I skidded down the hall hoping I wasn't too late for dinner. I tried my best to regain my composure before stepping up to the doors of the dining room. I gently patted down the dress my maids had created for me and calmed the tresses of red hair flowing wildly down my back. It was the most daring dress they had created yet. It was deep blue and it glittered off every light turning me into a human disco ball. Mary, Lucy and Anne assured me it would capture the attention of the Prince but I was certain I would be getting attention for all the wrong reasons. It clung to every curve of my body. Even to some I didn't know existed. My heart ran fast in my chest and I looked at the tall doors to the dinning room in terror. Maybe tonight I really didn't need to eat. I backed away slowly from the intimidating door with terror pushing me away like a magnet repelling me from the horror that would await me in that room. The guards watched me curiously but didn't move from their positions by the door. One leant over to open the door and I almost jumped out of my skin.
'No, don't.' I almost screamed trying desperately to regain some composure. The guard withdrew his hand hastily looking at me in concern.
'Lady America, is something the matter?' He asked not attempting to move in my direction. He appeared to be scared that I might startle like a doe in the forest, and skitter away at the slightest movement or noise. I slowly shook my head but stopped my retreat. I needed to be strong. I thought of steel encasing my spine and making me stand taller. I squared my shoulders and placed an impassive look on my face as if the world didn't phase me when at this moment I was sure it was going to engulf me. The guards looked at each other probably assessing my mental stability but I was finally ready to make my grand entrance. If my maids were certain of this outfit then so was I. I took a steady step forward and just as my heel hit the floor the sirens burst out around the palace.
'So close.' I muttered, sighing at my timing. The doors to the dining hall quickly flew open and out came the King, Queen and the rest of the elite. Maxon came out last and stopped dead in his tracks. He was the first to notice my presence in all the chaos. He didn't seem to be able to pull his eyes away from me. I smiled briefly to myself until I realised the reason for the incessant alarm that I had momentarily forgotten. One of the guards that had been witness to my crazy pre dinner dance quickly took Maxon's arm and began to lead him away. Maxon abruptly snapped out of his trance and made his way quickly to where I stood.
'We have to get to the safe room with everyone else.' He commanded as he grabbed my arm and led me in the direction the others had taken. My audience of guards followed behind us ever vigilant to the threat of rebels that may have already breached the palace walls. I stumbled slightly on my heels as Maxon dragged me along beside him but he didn't stop until we were both locked inside the safe room with the rest of the royal family and the elite. Maxon placed a small kiss on my cheek before disappearing to join his father and mother on the opposite side of the room. I slowly made my way to where the rest of the girls were gathered on cots not interacting with each other. Celeste sneered at me as I glided over and I took the remaining cot next to Kriss who looked at me with obvious jealousy in her eyes.
'Isn't that a bit much, America?' She hissed as I sat beside her.
'We're all here for the same reason Lady Kriss. I just want to ensure my future with the Prince as much as you do. Anyway that I can.' I answered looking over at where Maxon was sitting in a heated discussion with his father. He looked over at me quickly and threw me a smile before returning his attention back to his demanding father. I laid back on my cot content that I was still able to capture Maxon's attention in some small way. Even if all I prove is that I'm worth being on the arm of the Prince aesthetically, thats move than I was worth yesterday according to the King. Who at that moment was glaring daggers at me from across the room. I knew my stay here was tenuous at best especially, when I had managed to make an enemy of the King. I closed my eyes and tried to block out the sounds of the rebels infiltrating the palace and the hostile room where almost everyone seemed to have a problem with my presence, even Maxon. Although, he appeared happy by my apparent effort to win his affections I knew that that only scratched the surface of the problems present in our relationship. How was I ever to get his trust back? I was so reckless with it before, how could I ever earn it again?
These thoughts held my attention captive until finally the guards came to tell us that the palace was clear for us to return. In my daze I only caught snippets of Sylvia telling us that the attack was mild and there was not any extensive damage to the palace. She announced that we were free to return to our rooms and could have some supper sent up if we wanted any. Before I realised what was happening everyone had made their way from the room with only the King and I remaining. I scurried to the door trying to leave as quickly as possible. Just as I thought I may have escaped unscathed a hand wrapped around my wrist pulling me back.
'Nice try Lady America but your tricks are child's play compared to the real contenders fighting for my son's crown.' He growled in my ear sending shivers down my spine. He roughly released me and stomped past and up the stairs leaving me cold and desperately alone with only my thoughts to keep me company. I made my way sluggishly up the stairs heading in the direction of my room. When I arrived my maids were already there ready to fuss over me and learn about the success of the dress. I gave them half hearted responses as they prepared me for bed. They finally got the hint that I was in no mood for conversation and left me to my thoughts. I sunk into the covers of my bed unable to wipe the King's words from my mind. I could never compete with the likes of Celeste. She may be a slimy, conniving piece of work but there was no denying that her physical form had landed her right where she is now. One of the final members of the elite. Maxon clearly saw a future with her otherwise she wouldn't be here anymore. The question was whether I could convince him that a future with me would be his best option. I groaned at my stupidity. If I could have just know at the beginning I would have approached this whole Selection better. I just knew that I would already have Maxon's love and trust. I would be well on the way to being the next Princess of Illea but instead I spent sleepless nights lamenting over my past mistakes and how they led me to my current situation. I needed a plan to win him back. It was my turn to put my heart on the line like he had so many times before waiting for me to come to a decision he had already made. I needed to prove without a doubt that I was the only choice for him and I was never going to leave him. I needed to prove that I was going to be his one and only confidante. His one and only true love.
