Aspen and Lucy,

Aspen, to say that your letter was a surprise would be an understatement. It just goes to show that I never deserved you. These last couple months have been hard but I know they have been necessary to test my strength. To read of your support now is just what I needed to continue on. I am coming to the realization that I will never be able to sink back into the shadows.

You made the comment that you wondered if all we were ever destined for was to hurt. I don't know much about fate, but if it does exist, I can say with absolute faith that 'to hurt' is not ours. But I can understand why you would believe that, so, if you will, allow me to alleviate some of that pain.

Lucy, ever since the first day of the Selection you have been there for me. I said above that I didn't deserve Aspen, and it's true. For a long time I didn't believe there was ever someone who could be worthy of his love. If you haven't noticed, Aspen carries the burden of everyone he loves on his shoulders. I had always tried to make my load the lightest, but I know now that's not what he needed or needs.

Even if we had stayed in Carolina, I doubt we would have lasted forever. I've always wanted a family even larger than the one I grew up in. It was a known but ignored truth that Aspen and I could never have had that. Aspen is the main provider for his own family of eight; I knew adding even one could tip the balance for the worse, let alone a family of our own. We would have fought constantly. I'm too stubbornly insistent on doing things for myself and he is too selflessly oriented to let me.

The more I think about the two of you the more I can't believe I didn't think of it myself. More than anything Lucy, I wished for you to find a knight in shining armor to take you away from the life that woman sold you into. And now you have the most honorable one to ever live. I now have a reason to smile when I think of the palace.

Things in Carolina are different, as you have probably seen on the news. Everywhere I go people recognize me. I go to the store and it's on a magazine. I take Gerad to the park and I'm labeled the world's greatest older sister. I'm more confused now than I have ever been in my entire life. Last night was the first party I've played at since before the Selection and I got paid more than double what I used to from her.

I know that I shouldn't ask this of you Aspen, and don't feel obligated to do it, but I have to ask. I can't accept that everything Maxon told me was a lie. I truly believe that he felt at least something towards me. But I also know if that was true he would have come for me or at least tried to get in touch. So that leaves my heart with one hope: that he is being prevented. I ask you, I beg you, to find out if this is even the slightest a possibility and if it is not then I can finally accept that he never loved me and is never coming back.

I thank you for your letter as well as both of your friendships and hope to hear back from you soon. I fear this may become the only connection left that I have no secrets from or reservations with.

I miss you both and wish you every happiness,

America

cCc

Maxon:

My Dearest America,

I feel you absence with breath I take. At first I thought it would pass, but I've noticed that each day there is something new that torments me. And I don't want it to stop, the pain keeps me connected to you.

There is nothing more in the world I want than you in my arms again, except your life. And if denying us both this love that never got the chance to blossom will keep you safe I will gladly never have a peaceful night again in my life.

But know, please know, my thoughts and my heart will never leave you and the months I spent with you were and ever shall be the greatest in my life. I love you and I have never longed for anything more in my life than to actually tell you that. I'm stuck, America. So I place all my hope in you, that somehow you'll do what I can't and find a way back to me.

With all my love,

Maxon

I carefully folded the letter and sealed it, writing her name on the top. I walked over to the fire and crouched down, giving the letter one last look before tossing it in the fire. Just like I did every night, I watched as the edges of the paper caught and slowly engulfed my heart itself.

I didn't know how much longer I would write these letters, probably until after the pain became bearable, but for now, I'll wake up every morning, pretend not to see the disappointed looks from my mother, continue to hide the barely concealed but ever growing hatred for my father, and figure out how the hell to feel about my brother.

I remembered the day we returned to the palace. She was gone and yet, I was hopeful. I was already planning my return to her, knowing I'd have some explaining and groveling to do, but also feeling free to love her without the reservations or the responsibilities of the throne. I was practically in the car to the airport when my father stopped me.

In that moment, I saw him for who he truly is. Through every lesson where he degraded me, behind every lash and disapproving glare he was still my father. But not now. For once I was not blinded by any prejudice or rather rose-colored glasses as I looked at the man who raised me. I finally saw the man who let millions of our people, my people, his people, starve. The man who let them freeze in the winter and actually work themselves to death trying to provide for their families.

