Author's Notes: A dark cloud continues to hover over the palace! What do you think is going to happen?

Thanks, CloakSeeker and Supergirls2008 for your continued help! You are awesome!

Enjoy!

~Sweetwaterspice

Sweet Surrender

Chapter Four

~Maxon

As it swept across my face, the Angeles evening breeze was refreshing, soothing almost, calming the storm brewing inside of me but not as much as the glass of bourbon that I held in my hand. The night sky was beautiful tonight. I could smell the sweetened scent of spring blooms in the air. America loved nights like these when the moon was full and the stars twinkled bright. On evenings like these we would stand here, on our balcony, in each other's arms taking it all in – our then, our now, and our future. I cherished quiet moments like these – our kisses, the sweet-nothings we whispered to each other, the love I had for her that lived in every cell of my body. It was a feeling unlike any other I've ever felt before.

I leaned on the banister of the balcony outside our bedroom facing the gardens, thinking about my conversation with Leger. Quiet thoughts became fleeting, replaced by a feeling of uneasiness in the pit of my stomach. I felt a dread hanging over me, heavy and suffocating. It was now the second night that America and I would be apart since our wedding day and the hole I felt in my chest hurt more than the bullet I took from that Southern rebel. I hadn't even seen her lovely face today and I ached for her. I sighed and knocked back the last of the amber colored drink. It went down smooth, warming my insides as if it were trying to dull the pain I was under; like an anesthetic. But the effects would be temporary I knew, for that sharp pain, like a knife in my heart would only return in a matter of minutes.

I thought of my conversation with Leger. I tried to gauge the man, see the guilt in his eyes but whatever mask he wore prevented me from being absolutely certain of his intentions. Still, I couldn't help my feelings. And I didn't believe it was all stemming from jealousy. I had good reasons to suspect, didn't I? America had been his sole interest for two years until he decided they shouldn't be together. He'd sent her to me, in his own way, encouraging her to submit her application for the Selection. I supposed I should be thanking the man. If it hadn't been for his own insecurities, America and I would never have met, fallen in love and married. I should really thank him.

Still, that voice inside my head persisted. During a large portion of the Selection, he had pursued her. How could I forget? I shook my head, thinking how naive I had been. I had fallen in love with America almost instantaneously. But while I was forced to spread my affections amongst 34 others, Leger had focused singularly on her. I had been in a tug-of-war with him all along, fighting for her heart, fighting for her affections; I just never realized how close to home the fight had come to be.

And yet, as I laid in a pool of my own blood, I trusted him...with her life. I handed her back to him, making sure he would see to her survival and surrendering my own. Did Aspen's saving America prove his loyalty to me? Or as a final act of treason did he save her for himself realizing I would be out of the way for good? No. That would prove still too underhanded even for the likes of a snake like Leger.

I hadn't asked America all the gory details of her relationship with Leger when I had proposed although it had come to light that it had gone on in the palace. I had decided to turn the page on that. I loved America and she loved me. But I knew she was volatile. She had hinted once that when we would argue she would run back to his open arms. Is this what he was hoping for? To cause friction between us so he could lure her back to him?

Could this be another step in his game? To prove to her she had made a mistake by choosing me? While my attentions were now divided among the many needs of my country, could he once again make her feel like she's the only thing that mattered?

I shook my head. I had to stop this. I was driving myself insane! I had to put it aside for mine and America's sake.

And it was because of her, because I love her so damn much that I haven't taken action to rid myself of Leger. There were many ways of getting rid of a thorn, Stavros mentioned but I knew America would've seen straight through it. I didn't wish to win this war because I had the advantage to do as I pleased. I wanted to win fair and square. I chuckled, chiding myself. Fair? There is no fair play in love and war. It was stupid to even consider such a thing. But I wouldn't be able to look at my love knowing that I had a hand in exiling Leger to New Asia or worse. Damn it! I needed to trust America; that things would work out. That was easier said than done.

I stepped inside our bedroom, looking at the empty side of the bed that belonged to her. The thought made my lips turn up into a slight smile. Yes, it did belong to her just like so many other things. I set the glass down on her night table. Why the hell was I standing here like a fool? As long as America and I kept apart from each other, Leger was winning! Why didn't I see this sooner? Shit. No, I wouldn't stand by...not for one more damn minute.

