A/N: OH MA GAWD I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY….
Disclaimer: All rights to Kiera Cass, You know her characters and the few lines I borrowed.
I before e, accept after c, unless you're a weird scientist. English is such a bad language…
Illea's Image Magazine/some report later in the chapter.
Lady America's Speedy Recovery!
Does Prince Maxon Have a New Favourite?
The Selection: Another Elimination!
Where Does The Monarchy Go Now?
First things first, we want to discuss Lady America. In recent Issues, she was whipped by king Clarkson, but we'll get to him later. Lady America was released from the hospital three days later. America was seen at dinner in a Wheelchair, being wheeled in by none other than Prince Maxon. She was heavily bandaged and seen grimacing a lot, but forced herself to stay at dinner. She spends her time in the Women's room, working on a new room designing project that the new Elite have been assigned. She also turned down the extra time she was offered, insisting that she would be fine. Lady America is a fighter, that's for sure.
Throughout Lady America's recovery, it seems Prince Maxon has developed a new favourite! He has gone on three 'dates' with America and none with the other girls! So, Does Prince Maxon have a new favourite? Most Likely!
Another elimination has been made, narrowing the selection down to the final three! Recently, Lady Celeste was eliminated! Nobody knows when, nobody knows why, but she was seen walking out of the palace with her bags packed. More information will come about this elimination during the report tomorrow! We're down to the final three, but the polls are still in Lady America's favour! Now 49% of the people are voting for her, while Lady Kriss is second with 29% followed by Lady Elise who is on 22%
Following the recent events regarding King Clarkson and Lady America, the official throne placing have been set. Queen Amberly will be leading for two years following the end of the selection, during which time Prince Maxon and whomever his wife would be will be training for the roles of King and Queen, which they will claim after the end of our beloved Amberly's reign.
Just remember, you heard it first, on Illea's Image, the number one for Royal Gossip! Xx
It was another one of those days in the women's room. Celeste was situated in front of the couch looking at magazines and watching TV, Kriss was reading a book, and Elise was looking out the window.
Then I walked- I mean wheeled- in. Elise was at my side in a second, pushing my wheelchair to the windowsill. I smile at her.
Kriss is just staring at me. I think she finally realised I am a worthy opponent.
Finally.
I start a quiet conversation with Elise, who is the only one I consider a friend any more, and after about 5 minutes, Celeste literally screams. "You Okay?" Elise asks.
"Forty nine!" Celeste shrieks ignoring Elise.
"Favourite!?" She shrieks again.
"What do you mean?" I inquire.
"You! Ugh!"
"What's this about forty nine?" Kriss finally decides to join the conversation.
"She" Celeste gestures to me. "Has forty nine percent on the most recent poll!" My mouth dropped open.
"WHAT?"
"You have almost half this stupid country voting for you! Not to mention you're Maxon's favourite!"
"H- How?" Celeste throws the magazine at me and I read the article quickly. It pretty much talks about me recovering, me with 49%, and me being Maxon's favourite again.
Kriss has moved to Celeste's side, and they are undoubtedly plotting against me.
"Congrats!" Elise is such a kind, positive person.
Just at that moment the Queen walks in and smiles at me. Kris's eyes widen.
"Seriously!" I hear her mutter under her breath. Amberly doesn't hear, and if she does, chooses to ignore the comment.
"Ladies! I have your new assignments! Sylvia is busy at the moment, so she asked me to give them to you myself."
We all put the past conversation behind us, for now at least, and gathered in to receive our new assignments.
"Your task is to create a design for the Princess's suite. That includes furniture, wallpaper, anything you want, but it must include a personal touch. Your ideas will be presented on the Report."
I smile.
She hands us all our packs, and I go over to the table to get a closer look.
"America?"
"Yes your" She gives me a teasing look. "Amberly?" The others, including Elise, look at me sceptically. She beckons me over.
"Considering your… current predicament," She says choking back tears at what her husband had done, "Would you like an extra day or two to complete the assignment? I understand your healing will cause you to be very tired."
