The One Fanfiction

Chapter 14

The windows exploded in and screams erupted around the room. Glass shards scraped my bare arms and left behind a searing pain. Men dressed in all black stormed in. Rebels. The Southerners.

Maxon was shouting orders that might as well have been a whisper compared to the din around us. His eyes locked on to me. He sprinted down the aisle and I met him halfway. Maxon grabbed my shoulders and looked me over. I winced in pain. Maxon jerked back, releasing my arms. He stared down at his hands. They were speckled with my blood. Fear- and then anger- clouded his eyes.

Maxon looked like he wanted to take on every rebel here. He started to turn towards the nearest intruder, when I grabbed his arm. "Maxon, no. We need to get everyone out. I'll be fine." He nodded.

I gripped his hand and pulled him towards a group of people huddled in a corner. Before we could make it there, Maxon was tugged out of my grasp. I whipped my head around to see Maxon struggling to escape the hold of two men. He bucked and managed to wrench himself free. He dashed to me, the rebels hot on his heels.

We were within touching distance, when a rebel caught hold of the back of his suit. They yanked him backwards, but I lurched forward. Our lips met for barely a second until a man pushed me away. I fell to my knees. Then, he kicked me in the stomach. I doubled over and clutched my abdomen in pain. Maxon cried in outrage. Pure fury burned in his eyes.

The rebels retreated, taking Maxon with them. I tried to call out, but it came out a low moan.

"Maxon." I tried again, but my throat constricted and tears threatened to spill.

"Please! Somebody find him!" I was weeping now and I felt all eyes on me. My head fell in to my hands.

I whispered, "He promised. He promised he wouldn't leave."

Maxon was gone. Taken. Ripped from my life by those southern rebels. My ribs ached from the blow to my stomach, but not as much as the pain in my heart. I felt chilled to the bone.

Queen Amberly came over and knelt beside me. Her tears fell freely as she put an arm around me, careful to avoid the small gashes on my shoulders. I leaned into her, glad her maternal instincts had kicked in.

She placed an envelope in my lap. My heart ached when I saw Maxon's familiar handwriting. It was addressed to me. Amberly put her lips next to my ear and whispered, "My son must've suspected something like this would happen. He handed me this before the ceremony. He told me I would know when to give it to you."

The Queen left me to read the letter privately. I opened it hesitantly, hoping it wouldn't be a goodbye. I would get him back. I was sure of it.The letter read:

Dear America,

You getting this means something has happened and ruined our wedding day. For that, I'm so sorry. It was supposed to be perfect, our happily ever after. We'll get it one day though. I promise. Love overcomes all right?

This isn't a goodbye letter. I fully intend on getting back to you. I need you to stay strong, okay? Be the princess Illéa needs; be the woman I know you are. I don't expect you to be all smile and cheer, but put on a brave face and don't lose hope.

I love you, America. And I'm sorry I didn't tell you about my suspicions, but I didn't want you to stress more than you already were. I know you were up to your neck in planning. I didn't want to put even more stuff on your plate.

I'm not going to say I wish you were here. That would mean you would be in harm's way. That's definitely not what I want. I will say that I'm tugging my ear. I wish I could say this in person, see your face. The best I have right now is a picture. I made sure to put one in my pocket, so if something happened, you would be with me the whole time.

I don't think I can bear to write much more. I bet this isn't making you feel better. In fact, you're probably crying. I wish you weren't , but most likely you can't help it. I want to be there to wipe your tears away, to pull you close.

I'm coming home. You can count on it. I love you.

Love,

Maxon

(P.S. : Let's have a more private wedding next time, okay?)

He was right. I was crying, but I took his words to heart. The people of Illéa needed me to be brave and hold it together. I could do it for him. For Maxon.

I wiped my eyes and stood up. Everyone was looking at me like I was a ticking time bomb. Who knows? Maybe I was. About to explode and lash out or breakdown.

I looked at each person in turn. Then, I spoke with an intensity that almost scared me. "He's coming back. I will do everything in my power to make it happen. Anyone who's with me say 'I'."

There was a moment of silence.

The least likely person to help stood and said ,"I."

It was King Clarkson.