Chapter One
I take in a deep breath as I take in my surroundings. The Selection, was in fact, tiring, and some days I couldn't bear the thought of all the competition, or carrying on conversation in the Women's Room. During days like these, I found myself in the gardens, surrounded by the tranquility of the outdoors.
I tilted my face up to the sun, and sighed as the warmth began to fade. It was beginning to turn dark, and I knew I'd have to go back inside soon. I leaned back on the garden bench as I thought for a moment.
The past few days had been a blur of meals, conversations, and lessons. It all seemed to go by so fast, and with every moment I grew more scared that perhaps Maxon did not prefer me at all. I had made a mistake, a mistake that had almost cost me the chance of having Maxon.
Before I could let my thoughts stray any further, I slowly stood up and regained my posture. If there was one thing I had benefitted from my mistake, it was the fact that I was always on guard to please Maxon and the king.
I entered the castle, making my way to my room. The halls were empty; the King and his assembly were most likely preparing for dinner. Last night Maxon had announced a festive dinner to take place tonight, although the maids and I had guessed he was to announce the date of the final selection.
The thought of Maxon choosing who was to be his bride made me uncertain of everything I had been doing—or not doing. Despite my best efforts, Maxon was still enraptured by Kriss, my fellow competitor.
Pushing all thoughts of Maxon out of my thoughts, I found myself in front of my room door. I was relieved to see that Aspen wasn't on guard yet. I entered the room to utter choas—sketches, jewelry, and pens were strewn everywhere.
In the center of the mess were my three maids; Mary, Anna, and Lucy. Over the past few months, we had become good friends as they helped me prepare for every ocassion. I smiled, thinking back to a few nights ago. They had promised me to help win over Maxon, and they had certainly been working hard on my wardrobe and appearance.
"America!" Anna smiled as I walked over to the table. "We were just discussing your wardrobe."
"Oh yes," Lucy agreed. "You're going to need a few more esquisite pieces, especially once Maxon sets the selection date."
A little lightheaded from all of my nervousness, I nodded my head in agreement.
"Thank you all so much," I said, geniunly smiling at each one of my friends. "You have no idea how much this means to me."
Mary brushed away my thanks with a slight of her hand. "No thanks needed. I understand tonight is a big dinner, which means extra preparations."
I let out a soft, easy laugh. "I suppose it does."
For the next hour, I was whisked away through the process of getting ready, something I was now accustomed to. I was scrubbed, cleaned, primped, and dressed within a matter of two hours.
The girls had decided to put me in a dress similar to the one I had been wearing when Maxon had fallen in love with me—a blue evening gown. The soft material cinched and let loose in all the right places, and the lighter blue color gave my pale skin a tanned glow. My hair had been let down into soft, delicate curls that framed my face.
I felt more like me again, the old America who knew nothing about manners or dresses. I smiled, and turned to my maids, who were clapping appreciativly.
"I think it's time I have to go," I said reluctantly. I preferred the safety of my room to the banquet hall, but being late was not an option.
"Don't worry, America," Lucy read my mind. "You will be fine, I am sure. If Maxon does not choose you, he is the one who loses."
"Oh, Lucy," I sighed. "If only that were true."