MINE.

This time, as we were taking another etiquette lesson in the Great Room, bricks started to fly through the glass. Ella immediately fell to the ground and began to crawl toward the side entrance while whimpering. Camile screamed loudly before fleeing to the rear of the room and narrowly avoiding a shower of glass. As Kylie pulled me along by my arm, I sped up to keep up with her as we ran for the door.

"Let's go, ladies!" Sia sobbed.

The soldiers lined up at the windows and started firing in a matter of seconds; when we escaped, I could still hear the gunshots in my ears. Anyone who shown even the slightest amount of violence within sight of the palace would be killed, whether they arrived with firearms or stones. There was no longer any tolerance for these assaults.

Kylie mumbled, "I hate running in these shoes," her eyes fixed on the far end of the hallway under a pile of clothes.

Camile remarked, her breath laboring, "One of us is going to have to get used to it."

I grinned wryly. I'll always wear sneakers if it's me. I'm done with this already.

"More movement, less talking!" Sia screamed.

"How can we get downstairs from here?" Eli enquired.

The question "What about Mark?" Kylie scowled.

Sia did not respond. Guard after guard fled away from her as we pursued her through a maze of halls in search of a way to the basement. I couldn't help but admire them and be in awe of their bravery for running into danger to save others.

Before a pair of emerald eyes linked with mine, the guards passing us were utterly indistinguishable from one another. Aspen didn't appear terrified or even surprised. He was headed in the direction of the issue to solve it. He was just that way by nature.

Our brief eye contact was sufficient. With Aspen, it was similar. Without saying a word, I could tell him in an instant. Stay safe and exercise caution. He would reply, "I know, just take care of yourself," without adding anything else.

I had no trouble finding peace with the things we had spoken out, but I struggled with the things we didn't need to speak. Our most recent exchange wasn't quite joyful. I had asked him to give me some time to process the Selection as I was going to depart the castle. After that, I stayed without explaining to him why I did so.

Perhaps he was losing his capacity to be patient with me and only see the best in me. I would have to correct that in some way. I was unable to imagine a life without Aspen in it. A world without Aspen was inconceivable even as I waited in the hopes that Mark would pick me.

"This is it!" Sia yelled as she pushed a mystery wall panel.

Ella and Sia led the way as we down the steps.

Dammit, Ella, quicken your pace. Camile exclaimed. Although we were all thinking the same thing, I wanted to be annoyed that she said it.

I made an effort to accept the hours I would spend hiding like a mouse as we plunged into the darkness. Up until one man's voice broke through directly on top of us, we continued walking while the sound of our escape drowned out the yells.

He shouted, "Stop!"

I turned with Kylie as we both watched the uniform emerge. She yelled, "Wait," to the girls below. It's a guard, I say.

We were panting as we stood on the stairs. He finally came over to us, panting for air.

Ladies, I apologize. As soon as the rounds were fired, the insurgents fled. Were probably not in the mood for a brawl today.

Sia talked for us while smoothing her clothing with her hands. The king said, "Is it safe? If not, you're putting these young women in grave danger.

"The guard's commander gave the all-clear. He will certainly-"

"You don't represent the king, sir. Women, hurry up and move along.

The question "Are you serious?" I queried. "There's no point in going down there,"

I kept my mouth shut as she fixed me with a look that could have put a rebel on the spot. Sia and I had developed a kind of friendship as she inadvertently used her extra lessons to assist me divert my attention away from Mark and Aspen. Following my brief stunt on the Report a few days ago, it appeared to have vanished into thin air. She then turned to face the security guard. "Send the king a formal command, and we'll come back. Move forth, ladies.

I exchanged a frustrated glance with the guard before we parted ways.

Twenty minutes later, a different officer came and told us we could go upstairs, but Sia showed no remorse at all.

I didn't wait for Sia or the other females since I was so annoyed by the entire thing. I went up the stairs, coming out on the first floor, and walked with my shoes still caught on my fingers to my room. My maids weren't there, but there was a tiny silver dish on the bed with an envelope inside.

I ripped open the envelope and ate May's words because I immediately recognized her handwriting.

Ames,

Being aunts! Astra is flawless. We all know you have to be at the palace right now, but I wish you were here so I could meet her in person. Do you anticipate that we'll spend Christmas together? Not too far off! I must return to assisting Ken and Joseph. She is so gorgeous, I can hardly stand it! I'll show you a photo now. We adore you.

