.

When I was close to opening it her terrified green eyes flashed across my vision and I dropped the box as if it had burned me. Immediately, all the reasons for keeping her across the ocean came rushing back to me. I couldn't change my decision.

Picking the box up I dropped it in my top drawer and pushed back from my desk firmly but I couldn't get my feet to move as my eyes kept drifting back to the closed drawer.

Finally, I took a step away from the drawer only to reach out and open it again. I tentatively took the box out and dropped it in the inside pocket of my jacket so it rested against my heart. I felt my heart beat erratically as if it could already sense her connection to the ring, but I ignored its pleas and left the room. Aisling was best where she was and this ring would be my only reminder. My constant reminder of the sacrifices I needed to make and continue to endure for the safety of my people.

Anthony

I was on edge. I couldn't help it and I couldn't stop the uncomfortable feeling in my chest every time she was out of my sight or I lost contact with her. Ever since we brought her back I needed to be with her always and I knew it was getting on her nerves but I couldn't stop myself.

'Anthony,' she hissed, pulling her hand from mine under the dinner table. 'I need both hands to eat.'

'Sorry,' I murmured but instead of moving away from her like I knew she wanted I shuffled closer and place my hand on her thigh earning me another harsh glare but she didn't push me away. I silently picked at my food as the conversation continued to hum around us.

I could feel Jared's wary look across the table but I couldn't bring myself to look at him. How could he think that I would be okay with him acting that way around Amberly after what had just happened? How could I ever act like I used to when I knew what could happen when I let my guard down?

'Anthony,' I looked up in alarm when I heard queen America's voice and saw she was smiling at me sadly and I felt my face scrunch in confusion. 'Would you mind coming up to my room after dinner? I need your help with something.'

'Of course,' I replied as she got to her feet and left the table, followed by an excited Elliot. He always loved it when there were new people around.

The rest of the room cleared quickly after the queen left until it was just Amberly and I. From her posture I could tell she wasn't happy with me.

'Amberly-' I started but she didn't let me finish.

'No, Anthony,' she said shaking her head with disapproval. 'You can't keep acting like this. I know when I went missing that I frightened you but I need space. You know I don't like to be smothered like this.'

'I love you Amberly, I just want to see you safe,' I pleaded as she pushed back from the table and made to leave the room.

'I know Anthony and I love you too but it's too much. I've been back for over a week now and you have barely let me out of your sight.'

'You know why I need you close love,' I answered softly.

'I know,' she sighed before she leant down and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. I instinctively reached out and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her in so my head rested against her stomach. 'I just need some room Anthony, okay?'

I nodded weakly as she pulled away from me, giving me one last look before she left the room. I let out a heavy sigh before getting to my own feet. I headed for Amberly's mother's room already knowing the conversation I was about to have. I had a feeling the only thing I could help her with was exactly what her daughter had just explained to me.

'Anthony,' came queen America's musical voice as I knocked on her door. 'Come in.'

'You wanted to see me?' I asked curiously into the empty room.

'Yes, come out here and join me it's a beautiful night,' I followed the sound of her voice to the balcony where she sat with a tray of tea and a violin resting against the metal railings of the balcony. I gingerly took the seat beside her as she poured me a cup of tea without turning her eyes away from the orange of the setting sun.

'You didn't bring my daughter with you, did you?' She joked looking over at me and I couldn't stop the glare that spread across my face.

'She needs some space,' I grumbled.

'I imagine she would, you haven't left her side and if my daughter is anything like me the more you hover the more she pushes you away.' She looked at me poignantly before she continued and I heaved a long sigh in the empty silence. 'According to my husband, my children are very much like me.'

'I don't know what to do,' I answered in frustration.

'I know sweetheart, it takes a lot to love someone,' she answered with sympathy. 'But it takes so much more when you lose them.'

'I can't go through it again,' I admitted not even caring how vulnerable I sounded. 'The tighter I hold her the more it feels like she's pulling away.'

