By midmorning I was ready to start my day . It was Saturday , so there was no routine or schedule , but it was the one day a week we were all required to stay in the Women 's Room . The palace saw guests on Saturdays , and we had been warned that people might want to meet us . I wasn 't too excited about it , but at least I got to wear my new jeans for the first time . Of course , they were the best - fitting pair of pants I 'd ever owned . I hoped that since Maxon and I were on such good terms , he 'd let me keep them after I left . " I know . I 've never felt anything like them . " My voice lifted a bit . I decided to go back to my old rule : Laksh wasn 't allowed here . I pushed him away and focused on my second - favorite person in the palace . " Sorry to keep you waiting . What did you want to talk about ? " before she could start , Tuesday , who had been listening to Camille with an anxious expression on her face , got up from her seat and looked around the room . She found Ragini and me in the corner and quickly walked over . " No . The one last night ! " A maid came to the corner and offered us tea , which I was prepared to take , but Tuesday shooed her away . " Tiny saw you together and told , " Ragini said , trying to explain Tuesday 's mood . " You 're the only one he 's been alone with twice . A lot of the girls who haven 't seen him yet were complaining . They don 't think it 's right . But it 's not your fault if he likes you . " " It 's completely unfair , " Tuesday whined . " I haven 't seen him outside of mealtimes , not even in passing . What in the world did you two do ? " " We … uh … we went back to the gardens . He knows I like it outside . And we just talked . " I felt nervous , like I was in trouble . Tuesday 's face was so intense , I looked away . When I did , I saw that a few girls at nearby tables were listening in . The moment after it happened , Anna slowly comprehended what she 'd just done . She would probably be sent home ; we weren 't supposed to physically assault another Selected . Emmica started tearing up while Anna sat in stunned silence . They were both farm girls and had bonded early on . I couldn 't imagine how I 'd feel if it was Ragini suddenly leaving . Anna , who I 'd only met in passing , had always struck me as an effervescent creature . I knew there was nothing in her that would naturally seek to harm another person . During a large part of the rebel attack , she 'd been on her knees in prayer . Undoubtedly , she had been provoked , but no one was sitting within earshot to prove that . It would be Anna 's word against Celeste 's as far as any exchange of words went , but Celeste would have a roomful of people who could back up that she 'd been hit . Maxon would presumably be urged to send Anna home as an example to the others . This was one I didn 't know , and I averted my eyes , hoping Silvia wouldn 't call on me . Luckily , Amy raised her hand and answered . " President Wallis . " We were in the Great Room again , starting the week with a history lesson . Well , more like a history test . This was one of those areas where it always seemed that what people knew was varied , both as far as what was fact and just how informed they were . Mom always taught us orally when it came to history . We had pages and worksheets to master for English and math , but when it came to the stories that made up our past , there was very little that I knew for sure was truth . " Correct . President Wallis was the president before the Chinese assault and continued leading the United States throughout the war , " Silvia confirmed . I thought the name to myself . Wallis , Wallis , Wallis . I really wanted to remember this to tell May and Gerad when I went home , but we were learning so much , it was hard to keep it all straight . " What was their motivation for invading ? Celeste ? " " Excellent , Celeste . " Silvia gave her a doting smile . How did Celeste wrap people around her finger like that ? It was so irritating . " When the United States couldn 't repay their massive debt , the Chinese invaded . Unfortunately for them , this didn 't get them any money , as the United States was beyond bankruptcy . However , it did gain them American labor . And when the Chinese took over , what did they rename the United States ? " " Yes . The American State of China had the appearance of its original country , but was merely a facade . The Chinese were pulling strings behind the scenes , influencing any major political happenings , and steering legislation in their favor . " Silvia walked through the desks slowly . I felt like a mouse in the sights of a hawk that was circling ever closer . " Yes , " Silvia replied . " However , the American State of China had no such friends at the time . It took them five years to regroup , and they could barely handle that , let alone trying to forge alliances . " She tried to express the hardship through an exhausted look . " The ASC planned to fight back against China but was then faced with another invasion . What country attempted to occupy the ASC then ? " Lots of hands went up this time . " Russia , " someone said without waiting to be called on . Silvia looked around for the offender , but couldn 't pinpoint the source . " Correct , " she said , slightly unhappily . " Russia tried to expand in both directions and failed miserably , but this failure on their part provided the ASC with an opportunity to fight back . How ? " Kriss raised