Chapter One After that rebel attack I never thought of King Clarkson the same. Now I cannot imagine what he would do to other people if he would do that to his son. Thinking of how Maxon took that beating for ME...made me wonder what he would have done to me. During the middle of all of my thoughts there was a knock at my door. "Come in." I called as I smoothed the wrinkles from my dress. "Hello Lady America." says the person. "To whom do I owe this p..p..pleasure to." I said as I was realizing who it was. "King Clarkson! What a surprise.""you know America, used to like you, I thought you were a great option for Illea; however after you stunt on the report I have come to believe otherwise." I stood there my jaw was dropped I couldn't believe what I had heard. King Clarkson.. KING CLARKSON! actually liked me. "I..I..I'm sorry Sir, I was mad and lost my temper..I..I, I stated in shock. "Yes, I know. You dissapointed me greatly. I expected more form you." Was king Clarkson actually giving me some fatherly advice. "I'm not what everyone thinks I am, just as King you need a sense of authority. You need people to respect you."He turned around to leave. "Wait!" I exclaimed jumping out of my seat, 'Then why do you whip Ma..Prince Maxon?" I said much, much quieter. "It's quite hard to explain actually, part of it is so that we know he is strong enough and is willing to give up part of himself for his country."he said solemnly. " But will Maxon have to whip his children?" "I don't know." and then he left. I was thinking about my conversation with king Clarkson before I went to bed. It gave me some hope that the was a chance I can make it all the way to the one. I drifted off to sleep thinking about Maxon and I. I was awoken by Maxon gently shaking me awake. "hey, do you want to go for a walk in the garden." "Why not?" I said. I couldn't figure it out but there was something different about him. He seemed stronger, his eyes had a lighter color which made him seem happier, but he also seemed more timid then usual. Despite all of this I didn't care he was with me and that is all I really cared about. We walked around for a while just enjoying each others company. The silence did bother me though some thing was wrong and I had to find out what it was. Then suddenly the rebel alarm sounded. "We're too far away, were going to have to hide in the woods." He picked me up effortlessly and carried me bridal-style deep into the woods. "Maxon, don't you think we've gone a little too far?" 'No we're not there yet?" "Where are we going?" I asked nervously. "You'll find out when we get there?" I looked up at him afraid of what was going to happen. His piercing blue eyes looked at me. "WAIT!" I exclaimed "Your not Maxon!" "Guilty as charged." He said with a low chuckle. I tried to jump out of his arms, but he only help me tighter. "Let go of me!" I shrieked. "NO, not until we get there." He stated. After about what seemed like ten minuets of continuous silence and running we began to slow down. "Are we here?" I whispered. "Yes, Welcome to the rebels." He said rather proudly. "Why do you want me here? What can I give you? Why do you look so much like Maxon?" I questioned. "You will find all of that out soon enough." I stood there still trying to get my mind wrapped around all that was happening. I started to feel sick the more I thought about it. Before I knew it my thoughts became fuzzy and the black enveloped me.