I kept stepping away from him, forgetting everything my mother had told me to do if I encountered the Royal Family. I didn't listen to her anyway, knowing that running into them was close to impossible. Now, I immediately regret my decision. I was about to break into a sprint before he spoke up.

"What are you doing?" he asked as I kept stepping back.

"What do you think I'm doing? I'm getting away from you!" I exclaimed. He raised a brow.

"Why would you do that?"

"Do you know the phrase 'Don't talk to strangers'? Yes, my mother taught me that." I replied.

"Well, did she teach you about manners?" he questioned, his arms folded in front of him.

"Of course she did, Your Highness." I said, sarcasm dripping with every word.

"What have I done to affront you?"

"It may have something to do with you dragging and hiding me here!" I shouted, my voice getting louder with every word.

"Well we won't be hidden here for long if you keep shouting!" he hissed. He looked irritated but so was I.

"Why did you drag me here, anyway?" I demanded as I copied his stance, folding both arms in front of me.

"You saw me. I couldn't risk letting you tell the guards where I was." he stated, looking back to where we came from.

"Are you out of your mind? They'll probably think I kidnapped you! Why are you hiding from them, anyway?" I asked, curiosity getting the best of me. He panicked, and looked at me, as if he was judging if I was to be trusted.

"Don't look at me like that. For all I know, you could be a serial killer who looks like the prince." I remarked as I watched his expression change from panicked to insulted.

"I beg your pardon, I am the prince." He exclaimed.

"Alright, say whatever you want Your Highness, but you never answered my question." I said.

"Have you always been this rude?"

"No. Now answer my question." I replied. I heard him mutter something under his breath before looking at me.

"I don't like being flanked by guards every minute." he responded as if it was obvious.

"Really?" I was surprised. I really thought he was hiding because he ran away from a group of girls who 'love' him. I didn't expect this. I just assumed he was trying to remain unseen by a bunch of people who was chasing him because they thought he was attractive.

"Yes, what did you think I was going to say?"

"I thought you were hiding from some girls who most likely want autographs from you." I said with a shrug. He laughed as if the idea was ridiculous. I knew it wasn't. As soon as the announcement about the Royal Family came, I've already heard the whispers the other girls shared about how they're going to make Prince Maxon fall in love with them. He looked uncomfortable.

"That could happen?" he asked just as a group of squealing girls passed by. I smirk and gave him a look. He looked baffled.

"Were they-" he started.

"Yes." I say with a smirk. After a pause, I spoke up again. "Are you really running away from the guards?" I asked.

"Yes. Is it that unbelievable?" He asked, his eyes focused on me.

"Of course it is! Can't you see? Anyone would love to be like you. To get a chance to live like you do. If it meant not having to worry about anything! I know I would." When I said that, it was as if something in him snapped.

"Oh really? You think we don't have to worry about anything? What about the country? We are in charge of what happens. That's why were here, because something went wrong. And what about our lives? Knowing that there are people who want us dead, who want to rule the country and wouldn't care who they destroy?" He looked at her, and continued.

"Would you want that? To be honest, if I had the chance, I would want to be like you. Like any normal person. I wouldn't have to worry about anything." He asked.

"Oh really?" I snap. He thought it was that easy?

"What about worrying about money? About how you could possibly survive the next day. You have to work, to do your best, yet that will never be enough. You know why? Because in their eyes, nothing's good enough. You're never good enough. And you have other people leaning on you, and you know you can't let them down because they believe in you. So you keep doing you best, again and again, knowing that nothing will ever change. You think it's that easy? Well think again." I ranted.

He looked at me, as if I struck him.

"Is it really like that?" He asked, obviously not expecting me to say those things.

"For most of the lower castes, it is." He looked apologetically at me.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be." I said simply, and an awkward silence settled around us.

"So, a-are there anything more that I uh-" he stammered.

"You're not used to girls, aren't you?" I asked. He nodded.

"Well that's tough luck, isn't it? The start of the Selection is a month from now, right?" I asked. He shook his head yes.

"How are you going to handle it?"

"Honestly, I don't know." he looked around. "Can you keep a secret?"

"I don't know. I wouldn't tell me anything if I were you." I told him.

"Why not?"

"Has it not occurred to you that you don't even know my name?" I asked. If he wasn't the prince, I would've kicked him and ran away.

"Well, now that you've mentioned it, I didn't. Now I'm curious. What is your name?" He said. I paused, looking at him. Could I really trust him? I know he's the prince and all, but could I?

"You know, it's unfair that you know my name and I don't know yours." he stated, smiling as he looked at me.

"The whole country knows your name." I said. It was a known fact. Who wouldn't know the prince's name?

"I know that. Now, I'd like to know your name." I was still a little suspicious but decided to tell him. He wouldn't remember me anyway.

"I'm America, America Singer." I could almost see the gears turning in his head As his eyes flashed and he looked at me, as if he found the missing piece to the puzzle.

"No wonder you're so-"

"Stubborn, rude, short-tempered? Yeah, I get that a lot." I heard him laugh.

"Yes, it's perfect." He said. He held his hand out.

"It's very nice to meet you Miss America." I took his hand but instead of shaking mine, he brought it to his mouth and pressed his lips against the back of my hand. I was too shocked to pull my hand away, and by the time I did, he was bowing down.

"As lovely as it was to meet you, I'm afraid that I will have to go. I wouldn't want you getting into more trouble." He said before turning away, leaving me with my thoughts.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh! You guys are the best! I love you guys. (Really, I do. O.O)

Thanks to everyone who reviewed, followed and favorited *(which I highly doubt is a word)

Anyway, I'd like to respond to guest reviews!

Shaiii: Here you go! You are my first reviewer! Ahhhhhhhh! ^,^

Missy: Awwww! Thanks, hun. I actually read your stories already, I just haven't followed and favorited* in a while.

Maxon's Rose: I'm glad you like it! I like your name ,BTW! *.*

Janice: Well, they met in the first chapter, sweetie. How they'll fall in love? I'm pretty sure Maxon already did ^^

Guest mih: Thank you! Here you are, America's PoV. I was planning on making a chapter in Maxon's PoV soon. Probably the next chapter :)

Guest: That's great! Here's the next chapter ;)

Sarahy: I know! I kinda love Ella Enchanted, so it wouldn't be a surprise :)

Melody: Yes, really? Wow, thank you so, so, so, so much! I updated!

ATLOVVA: I'm guessing you love Adventure Time? I'm pretty sure you're awesome too! BTW, I love A.T. too!

Thanks again guys!

Review please!