The Prince (Maxon's Selection POV)

Chapter Eleven

I gathered all of the ladies, champagne bottle in hand, and led them out to the balcony to view my next surprise: fireworks.

Bursts of color flooded the sky, lightly illuminating our faces with each burst. Champagne glasses were passed around, and I lifted my bottle into the air.

"A toast!" I exclaimed. "To all of you beautiful ladies. And to my future wife!"

The girls all hooted and drank from their glasses as I gave America a discreet wink, before taking a swig of my bottle.

A tiny voice in the back of my head told me I shouldn't drink more, but to hell with that! America was now mine, and nothing could change that! I needed to celebrate. I took another drink and smiled.

-o-

It was late. I had lost track of time already, but the night was far from over. I checked the clock out of pure curiosity. Nearly midnight. I was honestly surprised that I could actually read it.

Little by little, the girls and their families began to retire to their rooms, America included. I lounged on a couch, contemplating who to eliminate.

"Maxon."

I snapped out of my thoughts and looked to Father. "Yes, Sir?"

"Come with me."

All my hazy thoughts dissolved instantly, my senses sharpening, as I stood up and followed him out. Did Father find out about America?

We walked in silence to a meeting room. Not his office. I let myself relax a bit.

All of the advisers were in the room, looks of worry and deep concentration on their faces. They gave us a bow, but remained silent.

"Lady Marlee Tames was found with Officer Carter Woodwork, in a closet in an intimate situation by a photographer," An adviser began.

No.

"He claims he heard noises from a closet and found them in there. Miss Tames and Mr Woodwork are currently being held in the cells."

My hand gripped the edge of a table, my knuckles turning white.

"Tomorrow we will-"

"They will not die!" I interrupted sharply, some of the advisers jumping a little. "I don't care what the law says, Lady Marlee and Officer Woodwork will not die!"

"Then what are you going to do instead, Maxon?!" Father yelled.

"Why do they need to be punished, Father?"

"They committed treason! It would be a bad image on us if they were just left off the hook! Plus the footage has already been circulated. If you say they won't die, then they get canned. Fifteen times. And become Eights and get sent away!"

I balled my fists, wanting so bad to hit something. But I couldn’t do anything. I knew Father would rather have them killed, but I wouldn’t allow it I couldn’t do that to them. The best I could do was let them get canned.

“Fine. But I get to see both of them right now,” I demanded, making it clear that I hated the decision. I spun on my heel and left the room, not caring what Father’s answer was.

There had to be another way. Knowing Father, he was probably going to send them to the South. They would be dead in days. I wasn’t going to let that happen.

“Your Highness,” the guards by the cells greeted. I gave them a nod toward a cell, and they escorted me into it.

"Your Highness," Carter whispered weakly, blinking at the light. As he bowed his head, I took note of all of the blood on him. He had already taken a beating.

"You can stop the formalities in here, Carter," I responded.

I tried to recollect my thoughts as he looked up at me. I cleared my throat. "How are you?"

He snorted. "You mean besides the fact I just got caned three times on the back and am about to die tomorrow along with the person I love, I am just swell."

I wanted to kick myself for my stupid question. "You and Marlee aren't going to die tomorrow, Carter." I told him.

"You aren't going unpunished, but I was able to convince my Father to not kill you. But..." I lowered his head, the effects of my failure hitting me more. "You still needed to be punished. You and Marlee will be publicly caned 15 times, and become Eights. I am so sorry."

"Will I be with her afterwards?" He asked.

"Yes."

He gave me a small smile. "Then there is no need to apologize. I would even take Marlee's cannings for her, if I could."

I looked up at him, the weight of his words hitting me. He would sacrifice himself for Marlee. He truly loved her. I blinked back tears. Marlee and him deserved to live. I had to do something.

"Your Highness?" He asked.

"Sorry. I just-" I sighed, shaking my head. “Anyways. The worst part will be the build up for the canning tomorrow. Take your mind elsewhere as they talk. The canning itself will be rather quick. Try to get some rest. It will help.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. Words cannot express how grateful I am.” He whispered, tears in his eyes.

“Please, call me Maxon.”

He nodded and gave me a smile.

"I should go see how Marlee is doing,” I said.

"Will you do me a favor and tell her I love her and to do as you say?" He asked hesitantly.

"Of course." I said, nodding and knocked on the cell door to be let out. I knew at that instant what I was going to do to save them.

I apologize for the long wait for this chapter!

-theselectionseriesfan