Fun in France- a Selection Story

Chapter Three- America POV

Another chapter of this before I update 'Illéa University', and then I can do one of 'The Red Dress', then another 'Uni', then another of this, etc. etc.

I giggled. "See you soon. And I love you."

Then I darted out into the hallway, just about hearing Maxon call after me: "Love you too!" I laughed out loud at that. It didn't seem possible that Maxon loves me like I loved him, with three other beautiful, charming, father-loves-them girls. I am of average prettiness, knees him in the groin on our first date, and the king hates my guts.

Making my way down endless corridors, I eventually find Aspen in a dead-ended passage with no windows and just a few paintings, mercifully alone. 

"Hey," I said as I walked over to him. 

"Hi Mer, what's wrong?"

"Um, nothing," I replied. "But I'm going to France!"

"What? How do you know?" 

"Maxon just told me," I squeaked, grabbing his hands and letting my joy of going somewhere other than the endless corridors of the palace out. "And Lucy's coming too!"

At that his shoulders slump and I realise how much he deeply cares for her. "How am I supposed to live so far away?"

I lightly hit his shoulder, laughing once at his stupidity. "You're coming too, silly!"

"I- I am?"

"Yes!" I cried. "Mostly this little farmhouse, but Paros for a day or two! You can treat Lucy to a date."

Aspen picked me up effortlessly and we spun around, both of us laughing and smiling until our jaws hurt. He kept saying, "are you serious?"

"Deathly," I replied. "The two of you can have lots of alone time. It'll be perfect. And I'll get away from these walls for a bit."

"Did she tell you about us. As in Lucy and me, not me and you," Aspen questioned.

"No, I figured it out," I confessed. "The way you two look at each other... Look, Aspen, I'm just glad you've gotten over me and found somebody else. I mean, I love Maxon and-"

"Wait," he interrupted. "You love Maxon?"

"Yes," I whispered. "And he loves me."

"Good," he grinned. "You deserve to be happy, Mer."

"Thanks."

"Anytime."

We stood for a moment in awkward silence, before I spoke again.

"Well, I better be off. Bye, Aspen."

"See you later, Mer," he said as I went back down the passage.

I wandered aimlessly down long hallways fringed with guards, each one reminding me of how Aspen has moved on. I'm glad he has. Ever since I realised I lived Maxon, I've been worrying over how Aspen would take the blow. Though I'd hoped that the sweet glances between him and Lucy were real, it was nice to have it confirmed. 

He deserved a happily ever after too.

***

As me and the remaining Elite waited on the set of the Report in slightly uncomfortable chairs and very uncomfortable dresses, Silvia walked over.

"Lady America, as you know I am very disappointed..."

I kind of tuned out as she droned on and on, and thought back to how Lucy had taken the news about going to France...

I slipped out of the bath, and Lucy handed me my robe. Gratefully, I pull it on to pretext my decency as she begins to towel my red hair dry. I'd sent Mary and Anne on their way, insisting I only needed one maid to help me wash and dry myself. They agreed, knowing my 'odd' ways, and left with a cheery goodbye and a curtsy I'd tried to stop. Now, all I had to do was tell Lucy the news.

"Hey, Lucy?" I asked, and and she looked at me in the mirror.

"Yes Miss?" 

Now or never: "Would you like to go to France?"

She smiled. "Of course, my lady, but I'd never be allowed to leave the palace, and even if I was, o can't afford the flights."

"Lucky you, then, because you, Officer Leger and I are going there on Saturday! With the other Elite and Prince Maxon, of course," I told her, and her eyes lit up.

"Really?" Lucy sighed, smiling and dropping the towel.

"Yes!" I jumped up and gave her a hug like she was my sister, and we laughed and span around, as my wet hair whipped our faces, which only served to make us chuckle all the more-

"...interview with the prince, okay?"

"Okay," I replied, trying to sound like I knew what I was agreeing to.

"Excellent!" Definitely not worried now... "Right, Lady Kriss-" and Silvia continued down the line.

I catch Maxon's eye,  and he presses his lips together like he is trying not to laugh. I look at him with my eyes wide open and terrified, and he waves a little card at me. I place a hand on my chest and sigh theatrically. Maxon laughs, and I turn to Kriss.

"I love that dress by the way!" she gushed. "It really suits you."

"Thanks. My maids are really skilled."

I like this dress too. It was deep red, with a sweetheart neckline and fake rubies on the hem. It fell in a way reminiscent of a cloud, and the back down low pasty shoulder blades. I was strapless, and Mary had placed a necklace with red jewels so far apart on wire so thin it looked like they were floating on my skin.

Suddenly the cameras were rolling and Gavril Fadaye bounced up with a huge smile.

"Good evening Illéa!" he sang. "Tonight we are getting to know our four remaining girls, along with our very own Prince Maxon. Come on up!"

Maxon walked up to where Gavril sat on a comfy-looking chair next to a cream loveseat. He sat on the half closest to Gavril, and caught my eye again. I winked and he grinned.

"Nice to see you, Gavril, as always."

"The pleasure's all mine, Your Highness. Now, how is the Selection coming along?"

"It's going great. I'm extremely lucky. Four lovely ladies."

"Indeed, Your Highness. In fact, we have our first girl up now. Lady America Singer everybody!"

I took a deep breath, gathered my dress elegantly in one hand, and walked up with a huge smile plastered on my face. I sat down next to Maxon, who comfortably out an arm round me. I settled in while trying to keep my posture.

"Gavril, long time no see," I joked, and he chuckled.

"Indeed, Lady America, indeed. Now I believe you have to finish your philanthropy project?"

"Yes," I said, and Maxon discreetly passed me the card. I glanced down and saw it was what I needed to say.

"Unfortunately, Illéa, we had some technical difficulties last week and so Lady America couldn't finish her speech," Gavril announced to the camera.

"Very sad," Maxon agreed, giving me a comforting squeeze.

I smiled and squared my shoulders, facing the camera.

Will America use the card or not? What will the King do? Find out in the next chapter of 'Fun in France'! (Was this an OK length for a chapter?) Bye for now!

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