The Elite: Maxon POV

Chapter 8

I finally pulled myself together and got dressed for the mournful event that was about to occur. It wasn't even just the fact that America would be distraught over this, I was also scared and shaking at the thought that I had to do this to Marlee. She was nothing but kind and sweet to me from the moment she arrived and now...the thought made me queasy. I straightened my tie and head down to the cellars.

I got down there and the sight of Marlee almost made me turn back around and hide in my room. I didn't see Officer Woodwork nearby and I didn't want to think about what they could be doing to him. Marlee's eyes were red and puffy and her cheeks were stained with tears. She sat on the bench huddled over herself. Her once beautiful dress was torn to shreds, the wings of the butterfly hanging limply by her sides. It appeared that Officer Woodwork had draped his coat across her shoulders, but nonetheless, she shivered from the draft.

"Lady Marlee," I said gently. She lifted her head tentatively as her eyes watered.

"Oh Maxon, I'm so sorry!" she cried. "I didn't mean for it all to happen this way. I know I should have loved you but as soon as I saw Carter, I don't know what happened but it was so real. Even though we haven't been able to officially get married, I suppose "until death do us part" makes sense here." She said the last bit hanging her head with tears falling down her cheeks.

I took a deep breath. "That's not going to happen."

"What? But I heard some of the maids saying--"

"Never mind that." I sighed and walked up to the cell bars. "Lady Marlee I'm so sorry this is happening to you. I did by best to get you guys off but my father...you'll have to withstand several lashes to your hand. I wish there was more I could do."

"It's okay. I know it's not easy being Prince." She sniffled and paused. "How's she taking all this?"

I bowed my head. "Nobody apart from a few guards and maids know. I...truly I don't know how she'll take this. I thought we were in a pretty good standing last night, but after this happens-" my voice cracked.

"It'll be okay Maxon," she said. "If she feels the way I think she does, she'll forgive you for this." I nodded.

"I brought some things to help ease the pain after. Some ointments and bandages. You'll need to spray your hands first so Carter will have to help you. Then put the ointment and let it sit for 10 minutes. It'll sting really badly at first, but trust me it'll ease the pain. Give this box to Carter. There are items in it more suited to tend to a torn up back." I gave her the boxes and started to turn around.

"How do you know so much about this?"

Just hearing those words made my back tingle. Without turning around I sighed. "You'll be okay Lady Marlee. Just...breathe and close your eyes. It'll be over sooner than you think.