The Elite: Maxon POV

Chapter 14

As I was dragged into the palace all I could think about was her.

"Get off of me!" I exclaimed, writhing out of my father's grip.

"We've got to get to a safe room."

"But America is-"

"Don't be stupid," he snapped. "We've got to get to a safe room now." He turned his back and began to briskly walk to the nearest secret wall. I turned to the guard standing at the entrance of the gardens,

"You better make sure every guard available is out looking for her," I said pointing my finger in his face. "Because if not, you can kiss your--"

"Maxon!" bellowed my father. He gave me a stern look and gestured toward the new entrance on the wall. I followed him and several other officials into the hallway.

"Where is mother?" I asked.

"She and the ladies are going to another room. They should be fine," he said, but a look of worry was on his face. Even though he seemed to always be disappointed or upset with me, it was moments like this that I really saw my father as a husband and a father, not just the king. I sympathetically rubbed my hand on his back.

"They'll be okay father," I said. He nodded and gave me a small smile as he retreated into a corner of the ill-lit room. I paced the floor. I should be out there looking for her. Thank god all the others were safe because I would go completely mad if they were out there. How could she be so stupid. She just doesn't think sometimes. What kind of person, a lady in a gown no less, runs toward an open area risking exposure. Oh god what if she's not okay. I know that woman can run her mouth, I just hope she can run just as fast.

I didn't stop overthinking until we were clear to go out. I barged through the garden doors and saw how crowded it was.

"Where is she?" I asked someone, anyone.

"They're still out looking for her, your Highness. I would suggest going up to your room until she returns." I looked for his badge.

"Listen here, Officer Schofield, I want the lady safe in no more than an hour. You do not want to get on my bad side."

*several hours later*

I was trying my best not to fall asleep but it was getting into the wee hours of the morning and I had been awake all day waiting for her return. I sat and gazed at her asleep in the hospital bed. She had scratches all over her legs and arms and her nose was sunburned. I saw a large bruise forming on her thigh through the slit of the hospital gown. The thought of America being hurt made my stomach turn. I sneezed. Her eyes fluttered open and a wave of confusion flooded her face before realizing where she was.

"Maxon?" she whispered hoarsely. Shit.

"Sorry, darling I didn't mean to wake you. Go back to sleep.

"What time is it?" she asked.

I glanced at my watch. "Almost two in the morning." I yawned.

"Don't you ever sleep?" she asked with a soft smile.

"I do...I mean not really. I just have a lot on my mind all the time." She nodded and looked down. I shifted in my seat uncomfortably, unsure of what to say next. I wanted to tread lightly so she wouldn't blow up at me again.

"I was thinking about something today while I was in the woods," she said.

"What about?"

"I was remembering how when the alarms went off about the rebels, you picked up Kriss knowing she can't walk and handed her off the a guard so you could run after me." I hung my head.

"I'm so sorry, America. I wanted to do more, really but I just-"

She held her hand up. "I'm not upset, Maxon, it's okay. It just got me thinking about how you would do anything to protect us to make sure we're all safe. So why would you ever intentionally harm one of us?" she asked referring to Marlee. I didn't know what to say. "The main thing I realized is that you wouldn't. I know now that you couldn't have wanted to do that to Marlee and you probably did your best to protect her as well."

I grasped her hands in mine, looking into her eyes with earnest. "Of course not, America, and yes I really tried to do what I could to prevent it from happening." She nodded and smiled. "And remember I told you had something to show you, last week? It's still going to happen, you just have to be patient with me. Although I suppose you have to wait until your project is finished. You're a bit behind," I said talking about the project of the Elite with our trade partners. America covered her face and groaned.

"We still have to do that?" she complained. "But with all the attacks and chaos we've had shouldn't we get another day?"

I chuckled. "That's what it'll be like if one of you becomes queen. You have to learn to adapt when things like this happen."

"Don't laugh at me," she said frowning as she playfully pushed my arm.

"You guys will push through. I obviously realize that you and Kriss have a harder set up considering it's a new relationship with the kingdom, but I don't have it in me to send either of you home." Something in America's body language changed. A flicker of what seemed like concern or embarrassment flashed across her face, but not long enough to gauge what it was.

"I suppose I should go, you need to rest up, darling," I said standing up. "I thought I'd lost you today. I had a lot more to say, you know regarding...us, but I have a feeling it may not be the best time for that," I said more like a question. America ducked her head.

"America, look at me," I said gently tilting her head up to me with my finger. "You'll be okay. If you need anything just let me know okay?" She nodded. I bent down a placed a soft kiss on her forehead before leaving the infirmary. On my way back to my room, I stopped outside Kriss's.

"Yes, come in," she called out after I knocked. "Maxon!" she said beaming. It was really refreshing being here with her. Just her presence alone made me feel more relaxed.

"Hi, dear," I said shutting the door behind me. "Do you mind if I just sit with you a while?"

"Of course. You know you don't have to ask. I thoroughly enjoy your company." I walked over and sat on her bed, resting my head on her lap. It was a bit odd for me to do, but she made me feel so comfortable.

"What's wrong?" she asked as she stroked my hair.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not stupid, Maxon. I know something's up. Is it America? She's okay right?"

"Yes she's fine," I said. "But it's not America. Well not just that. I guess I thought I had everything under control and now everything I thought I knew is going to shit." She winced at my language. "Sorry, crap."

"What sort of things?" she asked.

I sat up and looked at her. "Well...earlier in the selection I thought I would never find love. I didn't think I could ever find myself attached to someone due to my lack of experience. But now there's you." She smiled.

"I feel the same way, Maxon." She leaned over and embraced me. "Maybe we can figure out this mess together?"

"I'd like that very much."