~America

I sat at the vanity in the Princess' suite. I had sent my maids away for the evening not wanting any sort of company. I was feeling miserable. I brushed my hair, looking at the reflection of my sad self in the mirror. I mulled over my conversation with Marlee. There was a piece, a big piece of me that agreed with everything she'd said. And yet, there was a part of me that didn't want to yield. And it was that part that scared me the most. I wouldn't dream of ever being unfaithful to Maxon. I couldn't. He was my world. He had given me everything I had ever wanted.

Hadn't he proven his love? Hadn't he sent all the other Selected home because I had asked him to do so? Hadn't he pledged himself to me? Why did I put such demands on him and yet when he had requested the same of me, I was now…resistant?

I shouldn't be so prideful. I hated being cornered. And that's how I felt now. Cornered. I let out a heavy sigh, my forehead falling to the surface of the vanity, my arms limp at my sides, my brush falling to the floor. I missed Maxon so much my heart ached. I didn't wake in his arms today. I didn't feel his kisses today. I didn't see his beautiful brown eyes. I wanted my Maxon. I needed him.

There was a knock. I took a glance in the mirror wiping the remnants of tears staining my eyes. It was probably Mary coming back for her sewing basket.

But it wasn't Mary. It was Paige. "I'm sorry to interrupt you, my Lady but Mary forgot her sewing basket. Asked me to come get it for her."

"No. No worries, Paige." I gestured for her to enter. I went back to the vanity, grabbing my brush and sat, resuming the task of brushing my own hair. I always loved it when my maids brushed my hair. It always relaxed me. But tonight, I had resigned to do it myself. Paige quickly found the basket.

She wasn't her usually talkative self. I could guess why not since I had been so gloomy today. She walked to the door and stopped as her hand went to the knob. She turned to me saying, "You know, my Lady," I stopped mid-brush, looking over my shoulder. "I don't know much about men - women stuff but I know King Maxon loves you...with all his heart. I've never seen a man look at a woman the way he looks at you. I would hope that one day, if I ever get married, my husband looks at me that way too. And the way he always speaks about you, like he's some sort of school boy," she gave me a shy smile. "I know you love him too, my Lady. Whatever's happened...don't forget that."

Paige didn't wait for me to say a word. She rushed out as if she were afraid I would be upset or that she had spoken out uninvited. Her words touched me. I knew my love for Maxon was real and his for me. But...if he loved me, why did I feel he wasn't trusting me?

A second knock. I sighed. Was I ever going to get any peace around here?! I needed peace and quiet to be alone with my thoughts. I had to figure things out. And now with Paige's words swirling in my head...

I opened the door expecting Paige again. But it wasn't Paige.

There he stood, handsome and gorgeous as ever. My heart suddenly burst. I wanted to throw my arms around him and kiss him solidly. I was so happy to see him but I contained it. I couldn't let him see how ecstatic and yet how broken I was.

"Can I come in?" he asked. I nodded, not being able to speak. As he walked past, his smell invaded my senses sending shocks through my system. He wore his pajamas. His robe, tied at the waist by a simple knot, draped his bare torso. I could see the skin of his chest peeking through the opening and all I wanted to do was run my hands over that flesh. I took all of him in as if I hadn't seen him in ages, from his head all the way down to his bare feet, under the hem of his pajama pants. He looked…delicious.

I leaned against the door, now shut behind me, afraid to move. I held onto the knob for dear life for if I let go, I knew I would end up in his arms.

He spoke first. "I wanted to come by. Make sure you were doing okay." He gave a timid smile.

"I'm fine. Thank you," I replied softly, feeling my cheeks warm. My feet felt like bricks as I made my way over to the vanity, a nice, safe distance between us. I took a seat, my knees feeling wobbly and very weak.

"America…" he started and the sound of my name on his lips, warmed me all over.

I looked at him. God, I wanted him so badly. I wanted to strip him naked and make love to him right now. I felt like I had been punched in the gut by not allowing myself to surrender to him. Why was I being so stubborn?!

"I don't want to fight. I don't ever want to fight. Not with you. I love you."

He had to stop. He needed to stop! My ears were burning and other parts of me were screaming! I crossed my legs seeking to calm the ache building between my thighs. Why did he have to be so damn irresistible?

"I've missed you. Please…come with me. We shouldn't be like this." His voice was like honey. He extended his hand, coming closer to me. His gesture was an olive branch, and I yearned to accept it.

My body was shaking and I wanted to reach out for him. I wanted to take his hand. I wanted to go back to our bed, to my sanctuary, to my husband and my lover but something in me wasn't letting me.

I felt my hand lifting, and I felt a force pushing it back down. "I…I can't…Maxon," I heard myself say. What the hell was my problem?!

