Many of you have been asking if I'm Maxerica or Asperica. Wait and see ;)

Hope you enjoy this chapter and ***warning: there's an offensive term in this***

Startled, my eyes slowly adjusted to the sudden light, and I bolted up, twisting my torso towards the door. Standing by the light switch, in all her full glory, was Celeste Newsome. Her face was contorted with the utmost shock, but also a tinge of smugness under her heavily made-up face. Here she was, her tight red dress accentuating the curvature of her body, and her blood red lips forming a gleeful smile.

Lifting her pale arm up, and beckoning towards the door, she called out in a honeyed voice, "Maxon, sweetie, look what we've got here!"

Never once did her eyes leave our pressed together bodies, and we made no attempt to disengage ourselves, paralysed with fear of what was to come. The thud of Maxon's leather shoes resonated in our ears with each nearing step, and Aspen protectively placed a hand on my waist.

"What is it, Celeste?" Maxon's weary voice travelled from the halls, "That's just a storage room."

Then, I saw the toe of Maxon's polished shoes step in, and I focussed on that tiny glimmer, looking down at the curve that shone in the light. The shoes halted in motion, and I glanced up at the man in the handsome suit. I wished I hadn't looked up, for what I saw broke my heart to pieces.

On his usually kind face hung a blank look, one that channeled a look of hopeless despair and betrayal, and it felt like someone punched me in the gut. This boy that trusted me and gave me all I wanted, how could I do this to him? It wasn't fair to him, and it also wasn't fair to Aspen either; it was my entire fault. I was the one who broke hearts and was undecided, unfaithful, unfeeling. I was a two timer; deceiving one boy and the next, and I deserved to have my heart broken. I couldn't blame Maxon for kissing other girls; I couldn't blame him for flirting and enjoying the company of the other Elite. Wasn't I doing the very same; except on a much grander scale?

"Oh my, what a bitch," Celeste's piercing voice cracked the silence, "Just like your dear friend Marlee, aren't you? Birds of a feather flock together."

Looking to Maxon, I realized he wasn't going to defend me anymore. Whatever trust we had had was broken, down goes our friendship and love, and he was never going to forgive me. My gaze landed on Celeste, and even though my eyes were brimming with tears, I gave her the fiercest stare I could muster at the moment. If I was going to be punished, I might as well inflict harm on Celeste. That could just be added on to my list of wrongdoings, and I could be whipped or executed or whatever Maxon's hatred will drive him to do.

Scrambling up from my unnatural position on the couch, with my dress half unzipped, I straggled to Celeste, slapping her right across her caked face and making sure my nails scratched as my hand made contact. I was suddenly grateful for growing my nails out. This was payback for what she has done to Anna, and Marlee, and me, and probably many other girls.

She clutched at her right cheek, making pitiful noises, and cried, "Maxon! Look what this adulteress did to me! It hurts, Maxon, darling help! Get the guards to put this adulterous pair in jail; execute them!"

But Maxon did not heed her words, which gave me little satisfaction for he still hasn't made a move. His eyes were fixed intently on Aspen, and he had an unreadable expression on his face; one of realization and anger. By this time, Celeste was full scale shedding crocodile tears, and I stumbled out the room, unable to take the tension anymore. Running as fast as I could, I raced up stairs on unsteady legs, and fell into my room.

Draped on the floor of my room, I burst out in silent tears, drenching the carpet. My maids hurried in immediately, aghast at the state I was in, and proceeded to place me on m bed.

"My lady, what happened?!" a flabbergasted Mary inquired.

I continued bawling, ignoring their concerned questions, and soon they gave up. What would happen to me now? Would I be executed or whipped or tortured? What will happen t- Aspen! Being so engrossed with my own fate, I had forgotten about Aspen, who was sure to receive greater punishment than I would. He had his family to be concerned about, and another struck of grief stabbed me, why was I constantly causing harm?

After lying on my soaked sheets and watching the sun rise above the horizon, my maids bustled in, preparing to work their magic on my splotched face. My face was blotchy, and my eyes were swollen and red, my cheeks still stained with tears. No matter how much magic they had, my maids were certainly not able to make me presentable. They shared an uncertain glance, and Anne shook her head slightly.

"Don't bother fixing me up," I sniffed, "I'll stay in my room the entire day."

And who knows what will happen to me now? Anything could happen at any minute.

Lucy whispered, "Do you want us to stay with you?"

Forcing a smile, I said, "Sure if you want." For as much as I wanted to be alone, I also felt an overwhelming loneliness; who knew how much more time I had with these sweet angels?

My maids nodded, and started with their chores, while I sat stoically in the vanity chair, staring at my patchy face. Then a knock sounded on the door of my room, and Mary rose to get it.

"Lady America, the Prince is here to see you."