her hand and answered . " The entirety of what was North America banded together to fight Russia , since it seemed clear they had their eyes on more than just the ASC . And fighting Russia was easier because China was attacking them as well for attempting to steal their territory . " Silvia nodded . " And that led to the founding of the country . The alliances the ASC acquired had formed a united front , and the United States 's reputation was so damaged , no one wanted to readopt that name . So a new nation was formed under Gregory Illéa 's name and leadership . He saved this country . " Emmica raised her hand , and Silvia acknowledged her . " In some ways , we 're kind of like him . I mean , we get to serve our country . He was just a private citizen who donated his money and knowledge . And he changed everything , " she said with wonder . " That is a beautiful point , " Silvia said . " And exactly like him , one of you will be elevated to royalty . For Gregory Illéa , he became a king as his family married into a royal family , and for you , it will be marrying into this one . " Silvia had moved herself to awe , so when Tuesday raised her hand , it took her a moment to acknowledge it . " Umm , why is it that we don 't have any of this in a book ? So we could study ? " There was a hint of irritation in her voice . I remembered a few years ago when I went into Mumma and papa 's room , since Mumma said I could choose what I wanted to read for English . As I went through my options , I spotted a thick , ratty book in the back corner and pulled it out . It was a U . S . history book . Papa came in a few minutes later , saw what I was reading , and said it was okay , so long as I never told anyone about it . When papa asked me to keep a secret , I did so without question , and I loved looking through all those pages . Well , the ones that were still legible . Lots had been torn out , and the edge of the book looked like it might have been burned , but that 's where I saw a picture of the old White House and learned about the way holidays used to be . " Natalie , bring your chin down just a touch , please . That 's it . " The photographer snapped another picture , filling the room with light . " I think that will do . Who 's next ? " he called . Celeste came in from the side , a general group of maids still swarming around her before the photographer started up again . Natalie , still beside Maxon , said something and kicked up her foot flirtatiously behind her . He responded quietly , and she giggled as she walked away . We 'd been told after yesterday 's history lesson that this photo shoot was merely for the amusement of the public , but I couldn 't help thinking that there was some actual weight to it . Someone had written an editorial in a magazine about the look of a princess . I didn 't get to read the article myself , but Emmica and some of the others did . According to her , it was about Maxon needing to find someone who actually looked regal and photographed well with him , someone who would look nice on a stamp . And now we were all lined up in identical cream - colored , cap - sleeved , drop - waist dresses with a heavy red sash across our shoulders , taking pictures with Maxon . The photos would be printed in the same magazine , and the magazine staff was going to make picks . I was kind of uncomfortable with it all . This was the thing I 'd been bothered about since the beginning , that Maxon was looking for nothing more than a pretty face . Now that I 'd met him , I was sure that wasn 't true , but it got to me that people thought that Maxon was like that . I sighed . Some of the girls were walking around , munching on no - drip foods and chatting , but the majority , including myself , were standing around the perimeter of the set erected in the Great Room . A huge golden tapestry that reminded me of the drop cloths Dad used at home was hung up against a wall and spilled across the floor . A small couch was off to one side and a pillar was on the other . In the middle the Illéan emblem stood , giving the whole silly thing an air of being patriotic . We watched as each Selected paraded across the space to be photographed , and many who watched were whispering things they liked and didn 't or what they were planning for themselves . Celeste walked up to Maxon with a sparkle in her eyes , and he smiled as she approached . The moment she reached him , she put her lips to his ear and whispered something . Whatever it was , Maxon leaned his head back with laughter and nodded , agreeing with her little secret . It was strange to see them like that . How could someone who got along so well with me do the same with someone like her ? She turned herself toward Maxon and placed a hand on his chest , tilted her head down , and gave an expert smile . She seemed to understand how to use the lighting and set to her best advantage and kept moving Maxon over a few inches or insisting on changing their pose . Where some of the girls took their time and made their turn with Maxon last - particularly those who still hadn 't secured a date - Celeste appeared to want to show her efficiency instead . I gave my head a tiny shake and willed myself to focus . I gathered up my dress in my hands and walked toward Maxon . His eyes shifted from Celeste to me , and maybe I imagined it , but his face seemed to brighten a bit . I fired back , " In the meantime , they ought to hang you up with the chandeliers . " I poked