I was pacing the floor like I did every night, trying to find a solution to help the people. If I couldn't help America, my beautiful, stubborn America who, in all her glory, lowered her caste back to a five, then I would have to reach her indirectly. I let out a small laugh as I thought about how someone could feel so much pride in a single stupid, reckless action of a seventeen year old girl.

I sit down in my chair by the fire and let myself see her in the flames. Her fiery red hair, her spirit uncontrollable and actions unpredictable. I let myself think of how her eyes looked up at me, filled with an adoration that made me feel like a man for the first time in my life, like a king.

A knock at my door brought me out of my thoughts. I looked over at the windows and realized how much light is pouring in. It must be six already.

"Enter," I called and the guard stationed at my door, Officer Kennedy, walked in. "Yes?"

He looked almost nervous. "Have you seen the papers this morning, Your Highness?"

I raised an eyebrow at the question. "You know I haven't, Kennedy, I haven't left my room yet."

"Yes, of course, Sire, it's just," he held out the paper. "Here, Your Highness."

I took the paper, curious as to what would invoke such a behavior from my guard. Unfolding it, my eyes searched for the headline and my heart stopped when it did.

A NEW SELECTION-Prince William's Selection to take place by next summer.

After the cancellation of Prince Maxon's Selection and then the return of our dear Prince William, many have been wondering if it was to be a long wait before Illea saw a new rule. Apparently not, as a press release was sent out last night. When asked about the upcoming Selection, King Clarkson said "I am hopeful for the future, William is a strong soul and is ready to move into a life resembling normalcy and my wife, Queen Amberly, and I think the perfect way for him to do this is to find his own wife."

He went on to say how Prince William has much to learn before he can be king, but he will just be taking those steps with a wife be his side instead of waiting until he was ready to be coronated. Though some are still left to wonder, if it took almost fifteen years of training for Prince Maxon to be ready, assuming they started training him soon after his brother's disappearance, then how can they be so sure Prince William will be ready any time soon.

Also, Prince Maxon has not personally addressed the nation since his brother was found. How does he feel about all of this—

I stop reading here and skip the rest of the section where the reporter tries to grasp my attitude towards the situation. I turn to where the article spills over onto the back of the page.

In addition to the normal Lottery, the King has announced another group of women will participate.

"Any member of Prince Maxon's Selection, currently unwed, will join the girl from their province and have a chance at the heart of the present Crown Prince. I have talked this over with my advisors and found this is the best way to honor the promises made to the girls of the past Selection."

Among the names of the woman given were many girls who are engaged. The King noted this and simply said they could ask for a releasement once the Selection had started. It seems this new Selection will be partially mandatory. When questioned about the legality of such a proclamation, King Clarkson quoted a section of the contract each Selected signed last spring.

" 'After signing, I forfeit the rights to any and all legal romantic acts with any man or woman other than the Crown Prince of Illea. I understand that any such violation will be considered an act of treason and is considered punishable accordingly. This contract will be held to every literal practice until I am released by the Crown Prince and only the Crown Prince.' The title of Crown Prince has changed subjects, so, by law, they have not been released of their contracts. We are willing to make a concession for those already married but any other will be asked to participate in Prince William's Selection. Keep in mind, it is not against the rules to ask to leave which, if some feel the need to, they may do once the Selection has started. Otherwise, they will have the privilege to be given another chance."

Under the article there was a list of names, the names of the remaining girls from my Selection. I thought about what my father was doing with this and I knew it was just to punish me. I dreaded reading the name I knew was on there, but I looked anyway.

Celeste Newsome from Clermont, Two

Bariel Pratt from Sota, Two

Tallulah Bell from Hundson, Two

Elayna Stoles from Hansport, Three

Olivia Witts from Zuni, Three

Tiny Lee from Dakota, Three

Kriss Ambers from Columbia, Three

Tuesday Keeper from Waverly, Four

Anna Farmer from Honduragua, Four

Natalie Luca from Bankston, Four

Elise Whisks from Angeles, Four

America Singer from Carolina, Five