'I know you're scared honey,' she soothed, reaching out and taking my hand in hers. 'I'm scared too.'

'What if they come for her again? What if they succeed this time? What if-'

'Anthony stop,' she cut me off gently and I took a deep breath to calm the emotions racing through my body just thinking about Amberly being hurt again. 'We can't plan for what if.'

'What if I locked her away from the rest of the world so no one could ever hurt her again?' I suggested defeatedly looking down at my hand in hers.

'You know that would hurt her, she isn't one to be told what to do.'

'I know,' I sighed.

'You know Anthony when Maxon and I were finally going to get married something happened that made him want to lock me away from the world. I knew he wanted to keep me safe but I couldn't sit by as our country was torn apart from within.' I stayed silent beside her as she gathered her thoughts and then started again. 'He tried to lock me in his room while he dealt with the country but for obvious reasons it didn't work. What I'm trying to say Anthony is that you are only hurting yourselves by trying to hide from the world. You were both born to rule and you will only be at peace when you are among the people, doing what you love.'

'I know,' I breathed before looking back out at the dying sunshine. 'I just wish there was a way to keep her safe all the time.'

'I know sweetheart.'

I sat with her for a few more moments before finally getting to my feet and making to leave her room.

'Anthony,' she called out and I reluctantly looked back at Amberly's mother. 'She's in your room, if you were looking for her,' and I nodded before ducking out and moving quickly towards where Amberly would be.

'Anthony,' I heard Amberly whisper as I slumped into my room. I leant back against the door and shut my eyes as I heard her footsteps cross the room to me. 'It's going to get better, I promise.'

'When?' I breathed, pulling her in so my chin rested on top of her head, my arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

'Come on, it's getting late we should get to bed,' she sighed and I felt my frown deepen.

'I don't want to go to bed yet,' I complained and I felt her light giggle against my chest and I tightened my hold.

'You have to, we have to go out and discuss the war against Russia tomorrow with the people.'

'No,' I answered pulling back from her. I had already discussed this with my father and it was too soon. I couldn't let her out in front of all those people. Not after I just got her back.

'Anthony, we all need to be there. The country needs to know we aren't afraid of these threats.'

'Amberly,' I groaned pushing away from her and pulling my tie from around my neck. 'You know why I don't want to do this.'

'This is a big announcement. Russia has almost been pushed back to their boarders. It's a major triumph and the people deserve to celebrate.'

'You nearly died. I nearly lost you,' I replied, my voice raising as I threw my jacket at my desk in the corner of my room.

'Anthony I will not live in fear and neither should you,' she replied, crossing her arms defiantly over her chest.

'I am afraid,' I shouted, throwing my hands in the air angrily. 'Every moment you're not with me I'm afraid.'

'Anthony,' she sighed then suddenly her arms were around me again and when my heart beat slowed I wrapped my arms around her, breathing in her familiar scent. 'Why don't we get some sleep?'

'I don't want to sleep,' I grumbled, pushing away and unbuttoning my shirt. 'It's just another reason that I need to spend time away form you.'

'Well, I was thinking maybe it didn't have to be,' and my eyes quickly darted up to her where she wore a mischievous smile as she took my shirt from my hand.

'What?' I spluttered as she strutted over to my bathroom and closed the door, her evil laugh ringing around the tiled room. 'Amberly?' I called weakly but she didn't answer me and moments later when she came out of my bathroom in only my shirt I thought my heart would stop. I hadn't moved a muscle since she went in.

'I…I…you-' I stuttered, not really sure where to look.

'How about we get some sleep?' She suggested and all I could do was nod my head and follow her diligently back to my bed.

'Amberly, what are you doing?' I asked uncertainly as she pulled the covers back.

'I am sleeping with my fiancé,' she answered. 'Are you going to join me?'

'Yes,' I answered emphatically practically jumping out of my suit pants and sliding in beside her. Then it seemed to hit me all at once and I froze.