at the glittering medals across his chest . His uniform , which looked almost like something the guards would wear , only far more elegant , also had golden things on his shoulders and a sword hanging off his hip . It was a bit much . He pulled me very close and put his hand on my waist . I went to step back , but Maxon 's arm held me securely to him . " Just look at me like you can 't stand me . " He squinted into a mock pout , which made me crack up . I was feeling better now that it was half over , and I sat next to Maxon with the best posture I could muster . Every once in a while , he 'd poke or tickle me , making my smile grow bigger until it burst into laughter . I hoped the photographer was catching the moments just before my face scrunched together , otherwise this whole thing was going to be a disaster . From the corner of my eye , I noticed a waving hand , and a moment later Maxon turned as well . A man in a suit was standing there , and he clearly needed to speak to the prince . Maxon nodded , but the man hesitated , looking to him and then to me , evidently questioning my presence . " Rebel attack in Midston , Your Majesty , " he said . Maxon sighed and dropped his head wearily . " They burned acres of crops and killed about a dozen people . " Maxon seemed taken aback for a split second , then spoke . " Localize troops in the southeast of Sota and all along Tammins . Don 't go as far south as Midston , it 'd be a waste . See if we can intercept them . " He shook his head , straightened up , and smiled , placing my hand in his . " One thing you must master in this profession is the ability to appear calm when you feel anything but . Please smile , America . " I raised myself up and gave a shy smile to the camera as the photographer clicked away . In the middle of those last few frames , Maxon squeezed my hand tight , and I did the same to his . In that moment , it felt like we had a connection , something true and deep . The click of a pair of heels coming toward us reminded me that we weren 't alone , but I kind of wanted to stay . He gave my hand one last squeeze and released me , and as I walked away , I considered several things . How nice it felt that Maxon trusted me enough to let me know this secret , and how it had sort of felt like we were alone for a moment . Then I thought about the rebels , and how the king was usually quick to point out their sedition , but I was supposed to keep this news to myself . It didn 't quite make sense . " Janelle , my dear , " Maxon said as the next girl approached . I smiled to myself at the tired endearment . He lowered his voice , but I still heard . " Before I forget , are you free this afternoon ? " " She and Maxon had gone hunting , but you knew that , " she said , waving her hand around like she was trying to clear her thoughts . Janelle 's date really had been common knowledge . After the photo shoot yesterday , she gushed about their plans to anyone who would listen . " No , she isn 't , " I mumbled . A few heads turned , acknowledging my statement . It was true , though . Janelle was the only girl to have two dates with Maxon besides me . Not that I was counting . Kriss continued . " When she came back , she was crying . I asked her what was wrong , and she said she was leaving , that Maxon had told her to go . I gave her a hug because she was so upset and asked her what happened . She said she couldn 't tell me about it . I don 't understand that . Maybe we 're not allowed to talk about why we 're eliminated ? " Bariel sucked her teeth . " Please . How boring must that date have been for them to start talking policy ? Has anyone in here actually talked to Maxon about anything related to running the country ? " Celeste threw her head back and laughed . " Maxon can run the country just fine . He 's trained for it . Besides , he has teams of people to help him make decisions , so why would he want someone else trying to tell him what to do ? If I were you , I 'd start learning how to be quiet . At least until he marries you . " I balled my fist , trying to decide if it would be worth hitting her . Was that part of her plan ? But before I could move at all , Silvia burst through the door . I practically ran forward and snatched the letter out of her hand . I was so hungry for words from my family . As soon as it was in my clutches , I retreated to a corner for a few moments to myself . I can 't wait for Friday to come . I can 't believe you 're going to get to talk to Gavril Fadaye ! You have all the luck . { I certainly didn 't feel lucky . Tomorrow night we were all getting grilled by Gavril , and I had no idea what he would ask us . I felt sure I 'd make an idiot out of myself . } It 'll be nice to hear your voice again . I miss you singing around the house . Mumma doesn 't do it , and it 's been so quiet since you left . Will you wave to me on the show ? How 's the competition going ? Do you have lots of friends there ? Have you talked to any of the girls who left ? Mumma is saying all the time now that it 's not a big deal if you lose anymore . Half those girls who went home are already engaged to the sons of mayors or celebrities . She says someone will take you if Maxon doesn 't . Aadhi is hoping you marry a basketball player instead of a boring old prince . But I don 't care what anybody says . Maxon is so gorgeous ! I have so much more to tell you , but mumma wants me to go paint . Write me a real letter soon . A long one ! With