May

Behind the letter, I slid the glossy photo. Everyone but Kota and I were present. Ken's husband Joseph, who was grinning and watching over his wife and daughter, had puffy eyes. Ken appeared to be equally happy and worn out as he sat straight in bed holding a small pink bundle. Mom and Dad were beaming with pride, and May and Gerad's excitement was palpable. Kota obviously wouldn't have gone because he had nothing to gain by being there. But I ought to have been present.

But I wasn't.

I was present. And there were instances when I didn't know why. Even after all he'd done to convince me to stay, Mark was still spending time with Kylie. Outside, the rebels relentlessly targeted our security, and inside, the king's stern words did just as much damage to my self-assurance. Aspen continued to orbit me while I had to keep it a secret. And the cameras came and went, taking bits and pieces of our life for public amusement. Every direction was trying to force me into a corner, and I was missing out on everything that had ever mattered to me.

I forced back tears of rage. I had had enough of crying.

I switched to planning mode instead. The Selection's termination was the only way to make things right.

There was no doubt in my mind that I wanted to be Mark's, even though I occasionally wondered why I wanted to be the princess. I couldn't just wait for that to happen if it was going to. As I waited for my ladies, I thought back to my last conversation with the king and started to pace.

I knew that eating would be useless because I could hardly breathe. But the effort would be worthwhile. I needed to move quickly and make some progress. The king claimed that the other girls were making physical overtures toward Mark and that I was far too plain to stand a hope of competing with them in that area.

My relationship with Mark was already hard enough without having to deal with the new problem of reestablishing trust. And I wasn't sure if that implied that I was not permitted to inquire or not. I was very certain that he had not become physically intimate with the other girls to that point, but I couldn't help but wonder. I'd never intentionally tried to be seductive before; very much all of our private moments had just happened; but I had to believe that if I was purposeful, I might convey to Mark that I was just as interested in him as the others.

I inhaled deeply, cocked my head up, and entered the dining room. I intentionally arrived a minute or two late in the hopes that everyone would be seated. On that score, I was correct. But the response exceeded my expectations.

I bowed and curtsied, rotating my leg so the dress' slit opened up and nearly reached my thigh. I was almost certain that my maids had employed magic to keep the dress up at all because it was a deep red color, strapless, and nearly backless. As I stood up, I looked Mark in the eyes and saw that he had put down his gum. A fork was dropped.

I lowered my sight and went to take a seat next to Kylie.

She muttered, "Seriously, America?"

I cocked my head to look at her. Do you mean, "I'm sorry?" I responded while acting perplexed.

We exchanged a look as she set her cutlery down. I said, "You look trashy."

Well, you seem envious.

She reddened a little before resuming her meal, so I must have been quite near to the point. I only took a few bites of my own food since I was so dreadfully choked. I made the decision to cease ignoring Mark as dessert was being served, and as I had planned, his attention was drawn to me. He instantly reached up and grabbed his ear, and I obediently did the same. King Clarkson caught my fleeting glance, and I made an effort not to smile. He was agitated, which was yet another deception I was able to pull off.

Mark was able to admire the dress' back before I excused myself and hurried to my room. I quickly unzipped the gown as I shut the door to my room behind me, gasping for air.

How did it go? Mary rushed over and enquired.

"He appeared shocked. All of them did.

When Lucy squealed, Anne rushed over to assist Mary. "We'll support it. Just get outside," she commanded. I followed the instructions given to me. Asking "Is he coming tonight?"

"Yes. He will undoubtedly be here, but I'm not sure when. To prevent the open dress from slipping down, I sat on the side of my bed with my arms tucked over my midsection.

Anne gave me a dejected look. I regret that you will have to endure this discomfort for a few more hours. But I'm confident it will be worthwhile.

I grinned to make it appear as though I could handle the agony. My maids had been informed of my desire to catch Mark's eye. I had left out my wish that maybe this outfit will soon be on the ground.

Do you want us to wait around until he gets here? Lucy enquired while being very enthusiastic.

"No, just assist me in zipping up this thing again. I replied, standing up so they could assist me, "I need to think some things through.

Mary grabbed the zipper. Miss, take it, please. I complied, and as the dress once again cinched me in, I imagined a soldier heading out to battle. Various armor, but the same concept.

I was bringing down a man tonight.

I OPENED THE BALCONY DOORS and allowed the fresh air to fill my space. The breeze, which caressed my skin despite the fact that it was December, was light. This would have to do since we couldn't leave the house without security by our sides any more.

