The Elite: Maxon POV

Chapter 20

The entire week went by without her. I tried to talk to her after dinner or in the halls as we passed, but I got nothing more than an obligated curtsy or a forced smile. I tried to talk to her in her room on Thursday night.

"I'm sorry your Highness," said one of her more soft spoken maids. "The Lady is..uh..bathing."

"She was bathing when I came two hours ago," I said mostly to myself. Her maid gave me a sympathetic smile and softy closed the door. I had tried to get my mind off the situation by burying myself in work or going out to take pictures. Even dates with Kriss couldn't take my mind off the situation. It had gotten so bad that I even volunteered to organized war meetings. Nonetheless, every night when I came to bed was the same. As soon as I was really alone I was trapped in a violent storm of self-loathing and regret.

It was Friday morning at last. My last chance to talk to America where she couldn't refuse. I know it sounded bad, but it was physically taking a toll on me not being able to see her and laugh with her. I walked into my bathroom suite up to the mirror and grimaced. My face was blotchy and my eyes red from weeping into my pillow the night before. My hair was tousled and upkept and I looked downright awful. My maids came into my room with looks of surprise on their faces.

"Your highness! What are you doing up so early?" asked Amanda. She was an old woman who treated me like a son for all the years I had been alive. She was very motherly and often chastised me for staying up so late because I was not a morning person.

"I had a rough night," I said with a dry chuckle. I ran my fingers through my hair. "Could you all please get me into a better state? I have some things I'd like to do before breakfast."

"Of course." They got straight to work on my face and hair. After half an hour I looked like the Prince again. I decided to head down to the kitchen to check on Marlee and Carter.

"Mornin' Your Highness," said the cook with a bow. "Any requests for breakfast?"

"No, thank you Klaus." I paused. "Well perhaps you might add a tray of strawberry tarts?"

"For breakfast?" he asked quizzically. I looked down at the ground and shifted uncomfortably. "Ah I see. We'll start on them right away, your Highness." I smiled and walked to the back storage area. Marlee's back was to me when I turned.

"Good morni-" I began.

"Oh!" She exclaimed, dropping a box of utensils. "Maxon I didn't even hear you come in."

"Oh dear, I apologize," I said helping her pick up the items.

"What are you doing here?" She said suddenly nervous. "Is there something wrong with the plan?"

"Uh no," I said rubbing the back of my neck. "It's about America."

"Is she okay?" Marlee took my hands and led me to a bench in the corner. "Talk to me. What happened?"

I drew in a choppy breath. "I messed up. Big time. And I've ruined everything."

"I'm sure what you did couldn't have been that bad," she said smiling. "You and I both know the temper that girl has." I explained what had happened and how she caught me with Celeste.

"Oh dear lord," she said wincing. I covered my face with my hands and bent over.

"I know how badly I screwed up."

"Maxon what were you thinking?" she asked softy.

"I don't know! I wasn't I suppose. It's just...I was having a rough night and America was upset with me for no reason. She kicked me out of her room instead of listening to me. Again."