lots and lots of details ! So the eliminated girls were already getting snatched up by wealthy men . I didn 't realize being the castoff of a future king made you a commodity . I walked around the perimeter of the room , thinking over ladoo 's words . I wanted to know what was going on . I wondered what had really happened with Janelle and was curious if Maxon had another date tonight . I really wanted to see him . The second page of ladoo 's letter was almost completely blank . I tore off a piece of it as I wandered . Some girls were still buried in pages of letters from their families , and others were sharing news . After a lap I stopped by the Women 's Room guest book and picked up the pen . I walked outside the room as if I were simply going to the bathroom and looked up and down the hall . It was empty . I stood there , waiting , until a maid rounded the corner with a tray of tea in her hands . These hallways were captivating , each one more ornate than my entire house . The wallpaper , the gilt mirrors , the giant vases of fresh flowers all so beautiful . The carpets were lavish and immaculate , the windows were sparkling , and the paintings on the walls were lovely . There were some paintings by artists I knew - van Gogh , Picasso - and some I didn 't . There were photographs of buildings I had seen before . There was one of the legendary White House . Compared to the pictures and what I 'd read in my old history book , the palace dwarfed it in size and luxury , but I still wished it was around to see . I walked farther down the hall and came upon a portrait of the royal family . It looked old ; Maxon was shorter than his mother in this picture . He towered over her now . In the time I 'd been at the palace , I had only ever seen them together at dinners and the Illéa Capital Report airing . Were they very private ? Did they not like all these strange young girls in their house ? Were they only all here because of blood and duty ? I didn 't know what to make of this invisible family . He had his suit coat off , and the sleeves were rolled up on his white shirt . His blue tie was loosened at the neck , and his hair that was always slicked back was bouncing around a bit as he moved . In stark contrast to the person in uniform yesterday , he looked more boyish , more real . " Oh ! Oh , no . Maxon , I 'm so sorry . I knew that was a stupid idea . I just didn 't know if you 'd be at dinner , and I wanted to see you . " " Ah , you 're cross with me because I 've been engaged all week , aren 't you ? I didn 't mean to neglect our friendship , Swara . " Now he was back to the businesslike Maxon . " No , I 'm not mad . I was just explaining myself . You look busy . Go back to work , and I 'll see you when you 're free . " I noticed he was still holding on to my wrists . " Actually , do you mind if I stay a few minutes ? They 're having a budget meeting upstairs , and I detest those things . " Without waiting for an answer , Maxon pulled me over to a short , plush sofa halfway down the hall that rested underneath a window , and I giggled a little as we sat . " What 's so funny ? " " Just you , " I said , smiling . " It 's cute to see that your job bugs you . What 's so bad about the meetings , anyway ? " " Oh , Swara ! " he said , facing me again . " They go round and round in circles . Father does a good job at calming the advisers , but it 's so hard to push the committees in any given direction . Mom is always on Father to give more to the school systems - she thinks the more educated you are , the less likely you are to be a criminal , and I agree - but Father is never forceful enough to get them to take away from other areas that could manage perfectly with lower funds . It 's infuriating ! And it 's not like I 'm in command , so my opinion is easily overlooked . " Maxon propped his elbows on his knees and rested his head in his hands . He looked tired . " I 'm sorry . On the plus side , you 'll have more of a say in the future . " I rubbed his back , trying to encourage him . " I know . I tell myself that . But it 's so frustrating when we could change things now if they 'd only listen . " His voice was a little hard to hear when it was directed at the carpet . Maxon raised his head . " What do you mean ? " It almost sounded like an accusation . And rightly so . Here was an idea that he 'd been championing , and I 'd just squashed it . I tried to backpedal . " Well , compared to the fancy - pants tutors someone like you has , the education system for Sixes and Sevens is terrible . I think getting better teachers or better facilities would do them a world of good . But then what about the Eights ? Isn 't that caste responsible for most of the crimes ? They don 't get any education . I think if they felt they had something , anything at all , it might encourage them . " Besides … " I paused . I didn 't know if this was something a boy who 'd grown up with everything handed to him could grasp . " Have you ever been hungry , Maxon ? Not just ready for dinner , but starving ? If there was absolutely no food here , nothing for your mother or father , and you knew that if you just took something from people who had more in a day than you 'd have in your whole life , you could eat … what would you do ? If they were counting on you , what wouldn 't you do for someone you loved ? " He was quiet for a moment . Once before - when we 'd talked about my maids during the attack - we 'd kind of acknowledged