His sigh was audible. "I suppose, we still have something to figure out?" He was frustrated. There was a hint of a frown when he asked that question and I deflated even further for disappointing him.

"I didn't walk today," I stated pathetically, as if that was supposed to heal this thing. It was a weak attempt; but this wasn't over.

"I know."

That made me smile inside. He was pleased. At least I wasn't a total failure. "I just need a little more time, okay?" My heart wrenched. Why was I making this all about me and my feelings? Marlee was right. I was being a selfish bitch.

He started to say something, but then resigned. "Have a good night then." And before he exited, he turned to look at me one more time, "I love you."

And after he was gone, I burst into tears.

I felt like I was being torn between two different worlds. I was desperately trying to hold on to a piece of my past while holding on to Maxon. One part of me couldn't just shove Aspen to the side. And yet the other part of me knew it was a poor excuse to keep him close. I didn't want to cross that threshold. I was refusing. I was being nothing more than a stubborn child and I knew it. I needed a swift kick in the butt to do this and get it over with. And I knew the person who could give me that push. After I pulled myself together enough, I picked up the telephone. I dialed and waited until she came to the phone.

"America?! Come stai?!"

"Bene, grazie," were just a few Italian phrases I had been able to pick up.

There was a pause. "Hmm…No. I can tell you are lying to me."

How could she pick up on that so quickly?

"I can tell by your voice, you are not, ok! What is the problem? Are you having problems in bed?"

"No! My goodness Nicoletta, you're making me blush."

"Blushing is good! Makes people know you're alive. Now tell me. What is going on? Is it Maxon?"

I sighed. "It's me."

"But you're a bella! What could be the problem with you?"

I went on to explain the situation. Nicoletta listened without interruption and once I was done she asked some very pointed and direct questions. Nicoletta was never one to beat around the bush. She reminded me of my mother in that sense but way cooler and without the nagging.

"Are you trying to invite another rooster into the henhouse?"

"Of course not!"

"Do you still have love feelings for this other man?"

"Nothing like that…No!"

"And so if he has a woman, why are you insistent on taking these walks with him?"

"We're only friends, Nicoletta."

"And yet, you did not answer the question. Do you believe this other woman is not good enough for him?"

"I believe she is, yes."

"Don't you remember how it was for you during the Selection? How you had to share your dear Maxon? Did that make you happy?"

"No," I stated frankly. I dreaded having to share Maxon and compete for his attention.

"Well then, why should she have to share hers with you?"

"We are just friends, Nicoletta, nothing more!"

"So then you're being a territorial bitch."

Nicoletta's words knocked the air out of me. She was right. If was as if scales had fallen from my eyes and what I saw, I didn't like. It wasn't that I wanted Aspen. It was that I didn't want him to want anyone else. I still wanted him at my beck and call. I was being a territorial, selfish bitch. I felt awful.

It wasn't fair to Lucy or Maxon or Aspen even. I had to end this. Tomorrow I would.

Just like my conversation with Marlee, the conversation with Nicoletta played in my head over and over. It was already well past midnight. I laid in bed trying to string together words and sentences so I could speak with Aspen tomorrow. I didn't want to be cruel. I needed to find the right words to let him down gently and my heart suddenly scolded me for it. It seemed that all I had done lately was let him down. Then I remembered. Aspen had Lucy. He wasn't alone or unloved. He had found a gem in her and I knew after all the heartbreak Lucy had been through, she would love Aspen possibly more than I ever had. I had no claims to Aspen. He belonged to Lucy now. And I belonged to Maxon. I suddenly felt a sense of calm.

I sighed. Tomorrow. And everything will be okay.

"I can't explain what is going on in his head, Aspen. But he's insisting I can't take these walks with you any more." I couldn't lie to Aspen about Maxon's feelings. He had every right to know, right? I held onto his arm as we walked in the garden. I was feeling guilty for putting all the blame on Maxon but I figured it would be an easier pill for Aspen to swallow.

Aspen scoffs, rolls his eyes. "Of course he would."

"I told him he didn't need to worry or suspect anything was happening between us..."

"Because there isn't, right?" He finishes the sentence.

I nod. Right, Aspen? I ask myself. I was too much of a coward to ask him out loud. Truthfully, I was afraid of the answer.

"You're not going to let him stop us, are you, Mer?" His tone was pleading.

I hesitate.

"Mer?" He looks at me with a crinkle set deep in his brow. "Are you seriously...? Considering..."