"Thank you for the offer Amberly, but I think I will pass."
She smiles. "Very well America, I'll let you get started then."
"Thank you." I curtsey and walk back to the table.
I can still feel the other girl's gaze piercing my back.
(Flashback)
I got back to my room and dismissed my maids, finally in peace without the irritating beeping of the heart monitor. I got to the piano and sit down, so glad to have its familiar smell back.
As soon as I sit, I feel the presence of something in my pocket. The gift! I quickly reach in and grab it, unwrapping the delicate tissue-like paper. A note drops out that was attached to the box, and I decide to read it first.
Dearest America,
I would like to start by apologising for my husband's behaviour. I know he is harsh, and I thought I could change him, but it seems I couldn't. I send to you through this piece of paper the sincerest of apologies.
On a more positive note, I have a gift for you. This has been a tradition since the selection began. The gift has been passed down from the Queen to a member of the Elite she truly appreciates and respects. Who she would truly like to see beside her son. So far, the Queen has never been wrong. Don't let me down America. But I highly doubt you will.
You are my choice America. You are so, so good for Maxon. You are the strongest person I have ever met. You forced him to see what his father had made of this country. It has been truly good for him to see that, and wish to change. Every time Maxon comes in sulking at breakfast, I tell him to go and apologise to you, and he does. You showed him he could stand up to his father, take the right side. And he did. You took a bullet for him America. If that doesn't show love, I don't know what does.
I know that you love him, and I know he loves you. He hasn't told me, but I know the only thing standing in your way now is trust. You have to trust him but he also has to trust you. You need to tell him everything, good or bad. Play it safe. The people are rooting for you, The Italians are rooting for you, and I'm rooting for you.
Just remember, sometimes the life you've always dreamed of may not compare to a future you've never imagined.
Amberly
How was it that Amberly always knew what to say?
I carefully lift the lid of the box and gasp.
Inside was a beautiful blue necklace on a golden chain. The blue sapphire in the middle sparkled in the light and the chain wrapped around the rim and made it look even more astounding. The chain was just long enough that I could hide the necklace under my dresses.
I smile.
I am a fighter. I do not back down.
And this is no exception
(Present Time)
I sit in the women's room with Elise. We are silently working on our projects, but keeping each other company. I managed to get my maids to let me walk around today rather than be on a wheelchair.
I have decided that yes, I need to stick to the rules (more or less), but I still need to find a way to make this stand out.
I go to one of the maids as she rushes through, and I order a drink.
I think about Maxon. About his compassion, about his love of the country, about his love of photography. Photography! That's it!
I am suddenly beaming and scribbling notes down on my papers. I make my way over to the windowsill where the curtain samples are and spend a while deciding on which shade I should use when I hear a cough from behind me.
I whip my head around to find Celeste glaring at me, the article from yesterday in her hand. This can't be good.
"Celeste, what can I do for you?" I ask, in a good mood today ever since my stroke of genius for the Princess's suite.
Just as she is about to speak, a maid comes in with the lemonade I ordered. I thank her and take a sip of my drink.
"Don't play sweet with me America. I know what you're hiding." My brows furrow in confusion. The only major secret I've kept at the palace was Aspen, and I told Maxon about him a while ago. After a brief 3 hours of fighting, we were okay again. Aspen is just a friend.
Celeste raises her eyebrows at me and tilts their head forward slightly, expecting an answer. I decided to have some fun with this.
"Enlighten me," This only seemed to make her more furious but I continued. "I've done nothing but work on my designs, and Maxon and I are in a great place right now, so do tell."
"You paid Illea's Image to alter the poll numbers and cover their magazine in articles about you!" Celeste blurts.
I spit out the mouthful of lemonade.
"I did what now?" I say distracted by a shadow in the doorway.
"It only makes sense, and it would explain why people love you so much and why you are at the top of the polls. Not to mention why they all listen to you!"