the wide gap between us . This was a far more controversial topic of discussion , and I could see him wanting to avoid it . " Maybe you don 't know which face it is yet , but think of the girls in that room . Imagine the one who loves you the most . Imagine your ' dear . ' " " This girl ? Imagine that she depends on you . She needs you to cherish her and make her feel like the Selection didn 't even happen . Like if you were dropped on your own out in the middle of the country to wander around door to door , she 's still the one you would have found . She was always the one you would have picked . " " Yes . That happens . I know of families where people give up their share for their children or siblings . I know of a boy who was whipped in the town square for stealing food . Sometimes you do crazy things when you 're desperate . " " Probably , " he said with a grave nod . " But I 'm only starting to realize how much I don 't know about my own country . Please . " " We 've been pretty bad . Most times if it gets to where we have to choose , we keep the food and lose electricity . The worst was when it happened near Christmas one year . It was very cold , so we were all wearing tons of clothes and watching our breath inside the house . May didn 't understand why we couldn 't exchange gifts . As a general rule , there are never any leftovers at my house . Someone always wants more . " " I know the checks we 've gotten over the last few weeks have really helped , and my family is very smart about money . I 'm sure they 've already tucked it away so it 'll stretch out for a long time . You 've done so much for us , Maxon . " I tried to smile at him again , but his expression remained unchanged . " Good God . When you said you were only here for the food , you weren 't kidding , were you ? " he asked , shaking his head . MAXON HAD SAID HE WOULD see me at dinner , but he wasn 't there . The queen entered alone . We made our delicate bows as she took her seat , and then settled in ourselves . I had spent the afternoon replaying what I 'd said to Maxon . No wonder I 'd never had any friends . I was shockingly bad at it . Just then Maxon and the king walked in . Maxon had his suit coat back on , but his hair was still a handsome mess . He and the king had their heads together as they walked . We hurried to stand . Their conversation was animated . Maxon was using his hands to express things and the king was nodding , acknowledging his son 's words but looking a little put out . When they reached the head table , King Clarkson gave Maxon a heavy pat on the back , his expression stern . As the king turned to face us all , his face suddenly flooded with enthusiasm . " Oh , goodness , dear ladies , please sit . " He kissed the queen on her head and sat himself . " I know you were all promised compensation for your participation in the Selection . " His voice was full of a ringing authority that I had only really heard once - the night he let me into the garden . He was much more attractive when he was using his status for a purpose . " However , there have been some new monetary allocations . If you are a natural Two or a Three , you will no longer be receiving financing . Fours and Fives will continue to receive compensation , but it will be slightly less than what it has been so far . " I could see some of the girls had their mouths open in shock . Money was part of the deal . Celeste , for example , was fuming . I guessed if you had a lot of money , you got used to the idea of collecting it . And the thought that someone like me would be getting anything she wasn 't probably got under her skin . " I do apologize for any inconvenience , but I will explain this all tomorrow night on the Capital Report . And this is a nonnegotiable situation . If anyone has a problem with this new arrangement and no longer wants to participate , you may leave after dinner . " He sat down and started talking again to the king , who seemed more interested in his dinner than Maxon 's words . I was a little disheartened that my family would be receiving less money , but at least we were still getting some . I tried to focus on my dinner , but mostly I was wondering what this meant , and I wasn 't alone . Murmurs went up around the room . Mary and I were alone in my room . Tonight I 'd face Gavril - and the rest of the nation - on the Illéa Capital Report . Not to mention the other girls would be right there the whole time , watching one another and mentally critiquing . Saying I was nervous was a gross understatement . I fidgeted while Mary listed some possible questions , things she thought the public would want to know . How was I enjoying the palace ? What was the most romantic thing Maxon had done for me ? Did I miss my family ? Had I kissed Maxon yet ? I eyed Mary when she asked me that one . I 'd been throwing out answers to the questions , trying not to think too hard . But I could tell she 'd asked that one out of genuine curiosity . The smile on her face proved it . " No ! For goodness ' sake . " I tried to sound mad , but it was too funny to be upset about . I ended up smirking . And that made Mary giggle . " Oh , just … why don 't you clean something ! " My brow wrinkled together . " A new one ? Why not the blue one in the closet ? Didn 't you just finish that one ? I love it . " " We talk to all the other maids , miss . We hear a lot of things , " Anne began . " We know that you and Lady Janelle are the only two who