I cut him off. "He's my husband, Aspen. I have to."

"Like hell you do!" He cries, his voice, grave.

"Aspen!" I scold in return. We didn't need an audience.

I see the tension in his jaw soften. "I'm sorry, Mer," he quickly apologizes, his tone softer. He turns to me, holding one of my elbows gently in his hand. I look into his eyes, so green, so beautiful under the afternoon Angeles sun. I tear my gaze away. "I don't want to lose this okay? Us...like this..." he pleads. I'm starting to waver, but I remember...Maxon.

"It's not right, Aspen. We can't..."

"We've been friends, Mer, for a long time. Doesn't that count for something?"

"Aspen...I..d..."

My eyes turn from Aspen. I already feel uneasy by the way he's holding on to me but nothing compared to the heat in my stomach as I hear the sound of female giggles.

"What?" I ask myself as I walk towards the echo. I leave Aspen behind, curious. He calls after me but I don't answer. And there it was again. A woman...a laugh. It was familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. I hear hushed voices and more giggles.

I round the corner of a hedge. My heart sinks into the pits of my stomach and I feel as if I am ready to faint. My chest heaves. I can't breathe!

"Maxon?" I call his name, barely above a whisper.

"Darling! " he turns to me, smiling. Why is he smiling?! Why the hell is he smiling?!

"America! How kind of you to let me borrow your husband for the afternoon! Maxon was just showing me the beautiful blooms in your garden."

Kriss.

She too, is smiling, giddiness pouring from her like a bubbling brook. She doesn't try to hide it. And she is clinging to Maxon! To my husband!

"What the hell is she doing here, Maxon?" I bellow. He doesn't answer. "Maxon, what is the meaning of this?" I demand, hurt and angry.

"Relax, America. You're overreacting. Kriss and I are just friends. There is nothing wrong with spending time with a friend. Didn't you tell me so? He asks, his face serene, his eyes sparkling, his teeth displayed in a glorious grin.

"No!"

"No?" Maxon asks.

I shake my head. "I mean, yes, but..."

"America, why did you run off?" Aspen asks from behind me. I turn around to look at him, confused and frustrated. Is this payback? Is Maxon punishing me by letting Kriss be near him?

"Not now, Aspen. Please, leave." I demand. He goes to argue but I glare at him. His image starts fading as he leaves but I don't care. Maxon...my heart is bleeding.

"Maxon, why is she here?" I ask, my anger growing, a beastly thing inside of me. My chest is rising and falling and my vision becomes blurry from the rage I feel rumbling through me.

"Darling, why're you so upset? Kriss is our guest. She's...a friend, right, Kriss?"

She flashes a satisfied grin as she snuggles up to him. I want to tear her hair out! Why wasn't he pushing her off him?!

She looks at me and mockingly pouts her bottom lip. "Oh! Don't look so surprised. I just want you to understand, America, I'm going to fuck your husband's brains out."

I shot up in bed, my chest heaving and I heard myself gasping for air. I blinked in the darkness realizing I was in the Princess' suite. My nightgown was damp with sweat and my heart, beating abnormally fast. It was only a dream, America, I'm tell myself. No, it was a damn nightmare!

My mouth felt dry and I reached for the pitcher of water on my nightstand. I picked up the glass and tried pouring water into it but my hands were unsteady, shaking all over the place. I clumsily set the glass down on the nightstand; it tipped over, rolling unto the floor. It shattered. I held the water pitcher in both hands. I needed to wash away this taste in my mouth! So vile, so sour. I gulped like a camel, the water trickling down my chin unto my nightgown.

I set the pitcher on my lap and all I felt was pain and hurt and as my body hunched over the water receptacle, I heard myself sobbing.

"I'm sorry, Maxon. I'm so sorry."

So who is driving you more to the edge of insanity? Maxon or America?

What do you think are Aspen's intentions?

Post your thoughts, a review, PM, fave or follow!

Thanks to everyone that has reviewed! If you are a Member and leave a review, I will personally PM you to thank you for your support. Guest Reviewers may get a shout-out so make your review/post good!

*Guest Reviewer: You want Maxon to punch Aspen? - Hmm...Tempting!

*Guest Reviewer Laura: I know! Isn't America just frustrating?!

About Updates: We are all anxiously anticipating the release of "The Crown" on May 3rd! I will be updating sometime after that. So stay tuned!

Don't forget to check out the Author's Notes section in my story At Last for further thoughts!

Go! Chapter 5 is up!