America was never fit to be a real princess. I always knew I was born to be Queen. No, more importantly, I was born to be Maxon's wife. Maxon was my joy, my life, my everything. I couldn't imagine living a life without him. I didn't mean to get so attached to him, in the case that I wasn't going to become princess. But I just couldn't help myself. You can't stop a girl from falling in love! It was true that I entered this competition as a Northern rebel. But the only thing I'm fighting for now is Maxon's love. And today, my dear Maxon was going to finally select the next princess of Iléa.

I felt tingly and nervous all over. Sure, America was exciting and fiery and an amazing girl. But it was obvious that I was meant to be Queen: I was as gentle and poised as Queen Amberly, and I would be a smart ruler, due to having professors as parents. Surely Maxon knew that.

I knew Maxon liked me. Maybe he even loved me. I couldn't be sure. I knew that I loved him with all my heart. But I couldn't help feeling jealous every time I saw him gazing over at America, something in his eyes reserved only for her. What did he see in her that made her better than me? America was always making mistakes and acting so, so rash. Iléa needed security in a time like this. I made myself believe that Maxon would choose me. After all, my father always told me: If you believe in something enough, it is bound to happen. My life would be perfect. Maxon, the king, queen, and all of Iléa would love me. Oh how I wished Maxon would love me even one tenth the amount I loved him. That was enough. All I wanted was to be his and his only. And I wasn't going to let some indecisive red-haired five getting in my way. I was the lady. I was the sweetheart. I deserved this.

I sat upright on my bed, patiently waiting for Maxon's arrival, meanwhile thinking about our future names together. King Maxon Schreave and Queen Kriss Schreave. The mantra repeated itself in my head a thousand times.

It had almost lulled me to a quiet sleep when a knock at the door shook me awake. He was here! This was the moment I had been waiting for my entire life. My heart and entire body ached in desire for him to propose. I shook away any negative thoughts that had plagued my mind before and quickly put on a calm, happy yet expectant face.

I opened the door and smiled sweetly. Masons expression was hard to read but I could tell he was happy. I desperately hoped that he was happy for us and not for his relationship with America. He leaned against the doorway and ran his hand through his hair thinking. Finally, he spoke.

"It would be best that I talk to you and America together about my decision."

I tried to hide my disappointment. What if he already talked to America and proposed to her in advance? Surely he was coming so that he could tell me that I was going home standing next to his new wife. I searched his face desperately, but to no avail.

Hesitantly, I took his arm and took the few steps from my room to my fate. Each step seemed like eternity. Finally, before we turned the corner to America's room, I couldn't stand this chilling silence anymore.

"I love you!" I looked up into his eyes, distraught.

He was taken back by surprise. Maxon slowly took a breath and regained his composure before saying quietly,

"I know, Kriss."

I searched his eyes for any kind of emotion, affection, love. I gazed into his eyes. This couldn't be happening. I saw my life disappearing through my eyes.

"Maxon," I whispered, shaking. I felt faint.

"I'm sorry, Kriss."

This couldn't be happening. I blinked slowly as my brain broke down and I realized the truth. This couldn't be happening. Suddenly, I felt a surge of emotion travel through my body. Hatred. Hatred for America, hatred for God, hatred for everything that had ruined me. It was this powerful feeling that forced me to blink in any tears and stand up straight, and act like the princess I was destined to be, the loving wife I was meant to be.

Slowly but surely, we turned the corner and heard voices from outside America's room. And then I felt Maxon's body become tense next to mine. I looked up and saw America. Not only America, but America's body, tightly pressed against a handsome guard's I had seen around the palace. America backed away from the guard, but it was too late. My mouth dropped open, and I quickly covered it with my hand. My mind was skipping at the speed of light, jumping to so many different conclusions. Finally, I comprehended what was happening in front of me. America was breaking Iléan law. I realized that I would probably have a chance at being Maxon's wife now. But I didn't feel happy. The hatred that had rampaged my body before slowly disappeared. Now, I only felt pity. I remembered poor Marlee. America would be punished. I remembered our friendship. I knew I was getting Maxon, but I was also probably losing a friend.

I heard Maxon speak coolly next to me, "I found Kriss in the hall and was coming to explain my choice to you both before the cameras showed up, but it seems we have other things to discuss."

"Kriss, would you please return to your room? Quietly?" Maxon instructed.

I curtsied and quickly walked away, not wanting to know what fate awaited America and her forbidden lover.

Back in my room, I thought to myself. How could she be so foolish, especially after what happened to Marlee and Officer Woodwork? And even on the last day of the entire competition. Yet I couldn't help feeling a bit smug. Finally! America's true nature, exposed to the public, to Maxon. All that time he couldn't see all her faults and finally, she has broken the most important thing of all: Maxon's trust.

Maxon deserved someone better than America. Someone who truly loved him would never even think of cheating.