I quickly fly down the stairs two at a time, my pink, cotton candy like dress flowing behind me. Today is Valentine's Day. And I'm here spending it with Maxon. That's also when I remember I'm spending it with three other girls as well. Because I have just ran into Elise. "Oh!" I cry out, catching her before she can stumble down the stairs. She grips my arms tight and squeals. "Guess what Maxon gave me?" she inquires softly. My eyebrows raise up as she twirls in the stunning dress that I somehow missed she is wearing. It is a deep red that compliments her dark hair. The ruffles flow in smooth waves and the fabric shimmers when she walks. I instantly feel jealous. Maxon hasn't come to see me yet… Elise must sense my hesitation on commenting, because she swiftly says that "Well, I'm the first one he's seen today. I'm sure he'll get to you." After a wave goodbye, she practically skips down the stairs. I fume and consider heading back to my room before I think better of it. So I continue down the stairs, because I really am hungry. I sit down and glance up at the Royal Family. King Clarkson is beaming at Queen Amberly, and I have to question whether this is really the man who whips Maxon. But I imagine the scars running down Maxon's back and look away. Celeste waltzes in, showing off her long legs in a white dress that hugs every single curve she has. I focus on something else so as not to draw her attention. Celeste on a regular day is bad enough, but Celeste on Valentine's Day? She's practically begging for a night with Maxon.

That's why I'm surprised when she gracefully sits down next to me, showing off a dazzling necklace obviously from Maxon, and smirks. "I see YOU haven't got anything from Maxy, have you?" I cringe at her pet name for him, but put the biggest smile on my face that I can manage. "Celeste, why wouldn't I have? But Maxon made me promise not to tell anyone about it." She huffs and splutters out "You're lying." I'm saved when Maxon walks in the door and winks at me. I turn to Celeste in triumph, but am met by her smug face yet again. Whipping my head back around, I see Kriss hanging on his arm, and bouquet of soft pink roses dangling from her hand. Her laugh rings through the room, and I have to look away. I quickly eat the food I just moments before had been enjoying, and rush to leave the room. I shoot a final look at Maxon to see him peck Kriss on the cheek. So I run to my room and cry. And I don't look back.

Hours later, after I have received several notes from Prince Maxon, all telling me, each more urgently than the last, that he is tugging his ear, I hear a knock on my door. I fling it open, prepared to hurl my insults at the blond boy I am so mad at, when I see Kriss standing like a proper lady outside my door. "Hurry, America!" she squeals as she grabs my hand and drags me down the stairs. "What are you doing?" I screech at her as she almost runs me into a wall. She doesn't answer. I soon find myself in a large room standing behind Celeste, Elise, and Kriss. As soon and I step in, I catch Maxon's eye and I cringe. What is he doing? He visibly brightens when I enter, and strings a guitar around his neck. "Hit it guys," he shouts to a band standing behind him. The cameras swarm him and he starts to play. I lean closer as I hear him begin to sing.

"The best thing about tonight's that we're not fighting. Could it be that we have been this way before?

I know you don't think that I am trying...I know you're wearing thin down to the core

But hold your breath, because tonight will be the night that I will fall for you, over again

Don't make me change my mind. Or I won't live to see another day, I swear it's true.

Because a girl like you is impossible to find. You're impossible to find

This is not what I intended. I always swore to you I'd never fall apart

You always thought that I was stronger, I may have failed

But I have loved you from the start."

All the girls swoon, thinking this is meant for them. But it's not. This is my Valentine's present. Maxon loves me. Maxon Schreave loves me. Prince Maxon Schreave of Illea is in love with me, Lady America Singer. And I love it. He finishes his song and bids the camera crew goodnight. With tears in my eyes, I tug my ear, and he happily tugs back. I walk briskly to my room and wait. A moment later, there is a knock and I fly to the door. He is there, leaning against my door frame, looking down at me with complete adoration. And I hug him. Maxon stiffens and I remember; I am trying to win back his trust. This has to be awkward for him. I slowly pull away and blush. Then, he laughs, and slides his arms back around me. "America, Happy Valentine's Day," he mumbles into my hair. And I sigh. "Best. Day. Ever." I mumble back.