My breath catches in my throat. This sounds exactly like my conversation with the king before he…
She stalks up to me and whispers. "Don't expect to see Maxon in the next little bit." And then she slaps my back.
Something inside my head snaps and all of a sudden I am on the floor. I have flashbacks of the worst pain in my life, nightmares I couldn't remember until now. Before I know what's happening, I am on the ground in tears. I think I screamed once, too
Before I know it Maxon's arms are around me. He must have been the shadow in the door. I try to fight it but I end up asleep.
I am running through the deserted Palace in a torn dress. I smash into the King and he smiles.
He takes my arm and begins to drag me. I try to fight back, but for some reason, my limbs are frozen. He brings me to his office, and ties me to a chair.
It is only then that I notice Maxon on the floor. I struggle to get to him but my body won't work.
The cane comes down on his back. For the first ten lashes he remains emotionless, used to the pain. But by the 50th lash, she is crying, in agonizing pain. Screaming out but no one can hear him. No one but me.
They keep coming at the hands of the merciless king.
"Say you hate her, send her home, and this will end!" He booms.
All Maxon can say is "never."
I can't stand to see him like this. Screaming, calling out, tears streaming down his face.
"Do it Maxon! Send me home! You can end this! I just want what's best for you! Do it!" Time seemed to go in slow motion. Agony and dread lasting forever.
And then the 99th lash comes down, and Maxon's body goes slack, and the light leaves his eyes. "MAXON!" I scream. Suddenly my body is working. I rush to help him.
But it's too late. He's gone.
Maxon POV
"So there's nothing we can do?!" I ask furiously, holding America's hand as she lashes out in her sleep.
The doctor offers a guilty smile. I can tell he doesn't want to be the one to tell me. "Something strange has happened. It's a new medical concern, and we call it PTDS, or Post Traumatic Dream State. After… the incident, someone, I presume you made her happy. This has caused her to have traumatic experiences during the night but forget anything ever happened in the morning. Someti-".
He is cut off by America screaming my name I immediately urn towards her and try to calm her. Once she has stopped screaming but is still thrashing around, the doctor continues.
"As I was saying, something must've triggered her memory to back before… it happened. This caused her to fall asleep and she won't awake until her brain has finished processing all of the dr- nightmares that plague her during the night while her brain was not processing information the same way."
"What kinds of things will she see?"
"Her worst nightmares. The worst things that could possibly happen to her."
"How long?" You can hear the desperation in my voice as I watch her. Even thrashing around in her sleep she looks absolutely radiant.
"Maybe 6 more hours."
"6 Hours!" How can America last that long? How can anyone last that long? America is the strongest person I've ever met. Second is my mother.
The life of a Queen is a lot harder than most people expect. I just hope she can cope.
America POV
My hands and feet are tied together and I am kneeling on a hard stone floor.
I hear a voice behind me and look up to see the king. Though this time a group of people are behind him. I don't know how, but I know they are rebels.
"America Singer. Wanted returned by a Prince, a Queen, and two countries. Quite valuable, don't you think?" One says.
The king pulls out a camera and gags me. Another rebel stands in front of the camera, concealing me from view.
"Illea. A nation in ruins. You see, our royal family have been making awful decisions for as long as they have been in power." He begins. It is then that I realise. They've hacked into the system. I know the report is tonight. This is being broadcast all over Illea.
"What we southern rebels want, is for the crown to be handed over to our leader, Oliver Cedwik. This would be better, because Oliver is one of the people. He has been fighting for our rights for as long as he has been alive!" Lies.
"Now, you royals must be asking yourselves 'now why would we do that?'" Someone puts a knife to my throat. I gulp.
The rebel steps away from the camera so that all you can see is me.
"America Singer. What to do with you…"
Suddenly I am being kicked and punched. It takes everything in me not to cry out, particularly when a hard blow lands on my ribs.
I am left there.
"Now, if you ever want to see your precious Little America again, you will meet at the address you undoubtedly tracked from this broadcast and hand over the monarchy."
The knife is back.
