"Kriss, will you marry me?" His voice is coated with love that makes my heart shatter. Audible gasps jut out from around the room but I force my face to smile. Acting weak is stupid and being stupid is not the look I'm going for.
"Yes!" Her voice is extremely shrill, she squeals whiles shoving the dazzling jewel on her fragile finger, staring at it with set eyes; examining it. Maxon stands from his kneeling position, giving me a smug smile, grasping Kriss' hand in his. The clicking of cameras and flashing of lights blind me, it doesn't help with the wall of tears brimming my eyes. While all the commotion with Maxon and Kris escalates, I take the chance to slip from my chair and swiftly exit the Great Room. I feel Celeste's eyes burn the back of my head with pity and Queen Amberly looks sullen. Was she really hoping I'd win?
As soon as I slip out the grand doors I feel my hands get clammy and tears stream down my face. I dash to my room, barging past maids and guards. Waiting in my room is Lucy, Anne and Mary. I find them continuously fidgeting with Lucy's hair but when I enter their amused faces go grey. I don't give them the chance to speak, "Pack my things. I'm leaving."
I sit, staring out into the glowing gardens as the muffled voices of my maids around me occupy my ears. I fiddle with the New Asia bracelet Maxon got me, the intricate design, the stunning colours. I decide its best to leave it here, it hurts my heart to do so but when the maids say the car is waiting I hurriedly throw it in Aspens money jar and shuffle out the room.
Walking down the grand steps I notice Maxon, Kriss and his parents involved in a calm conversation, Lucy and Aspen suspiciously talking in the corner and Anne and Mary exchanging nervous glances with one another. The sound of my feet against the steps seems like thunder hitting land. I cringe but luckily no one notices I'm there.
It's painful but painless. Drifting away while no one notices but leaving everything behind. I give the girls minute waves but before I can fully step out the door a soft and welcoming hand clamps around my own. "America, I'm so sorry."
"Queen Amberly, why?" I give her a slight curtsy and catch a glance to see no one watching.
"I wish he chose you, and so do you." Her voice is woven with sadness and empathy but with that she gracefully turns and floats up the stairs. I wait a moment while watching her. Realizing how much I'll miss her.
I shake my head to clear all thoughts and see Maxon staring at me with a mixed expression; sadness, annoyance and anger. I exhale shakily, threatening the tears not to spill. I give him a slight head bow while I deftly exit the palace without looking back.