America & Me..

Chapter 5

"But, Father! You can't keep the country in the dark forever, can you?" I felt my temper rising.

"Son, that's how the country works. People don't have to know everything!"

"You have to tell them about this threat. This is something that they deserve to know. Their lives could be at high risk. The rebels are going to attack the Selected's families!"

"You will never be a good king if you rule in this manner. Citizens are much easier to deal with when they are clueless. Understood?"

"But—"

"Maxon! Not a single word. You will not teach me how to reign. You will learn from my experience. Have I made myself clear?" His voice was unusually calm.

I know I am in for another round of caning if I utter another word, so I shut up. He will not change. I can't help it.

"Yes, Sir" I mutter. "Excuse me"

"Maxon, you are staying here today. You don't have to meet any of the Selected today. Take a break." To everyone else, this would appear to be the polite thing to do. But the problem is that he's now going to bore me to death. He won't let me do anything. All I have to do is watch him work and "learn."

"Of course, Sir."

"Good."

As I'd thought, that was a complete waste of time. Now it's 4:37 pm. I am going to ask Lady Celeste for a date, because I really a distraction. I walk to the corridor where all the Selected are, and knock.

"Good evening, Prince Maxon! Such an honor." Celeste was beaming. I could see the makeup thick on her face. Was it really essential? In the afternoon? Oh well. 

"Lady Celeste, I apologize for showing up without any prior notice, it's just—"

"No, Your Majesty, not at all." She smiled.

I ran a hand through my hair. "Could I have this date?"

"Of course!" She jumps up.

"What do you want to do?" 

"How about horse riding? I love horses and I ride some back home too."

 I hadn't ridden a horse in a few months. The perfect distraction!

"Of course! I'd love that. Let's go to the stable." We walked to the stable. I like the way Celeste switches the subject, not just sticking to one. 

"I'll arrange for riding clothes, you cannot ride with that gown." I joked, she laughed.

I waved a butler over. "Please give the lady riding clothes." The butler walked with Celeste and she was back within 5 minutes. She looked absolutely beautiful in those clothes! But who'd expect anything else from a model?

"Ready?"

"Ready."

We each chose our horses. I assisted Celeste onto hers before climbing mine. So far, she appeared to be having a great time on this date. I was having a great time as well. Celeste will undoubtedly be one of the leading candidates. First and foremost, she is a Two. Father  approves of her. Second, she is a model, and she is arguably the sexiest of the Selected.

I was really enjoying her company. This has to be my best date so far. We were in the woods and it was almost sunset time.

"This way." I point her in the direction of the mountain. I know we can watch the sunset from there. I've been there several times, but I've always gone alone or with a guard. Never, ever with anyone else.

Just as we reach the mountain top, Celeste makes a soft gasp. I would have missed it if I wasn't expecting it. The view in front of us is very beautiful.

"Do you like it?" I ask. I am smiling so expectantly, I am sure I seem like an idiot.

"Are you kidding? I love it. It's just so beautiful. Do you come here often?"

"Yes, I do. But always alone." Her lovely eyes were glued to the sun as she nodded in response. I can't stop staring. The ombre rays seemed to complement her skin. 

We take in the sunset in comfortable silence. Once the sun disappears, she smiles at me. "Thank you so much, Prince Maxon! This has made my day." Her pearly whites glinted as she smiled.

I can't help but smile. "Thank you for accompanying me. It was a real treat for myself. We should leave now. It becomes more difficult to find our way back to the castle as it becomes darker." She nods and we start moving once again.

After we reach the castle, she changes her dress and we walk through the gardens. It's the longer way, but it gives us a little more privacy.

"Today is my best day at the castle. Thank you once again, Prince Maxon."

"Please, call me Maxon and thank you for the wonderful evening."

The next thing I know is she has her arms wrapped around me. I turn rigid for a second, unsure of what to do. But I tentatively wrap my arms around her waist. We stay that way for a few moments, which feel like hours. Finally, she pulls away. I smile and she does as well.

"It's almost time for dinner. I'll see you there." I say.

"Of course, Maxon." I smile. I kiss her on the cheek and leave. I've never done that to anyone except my mom, well, there is a first time for everything, I guess.