The Prince (Maxon's Selection POV)

Chapter Seven

"So, Janelle." I said as we were walking in the woods, hunting. She looked up at me. "What do you think of the palace and the Selection?"

"Well, your home is just beautiful and not like I thought it would be like. As for the Selection, the ladies are all nice," she said, clearly hiding something.

"Is someone not being kind?" I asked.

"Well, Lady America..."

I tensed, "What about her?"

"I'm willing to bet that, that Five isn't here for the Selection and is actually just here for the money and the title of being queen, or at least a three. She probably wears a mask of kindness everytime you are close," Janelle said rolling her eyes a little.

I stared at her, she has it all wrong Maxon! You know the real reasons and it's understandable.

"I'm sorry Janelle." I said, turning away.

"What for, Maxon?" she asked sweetly.

"I'm sorry to say, that you are no longer apart of the Selection."

"What? B-but what did I do wrong?" she asked tears coming to her eyes.

"You are completely wrong about Lady America. I have gotten to know her quite well enough, to know that at the moment, we have nothing but a friendship and she has no intention for stealing the crown," I said sternly. "I was wrong about you. You seemed like a girl that could handle being a queen, but if you aren't able to see anything but what is set before you, then you wouldn't be the best at being the Queen of Illea. You need to be able to see through masks, Janelle."

She was silent for a second. "I-it was a p-pleasure meeting you, P-prince Maxon," she said curtseying and heading back toward the palace tears streaming down her face.

--

The day after I had eliminated Lady Janelle was exausting. I was in another one of those enraging budget meetings when a maid came in and handed me a note after curtseying. I opened the note and read the beautiful cursive;

Your Majesty-

Tugging my ear. Whenever.

I instantly knew it was from America, but what was wrong? Was her family ok? I excused myself, and jogged down the hallways, my tie loosening from my run. I came to a hallway and saw the flame of her hair. "America?"

She turned toward me, freezing. I grabbed her wrists, "Are you okay? What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm fine," she replied.

I let out a breath. "Thank goodness. When I got your note, I thought you were sick or something happened to your family."

"Oh! Oh no. Maxon. I'm so sorry. I knew that was a stupid idea. I just didn't know if you would be at dinner, and I wanted to see you."

"Well what for?"

"Just to see you."

I stopped moving, as well as my heart. I looked into her eyes with wonder. "You just wanted to see me?" I asked, happily surprised.

"Don't be shocked. Friends usually spend time together."

"Ah, you are cross with me because I've been engaged all week, aren't you? I didn't mean to neglect our friendship, America," I said, a bit more businesslike.

"No, I'm not mad. I was just expaining myself. You look busy. Go back to work, and I'll see you when you are free."

"Actually, do you mind if I stay a few minutes? They're having a buget meeting upstairs, and I detest those things," I said pulling her to a sofa that was underneath a window.

She giggled as we sat.

"What's so funny?" I asked.

"Just you," she said smiling, "It's cute to see that your job bugs you. What is so bad about the meetings anyways?"

"Oh, America!" I said facing her. "They go round and round in circles. Father does a good job at calming the advisers, but it is so hard to push the committees in any given direction. Mom is always on Father to give more to the school systems- she thinks the more educated you are, the less likely you are to be a criminal, and I agree-but Father is never forceful enough to get them to take away from other areas that they could manage perfectly with lower funds. It's infuriating! And it's not like I'm in command, so my opinion is easily overlooked." I propped my elbows on my knees and rested my head in my hands, tired.