Chapter Two
I stepped inside the banquet hall, taking in the elaborate gold decorations. The King and Queen were standing at the front of the room, greeting guests. In addition to the selected, close friends and secretaries of the King were present. I needed to make a good impression tonight, especially after the televised presentations.
I strode confidently up to the King, and smiled warmly, though he did not return the gesture.
"Your Highness. Your Majesty." I adressed both of them. "What a pleasure it is to see you."
"Oh, the pleasure is all ours," A false smile was plastered on the King's face.
A tremor of rage shook my body as I thought of what he had done to Maxon, but I smiled politely nontheless.
"Thank you for coming, my dear," the lovely Queen Amberly smiled sincerely, much unlike her husband.
"Thank you for inviting me," I politely closed the conversation. "Well then, I won't bother you two any more and enjoy the evening."
With a few exchanged polite smiles, I turned away and walked across the room. I searched the room for Maxon, desperate for some company. I found him talking to Kriss in the corner, laughing at one of her jokes.
A pang of jealousy burned in my chest, but I quickly brushed it away. I decided to instead converse with Elise, who seemed rather lonely.
"Hello, America," Elise said warmly.
She had chosen a red dress for the ocassion, which accented her tanned skin, which I admitted was rather pretty on her.
"Hello, Elise," I said. "How have you been lately?"
"Doing fine. And you? I've noticed your absence in the Women's Room lately." One of her perfect brown eyebrows was raised.
"Oh, never better," I smiled. "I find myself needing some fresh air now and then."
"To be honest, the Women's Room isn't all fun anymore," Elise confessed. "Not with Celeste going on about her relationship with Maxon. It's getting rather annoying."
"I'm sure," I replied. "Fresh air is certaintly needed in those kinds of situations."
We both laughed. I noticed Maxon's head rise, looking for the culprit of the laughter. His eyes met mine, and my heartbeat quickened for a moment. His expression changed as I noticed him looking at me, and a smile spread over his charming face. He stood and began walking over.
I turned my gaze back to Elise, who was now talking with one of the royal guards. I felt a hand graze my exposed back, and I turned around into his eyes.
"Hello," Maxon said politely, still smiling. "How are you this evening?"
"Doing quite well, thank you," I said. "What have you been about doing lately? I've hardly seen you today."
"Well, as you can imagine, we've had trouble with the rebels," Maxon sighed, running a hand through his hair. "They've been advancing lately, with the final selection near."
"Do you think they'll stop attacking after the final selection?" I asked.
"That's what father hopes," Maxon said. "And so do I."
"I know it's not my concern but… I can't help but think that you were right. About them looking." I suggested.
"It could be possible, but as you know, father doesn't exactly consider my theories," A cruel laugh escaped his lips.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have brought any of that up," I admitted. "Tonight you should have, if the least, a few moments of peace."
"I like the sound of that," Maxon teased. "And what do you have in mind?"
"Perhaps a quick game of relay races?" I proposed. "No wait, I know what'll do it. Escape."
"Escape? And whatever would that be?" He grinned.
I leaned in as if telling him a secret. "Simple. We run away forever. I've got the guard on the left, you on the right."
Maxon laughed, a laugh I could hear forever over and over again.
"Excellent plan, Lady America. I commend you," Maxon bowed slightly, which made me giggle.
"Have I complimented you on your dress yet? Because it looks rather… enchanting." His lips were raised in a coy smile.
"Don't get any ideas," I pretend-warned. "Remember what I did not to long ago?" I gestured to my knees.
Maxon winced. "Ah yes, that was rather unpleasant. Let us not commence with the self-defense now, or things may get rather ugly."
"You tease," I grinned, and we both laughed.
I felt at such ease with Maxon, and that was a reason why I loved him. I was nobody but myself with him, and everything just felt right.
"I think it's time to sit," Maxon gestured to the dinner table, and many guests were now seated. "Unfortunately I have to sit next to the secretary of treasury. But I intend to see you later?"
"Of course. Don't bore yourself over figures and so forth. I'm afraid that can be extremely deadly."
"Extremely," Maxon agreed, and it was all we could do not to burst into laughter once again.
We parted ways as I took the seat next to Kriss and a royal guard. The King stood, his presence silencing any present conversation. His posture and tone made him seem regal, but I knew that was all an act.
"My guests, it is a pleasure to have come together tonight, for there is much to celebrate. The Selection will soon be coming to a close, and this country will soon have a new princess, one who I hope is everything our country and my son deserves."
A smattering of applause rose as the King sat down, and his eyes met mine. Was he directing his speech at me? Did he think I was not deserving of Maxon?
"As my father just said, the Selection is coming to a close," Maxon began. "There has been… controversy about the Selection amid the rebels, and the sooner my decision is made, the better. I cannot bear to put the castle at much more risk. It is for these reasons that I will soon be making my decision. By next week, I will narrow my decision down to two. And tonight, I am afraid, I must send another home."
I drew in a deep breath. Despite my conversation with Maxon earlier, I was still scared that there was a possibility it could be me. But, I reasoned, Maxon had not spoken with Celeste or Elise yet. I knew Maxon's feelings toward each girl, and I guessed that Elise would be the next to go home.
"Despite this, I commend all the Chosen who are sitting at this table tonight. They are all wonderful, and there is no doubt their success in the future."
A louder cheer arose this time, and Maxons at back down as the meal commenced. The tension was obvious, but I tried to ignore it. The guard next to me, Kyle, was rather funny and entertaining throughout the meal.
Once all the dishes were taken away and the table was cleared, the Queen stood to wish all of us farewell, a dinner ritual. However, before she could say anything, a guard stumbled inside the hall.
His shirt was stained with red blood, his face ghastly white. Everyone gasped as he held up his gun, and Maxon rushed to him.
"Oscar?" Maxon yelled, and the King rushed to his side.
The guard, Oscar, coughed up blood, staining Maxon's suit, but he hardly seemed to notice.
"The rebels," Oscar choked out. "They're inside."