Maxon POV

Kriss left soon after, but not before giving me a gentle kiss on the cheek. "She'll be alright, Maxon. She's stronger than any of us know," she said. And I know she's right.

America—my hot-headed, fiery America—is far too stubborn to let this deter her. She's determined to make a difference, and if that means taking thirty lashes in front of the whole country, I have no doubt she would do it hundreds of more times. She's just amazing like that. She'd rather suffer than let someone else feel that pain. She tries to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders.

I push away from my desk abruptly. Without even thinking twice, I start running toward the hospital wing.

America tries to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Just as a true queen does.

America POV

May left about a half-hour ago. She said that Sylvia told her and my parents that the families of the Elite are being sent home. The only reason mine is still here is because I'm the one who was beaten to a pulp in front of an audience.

I'm nearly drifting off to sleep when someone bursts through the infirmary doors. I immediately try to sit up to see who has arrived so frantically, but a shock of pain shoots through my back. I cry out and fall back down.

"America!" Maxon exclaims when he hears my yelp. He reaches my cot, and his hands flutter around me, unsure of what to do. "What hurts? What do you want me to do?"

"I'm fine," I huff, "I'm okay."

"Are you sure?" Maxon asks warily.

"I'm sure," I answer. I slowly lift myself up so I can sit properly, facing Maxon. "What's up? What're you doing here?"

He hesitates. "America…" he starts.

"I'm going home, aren't I?" I ask.

"What?"

"Because I was so outwardly disobedient. I'm going home, right?"

Maxon laughs out loud at this. "Of course not!" he says, "I'm here to tell you how much I admire your bravery. That's not something just anyone would do. My father is probably furious that you managed to outsmart him, but aside from that, you've done nothing wrong."

I feel myself relax. "Okay," I breathe. I look up at Maxon. "Why are you here, then?"

Maxon's face turns red. "Well… I wanted to explain myself to you. I know how cruel it seems that I would put a person through what you went through. But my father planned to have them killed. I… I couldn't let them die. Marlee was your friend—is your friend—and I knew her too. She was sweet and friendly, and I trust she must really love Carter if she took that risk. I wanted them to be happy together, as I want all of these girls to end up happy. Like I want you to be happy, with or without me. I really hope it's with, though, and not without."

I watch in shock as Maxon gets down on one knee before me.

"Will you, America Singer, take me as your husband? Let me hold you and love you more than any man has ever loved a woman? Will you stay by my side, be my best friend, my confidante, my dear—" I snort at the endearment— "as I wish to be yours?

"America Singer, will you marry me?"

A/N: Haha! I'm so evil. Sorry for the cliffhanger, not to mention the short and late chapter. I should be back on normal schedule this week. Till next time, lovelies.

With love,

StormcloudPercival13