Maxon & America: A Love Story for the Ages

Maxon & America: A Love for the Ages

America's P.O.V. 

"You would have been proud." I whispered, my tears flowing down my cheeks. 

Joseph had died of a heart attack last year, and I was devastated. Another one of my family gone. Mother had died, and so had Kenna. Kota had been killed by rebels, and Gerad and May were out traveling the world. Now it was just me, Kyle, and Joanna, my children.  Joanna was only 17 years old when Joe died, and she was crying her heart out in her room. 

The only one who didn't seem peeved was Kyle, who was cheering that his cousin had secured a spot in the newest Selection. We had thrown popcorn into the air, as Josiah was picked for the Selection. The King had graciously let the parents come on the first day to the palace. I still hadn't told my children abou my Selection, and they were oblivious to that fact. 

The palace had obviously gone under some restoration and renovation. The bathrooms were moved to different halls, and my room had become a supply closet. 

Chandler greeted us at the door, and Kyle practically skipped over to meet Chandler. They immediately hit it off. Joanna made eye contact with Chandler, but stuck her tongue out in disgust and went over to the palace guards, and started flirting. 

i shook my head, knowing that my children would be safe within the palace walls. The Northern Rebels had died down, but still were aggressive in the direction of the Southerners. 

A man greeted us in the Great Room, where Silvia was taking care of the decorations. Maxon greeted us in the hallway, and we made eye contact. He coughed, and tugged his ear. I didn't.  I huffed and stood at the back of the crowd. He frowned, and went back to addressing the crowd. 

"People of Illea, the Selection has started," I had to admit, even I was impressed about how e could cheer up a room with just a few words. He led us to the Women's Room, and our rooms. Surprisingly, my room was right in front of the king's. Maxon was surprised too, but only hesitated a little bit, before carrying on. 

The rest of the tour went by quickly, and I ran to my room, before I heard a knock on my door. Mary, who had stayed dutifully in my room, embraced me. She answered the door. 

" Your Majesty?" she inquired, no longer shy. 

"I'm here to see Ms. America." 

"Yes," she opened the door all the way. 

Maxon embraced me. I pulled away, and showed him my ring. He sighed.

"America," he started. I put my hand up to stop him, tears forming in my eyes. 

"Stop." I commanded. 

Mary stood between us awkwardly, before backing out into the bathroom.

"Where's Kriss?" I demanded. 

"She passed away, America," he mumbled, " haven't you been watching the Report?" 

"No." I shot back. 

I started to push him out of my room, confused by the feelings I had for him. He turned around and started to walk down the hallway. My back slid down the door, and I cried my eyes out. Mary stood behind me, and I grabbed a towel. 

Here goes nothing.