got more than one date with His Majesty , and from what we understand , there might be a link between you two . " Mary pulled the dress out of the bag , airing it out , while Anne continued . " As I said , many people around the palace think you 're the prince 's favorite . He says kind things about you and prefers your company above the others ' . And it seems the other girls have noticed . " " We go down to a workroom to do most of the sewing on your dresses . There are stores of material and a place to make shoes , and the other maids are in there , too . Everyone requested a blue dress for tonight . All the maids think it 's because you wear that color almost daily , and the others are trying to copy you . " " It 's true , " Lucy chimed in . " Lady Tuesday and Lady Natalie didn 't put on any of their jewelry today . Just like you . " " To make you noticeable , of course , " Mary answered . " Oh , Lady America , if he really likes you , you have to keep standing out . You 've been so generous with us , especially Lucy . " We all looked over to Lucy , who nodded in agreement and said , " You - you 're good enough to be the princess . You 'd be amazing . " " Every girl needs to shine once in a while . And we 've known Maxon most of his life . He would love this . " Anne spoke with such assurance that I felt there was nothing I could do . I didn 't know how to explain to them that the notes he sent me , the time he 'd spent with me , meant nothing other than friendship between us . I couldn 't tell them . It would deflate their happiness , and besides , I needed to keep up appearances if I wanted to stay . And I did . I needed to stay . Lucy jumped up and down with excitement until Anne reminded her that it wasn 't proper . I slid the silky dress over my head , and they stitched a handful of places they hadn 't quite finished . Mary 's skilled hands held my hair in various ways to see which looked best with the dress , and within half an hour , I was ready . The set was arranged a little differently tonight for our special show . The thrones for the royal family were off to one side as always , and our seats were on the opposite side again . But the podium was off center , leaving the space focused on two tall chairs . A microphone was resting on one for us to take when we spoke to Gavril . I got queasy just thinking about it . Sure enough , the room was full of dresses in every shade of blue . Some of them fell closer to green , others closer to purple , but it was clear there was a theme . I felt immediately uncomfortable . I caught Celeste 's eye right away and decided to just stay away from her until I absolutely had to go over to the seats . Kriss and Natalie walked past , having just checked their makeup one last time . They both looked a little unhappy , though sometimes it was hard to tell with Natalie . Kriss at least looked somewhat different from the crowd as well . Her blue dress was melting into white , like delicate strands of ice were weaving their way to the floor . Natalie ran her hand across one of the capped sleeves on my dress . " What 's that material ? It 's really going to shine under the lights . " " I have no idea , actually . We don 't get a lot of the nice stuff as Fives , " I said with a shrug . I looked down at the fabric . I 'd had at least one other dress made from the same type of cloth , but I hadn 't bothered learning the name . " I 'm not afraid of you , Celeste , " I said as I crossed my arms . " This dress was made for me , and I 'm going to wear it . Next time you pick out your clothes , maybe you should try being yourself instead of me . Oh , wait , but maybe then Maxon would see what a brat you are and send you home , huh ? " Without a second of hesitation , she reached up and ripped one of my sleeves off and walked away . I gasped in outrage but was too stunned to do anything more . I looked down and saw a tattered scrap of fabric dangling pathetically in front of me . I heard Silvia calling for everyone to come to their seats , so I walked around the side of the curtain as bravely as I could manage . " America , lift your arm , " Ragini instructed . She expertly tucked my tattered sleeve into the side of my dress as Emmica plucked away a few stray threads . You couldn 't even tell anything had happened to it . As for the nail marks , well , at least they were on my left arm and away from the camera . It was almost time to start . Gavril was flipping through notes as the royal family came in at last . Maxon had on a dark blue suit with a pin of the national emblem on his lapel . He looked sharp and calm . " Just so you know , I 'll be giving one brief announcement and then introducing Gavril . It 'll be a nice change ; he 's always introducing me ! " He chuckled , and we all followed . " I know some of you are probably a little nervous , but you have no need to be . Please , just be yourselves . The people want to know you . " Our eyes met a few times while he was talking , but nothing long enough for me to read him . He didn 't seem to notice the dress . My maids would be disappointed . I could tell something was going on . I assumed this announcement of his would be related to what he 'd told us yesterday , but I still couldn 't guess at what it all meant . Maxon 's little mystery distracted me , and I wasn 't so nervous anymore . I felt all right as the anthem played and the camera settled squarely on Maxon 's face . I 'd been watching the Report since I