The rest of the Appointment passed by without any super exciting things happening. It was all the same, really. I was happy as I packed up my things, eager to be away from this rotten place.

Kaelin leaned against my doorway, watching me. "I hope I'll see you back in America."

"Me too." I folded a shirt and placed it in a bag. I wasn't expecting to be given everything at this palace, so I brought clothes and other daily needs. The supposed-to-be-helpful luggage actually turned out to be a burden. How ironic.

Her eyes followed my hands as they smoothed everything down. "You can give me your address, so I can visit sometime."

"That sounds nice, but won't your family need you?" I get that she has sensitive skin, but that's no reason to be unable to work. Let's just say I never would've met her if she didn't work at all.

"They do... but my visits don't have to be long. We can go to the markets together, or I can drop by to say hi. You can meet Kaz."

"Sure, Kaelin. Whatever you say." I sighed and zipped up my bags. I hate to admit it, but Europe was a sort of refuge from home. My dad still had arthritis, and I could barely manage the news from up here. Back home, where I'll have to meet it face-to-face...

My future back at home will be a tough one, tougher than usual.

She tipped her head, hair spilling across her face. "Is something wrong? You look sad," she observed. "You don't have to tell me, but I might help."

I turned to face her fully, my heart cracking. She looked so innocent and untouched by evil, things that I will never be. I can't tell her the truth—how do I know she won't slip off and tell a soldier once we're back home? It doesn't matter if my dad can still work at the moment, he'll be the recipient of a bullet from a gun.

So I decided to go with the generic and obvious answer. "What isn't wrong? Think about it, Kaelin, we are the foundation of everything above us, but we are treated like garbage. We give food and goods for the higher-ups, but we are left to die in solitude. Why are we treated so badly?" I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to pull in the anger that churns in my heart, that poisons my mind.

She sighed and glanced away. "I don't know, Ember. But I do know that we shouldn't give up just because life beats us down." Her eyes seemed glazed, like she's in a faraway place. "If we believe, we can make a difference."

If I were someone different, I would admire her optimism, but that's not me. All I can think is that she's wrong and foolish for hoping. Everyone's given up, whether they're an elderly or a young child. We all know our fates, we all know we're doomed. No one can make a difference, and that's that.

She met my eyes again and pursed her lips. "I should go," she mumbled before hurrying out of my room.

I shook my head. Kaelin has a very wild imagination taking place in the world around us. I kind of envy her, but at the same time I like knowing my place in reality. With each hope comes every sad truth, and I know personally how much that hurts. 

A knock sounded on my door, and I whipped around to see the prince fidgeting outside, looking awkward.

I felt a grin coming on. The prince was uncomfortable, was he? "Can I help you?"

"I have a deal, November." Oliver took a step inside, his eyes flicking around. "You can do whatever you want, and I won't force you to do anything."

I crossed my arms and began tapping my foot. "I'm waiting."

"I propose that you stay in this palace a little longer."

I laughed. "Why would I ever do that?"  The Appointment time was dreadful enough. Why would I ever, in the name of God, stay any longer than I have to?

He smiled, a mischievous smile that made the hairs on my arm prickle. "I'll give you arthritic medicine."

It felt like a fuse went off in my body, making me feel a burst of surprise. I tried to cover it up by making my face look neutral, and I replied airily, "Why would I ever need arthritic medicine?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Are you seriously asking me that, November? I thought you'd be begging me to stay by now."

"Well, you definitely don't know me if you think I'll beg for anything," I snapped. "Now, answer the question, Your Highness."

He cracked his knuckles, avoiding my glare. A few cringe-inducing crick, crick, cricks filled up the silence before he finally confessed, "I came into your room yesterday, after your etiquette lessons, and you weren't there. I saw a piece of paper on your table and wanted to make sure no one was sending you a threat or anything. I didn't know your family had access to paper."

Since all the paper we make goes to the Royals and Entertainers. "Calling yourself a prince when you go through a girl's things!" I accused, a flame of anger being lit inside me. "Why did you have to stick your nose where it doesn't belong?"

Prince Oliver met my eyes, and his stare was stubborn. "I realized long ago that everyone should be treated properly. I didn't want you to be in danger, and I wanted to make sure you were safe. You may be a Foodie, but you are a person, a respectable person at that. When I read the letter, I wanted to help, and this is the only way I can."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, you couldn't just give it to me right now or anything."

His eyes looked panicked for a moment, but then quickly smoothed over. "We have no use for arthritic medicine, so I have to wait for it to be delivered to the palace."

"Why can't you just deliver it to my home?" I fired back. I wanted to play every hand I have at getting home on time.

"Your father needs it as soon as possible, and it'll take too long to ship it to America." He began cracking his knuckles again, making me wince. "So, what do you say?"

It really was no choice. He has the medicine to take care of my dad's issue, and I could have it for just a few more days. I didn't go insane during my stay or anything, so I could spend a few more days here. Besides, it'll be easier without the other girls around.

So I lifted my chin and declared, "I'll do it, but you better stick to your side of the bargain, Royal."

A smile spread across his face. "Same goes for you, Foodie."

I wrote a letter to my family when everyone else went down to breakfast. I requested to have my breakfast alone in my room, and Prince Oliver strangely complied.

Dear Dad,

I decided to mail this to you, since you haven't told anyone else about your arthritis yet. The prince has offered me a deal, caused by him being a little rascal and reading your letter when I wasn't around. Royalty at its finest, right? Anyway, he offered me medicine for arthritis, but in exchange I have to stay for a little while longer. I don't know how much longer, maybe another day or so. I agreed, and I wrote this letter to tell you why I won't be returning home in two days.

This extra stay might kill me, but how could I refuse an offer like that? Well, see you soon!

~November

I put my pencil down and let my eyes travel over the letter. It seemed so short, especially when I've been gone for so long, but what else could I say? I could tell my family about my time here, but nothing out of the ordinary happened. Well, I made a friend, and the prince actually seems to seek me out, but other than that...

I sighed and leaned back. Ever since I've agreed to staying longer, a fierce ache tugged at my heart to go back home. Every time I picture Mom, Dad, Ty, or Zack, tears pushed at my eyes.

I have to be strong. I have to push myself to my limits, for Dad. If I don't, then bad things will happen. Bad things will happen, bad things will happen...

My door suddenly flung open, and a familiar blonde glared at me. "So, you're staying for a few more days?"

I swiftly turned my letter over and glared right back at her. "Got a problem with it?"

"Why did Prince Oliver ask you to stay when he could have me?" she grumbled. "I'm way more better-looking and behaving."

My thoughts exactly. "Maybe he'll confess his undying love to you at your house," I muttered. "Or maybe he likes Chelsea better than you." I know I do.

Clare wound a strand of hair around her finger, mesmerized by its sleekness. "He definitely doesn't like her over me," she assured me. "She's way too... introverted."

Chelsea didn't seem to talk that much, and when she did, her sentences were short and laced with ice. I don't think she'd make a good queen.

I shrugged and whipped my pencil back and forth in my hand. "Clarissa, I don't care. Now please leave me alone."

"Whatever. You're just jealous the prince likes me better than you." She turned on her heel and marched away.

"Oh, really? Says the girl who isn't staying longer!" I called after her smugly. If she wanted the prince, she can have him, but why not aggravate her while I can?

Ena hurried into my room next and grabbed my arm, Cecil and Vunia close behind. "Quick, Miss November!" she gushed, tugging me down the hall. "Say goodbye to your friends! They're leaving, like, right now!"

And I'm not with them. My heart sunk to my fancy shoes. I didn't regret my decision, but I definitely didn't like it.