"Mary, Anne, Lucy it's beautiful!"
They pulled out a pure white, mid-thigh length dress that had a light pink design at the top. It was sleeveless and had a very low back. Sexy... But not trashy! It hugged my curves in all the right ways and looked dazzling with my straightened red hair.
"Oh wait! There's more!" Lucy said all too excitedly
Anne pulled out a beautiful silver necklace and matching earrings. They had little hints of punk to match my dress. I wore some tan wedges that were the perfect touch to the dazzling outfit.
"It's just what I wanted!" I didn't want to look scandalous, but not unnoticed.
"You should see your outfit for the ball tonight! You will look like a princess!" Anne said with a grin sliding across her face.
The ball.
I totally forgot about the ball!
I was supposed to write a speech and everything!
I'll work on it after breakfast
----------------------------------------------I walked into the dining hall and performed a deep crusty that caught Maxon's attention. It looked like he had stopped chewing his food and his eyes grew in amazement. Just as I hoped. I blushed and took my seat next to Elise as he stared at me.
A plate of three or four pancakes were out in front of me and I dug in. I love pancakes.
I glanced over at Maxon and saw him looking at me. I smiled as we tugged our ears at the same time.
King Clarkson was eyeing me. I didn't like that, and neither did Maxon.
When I stood up to leave breakfast, the King stood up as well, and as I came up from my curtsy, he was standing so close I could smell his pancake breath.
"I would like to see you in my office please," he said ever so gently so that Maxon could not hear.
"Of course, your majesty."
I was so nervous. I was going to the place where Maxon was being abused. Would he hit me as well?
I followed him up the first flight of stairs. Then the second.
When we reached the third floor, Maxon had already bounded up the stairs following us.
"Where are you taking America?" he looked nervous, but powerful.
"To my office. In fact, why don't you join us?"
Oh no. Oh no no no no! Would he hit Maxon in front of me? Would I be hit in front of Maxon?
Maxon didn't argue, although I could see the worry in his eyes as he grabbed my hand.
The king opened the door and we followed him in. I saw a thousand emotions flash across Maxon's face.
"Why did you call us here, father?"
"I was going to talk to America, but clearly you wanted to be part of it." A sly smile came across his face.
I saw him walk over to his desk and Maxin squeezed my hand even tighter.
What was he getting?
A stick.
He got a stick.
Now I knew where this was heading.
Maxon pulled me behind him. I hugged his arm tightly as if to say I'm scared.
He stood up taller and tried not to be afraid.
King Clarkson sprung into action and pulled me away from Maxon. I let out a cry as I hit the wall.
Maxon tried to run to me, but then his father jumped out in front and hit him in the back.
"Never question those before you, Maxon!" he bellowed and then hit him again. I saw Maxon grit his teeth together as he tried not to scream.
I had to do something. I don't want to hurt the King only because that would ruin my chances of being with Maxon.
"STOP PLEASE!" I screamed. I could feel the hot tears streaming down my face.
The King stopped and Maxon was leaning over his fathers desk. I ran over to help carry him out. I felt the blood on my arm as I wrapped my hand around Maxon's waist. He was panting heavily.
The King glared at me, his eyes like fire. He walked up to me standing only inches from my face.
"Don't think that you could ever run this country for a second. Think about the people of Illèa. What will they think when there Queen has let them down? We have three other perfect choices for Illèa. You are nothing more than a five who was not supposed to be here."
I had to turn away to keep myself from crying. It seemed that he had gotten to the core of my doubts since I decided I loved Maxon. He couldn't see me weak. I turned back, straightening up so that I looked strong.
"You will never make a good Queen. You're a five. Illèa hates you. You are the countries least favorite. No one will trust you to run the country. Yo-"
"That's enough, Father" I looked over at Maxon to see the anger in his eyes
King Clarkson pulled back his stick
no
I stood in front of Maxon and put my arm out in front of me.
Ouch!
"HEY!" Maxon called
I tried to help Maxon out of the room "It's ok. I'll be alright." I pleaded and tried tugged him towards his room, but he would not move.
"Let's go Maxon." But he was eying his father furiously.
"Don't ever touch her," Maxon mumbled
"Son, I told you not to mumble."
"Maxon, stop let's go" I pleaded again.
Maxon pulled his arm away and limped over to his dad.
"I said DONT TOUCH HER!" he screamed it this time.
His father got the stick and hit Maxon again and he fell to the floor.
I helped his limp body up and walked out and into his room.