was a child . Maxon had never addressed the country before , not like this . I wished I could have told him good luck , too . " Good evening , ladies and gentlemen of Illéa . I know that tonight is an exciting night for us all as the country gets to finally hear from the twenty - five remaining women in the Selection . I can 't begin to express how excited I am for you to meet them . I 'm sure you will all agree that any one of these amazing young ladies would be a wonderful leader and future princess . " But before we get to that , I 'd like to announce a new project I am working on that is of great importance to me . Having met these ladies , I 've been exposed to the wide world outside our palace , a world that I rarely get to see . I 've been told of its remarkable goodness and made aware of its unimaginable darkness . Through speaking to these women , I 've embraced the importance of the masses outside these walls . I have been woken to the suffering of some of our lower castes , and I intend to do something about it . " " It will be at least three months before we can set this up properly , but around the new year , there will be public assistance for food in every Province Services Office . Any Five , Six , Seven , or Eight may go there any evening for a free , nutritious meal . Please know that these women before you have all sacrificed some or all of their compensation to help fund this important program . And while this assistance may not be able to last forever , we will keep it running as long as we can . " " I feel that no good leader can let the masses go unfed . Most of Illéa is comprised of these lower castes , and we have overlooked these people far too long . That is why I am moving forward and why I am asking others to join me . Twos , Threes , Fours … the roads you drive on don 't pave themselves . Your houses aren 't cleaned by magic . Here is your opportunity to acknowledge that truth by donating at your local Province Services Office . " He paused . " By birth you have been blessed , and it is time to acknowledge that blessing . I will have further updates as this project progresses , and I thank you all for your attention . But now , let 's get to the real reason you all tuned in tonight . Ladies and gentlemen , Mr . Gavril Fadaye ! " There was a smattering of applause from everyone in the room , though it was obvious not everyone was enthusiastic about Maxon 's announcement . The king , for instance , was clapping but without excitement , though the queen was radiant with pride . The advisers also seemed torn about whether or not this was a good idea . " Thank you so much for that introduction , Your Majesty ! " Gavril announced as he ran onto the set . " Very well done ! If this whole prince thing doesn 't work out , you should consider a job in entertainment . " Maxon laughed out loud as he walked to his seat . The cameras were focused on Gavril now , but I watched Maxon and his parents . I didn 't understand why their reactions were mixed . " People of Illéa , do we have a treat for you ! This evening we 'll be getting the inside scoop from each of these young women . We know you 've been dying to meet them and hear how things are coming along with our Prince Maxon , so tonight … we 're just going to ask ! Let 's get started with " - Gavril looked at his note cards - " Miss Celeste Newsome of Clermont ! " Celeste moved sinuously from her seat in the top row and down the steps . She actually kissed Gavril on both cheeks before she sat down . Her interview was predictable , and so was Bariel 's . They tried to be s * xy , bending forward a lot to get clear shots down their dresses . It looked fake . I watched their faces in the monitors as they kept glancing at Maxon and winking . Every once in a while , like when Bariel tried to smoothly lick her lips , Marlee and I made brief eye contact and then had to look away so we wouldn 't laugh . Others were more composed . Tiny 's voice matched her name , and she seemed to fold in on herself as the interview progressed . But I knew she was sweet and hoped that Maxon wouldn 't count her out just because she wasn 't a great public speaker . Emmica was poised , as was Marlee , the main difference being that Marlee 's voice was so full of excitement and enthusiasm it flew higher and higher as she talked . Gavril asked a variety of questions , but there were two that seemed to pop up with everyone : " What do you think of Prince Maxon ? " and " Are you the girl who yelled at him ? " I wasn 't looking forward to telling the country that I had chided the future king . Thank goodness that , as far as anyone knew , I 'd behaved that way only once . Everyone was proud to say they weren 't the girl who 'd yelled at him . Then every single girl thought that Maxon was nice . That was almost always the word : nice . Celeste said that he was handsome . Bariel said he was quietly powerful , which I thought sounded creepy . A few girls were asked if Maxon had kissed them yet . They all blushed and said no . After the third or fourth no , Gavril turned on Maxon . " They 've only been here two weeks ! What kind of man do you think I am ? " Maxon replied . He said it lightheartedly but seemed to squirm in his seat a little . I wondered if he 'd ever kissed anyone . Samantha had just finished saying she was having a wonderful time , and then Gavril called me . The other girls applauded as I stood , like we had for everyone . I gave Ragini a nervous