The One Fanfiction

Chapter 11

        The next few days, I floated around the palace in a glow. Maxon was mine for sure. The whole Aspen incident was kept quiet, never to reach the ears of Clarkson Schreave. The guards who had seen had been talked to by Maxon. They swore to keep it a secret and take Aspen far from Illéa. We all had a feeling he wasn't coming back.

        The King was suspiciously quiet. He hadn't approached me since my return. I caught him looking at me a few times. There was almost no hostility; more like he was trying to see what Maxon saw. Of course, he wouldn't stay quiet. When that day came, I lost the bubble of happiness I felt surrounded in.

        I was leaving the dining room, when King Clarkson called me over. "Lady America, may I have a word?"

        An icy cold ran through my veins. I stole a glance toward Maxon. He stood there rigidly. His eyes flitted between his father and I. The King cleared his throat and gestured for Maxon to leave. Maxon's eyes grew wide and he turned to me with a look that said, Should I go?

        I nodded and gave a half hearted, encouraging smile.

        Maxon looked like he wanted to argue, but stalked out of the room while running a hand through his golden hair.

        I braved myself and turned towards the man who haunted my nightmares. He was giving me a cold glare that would make even the bravest person want to run and hide. I clasped my hands to keep them from trembling. I held my head up and hoped I had an ounce of courage left.

        "Trust me, Lady America. I enjoy this no more than you do." That infuriated me. Of course he enjoyed this, seeing me squirm and filled with fear and anger. My cheeks flushed with hatred. I had to bite my tongue to keep from making a snarky remark.

        "So, you're probably wondering why I asked you to stay behind. It is to give you the only advice you will ever get from me." The King paused as if for effect. "Be prepared."

        A wicked and knowing smile played on his lips as he turned to leave. I called after him, "What do you mean?"

        King Clarkson didn't stop walking, but shouted over his shoulder, "Everything will change, America. Your life is going to get very interesting."

        And with that, he was gone.

        I never knew how true that was until it was too late too turn back.

        Strong arms pulled me into a firm hug as I walked away from the dining room. His scent filled my nostrils. My nerves simmered away until I was shuddering with pleasure.

        Maxon led me to the balcony of my room. He was looking over me intently, like he was checking to see if the King had hurt me. I was reminded of the scars on Maxon's back and hoped I would never have to go through that and Maxon wouldn't either.

        "Maxon, I'm fine. Just a little weirded out."

        "What did he say?" I put a hand on his arm to console him.

        "He told me everything was going to change. That I had to prepare myself." Maxon's muscles tightened under my hand. He pulled away and started pacing back and forth.

        Maxon's frustration hit me in waves so heavy I had to hold onto the balcony's railing for support.

        "Maxon? What's going on?" I heard the panic creep into my voice. It felt like when I passed out when I was sick. He wasn't answering me. Why wouldn't he answer?

        Maxon must've sensed what I was thinking and pulled me close. "America, you're fine. You're fine- I'm just a little frustrated."

        He pressed his lips to my forehead and placed a hand on the back of my head. I'm fine. I repeated it over and over in my mind until my head stopped spinning. I coughed and asked again,

        "What's going on?"

        "My father must have heard me discussing a certain..." Maxon paused, choosing his next word carefully, "matter. This decision would affect you, the country, everything. He must have heard and wanted to make you scared. But, honestly, it's not a bad thing. At least, I hope you don't think so."

        My heart was racing. What was this important matter? "Is there any chance you would discuss this this matter as well?" Woah, that came out way too formal. Maxon didn't seem to notice.

        Maxon shoved his hands in his pockets. A mischievous smirk made the corners of his mouth turn upwards. "I'd say the chances are very high. Considering you were the main topic of my conversation."

        Maxon slowly lowered himself on to one knee. His hands emerged from his pockets holding a small navy blue box. He opened the box to reveal the most beautiful ring I'd ever laid eyes on.

        It was a silver band with a large stone in the middle. It looked like small stones were braided into the metal. The way the moonlight hit the perfect stones made my breath catch. The only thing that sparkled more was Maxon's eyes. His gaze told me he had been thinking this over for a long time. He was completely confident in his decision.

        Tears of joy flowed openly. I didn't wipe them away. Maxon stood up and grabbed my hand. He looked directly into my eyes. "America Singer, will you marry me?"

        I tried to reply, but it came out a sob. The best I could do was nod. Maxon slid the ring on to my finger. It was cool to my skin.

        He swept me off my feet. I wrapped my legs around his waist. Maxon set his lips on mine. I was filled with a happiness like I'd never felt before. I was getting married!

        I couldn't stop a smile from appearing on my lips as we kissed. My fiancé (God, I love the sound of that) pulled away and gave me a tender smile. I rested my forehead and whispered, "I love you so much, Maxon. Don't you ever leave me."

        "Okay."

        "Promise?"

        "I promise, America."