The Elite: Maxon POV

Chapter 15

After many full days of meetings and briefings, I realized I missed my girls. I walked by the women's room and saw Elise standing alone. I waved at her.

"Hello, your Highness," she said in a deep curtsy.

"Hello lady Elise. Would you mind joining me for a walk?" I asked. She looped her arm in mine.

"I do apologize for my lack of contact. A lot has been happening over the past few days."

"It's quite alright," she said. "I don't mind at all."

"Is there anything you would like to do today?" I asked her.

"Not particularly."

"What about the stables?"

"If you like," she said nonchalantly. I frowned.

"Perhaps the movie theatre would suit you better," I said. She shrugged. I turned her to face me. "My lady, I ask that you forgive me if I overstep any boundaries with what I am about to inquire, but I really need to know the answer to this query." She looked at me, nervous. "Is it possible, or is it my imagination that you're not into me?" I asked. She took a step back and wrung her hands together.

"Uh...well I-"

"And by that I mean, that you don't find me attractive."

"Your highness, you are very attractive. If I have said or done something to displease you, forgive me." She looked around nervously. I took her hand and led her to a small corridor.

"What I mean is, you're not attracted to me...or any man for that matter, am I correct?" I asked softly. She knew exactly what I was asking and looked around before bursting into tears.

"I am so sorry, your highness," she said clutching my shoulders. "If you have to send me home I understand. It was never my intention to deceive you," she cried. I had never seen so much emotion come from this woman, and I certainly didn't know what to do now that she was crying.

"My lady ,I'm not upset. I completely understand. I won't be sending you home due to this. I just had to ask because I noticed something off with our chemistry. Please stop crying," I pleaded. She quickly stood upright and wiped her tears.

"How un ladylike of me," she half chuckled. I looked down. "Please...don't tell anyone yet. If my family in New Asia found out they would disown me. Only my brothers know, but I'll tell them all in my own time."

"Don't you worry, I won't say a word."

******

I paced outside the suite, waiting for America. I suddenly saw her appear in front of me. "There you are."

"Maxon, what's going on?"

"Come with me," I said leading her into the room. "This is the princess's suite." America gasped and spun around, taking it all in. I watched her eyes sparkle as she smiled. "You have ten minutes."

"Ten minutes for what?" she asked incredulous.

"With me," said a voice from the other side of the room. America stilled and slowly turned around.

"Marlee?" she whispered in disbelief. I smiled and walked out of the room. Ten minutes later America walked out with dried tears on her face.

"Why didn't you say anything?" she asked sitting down next to me.

I closed my book. "I had to make sure they were safe. Only a few people in the palace know about this." She smiled at me and kissed my cheek.

"Thank you," she said. I smiled at her. I pushed a piece of hair behind her ear.

"I used to be able to read you, but now...I don't know. There are moments I think I have you, and then some where I feel like you don't see me at all." She nodded. "I'm not asking you to say that you love me, but I just want to make sure you still want to be here." I held my breath. She paused and just stared at me.

"If you want me, I'd love to stay."

"I would like that very much," I said glancing at her lips. I leaned in and placed my hand behind her hair and kissed her. She moved closer to me and opened her mouth to deepen the kiss. I felt like a barrier was breaking. Like she finally was close to me again. She pulled away too soon.

"I have to go back before the other girls start getting suspicious," she said against my lips. I had missed her so much.

"Okay, my dear." She punched me playfully before heading down the stairs.