In an effort to make the place inviting, I hurried around the room lighting candles. When the doorbell rang, I extinguished the match, dashed to the bed, grabbed a book, and smoothed out my dress. Yes, Mark, when I read, I always appear like this.

I muttered, "Come in," just loud enough to be heard.

I gingerly lifted my head as Mark entered the room to catch the surprise in his eyes as he looked around my dimly lighted space. He finally fixed his attention on me and ran his eyes up my bare leg.

I closed the book and stood up to say, "There you are."

His eyes were fixed on my curves as he entered after shutting the door. "I just wanted to say that you look great tonight,"

My hair was tossed over my shoulder. Oh, what is this? It was merely idling in the closet's back.

"I'm happy you got it out,"

My fingers were intertwined with his. "Sit down next to me. You and I haven't spoken in a while.

He followed while sighing. "I apologize for that. Since we lost so many people in the rebel raid, things have been a little tense, and you know how my father is. He's worse than normal since we sent several guards to safeguard your family and because our personnel are overworked. He's trying to get me to stop the Selection, but I'm resisting. To give myself some time to consider this.

I positioned myself next to him as we sat on the side of the bed. "Sure, that. This should be under your supervision.

He gave a nod. "Exactly. I've probably stated it a thousand times before, but I become crazy when people push me.

I grumbled at him a little. "I know."

I was unable to interpret his expression as he hesitated. I was attempting to move this along without coming across as aggressive, but I wasn't sure how to create a romantic moment.

"I know this is stupid, but today my maids gave me this new perfume. Is it too powerful? I questioned while cocking my neck so he could breathe close by.

His nose brushed against a tender area of skin as he drew near. He murmured, "No, dear, it's lovely," into the bend that led to my shoulder. He then gave me a kiss there. I chewed, attempting to concentrate. I needed to be in charge of something.

I'm happy you like it. You were greatly missed.

I lowered my face as soon as I felt his hand encircle my back. He appeared with his eyes locked upon me and our lips only millimeters apart.

He exhaled, "How much have you missed me?"

My heartbeat was being strangely affected by his low speech and his intense gaze. I mumbled back, "So much," It's "so, so much."

I leaned in and yearned for a kiss. With one hand dragging me in and the other running through my hair, Mark was resolute. The garment stopped me from melting into the kiss as much as my body wanted to. Then, feeling anxious once more, I thought about my strategy.

I hoped that by guiding Mark's fingers to the zipper on the back of my dress while I slid my hands down his arms, it would be sufficient.

I was about to ask him to unzip it after he kept his hands there for a short while when he started giggling.

The sound rapidly made me awake.

"What's so funny?" you ask. Terrified, I questioned while attempting to come up with a discrete technique to check my breath.

"This is by far the most entertaining thing you've done, out of everything else." Mark laughed as he stooped over and tapped his knee.

"Pardon me?"

He gave me a vigorous forehead kiss. "I've always been curious about what it's like to watch you try." He chuckled once more. I'm sorry, but I must leave. Even his posture revealed a sense of humor. I'll see you in the morning, I promise.

Then he walked away. He simply left!

I just sat there feeling so embarrassed. Why on earth did I believe I could accomplish that? Even if Mark didn't know everything about me, he at least understood who I was as a person. And this? I didn't do it.

I cast a downward glance at the absurd garment. It was way excessive. Even Camile would have stopped short of this. My makeup was too heavy, and my hair was too flawless. From the moment he entered the room through the entryway, he was aware of what I was attempting. I sighed and went around the room blowing out candles while I pondered how I was going to deal with him the following day.

I CONSIDERED FILING A STOMACH FLU CLAIM. Alternatively, a crippling headache. panic disorder. Anything to avoid having to eat breakfast, really.

Then I remembered Mark and how he always discussed putting on a brave face. That wasn't something I was very good at. But maybe he would give me some credit if I at least walked downstairs and tried to be present.

I requested my maids to dress me in the most modest outfit I owned in the hopes that I could undo part of what I'd done. They understood not to inquire about the previous evening based solely on that request. It had sleeves that nearly reached my elbows, and the neckline was a little higher than the ones we generally wore in the warm Los Angeles weather. It was floral and upbeat, the complete reverse of last night's attire.

When I first entered the dining room, I was hardly able to look at Mark, but at least I walked tall.

I finally caught a glimpse of him, and he was beaming as he watched me. I again ducked my head, pretended to be extremely engaged in my quiche, and he winked at me as he chewed his food.