'Anthony,' and I could hear the smirk in her voice as I tried to control my breathing. 'What are you doing?'

'Well, I just thought…you know…maybe this isn't appropriate…aren't there laws in Illea?'

'Anthony, come here,' she said softly, reaching out and wrapping both her arms around my neck. 'How about you just hold me, okay?'

'Umm…'

'Anthony,' she smiled unwrapping one of her hands and taking one of my stiff ones from my side and entwining our fingers. 'Why don't you put one hand here and the other one right over here?' She moved both my hands so they were on her waist and she slid closer as my breathing hitched again.

'Love?' I squeaked running my hands uncertainly up her sides.

'Anthony, I need you to hold me.' She almost pleaded and I looked down at her in alarm.

'Love?' I asked, pushing back from her and nudging her chin up so I could see her eyes.

'I can't sleep alone anymore,' she breathed and I felt my arms tighten around her involuntarily.

'Love, why don't you tell me what happened?' I asked gently, placing a kiss in her hair as she snuggled deeper into my chest.

'I can't.'

'It might help if you share it with someone else, let me help you love.' I coaxed, rubbing my hand up and down her back soothingly.

'Okay,' she answered weakly and I pulled her closer realising while I had been afraid she had been terrified.

Aisling

'Who's that?' I asked Santo from where we sat lazing under one of the many trees in the growing darkness that was consuming the palace gardens.

'Amara?' Santa asked, sitting up suddenly and looking over at the girl who seemed to look just like me.

'Yes, her,' I frowned squinting my eyes to see that she had green eyes just like mine. They looked identical to the eyes of the guard who had saved me that night in the palace almost a month ago.

'That's Captain Leger's daughter,' he explained nervously and I looked back over at her as she walked through the gardens alone, staring up at the sky as the stars started to dot the horizon.

'Santo,' I prompted raising my eyebrow questioningly as he seemed to lose himself in the girl.

'What?' He asked hurriedly, clearing his throat uncertainly.

'Do you like her?'

'What?' He scoffed, 'no.'

'Oh really?' I smirked getting to my feet and looking back over at the girl and calling out, 'Amara.'

'Ash,' Santo hissed, getting to his feet and trying to hide himself behind me.

'What?' I asked innocently as the girl looked over at us uncertainly until she saw Santo and a warm smile spread across her face.

'You can't do that.'

'Oh look, here she comes,' I smiled, waving enthusiastically as Amara bounced over to us.

'Aisling,' I looked up at my name to find Nicoletta calling me over from the doors of the palace and I quickly smiled smugly at Santo before running over to her.

'What are you smiling about passerotta?' She laughed wrapping me up in a tight hug before pushing back and tucking some of my hair behind my ears as I looked back at the uncomfortable Santo.

'Santo likes Amara,' I stated as Nicoletta laughed beside me.

'We know, but he's afraid of how Aspen will react.'

'But, Santo's a prince?' I frowned as Nicoletta led me back inside.

'Yes and Captain Leger doesn't have a very high opinion of royalty, especially princes,' she winked as I looked back over my shoulder to see Santo trip over his own feet.

'I think Amara can look after herself,' I giggled.

'Yes, Santo does look a bit nervous around her, but that's not why I wanted to see you Aisling,' she finished and all humour quickly evaporated.

'What's going on?' I asked nervously as we rounded the corridor which led to my room.

'Aisling, Adam has made a decision,' she answered gravely as she opened my door and I felt my heart drop out from my chest.

'What?' I muttered, not remembering when I stopped moving.

'Aisling, why don't we go and sit down,' I nodded numbly as she led me into my room where tea was set up for the two of us and the television was paused on two entwined hands.

'What's going on?' I asked, my voice rough where tears were starting to burn the back of my throat.

'Aisling,' Nicoletta said gently as I pressed the button to play the scene.

'Your highness, this is a very exciting announcement,' came the familiar voice of Gavril as the camera panned out to show an emotionless Adam as he held Medea's hand in his. I could tell under her calm facade that she was ecstatic about this announcement.

