Hi everybody! This is my story. Constructive criticism is ALWAYS welcome, and suggestions are awesome! If you like it, review, follow, or favorite! Next chapter should be up soon.

I was practicing walking with several books on my head (just kidding. I was reading some the budgeting graphs that Silvia had given me to study.) when I heard a knock at my door. I set the graphs I was reading to the side, and hopped up to get the door.

I swung it open. "What- Elise?" She was standing in her robe, shaking. Very un-Elise. "Why are you here? I mean, what's wrong? Come in. Girls, draw her a bath."

"No. No bath. I just need to talk to you." Elise said, shakily.

"Well-alright. But at least have some tea, or something to eat." I protested.

"Fine. I don't care." She snapped. She saw my expression, and softened. "I'm sorry. I just really need to tell you something." She eyed my maids. "Alone."

"My maids can keep a secret. Can't you, girls?"

"Of course, miss. Lady Elise, you don't have to worry about us." Mary chimed, oddly chipper.

"Alright. But if anyone finds out, it could be the end of all of us." All four of us nodded. "Well, I'm just going to have to say it. I am- well I guess was, but kind of still in- a relationship with a guard." My maids gasped, but I sat there in shock. Another girl? How? Now there was 3 girls who hadn't been loyal to Illèa's prince. "He was deported to New Asia yesterday, and I just found out."

"Oh, dear," Anne cried softly, clutching her hands to her chest. I couldn't imagine how I'd feel if Aspen was shipped off to New Asia without warning.

"I just don't know what to do!" Elise wailed. "I might not see him again. He might die! Oh, god." She began to hyperventilate.

"Elise! Elise. Do you know his name? His province might be helpful too." I tried to keep myself in check, for her sake.

She calmed herself enough to answer me. "Well- yes. I know his name. I'm not going to tell you, though. But his province was Angeles."

"Elise, I think you need to tell Maxon." She looked startled. "No, not like that. Just tell him you need to go home. Sadly, the chances of your guard coming back are pretty slim. But if he does, he lives in your home province. Maybe one day, you would see him again. But the longer you stay here, the more chance you have of someone finding out. Going home is the best way to protect him, and yourself."

"America's right," said Lucy. Anne and Mary nodded with her. "You'll be protecting him by doing this."

"I guess you're right. I'm just afraid I won't be able to find him again. If he lives." Elise looked at the floor.

"If it was meant to be, you'll find each other again. If you don't, someone better will come along. Trust me." I glanced out my window. "You should get going. It's getting late."

"Thank you, America. I'm sorry if I bothered you." Now, that's more like her. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow, then. Good night." Elise said, drained.

"Of course. Good night, Elise." I closed the door gently, wondering what in the world had just happened.