Three years can rocket by or they can drag. Three years without Maxon or Aspen has been strange. But the life I'm living so far has been astonishing. Living in Italy is the loveliest thing I have ever experienced. Meeting Harrisyn has been bliss. Falling into a hole of love is the best feeling ever.
I met him during my first week at the palace. I was walking across the beach, taking in the blurring sunset that radiates off the pristine waters when we collided. I clumsily stumbled into his tough chest, sending myself tumbling into the thick sand. He stumbled over his primeval shoes, trying to help me up while mumbling apologies. As he grasped my hand, I yanked him to the ground with me. We both burst into fits of hysterics and that's how our relationship bloomed.
He has a beautiful personality; so, caring and compassionate. Always asking how I am and if I need anything. Always there for a shoulder to lean on and an embrace to go to. I remember the first time I kissed him. The way his smooth hands glided up the back of my dress. Cupping my face in his hands- pressing his lips harder to mine. I fit in his body perfectly, my face nuzzling into the crook of his neck. His smell- Oh his smell- Jazmyn and lilies. Gorgeous.
I absolutely adore his laugh. The steadiness of the pitch, the little snorts he makes. I love it when a lock of dirty blonde hair falls over his dazzling green eyes. He feels so comforting, just like home. I could talk about him forever but always lurking at the back of my mind is Maxon. He always manages to get on my mind. But Harrisyn's the one I want.
He worked as Nic's Royal Guard. Watching with trained eyes for danger. However, Nic insisted that he becomes mine. So, he's near. And I adore it. He is so alert for my security.
Right now, I'm in the Ladies Room with Nic. The suns light blazing through the windows and the light snow fall coating the earth. I'm tucked into the corner of the grand sofa, sipping on a cocktail while gossiping with Nic. "It never snows here. It's just so beautiful!" She shrills, almost spilling juice on the glowing white gown she wears. I glance down at my own; velvet red that hugs the curves of my body. It reminds me of the one I wore that was not so highly appreciated during the Selection.
Maxon.
Ugh, why won't he go away?!
There has been no news of his and Kriss' engagement. I'm surprised really. It's been three years and no wedding has popped up. No heir. I've seen them on the news, smiles plastered on their faces, their hands never leaving one another's. It's like, if she lets go he'll crumple away.
"Mer!" Nic's delicate hand waving in my face beckons me to reality. As I catch her eyes, her eyebrows crumple in misperception. "Maxon?"
"Ugh, yes! I don't get it. I love Harrisyn. Why won't Maxon go away?" I heave a sigh, staring down at my numb hands around the subtle glass.
"I know this won't help but I've been meaning to tell you." She bites her bottom lip- trying to dodge what she must say. "Queen Amberly has asked if you would like to perform to the whole of Ilea for her birthday in front of the whole Royal Family including the girls of Maxon's Selection." She gasps for air, clutching her hand on her chest.
My mouth literally drops, "What? When? Why didn't you tell me earlier?" I throw all the questions at her. Placing my glass down with a little too much force, knocking some of the rosy colours on the diamond table.
"Next week." She murmurs, disappointed.
My eyes protrude, "Next week? I-"
Wait! Maybe this is a good thing. I can show Maxon I've moved on from him. Yeah, that I'm not still hung up on him. (Even though he still lingers in the back of my mind.) A grin plays at the sides of my lips. My face relaxes ad I place my hand on Nic's slight shoulder. "Tell Amberly I would love to." With that I gracefully saunter out of the room, running right into Harrisyn.
I splatter to the ground, in a crumpled mess. My hair falls from the pristine bun, right past my shoulders. The impact almost blows the air from my lungs but I just laugh. I grab onto his outstretched hand, hauling myself up. I fall onto his untouched jacket, feeling his hands worm up my spine, tingling at his touch. "We need to stop meeting like this." I feel his words against the roots of my head.
I recompose myself, shaking my hair out of my face. I grasp to his hand to regain my balance, feeling the warmth rush through me. I stare into his brilliant eyes, almost getting lost. "I don't mind." I stare up at him through my eyelashes, feeling my smile fade. I unlink our eye contact, looking at the grand doors behind him- noticing the intricate golds and silvers slivering across the white wood.
He cups my chin in his hand, leading our gazes to one another. "America, what is it darling?" Darling, the word hits like a brick. I flinch away but layer a weak smile over it. I lightly shake my head while noticing his eyebrows knit together.
"Harrisyn. I have something to tell you."
