The Elite: Maxon POV

Chapter 13

Not even hours after we were cleared to go outside, my advisors were already ushering me into a meeting.

"Just give me a minute to go change and get myself together," I huffed shaking off several hands. I was escorted to my room. A knock came at the door soon after I closed it. I sighed.

"I did say just a minute--" I started.

"Your Highness," said my valet bowing. I rolled my eyes, smiling.

"You can cut the formalities, Hunter. You sound like those middle aged men waiting for me in the conference room." Hunter smirked at me and stood.

"Forgive me, your Royalness. I've been given direct orders to get you dressed tout suite. Come, come." He helped me get dressed in less than five minutes.

"Hunter," I stated, "you've been in love before right? At some point in your life?"

"Geez, Max. I'm only 6 years older than you. But yeah, I have. Lot of good it did me."

I paused. "How did you know? Because I thought I knew, I thought it was like tunnel vision, you know to have one person in your sights, but then when a small crack appears in that tunnel, light is coming for another place other than the end that you initially anticipated and it's all very-"

"Max!" He said resting his hands on my shoulders. You need to relax. Breathe." I took a deep breath.

"Sorry," I mumbled.

"It's fine man. Look, I'm not the one to ask for dating advice. And..." he winced, "I know we're closer than most around here, but we live in two completely different worlds. I don't really know you. The only one who can make that decision for you, is you. You're doing great. Don't sweat." I nodded. "NOw you need to go to that meeting. Go!"

He practically pushed me out of my room and into the corridor. I took a deep breath and entered the conference room where all my advisors and my father's "friends" were already waiting.

"My apologies."

"Hendrick, please continue," said one of the men.

"We cannot afford to make these kinds of mistakes anymore. New Asia started a strong country and now look at them. Barely hanging on to power in their own country. The only reason we still have this alliance is because of the resources they can offer." Several "exactly's" and "I agree's" were heard around the room. My father stood.

"Are you suggesting we invade, Hendrick?" I said speaking up. My father turned and glared daggers, no swords, at me. I guess I wasn't supposed to talk at that time. "Are you suggesting we destroy what little trust we have with them just to obtain more resources?"

"Do you have an actual idea to being to the table, boy, or are you just rambling again. These meetings are for men that take this country seriously," said my father coldly. My mother always said that he was extra hard on me now because I was getting closer to the age where I would have to take the mantle from him. I just didn't understand. If he wanted me to be a good leader, why did he put me down so much? Never letting me get a word in.

"Well?" he prompted.

"Starting another war at this time will only divide our own country more. We have our men stretched out as it is. Do you know how many in-caste attacks, on average, each province withstands per day? Between 20 and 25. Not to mention the rebel attacks we have here at the palace frequently. Hell, we just had one less than an hour ago. Starting a war now will just give our enemies and the rebels a time to attack and weaken us from within. What we need to do is strengthen our bond with New Asia, not fight them. We need as many alliances as possible and right now, the German confederation and Britain are our only strong ones. Even the Italians dislike our way of ruling. We must be strong, united, and proud." I glanced around the room. "Any objections?"

"You make a very good point, your Highness," said Lady Brice.

"I agree. At least for now, we should have our soldiers focused on protecting the palaces and the upper castes and see what we can do about these alliances of ours," said Lord Amenidas.

"And how, pray tell, do you propose we strengthen our alliance with New Asia. That lady Elise hasn't been as much help as you predicted." You mean as you predicted. "It's not as if we haven't tried which you would know if you paid attention in any of the other meeting we have."

"Actually, I think we should go there directly and speak with leaders," I countered.

"And put ourselves in danger! Not likely," laughed my father sarcastically.

"If you don't trust them, maybe you should stay," I said quietly. That shut him up real quick.

"I beg your pardon?"

"I'm suggesting that we go there, with protection of course, and talk about it. Compromise. See what we can offer them in exchange for the resources we need from them. Unless you have a better idea, Your Majesty?" I saw Lady Brice smirk in the corner of my eye.

"We will discuss it later. For now, I will take into consideration everything that has been discussed today and come up with a resolution. You are all excused. Maxon, you come with me." I gulped and followed him out of the room as the rest of the room poured out. He led me to his private office and shut the door behind us. He turned to face me with his eyes closed.

"Is there something-" I didn't get to finish before he slapped me across the face. I clutched my cheek but didn't make a sound. He sighed and walked around his desk to sit down.

"Don't ever try to embarrass me in front of important people like that again, Maxon. A child with a mouth as big as your should learn his place in a room like that. Am I understood?" I merely nodded. I knew better than to open my mouth when I was fuming like this. He knew exactly how to hit so it hurt without leaving a mark. Years of practice. "Get out. See your mother out in the gardens. I'll be out shortly." I turned and exited. As soon as I was out I stormed down the stairs and put on my best smile. I wanted to punch something, or throw something, but the best thing I could do was smile. I walked outside to greet my mother. I absentmindedly scanned the scenery.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"Yes, thank you dear," she said. I walked over to the refreshment table. I look around and saw America sitting with Kriss. I smiled and waved and both waved back at me. Kriss stood and hobbled over to the table at the same time as Celeste.

"I wouldn't bother with that iced tea, your Highness. With this Angeles sun, it's basically just tea," said Celeste. I laughed.

"I suppose you're right." All of a sudden, a bell rang out from inside the palace.

"Rebels!" a guard yelled out. The next 60 seconds were a blur. I scooped up Kriss and placed her into the arms of the nearest guard, Leger.

"Run!" He called out. "Run!" I didn't realize who he was addressing until I saw America standing in the middle of the garden eyes glazed over. She seemed to come to her senses and started running. The wrong way. Straight into the forest.

"America! NO! Come back!" I screamed starting to run after her. I felt someone grab the collar of my jacket and twisted to see it was my father dragging me inside the palace. I turned back toward where America was standing, her back now to me as she raced into the woods. "Stand down! You'll hit her! Cease fire!" I screamed until my throat was hoarse.