Becoming Prince Maxon

A Meeting Too Soon

This chapter is extra long and consists of text strait from the book. The text has been changed from America's POV to Maxon's, so things are a bit different there. Other than that, everything is described the same.

Age: 19

Later that night...

I decided to go for a stroll around the castle. I had been locked up in my room all day, and needed to get some air. Sure, I had a balcony, but even then I feel trapped.

I walked down from my room and onto the main floor. I decided to go to the Gardens- I always felt calmer there.

All of the sudden, I heard a door slam from upstairs. Was it one of the girls? If it was, is she okay? I shook my head. It couldn't be one of the selected- their maids would make sure that they stayed in their rooms.

But maybe I was wrong. The sound of bare feet slapping against tiles and panting made it clear to me. Of course. One of the Selected was already trying to leave. That's just great.

I glanced towards the staircase that led to the girls' quarters. The flash of bright red made a smile spread across my face. America.

I stepped to the side so she wouldn't see me, and she rushed past like a lightning bolt. She was going to the Gardens.

My speed increased the rest of the way to the backdoors of the palace. I turned the final corner to find America in a tiny, silk, green colored nightgown, being held back by two guards. The guards were trying to keep her out of the Gardens. Stupid rules.

"I... I can't breath," she stammered, falling into the guard's arms as he moved close enough to push her away. His staff fell to the ground. America feebly clawed at him, which made her look even more pale than she already was.

"Let her go!" I said with rage and authority as I saw what was happening.

America's head half turned, half fell in my direction. She squinted her eyes as if she was trying to get a better look, but then her mouth fell slightly open and her eyes grew a bit wider as she realized who I was.

"She collapsed, Your Majesty. She wanted to go outside." The guard looked nervous as he explained. He would be in terrible danger if he damaged her. She was the property of Illea now.

"Open the doors."

"But- Your Majesty-"

"Open the doors and let her go. Now!"

"Right way, Your Highness." The guard went to work, pulling out a key. America's head stayed in its strange position, even at the sound of keys clanking against one another and then one sliding into the lock. I looked at her warily as she tried to stand. And then, when the doors were opened and the sweet smell of fresh air reached her, she pulled herself out of the guard's arms and ran like a drunk into the garden.

She staggered quite a bit, but she didn't seem to care. I followed behind her slowly, giving her as much space as she needed. She collapsed in front of a small stone bench and sat there, her fine green nightgown in the dirt, her head resting in her arms on the seat.

"Are you alright, my dear?" I asked after letting her cry for a bit.

"I am not your dear." America looked up and glared at me.

"What have I done to offend you? Did I not just give you the very thing you asked for?" I was genuinely confused by her response, and was expecting most of the girls to adore me. Guess not.