Maxon & America: A Love Story for the Ages

I trudged to my room, no even bothering to take off those aching heels. Maxon had just left me there. He, agai, had left without letting me explain. I still loved Maxon. My love for him was the only thing that stayed the same throughout the course of my life after the Selection. I was scared. Vulnerable. Alone. 

Why couldn't Maxon realize that?

i wiped another tear that whistled down my cheek. 

"OW!" a voice yelled. I gasped. I know that voice anywhere. 

"Aspen?" I asked. the guard tilted his head, revealing those green eyes that I loved so much. After the Selection had died down, his marriage to Lucy was small, but festive. It had taken a toll on my love for him, as my passionate love turned brotherly. I had always thought of him as a brother, now. 

"Mer? Oh, Lucy, dear!" Aspen called around the corner. 

"My Lady!" she yelped and bowed. I gave her a silly curtsy, and Lucy giggled, clutching Aspen's arm. I sighed, watching this whirlwind romance that had erupted so suddenly between two very different people. 

Lucy looked sad, bags under her eyes. 

"Lucy, I thought you and Aspen moved out of the castle!" I said. 

"Well, Lady America, we tried, but the villagers weren't having it. In fact-" Lucy trailed off before being stopped by her husband. 

Aspen interrupted, "They would only offer jobs to the former Twos and Threes. Even my status as a former royal guard didn't let me get a job. We sneaked back here, and I got my position back, as a guard. 

Lucy nodded, then planted a kiss on her cheek. Someone yelled, "TOWELS!" 

Lucy scurried over to the nearest powder room, where Bariel slapped Lucy for being late. I gasped in shock. Aspen winced. Lucy backed away, before trembling in Aspen's arms. 

Aspen embraced Lucy, before shooting a glare at Bariel.

"What happened to Lady Bariel?" Lucy begged, "she used to be so sweet!" I looked into Lucy's pleading eyes, and my heart softened at her plea. 

"I guess she blames me for not letting her marry Maxon." I shrugged. 

Lucy looked appalled, and held her two hands to her heart. 

"I know, Lucy," I trailed off, "it's like she wants the Selection to be between just me and her again." 

"But, Maxon doesn't love Bariel," Aspen interjected. 

"He could learn," I proposed. 

Lucy nodded determinedly, "His Majesty seems to be looking for another wife.." 

"I guess I'm going to stop her." I declared. 

Lucy didn't argue, but Aspen did.

"Mer, it's too dangerous," he trailed off, "who knows what she could be capable of!" 

I let out a breathy sigh, "She's not Celeste." 

Aspen looked thoughtful, then nodded slowly, before shaking his head, then nodding again as he took in all the variables. 

"I guess." 

Lucy cheered. 

Bariel's head peeked around the corner, and I quickly walked off, before shooting a wink at Aspen and Lucy. 

She quickly followed me. 

"America, you better watch out." she threatened. 

"Or what?" I shot back. 

"Or you'll get what's coming to you." 

For the first time in my life, I was afraid of Bariel. 

She stalked off. 

I was ready to WIN Maxon.