It's So Much More Than That (A Selection Story)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Aspen POV (flashback)

I was being summoned by the Prince of Illea. Well honorary king now, or whatever. Sometimes I didn't actually know who was running this country, but so far it hadn't fallen into anarchy, so I think we were doing okay. 

It was the end of my shift, and I went up to Maxon's private study. I had no idea what he wanted, but knowing Maxon, a guy like that probably wouldn't just want to talk about palace gossip or anything. This meeting was business. Pure and simple. After I showed the guard Maxon's seal, I was escorted in and was met by a very professional looking Prince. Maxon looked up from his work with a blank...expression. I honestly had no idea what he was thinking at the moment. It seemed so...unreal that we'd be talking for once, face to face, on equal ground, not having to pretend that we were something else. 

Maxon asked the other guards to leave, and then we were left alone. I just looked off to the side, unsure of what to say. 

"Your Majesty...may I ask why you have called me here?" I stuttered. 

Maxon had put his professional face. "You can call me Maxon." He said deliberately. "I know you're probably wondering why I have called you here, but to be honest, I don't know either. I just wanted to talk." 

"Then say something." I looked straight into Maxon's eyes. I was looked at the man that America truly loved, and the man that loved America. I wanted the truth. I wanted to tell him how I felt about her, and that I had almost moved on. Moments of silent passed. 

I finally said, "look, I know what we're both thinking, but I really wanted to tell you the whole story. I don't know what America has told you, but I want to say that I don't feel that way about her anymore. I only want to protect her. You know her better than anyone. After she was almost sent home, I saw something different in her. I knew that she was different, and I knew that she loved you. It was me that kept fighting for her, and it was my fault that she had so much trouble making up her mind. I'll tell you one thing though: I'm not fighting for her anymore. I have other people to fight for. She's not like that for me anymore; she's like my family. (let's take a moment to grieve for poor Aspen: I just familyzoned him.) America deserves more than having to choose someone she only half loves, and that's why when I knew she was fighting for you, I had to let go. She sees something special in you even if others don't see it. When I knew that America no longer was fighting for me, I should've stopped...it wasn't her fault." 

Maxon patiently waited while I finished my speech. "Aspen, I understand that all now, I understand America's choices. I don't have to worry anymore; none of us do. She's all mine now." 

"You almost lost her though." I retorted. "A couple times. You were going to propose to Kriss after you found us right? Did you know how heartbroken America was? Did you ever stop after that and realize that she loved you and she just couldn't say it? It was only because of the rebels that you two are even together now." 

"I know!" Maxon sprang out of his seat. For a moment he almost looked like his father with the ferocity in his eyes.                        

"I know." He said again, quieter this time. "That day was one of the worse days of my life. I wanted to have America, but I couldn't make myself be brave enough to trust her. I knew she loved me; she said so the night before. Seeing you two, in that moment, it was like all of my happiness had vanished. I was as distraught over the whole situation as she was. You're right, that rebel attack was both a blessing and a curse. Laying there dying; I saw how stupid I was before, and how much I had lost. I only thought about the life that we would never have now; all because I hadn't asked a simple question earlier. I think she was going to tell me the night before, but we were to caught up in everything else, I didn't give her a chance to talk." 

"You're right. You didn't." I snapped. I don't know why, but all of these emotions were catching up to me right now. I wanted to hate Maxon in the past for stealing America's heart, but I knew that would just hurt her too. Maxon seemed to be thinking the same thing. 

"I'm so sorry Aspen, I know I've done a lot wrong, but I'm not letting America down ever again. I'm trying to trust her as much as I can. Just because we've both made mistakes in the past doesn't undo any of the love I have for her. It makes us stronger." 

I looked at the determination in Maxon's eyes and knew that he'd really do anything for her because he loved her. I still loved America, but not in that way. It was different now.

"I understand." I said. "You two really do love each other. I was mistaken before; but now I realize that I was never the right one. You are. America deserves all of this and more. She deserves to be a queen; your queen. She was willing to fight for something; and that's why she deserves it. I was just not the one she was alway fighting for." 

"I know" said Maxon. "Sometimes it's hard to believe that we all ended up here. The Prince. The Guard. And The One. It's almost like it was meant to be. I've forgiven you Aspen, I hope you know that. I may never fully forgive myself for almost losing her, but I forgive you." 

I gave a small smile. "Thank you. I'm happy to see America happy. You know, you're not as self-absorbed or as selfish as I thought." 

"Um...thanks, I guess." 

"No, I really mean it. I think you're going to be a much better King." 

"I sure hope so" he paused. "Aspen, there's something else I'd like to discuss with you. "I've been wanting to tighten security around here, and I know that you're one of the highest ranking guards in the palace. You've done a great service to us, and I know you're very skilled at all of the inner workings of everything. Aspen, I'm not commanding you to do this, I'm asking you if you'd be willing to become one of our heads of security."

I looked at him like he just lost his mind. Maxon, of all people, wanting me to help him? I thought just days ago, he wanted me out of this palace for sure. "Are you sure you want me to do this?" I asked. 

"I'm sure. There's no one better that I know, and no one that I trust more with America's life than you. There need to be some changes around here if we are ever going to stop the attacks for good. I don't want anyone threatening the lives of my family or anyone in this palace anymore. Too many people on our side have died already." 

I didn't need to consider it for a moment. "It would be an honor to do that, your Majes - I mean, Maxon." 

"Good. You'll also help with training new guards. We need people who are trustworthy and competent. You'll also be attending some of the strategy meetings. I'll send the times to you soon." I nodded. "Oh, and Aspen." 

"Yes?"

"I never go to thank you for saving America that day." Maxon said. "Without you, she probably never would have made it to that safe room." 

"With all due respect, she's the one that actually saved me." I countered. 

Surprisingly, Maxon smiled. "Doesn't she save us all?" 

And with that, I started to become the person I'd always hope I'd be. I could be the hero and the guard. It made me content that what I did everyday saved people, and make and change this country. Slowly, I began opening my heart little by little. There was a certain maid that had me wrapped around her finger. I knew I could save her; and save everyone else. America might be The One, but I'd always be there to look after her and her family. For once in my life, I could let the pieces fall into place.