5,781 Miles Apart

Chapter Eighteen

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Adalheida's POV

It was a wonderful feeling- having such a sweet secret. That at least temporarily, Osten and I could have each other. We could pretend that we weren't bound to different futures.

I knew it couldn't last, but it was my only time feeling what I did. I didn't know of it was love, because I haven't felt love like that before, but I knew it was a big feeling. I knew that when Osten finally had to leave, I felt incredibly sad, even though I would see him at dinner soon. I know when he packed up the things from our picnic and kissed me goodbye, it was very bittersweet. But whether it was love was beyond me.

I rang for Gaelle, and she was in my room almost instantly. "How did it go?" She immediately questioned once she got in my room.

"It was amazing." I said with a sigh, touching my necklace.

She noticed it and gasped. "Did he get that for you?" I smiled and nodded. "It's gorgeous!"

"I know." I said, looking down at it.

She looks at me, her expression changing. "I wouldn't get too attached. At the end of the day, you're the future queen of the German Federation and he's a general. Then there's the fact that you're betrothed to Ainsley..."

We both sighed. "I know, but this is the first time I've ever felt something so- so-" I struggled to find the right word. "Real."

We both sighed again. "I think it's time to get ready for the day, Gaelle."

We decided on a dress that matched the weather. A day dress. It was light blue and very simple. It was an A-line dress, so it emphasized my waist. Gaelle added a small silver chain belt to make it look slightly more dramatic. The skirt had a scalloped pattern to it. I loved it.

Gaelle and I both decided that my hair would look best kind of messy, so we left it in its braid. I let Gaelle paint my nails the same blue as my dress to match and add the slightest bit of makeup to my face. I slipped on the sandals she packed and, with my journal, went on my way to the Women's Room.

I entered the room and it was packed, which immediately made me want to leave, but everyone had seen me, which meant I was trapped.

"Princess Adalheida!" A voice called. I turned and saw the former Queen America coming in my direction.

"Your Majesty." I said, giving her a quick curtsy.

She smiled at me, "Now, now. You can call me America."

I returned her smile. "Then you may can me Adalheida."

"I was hoping you would join me and my husband for a walk in the gardens?" She asked with a hopeful look in her eyes.

I couldn't turn her down. Mother would be furious. Either way, I was often told that America had quite the personality. I wanted to witness it.

We walked out the door and there sat Maxon, waiting, with his nose in a book."Ahem." America clears her throat, trying to get his attention.

He looks up from his book and his eyes widen. He stands up quickly. "My apologies, ladies." He offers and news arm to the both if us and we make our way out to the gardens.

Once we're out in the fresh air, America begins the conversation. "We like you, Adalheida." She begins.

"Very much." Says the former king.

"We hope that one day our countries may be closer. Perhaps once your reign begins, you can come back to Illéa and work things out with our Prime Minister and Parliament."

I nodded. "I agree. We are both very strong countries. It would be a good idea for us to be allies and become stronger because of it."

"I'm glad we're all on the same page." Maxon says. "Now, we'd like to ask you something quite personal."

I nodded my head, letting him know it was okay to ask the question, out of sheer curiosity. Whether I would actually want to answer the question, I didn't know.

"We've seen your actions around Prince Ainsley. You don't seem to care for him. Why is that?" Asked America.

I sighed. "Ainsley is a good man. I know he would treat me well, but I just don't feel anything around him. Everyone tells me that love can come later, but I just don't feel like I can do that. There's no romance, no passion. We're both just doing it for our countries."

America nodded and Maxon said, "I get that. There was one girl in my Selection that was just like that. She didn't have feelings for me and she would never even contradict me. Her personality just wasn't there. Don't get me wrong, she was and still is a wonderful woman, but sometimes considering people like that for your lifelong partner seems like a chore."

I let out a long breath. Finally. Someone understood. "We see how you are with Osten too." America said. I held my breath. "How you look at him. How he looks at you. We both recognize it." She said gesturing to Maxon.

"Yes," he began, "it's how we looked at each other when we were first in love."

"There's-" I begin

"You don't have to explain it to us, dear." Said America. "We just wanted to remind you that in the end, it's your life, it's your happiness, and you must do whatever it takes to be with the one you love."

I sighed. In a way, part of me was terrified, but the other part was relieved. They knew about Osten and me, but they weren't upset. It's almost like they were encouraging me.

They left me after that, leaving me in the gardens. I sat down on the closest bench to think.

There's no way this could ever happen. I thought. But part of me still hoped that maybe it could.