"You have 6 hours."
And then they stab my leg. I hiss in pain, traitorous tears flowing down my face.
The camera turns off. And they leave me.
After coming back every hour and stabbing me again, I think I am about to pass out. But then the door to my cell opens.
Maxon.
He runs to me and begins to comfort me. He lifts me to take me back to the place. And gets shot in the head.
A Ball.
The night before the coronation and ending of the selection, and the last ones are Kriss and I.
I always knew it would come down to the two of us.
"America?" Maxon taps me on the shoulder.
"Mmhmm?" I answer.
"Would you like to join me for a walk in the gardens?"
I smile. "Of course"
He offers me his arm which I gladly take. We find ourselves in the gardens.
"So, how are you enjoying yourself?" He asks, nervously.
"I'm having a ball!" I joke with a small chuckle.
He brings me to the bench where we first met. "America. I don't really know how to say this so I'm just going to spit it out."
I nod. "America, I can't marry you. You're too rash, make decisions with haste and always put yourself before everyone else. Kriss is a much better person because she has poise and manners. You're simply not good enough. Goodbye."
And he walks away, leaving me heartbroken with tears streaming down my face. 5 sentences. That's all it took to send everything we had out the door.
He doesn't love me.
And he collapses in my arms, blood trickling down his shirt, dead.
May screams and screams and screams, and although my mind is begging me to shut down the torture device, my body does not comply. Suddenly, the screams come to a halt.
I just killed my sister.
"Choose. Choose or I will choose for you." The king presses a gun into my hand.
Kneeling before me are May, Kenna, Kota, mom, dad, Gerad, James, Astra, Aspen, and Maxon.
"CHOOSE!" I drop the gun. It hits the floor with an ugly clank.
The king picks up the gun.
And shoots everyone in the head. Not Maxon though, he presses the gun into my hand, aims it a Maxon, and presses down on my finger, on the trigger.
And Maxon collapses.
Over and over he died. Until I couldn't take it anymore.
America POV
I scream and force my eyes open.
I franticly whip my head around the room. And then I see him. I run to Maxon and burry my face in his chest, a river of tears and frantic breaths.
"America." He breathes a sigh of relief.
"They… You… D-died."
I cling to him tighter, making sure he's there and not really dead. Making sure he didn't die because of me. Making sure.
"So… many… times. A-and… I-I killed… you…" I was at a rising level of hysteria.
Just then the doctor waltzes in.
"Lady America?" I whip my head around but burry the rest of my body in Maxon.
"Y-yes?"
"I'm sorry, but you'll need to tell us what you saw. How many dreams did you have? You were in there for 8 hours."
"N-nine, I think," I say between sobs.
"I died. Several times I think,' Maxon pipes up from behind me.
"How many America?"
"si- seven," I said, trying to calm my breathing.
"What were the other two about?"
"Maxon hated me, and I killed my sister." Maxon wraps his arms around me tighter.
The doctor raised his eyebrows. "So you're telling me Maxon was involved in eight out of nine nightmares?"
I nod my head and he starts scribbling down notes on his page.
"I'll let you sleep now. Even though you were technically just sleeping, your brain was very active. You need rest."
He closed the curtain and turned off the lights.
I tried to sleep but I couldn't, fearful that the nightmare would come back.
"Maxon?"
"Yes America?"
"Stay. With me. Please, I can't sleep."
He came and wrapped his arms around me before whispering in my ear. Of course.
And we fell asleep like that, wrapped in each other's arms.
I fell into a dreamless, peaceful sleep.
A/N: OH MA GAWD this chapter is 12 pages on Microsoft word!
So I'll try to update every weekend, which isn't that often, but as you can see the chapters are 3000+ words.
Sneak Peak for the next chapter.
Whoever can guess what my middle name is will get the Illea's Image report as a sneak peek of the next chapter!
It goes L n
Hint: My parents love Lord of the Rings.
Until next time!
-Musicgirl9624
(P.S Reviews are appreciated!)