The Prince (Maxon's Selection POV)

The Elite: Chapter One

I moved my head, inhaling America's scent. "Do you know when the last time was that I really looked at the stars?" I asked her.

She moved closer to me on the blanket. "No idea."

I smiled, "A tutor had me studying astronomy a few years ago. If you look closely, you can tell that the stars are actually different colors."

"Wait, the last time you looked at stars was to study them? What about for fun?" America asked, surprised.

I laughed, "Fun. I'll have to pencil in some between the budget consultations and infrastructure committee meetings. Oh, and war strategizing, which, by the way, I am terrible at."

She ran her fingers across my shirt, "What else are you terrible at?"

I drew circles on her shoulder with the hand I had wrapped around her. "Why would you want to know that?" I asked in mock irritation.

America gave me a tiny smile, "Because I still know so little about you. And you seem perfect all the time. It's nice to have proof you're not."

I nearly laughed. Perfect?! My Father would say otherwise! I focused my gaze on America's face, and propped myself up with my elbow. "You know I'm not."

"Pretty close," She countered.

I shook my head, smiling. "Okay, then. I can't plan wars. I'm rotten at it. And I am guessing I'd be a terrible cook. I've never tried, so-"

"Never?" America looked at me, shocked.

"You may have noticed the teams of people keeping you up to the neck in pastries? They happen to feed me as well."

She giggled. "More," she demanded. "What else are you bad at?"

I held her close, my eyes twinkling. "Recently I've discovered this one thing..."

"Tell."

I smiled, "It turns out I'm absolutely terrible at staying away from you. It's a very serious problem."

America smiled, "Have you really tried?"

I pretended to think about it. "Well, no. And don't expect me to start."

We laughed, holding on to each other. Some leaves and grass rustled, announcing someone was coming. America sat up quickly, and I followed suit.

"Your Majesty," a guard said, bowing. "Sorry to intrude, sir, but it's really unwise to stay out this late for so long. The rebels could-"

"Understood." I said, sighing. "We'll be right in."

The guard left us alone, and I turned back to America. "Another fault of mine: I'm losing patience with the rebels. I'm tired of dealing with them." I stood and offered her my hand, and she took it.

I picked up the blanket and shook it out. I was not happy our date was cut short. "Hey," America called, and I turned to look at her. "I had fun."

I nodded, still frustrated. "No, really. She said, walking toward me. Moving the blanket to one hand, I wrapped my arm around her.

"We should do it again sometime. You can tell me which stars are which colors, because I seriously can't tell." She told me.

I gave her a sad smile. "I wish things were easier sometimes, normal."

She moved to hug me, and I dropped the blanket, to return it.

"I hate to break it to you, Your Majesty, but even without all the guards, you're far from normal." She whispered.

"You like me more if I was," I said.

"I know you find it hard to believe, but I really do like you the way you are. I just need more-"

"Time." I sighed. "I know. And I am prepared to give you that. I only wish I knew that you'd actually want to be with me when that time was over." America looked away, not meeting my gaze. I grew sadder the longer the silence grew.

"Maxon," she whispered. "I can't tell you that. But what I can tell you is I want to be here. I want to know if there's a possibility for... for..." America stammered.

"Us?" I guessed.

She smiled, "Yes. I want to know of there's a possibility for us to be an us."

I brushed a lock of her red hair behind her shoulder. "I think the odds are very high," I said matter-of-factly.

"I think so, too. Just...time, okay?"

I nodded, a bit happier. America bit her lip and leaned into me, asking with her eyes. Without hesitation, I bent down to kiss her. I could have stayed there forever, but we had to get back inside. I pulled away, and picked the blanket back up from the grass.

"Let's go." I said with a playful tone, pulling America toward the palace. "Better get inside before the guards come for us on horseback, spears drawn."

We laughed. Kissing her cheek, I left her by the stairs, and headed back to my room.

I may not be able to make America love me, but I knew what I felt for her. I just needed to give her time.

Yay! First chapter of The Elite from Maxon's POV! And by the way, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR 2K READS!!! It means a LOT to me!! Keep up the comments!

Also, don't forget Ahren and Eadlyn's birthday is on Monday (April 16th)!

-theselectionseriesfan