'I don't understand,' I muttered moving closer, clutching the remote tightly in my hand.

'Passerotta, I know this is hard but he is still the prince and without you he needed to make a choice.'

'No,' I breathed, shaking my head numbly.

'Aisling,' but her voice was tuned out as my eyes narrowed in on the large diamond sitting lifelessly on her finger. How could this have happened? On some level I knew this would be the only outcome but I thought I would have more time, I wasn't ready for this. In my heart Adam was still mine, he was my future and I still couldn't understand why he sent me away.

'Why?' I gasped before I threw myself into Nicoletta's open arms and let my tears fall freely.

'Shh, it's going to be okay,' she soothed, pulling me down into one of the chairs outside so I sat on her lap, like a small child. She continued to hum soothing words until my tears dried and my chest no longer heaved with the pain of heart break. The cool Italian air danced across my skin as I tried to wipe Adam from my mind but every time I tried I would see him holding her hand and her face would twist into something malicious and triumphant. Why did it hurt so much?

'Why do you call me passerotta?' I asked trying to get my mind on other things.

'Because you're my little sparrow,' she answered simply, brushing back my hair from my face and some of the remaining tears from my cheeks. 'I'm reminding myself that you have wings Aisling and one day you will use them to fly away from me.'

'Why would I do that?' I asked in alarm looking up at her dark, sad eyes.

'I've seen the way you look up at the night sky Aisling, I saw it when we were back in Illea. The only time you appeared grounded was when Adam was with you. He was the only one who could keep you on the ground. He was the only person who gave you a reason to stay.'

'No, I want to stay with you, I don't need Adam.'

'I love you Passerotta and one day I hope you can think of me as your mother and Tony as your father but if I cared for you at all I would help you get back to Adam.'

'I love you too Nicoletta,' I whispered, startled by her revelation.

'But you have to go back to your heart,' she smiled knowingly.

'How long have you known?'

'Since we asked you to come with us back in Illea.'

'Then why did you take me?' I asked in confusion.

'You both needed some time, but now…' she trailed off motioning to where the screen was paused on Medea's excited face and the giant diamond on her finger.

'He doesn't want me,' I sighed remembering my last conversation with Adam.

'He wants you to fight for him Aisling,' Nicoletta laughed, before placing a gentle kiss on my forehead.

'Passerotta, its time for you to fly home. You're stronger than you think and its time your used that strength to fight for Adam. I promise you he will want you there.'

'What if he doesn't?'

'Then Tony and I will keep you with us forever,' she smiled pulling me back in for a tight hug.

'Promise?' I asked hopefully.

'Nothing would make us happier than having you stay with us,' she smiled warmly. 'Now, lets get you to bed, we have a wedding to crash.'

'I just need to make one phone call first,' I said determinedly. There was only one person I knew who would help me sabotage a wedding.

I am so sorry it has been taking me so long to update but I haven't just been ignoring you I had surgery and it's been hard getting back on my feet. I know lame excuse but I'm better(ish) now so I have a chapter for you so I hope you enjoy. Also to answer any future questions, no there will not be a sequel to this story as it was a sequel to my other story. I don't really have any other ideas ready for this fanfiction but when I do you'll be the first to know :)

theoneforever, hope you enjoyed the more Antherly in this chapter, I have a feeling the last few chapters are going to get a lot more hectic as we draw to a close.

T, maybe as an epilogue for this story but in the actual story there will probably be no pregnancy. Thank you for your idea it's really good and it would tie in well but I just can't fit it in :) Don't worry I know most people want to see more of their favourite couple, I won't deny you them :) Thank you for your wonderful review, you're amazing and your support means so much to me :)

Still waiting, I'm so sorry I haven't updated in such a long time and that they are so infrequent. Hopefully it was worth it :)

As always thank you to all the wonderful people who are still reading and reviewing this story you guys are awesome :) Happy reading story lovers.