Glad to see you dressed up today, Kylie yelled.

Glad to see you feeling so terrific.

She snarled, "What in the world has happened to you.

I lost hope and gave up. "Kylie, I'm not up for this today. Just give me some space.

She appeared as like she may fight back for a split second, but I decided I wasn't worth it. She adjusted her posture a little and carried on eating. Last night's triumph would have allowed me to defend my conduct, but as it was, I couldn't even pretend to be pleased.

I took a chance and looked back at Mark. He wasn't looking at me, but he was still trying to hide his smug face as he cut his food. There it was. I wasn't going to put up with this kind of day. When a butler entered the room, I was about to faint, clutch my stomach, or do anything to get me out of the space. He bowed before presenting King Clarkson with a silver dish with an envelope.

The letter was taken by the king, who swiftly read it. He murmured, "Damn French." I'm sorry, Amberly, but it appears that I'll be departing in the next hour.

She muttered, "Another issue with the trade agreement?"

"Yes. I believed we had settled our differences months ago. On this point, we must be unyielding. He got up, placed his napkin on his plate, and walked over to the front door.

Mark yelled, "Father," while standing. "Aren't you hoping I'll show up?"

Given that the king's customary manner of instruction involved barking orders for his son to obey, it had seemed weird to me that he had not done so when he left. He instead turned to Mark, his speech sharp and his eyes cold.

"You'll get to experience what a king does when you're ready to act like a king should." He left us without saying anything else.

After being called out in front of everyone, Mark stood for a little period of time, startled and humiliated by his father's decision. He turned to his mum and sat down. He said, joking away the tension, "Wasn't really looking forward to that flight, if I'm being honest." The rest of us disregarded the queen's smile, which she of course had to give.

After finishing their breakfasts, the other females excused themselves and went to the women's restroom. I looked up at him when just Mark, Ella, and I were still seated at our tables. We simultaneously pulled our ears and grinned thereafter. When Ella eventually went, we gathered in the center of the space without being harassed by the butlers and maids tidying up the area around us.

I bemoaned, "It's my fault he's not taking you.

"Perhaps," he waggled. "Believe me, he has attempted to put me in my place before, and he has a gazillion justifications in his head for why he feels he should. If his primary motivation this time was retaliation, it wouldn't surprise me. The more likely that is for him the closer I go to choosing a wife, the less he wants to surrender control. Despite the fact that we both know he won't completely let go.

"You could just send me home, I suppose. He won't ever permit you to choose me. I still hadn't informed Mark about how his father had cornered me, threatening me in the middle of the hall after Mark convinced him into letting me stay. I didn't want to offend King Clarkson because he had made it clear that I was to keep our chat between us private. However, I detested concealing it from Mark.

After last night, I don't think you're that keen on keeping me anyway, I continued, crossing my arms.

His lips were bit. I apologize for my laughter, but what else could I have done?

I mumbled, still feeling ashamed by my failed attempt to entice him, "I had plenty of ideas." I feel so foolish. I cupped my hands about my head.

He gently beckoned me into an embrace and said, "Stop." I'm telling you, that was incredibly tempting. However, you are not that girl.

However, shouldn't I be? Isn't that a component of who we are? I bawled into his tummy.

He asked, his voice low, "Don't you remember the night in the safe room?"

Yes, but that was essentially us bidding farewell.

It would have been a wonderful way to say goodbye.

I moved away and hit him with a swatter. He laughed, relieved to have dispelled the unease.

"Let's forget about it," I said.

"Very well," he concurred. Additionally, you and I need to work on a project.

"We do?"

Yes, and now that my father has passed away, it will be convenient to begin brainstorming.

"All right," I responded, eager to take part in our private conversation.

I became concerned about what he was intending as he sighed. "You are correct. You are not beloved by your father. But if we can pull off one item, he might have no choice but to budge.

"Which one is?"

"We have to make you the favorite of the people."

I grinned wryly. Is that what we are focusing on? That won't ever happen, Mark. After attempting to help Marlee, I came across a poll in one of Camile's publications. People have a hard time with me.

Opinions shift. Do not allow that one incident depress you too much.

Still feeling forlorn, what was I to say? I had to at least give it a shot if this was my only choice.

"Fine," I replied. "But I can assure you that this won't work."

He drew in and gave me a long, slow kiss while grinning impishly. "And I can assure you that it will,"