smile . I focused on my feet as I walked over , but once I got into the chair , I found it was easy to look right past Gavril 's shoulder at Maxon . He gave me a little wink as I picked up the microphone . I felt instantly calmer . I didn 't have to win anyone over . I shook Gavril 's hand and sat down across from him . Up close , I could finally see the pin on his lapel . It obviously lost its detail through the camera , but now I saw that it wasn 't just the lines and curls of a forte sign , but a small X was engraved in the middle , making the whole thing look almost like a star . It was beautiful . " Yes , actually . While my mom was pregnant with me , I kicked a lot . She said she had a fighter on her hands , so she named me after the country that fought so hard to keep this land together . It 's odd , but to her credit , she was right - we 've been fighting ever since . " " I got a little … claustrophobic the first night , and I was desperate to get outside . The guards wouldn 't let me through the doors . I was actually about to faint in this one guard 's arms , but Prince Maxon was walking by and made them open the doors for me . " Gavril chuckled deeply at this . I looked past him to Maxon , who was shaking with laughter . But the more embarrassing thing was that the king and queen were laughing along with him . I didn 't turn to look at the girls , but I heard some of them giggling , too . Well , good . Maybe now they would finally stop seeing me as any sort of threat . I was just someone Maxon found entertaining . " We usually just go for walks around the garden . He knows I like it outside . And we talk . " It sounded pathetic after what some of the other girls had said . Trips to the theater , going hunting , horseback riding - those were impressive next to my story . But I suddenly understood why he had been speed dating over the last week . The girls needed something to tell Gavril , so he had to provide it . It still seemed weird that he hadn 't mentioned any of it to me , but at least I knew why he had been away . " Oh , my ! You do have a spirit there ! " Gavril seemed pleased to have gotten such an enthusiastic response . " So you think you 'll beat out all the others , then ? Make it to the end ? " I thought better of myself . " No , no . It 's not like that . I don 't think I 'm better than any of the other girls ; they 're all amazing . It 's just … I don 't think Maxon would do that , just discount someone because of their caste . " I heard a collective gasp . I ran over the sentence in my head . It took me a minute to catch my mistake : I 'd called him Maxon . Saying that to another girl behind closed doors was one thing , but to say his name without the word " Prince " in front of it was incredibly informal in public . And I 'd said it on live television . This amazing sis . . ! Happy to read it today itself . . Leaving for Jaipur today . . ! Studies and exams . . ! See after some days . . ! Bubbyeee … . And till they finding me on wattpad . . We 'll chat when I come back . . My username is Shreya _ MH . . It may be uh can find me through my story . . And even in Nisha 's profile too . . The first few para was all about history omg ! Where did u collect those ? I liked how swara said don 't even start during photoshoot and loved the way he made her laugh for all the photos . So , finally now everyone knows whose the girl who yelled at the prince everyone means everyone in the kingdom . And yeah the final shock she called him maxon in front of everyone which is telecast in television lively . well that 's something to look forward to as what would everyone do now ? And who did maxon see when he closed his eyes ? Will they ever fall in love ? Eager to know these . tq nats waiting for next part fingers crossed . Man " i was w8ng 4 d surprise . Prince is on the path to change his country … I hope Ames doesn 't get any trouble 4 calling him Maxon ! Nyc one buddy … Omg wat an episode … . totally loved ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? wasnt the 1st meet of swasan to be a secret ? ? ? ? ? . Too bad their ' secret ' is out in public ? ? ? i suppose other girls would been shocked well well …… Shocked would be an understatement ? ? ? ? ? ? nevertheless i totally loved the prince in this chappy ? ? ? ? swara does hold great influence over him doesnt she ? ? ? ? opppps i totally forgot to apologise to u for not been to comment previously so soooooorrrryyyy actually i got caught up in some work ? ? ? well abt last chappy i loved the way swara opened out to the prince and him consoling her . ? ? ? ? ? ? and hi calling her swara was too touchy u totally nailed it hope to c u soon with the prince surprise ? ? ? ? love ya ? ? ? ? ? ? Omg ! Omg ! What will happen next ? Wonderful episode . The bond between them was incredible . Feeling excited to read . Waiting for your next episode from now on … . thank you for this wonderful story . It 's marvelous di … Hope they doesn 't throw swara off the competition for not adding the word Prince … . . And that Celeste should be punished …… I think Prince has started falling for swara … . Hope their love blossom soon … . . and di plz tell which girl Maxon has thought when swara ask him to close his eyes … . . di try to update tomorrow . . OMG this was soooo damn amazing . I am speechless … and i m in love with these two maxon and America . The story is sooo damn good . Thank you Natasha for writing such a great story thanx a lotzzz