The one who got away: A Selection fanfic

Chapter 7

***Okay, this one also goes out to sarah_2022, since she won. Also, I'd just like to thank all of you who read this story. I was just hoping to make it to 15 views. When I saw I had 408 reads, I was amazed. I mean FOUR HUNDRED AND EIGHT VIEWS!!!!! So thank you guys :D***

Maxon POV

After I saw America burst into tears, I knew I had to lift my 'emotion barrier'. I truly didn't think she cared about me. But as she screamed about how she felt about me, I was overcome with love for her. How could she even begin to think that she was boring or plain? She was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. More perfect than any photo, more radiant than any sunrise. And boring? Far from it. She was funny, and kind, and caring, and (well, during the Selection) my best friend. She wasn't perfect, but she was perfect for me. I can't believe that I hadn't paused to consider what a life without her would look like, that day seven years ago. No, instead, I had gone and ruined both our lives. Kriss was sweet, but that was nothing compared to how America made me feel. I loved America; with Kriss it was more like mutual respect. Kriss didn't understand me; America did. They were complete opposites. But the one I couldn't live without wasn't the one who was my wife. I sighed, running a hand through my hair. I had to get at least some of this work done. The door swung open with a creak. My head whipped around, hoping that it was America. Instead, it was Kriss. "Maxon. The Queen of Finland is hosting a baby shower for her daughter, and I have been invited." She announced. "I think you should go. Finland is an important and powerful ally, and I don't want to risk offending them. However, I have six meetings, so I really can't." She shook her head. "Only women attend baby showers, Maxon." Her tone implied that she wanted to get this over with. "I'll depart in two days, and I will be back in about a week or so." Kriss informed me, then closed the door, ending the conversation.

America POV

When we were finished putting Anna and Daniel to bed, Maxon departed to his study and I to my room. I began to play 'Voices of Spring Waltz' by Strauss. When I heard soft applause, I turned around. "Mary!" I patted my bed, offering her a seat. "My lady, this really isn't proper..." I grabbed her hand and tugged her down. "For the last time, you're not my servant, you're my friend. Freinds sit together, right?" She sighed, but I knew she wasn't really aggravated with me. "I suppose." Mary allowed. "So what's happened here since I left? Any juicy palace gossip?" I joked. "Well, some of the staff have been taking bets on how long the King's marriage will last." I was confused. "Why would they do that?" I wondered out loud. Her voice dropped. "You see, the Queen and the King aren't with each other much. They haven't been seen hugging or kissing or such for almost four years." I'm shocked. "Really?" Mary nods. "Queen Kriss still sleeps in the Princess Suite. Most everybody is sure that the only reason the Prince and Princess are here is because the people wanted a heir. And-" She stops herself. "Go on." I encourage. I don't want to pry into the Royal Family's personal life, but I certainly want to know what was happening. Mary takes a deep breath. "Please, Miss-" "America." I correct her. She starts over. "Please, America, don't tell anyone that I told you this. I could lose my job." She says, genuine fear in her voice. "I promise, Mary." I tell her. "Okay. When Princess Anna was delivered, I was assisting in the birthing room, making the hospital beds and other simple tasks like that." I nodded, not sure where she was going with this. "When the nurse told the Queen it was a girl, she groaned. When the nurse asked why she was dissapointed, she said it was because 'She would have to go through this all over again to get a heir.'" I looked at Mary, my eyes wide. "I still can't believe you didn't win." I smiled. My maids had always had so much faith in me. "How so?" She bit her lip. "I think the King truly misses you. I clean the guest rooms occasionally, and sometimes when I clean your old room, I find him there. One of my friends once saw him on a bench in the gardens, holding a picture of you. She said it looked like he was crying." We talked about life at the palace for a while longer, then the topic switched to other things. When I told her I was planning to wear my dresses from the Selection, she immediately shook her head. "No, Anne has sketches of dresses for you. She's been working on them ever since we met you." "Wait, Anne is alive?" I gasped. Mary grinned. "She was found in a unchecked safe room about a day after you left."

P.S.~ Sorry it's short :\ Love you all! Will update ASAP. How do you feel about Kriss going to Finland and Anne being alive??? Tell me your thoughts by leaving a comment!!!