Rosalia POV:

Tomorrow is my Sweet 16 and I am making last minute plans for it. Earlier this morning my maids brought up my gown. I have to go down stairs and help the girls with the traditional dance of the guards. My brother and I will be partners and the girls will dance with guards that are off for the night.

"Hello Ladies" I say as I enter the room. "Most of you are unfamiliar with most of the traditions here at the palace." I look around at some familiar faces but many of them are still just faces. The girls are all standing around looking at guards and some stare longingly at my brother who sits in the corner until I need him to help me demonstrate. "During every ball or celebration honoring a person here we celebrate by dancing the traditional Dance of the Guards. Now I need each of you to pair off with a guard." As I say this I watch as girls attempt to get Mason to dance with him but he just shrugs them off. Colton appears to my side and he helps me show the girls the steps.

It takes hours for them to get the moves just right and even then some girls are still stumbling around.

Mason stands up, "Ladies." They all look up and stare just like puppies each looking longing for Mason to say more. "I have been watching you all today and I have decided to take ten of you on very special dates. If I say your name please stay so we can discuss our plans. Once I have announced the names the rest of you are free to go."

Many of the girls start to talk about who Mason is going to pick. Finally Mason begins to speak again.

"Kelli, Camilla, Hannah, Brooklyn, Dylan, Brynna, Kacey, Jessica, Ashlyn," There was a pause to Mason's list. Unsure of who the last girl was they others begin to argue. "Capri." He finishes. "Will you girls stay here. The rest of you girls are dismissed." With that the others left the room most headed to their rooms, others to the library, some to the gardens, and some to sit in the Women's room.

I left Mason and the girls alone and headed to my room. I entered the hallway and the circle of rooms. Turned to my door, but before I turned the knob I looked around our little circle. Soon Mason will be living in another wing of the Palace. Somewhere that his room would be connected to his bride's room. Things were never going to be the same. Changes were happening here. I heard the twins giggling from one of their rooms, most likely Alex was reading a book, and here I was reminiscing about the past. Thinking of a time when toys lay on the floor. When nobody trusted us to have a glass vase on the table in the center of the room. When there was always a baby crying from one of the rooms. Back to times when we were just the children of the King and Queen. Times were changing, we were growing up. I turned the knob and walked in. I opened the windows to let some fresh air in. Second guessing myself, I closed the windows and went outside on the balcony. I looked out into the garden, looked up at the sun of the autumn afternoon. I felt the October breeze against my face, stretched my arms out and closed my eyes. A smile stretched across my face, I breathed in the crisp air. I felt arms wrap around my waist and a kiss pressed against my cheek. I felt warm inside. A feeling of safety engulfed me. "How is my beautiful birthday girl?" His whisper tickled my ear. I giggled as I turned around to see his perfect smile and eyes looking at me. Giving me the look every girl wants their boyfriend to give them. "One more day." He said. One more day until we could be brought out. One more day until we didn't have to be secret. Suddenly a nervous feeling surrounded me and I pushed him away.