America
"Why can't they get along?" I asked Maxon after Celia, Aspen and Shalom had left the Women's Room.

"Well, Celia and Shalom have told each other that they don't like each other, proving beyond doubt that they are more alike than we could have imagined and AJ doesn't like the way Shalom is treating Celia," said Maxon, "it's really rather simple I don't know why you can't follow it America." There was a glint of humour in Maxon's eye.

"Don't make this a joke Maxon," I chided him, "Celia won't be happy here until she and Shalom can get on."

"They both just need a bit of time," Maxon said, "perhaps we can send them to France without AJ, then they'll have no choice but to talk to each other."

I sighed and shook my head, "let's go."

********

"His Majesty King Maxon, Her Majesty Queen America, their Royal Highnesses Prince Shalom, Prince Maxon and Princess Celeste," said one of the guards to the side of the door as we entered. I looked to my side to see Aspen stood there.

"You know I hate it when you do that."

"That's why I do it."

I rolled my eyes and continued over to my seat. Maxon pulled it out for me and I sat down. My seat was to Maxon's left as usual and to his right was Shalom, Aspen and Celia. To Celia's side were her parents. Marlee sat to my side with Carter and May.

The remaining twenty Selected girls all chatted away happily with their families and shot looks towards the five of us on a regular basis. 

"Have you met with all of their parents?" I asked the boys.

"Most of them," said Shalom. 

"Why not all of them?" I asked.

"Well there's really no need for us to meet with Amelia's parents is there," said Aspen.

"I don't know I would like to meet with my potential future son-in-laws," said Marlee teasingly.

I laughed and rolled my eyes. 

The day continued in this way. After we had finished eating everyone rose and I played the piano for a while to hearty applause and then I mingled amongst the parents of the selected girls and my own family.

"Queen America," Wednesday Gardener inclined her head as I approached her and Quentin.

"I've never really thanked you two," I said.

"Thanked us for what?" asked Quentin.

"For raising Celia, for being her parents when Maxon and I could not. For making her into the person she is today."

Wednesday and Quentin exchanged a look, Wednesday was the first to speak, "thank you for bringing her into the world."

I smiled, "will you visit us again soon?"

"Of course we will," said Quentin.

********

New years passed in a blur and the palace emptied of people until we were once again left with just the company of the selected girls. Celia's parents were the last ones to leave, having left the morning of the 4th January. 

That same day found Marlee, Lucy and me sitting in a corner of the Women's Room observing the comings and goings of the selected who now numbered eighteen after Maple Layer and Alexis Bladesmith were eliminated and left with their families.

Celia was sat with Zofia Ginue and Mary Coin. The three of them were flipping through a magazine with pictures from our Christmas celebration in it. 

Paige hurried across the Women's Room towards us.

"What's wrong Paige?" I noticed the concerned look on her face as she neared.

"The King needs you for urgent business, Your Highness," said Paige.

I stood and said goodbye to Marlee and Lucy, who exchanged a worried look before giving me reassuring smiles. 

I made my way to Maxon's study somewhat dreading what I may hear when I arrived. I walked into the room without bothering to knock. 

"Yes, I understand," Maxon was speaking into a phone, "yes we will take care of it, thank you."

"What is it?" I asked as he set the handpiece down.

"Wednesday and Quentin are dead," Maxon's hands were trembling slightly.

"What?"

"There was a crash whilst they were on their way home, they didn't  make it."