I just hoped she’d see it.Īs I made my way back into the main hallway, fate smiled on me. When I got to her room, I debated over where to leave the letter, but there was really only one place to put it.

Then I moved up to the second floor, waiting in a hallway until I saw America’s maids leave to eat. I scribbled the note as clearly and quickly as possible. I ran to my room, trying to squeeze everything I needed to do into the few minutes I had. Hearing those words made my heart even surer I’d gotten her back. They were both staying-it seemed their actions canceled each other out-though it sounded like America was doing so begrudgingly. I swear, I wanted to give my girl a medal. In no time at all, I learned Celeste threw the first words, but Mer threw the first punch. He clearly wasn’t treating America as well as he ought to, so why was he so determined to keep her? And if he failed to prove she wasn’t at fault, would there be enough time for me to see her before she left? “Still, would you dismiss her?” Maxon shot back. “I doubt a girl of such high caliber would stoop so low without provocation.” I’m certain they’re having a difficult time processing the caning.” “Father, all of their nerves are frayed after yesterday. “No doubt that Five is responsible for this. “Your Majesty, two of the Elite, Lady Newsome and Lady Singer, just got in a fight.”Įveryone in the room paused, looking at the king. He darted over to the king, bowing quickly. Midmorning, Smiths, one of the guards who’d been at the palace for years, came rushing in. I couldn’t help but think that he was an idiot for being so careless with America. He looked distracted today, sitting at his small desk that seemed thrown in the room as an afterthought. Honestly, anywhere away from the cold gaze of King Clarkson. I liked being on the move, or at least in a more open part of the palace. My afternoon post was in the king’s office, where I had the extraordinarily boring job of standing guard by the door. Sometimes I wondered if the other guards did this, too, or if I was the only one who looked close enough.Įither way, I had a plan. I studied it until the lines overlapped in my head and I could see all the holes in the security. I looked over all the guard posts, the cleaning rotations, the meal schedules for the royal family, the officers, and the help. Hours before my shift started the next morning, I was ready to go. It would take some work, but I could make it happen.

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