I feel so bad I didn't say 'Love, Smashleigh' at the beginning of my last chapter! I love you all don't worry ;) I just couldn't resist posting this for you guys because I couldn't hold it until tomorrow! Please enjoy my next chapters and feel free to comment! Special shout out to all people who have viewed my story! Again I love you all and hope you're enjoying my story! livingtodance thanks for being another favorite to the story and following it!

This is a LONG chapter but I hope you guys enjoy it!

Chapter 7:

"Your Majesty, I will try everything in my power to get her back." the Master of Arms assures me, "But it may take some time."

I nod. "Just get her back safely." I say tiredly.

He bows slightly and leaves the room. Once the door clicks shut I plop in my desk chair and let out a frustrated sigh. We had to have been talking for hours because the sky was turning a pale pink. Could it be morning already? I feel like she was just taken yesterday. Has it been three days already?

A knock on the door broke me from my trance and my Mother strode in. "Any news?" she asked hopefully.

I shook my head. "No. I tried reasoning with the Master of Arms but it seemed like we'd been talking in circles." I told her.

She sighed. "Maxon I truly am sorry." she said, "Is there anything I can do?"

"Could you convince Father to excuse me from today's duties? I'm quite exhausted." I admitted.

She gave a sad smile. "Of course, dear." she said coming over to me. She rested a hand on my shoulder and I looked up at her. "We will find her. I can assure you that."

"Can you?" I asked sadly, "I feel like she's already gone."

"Don't say that." she told me. "It's only been three days. Don't give up hope yet."

She hung her head trying to catch a wink of sleep. But now that she was in the clutches of the rebels she couldn't help but relive all her nightmares. Everything kept coming back and she was experiencing the unimaginable tortures that were in her dreams.

But this one was different. She was back at the palace and walking through the third floor hallway, the one that was off limits. None of the guards seemed to see her or chose not to. She didn't know where she was going until she reached a double guarded door. Still none of the guards stopped her. She turned the knob and walked into the room. It was very masculine, by her opinion. But the room was slightly bare, except for one wall. Pictures of all different kinds were posted all over the wall. A few cameras rested on the table in the middle. Scattered underneath those cameras were pictures of a red-headed girl, America. Each one showed her smiling face or one startled one. Maxon loved photography and these must be the pictures he took of her.

She moaned trying to wake up from this dream but something kept her pulled in. When she turned around she spotted him. He was twisting around trying to sleep but was experiencing a nightmare as well. She only wished she could comfort him. Watching him suffer was almost as torturous as being cut and bullied for information. But of course it was hopeless because she couldn't wake him. Instead she had to watch him moan and try to wake.

He couldn't mistake her bright red head for anything else. But where was he? It was some weird makeshift jail. And chained against the cell wall was her. She looked awful. Her arms were scrapped and cut in so many places that it didn't even look like she had arms. They were covered in blood so much that they were unrecognizable.

A woman loomed over her but her back was to him. Yet she seemed oddly familiar. Then it hit him. Celeste.

"Oh why so glum America?" she teased.

America raised her head wearily and he gasped. Her face was dirty and worn thin. The pain on her face was also definite.

"Aw look at your face!" Celeste laughed, "Is something wrong?"

America opened her mouth to speak but Celeste traced the knife on her throat. But he couldn't move to help her. He was glued to spot and could do nothing but watch her suffer. Celeste punctured a spot on her neck and she let out a gasp of pain.

In his sleep he moaned aloud and turned on his pillow. America was in fear and pain and he couldn't do anything about it. He was trying and trying but if he didn't hurry she would surely be killed.

"So you wanna talk now?" Celeste asked.

"N-never." America croaked out.

Celeste shrugged her shoulders. "Suit yourself." she cut the knife down America's forearm and left her there to bleed. All Maxon could do was watch and wait until this nightmare was over. America was trying to not talk about anything for his sake. Even if it meant she would die to keep it from them.

"Maxon you look tired." my Father said at breakfast the next morning, "Did you get enough sleep last night?"

I stared daggers at him but he seemed unaffected. "Barely any." I said softly.

My Mother shot a worried look at me. I looked a wreck. My valet had to pull me together this morning but I didn't even shave. A shadow of stubble covered my chin and the bags under my eyes were black and blue.

"That's a shame." my Father said.

Why was he so happy? Did seeing me suffer make him so happy? Was all I had to do to get on his good side to be miserable for the rest of my life? I was his only child and yet I seemed to not even be as much of a favorite as any of the girls at the table next to ours.

"Clarkson let him be." my Mother defended me, "How would you feel if I were missing? You'd be a wreck too, wouldn't you?"

My Father chuckled. "But you're not gone are you?" he said throwing an arm around her shoulder.

She moved his arm away from her and stood. "No. But I'd expect you to respect our son's decision and thank God it was not Me." she said and left the room.

As soon as she left the room my Father gave me the most menacing look I've ever seen. "Alright son," he said, "I think it's time we have a little chat."

Chapter 8:

"Can't we just kill her now?" Celeste whined.

"Of course not!" someone exclaimed, "We need that information and we're sure she knows what we're talking about."

"But this is just getting old." she whined.

"Do you not think we're trying everything!?" someone screamed, "She's stubborn just like you!"

"Excuse me? Who do you think you're talking to?" she snapped, "I am a Two and you're-"

"I don't know if you remember, but the caste system doesn't exist out here." someone snickered.

She was silent for a moment. She whispered a reply and then stormed out of the room.

One of the men strode over towards me and bent down to look into my eyes. He seemed like a kind, old gentleman but someone I couldn't trust. "Now I see why you dislike each other." he said with a smile. I offered him a breathy laugh. Then he leaned closer and whispered in my ear. "I'll get you out of here, Lady America. Just give me a little time."

I looked into his eyes and couldn't help but nod. The motion sent a searing pain through my neck.

"Don't worry." he said reassuringly, "We'll take care of those after you're free."

"Thank you." I whispered.

He rose from his spot and strode over to the other men. "She's not willing to talk still." he said, pretending to be frustrated, "She's a stubborn one, no doubt."

"We've just been confirmed by our inside man that she'll be out tonight." the Master of Arms said to me as I prepared for the ball.

I turned around with the first smile I've had on my face in days. "You're sure?" I asked quickly. "This isn't to get my hopes up and make me a polite host tonight is it?"

He chuckled. "No Your Majesty." he said, "You'd be lucky to see her before the end of the night."

I let out a loud sigh and went over to shake the man's hand. "Thank you." I told him, "You don't know how much this means to me."

He smiled. "Anything for you Your Majesty." he said, "Anything."

Marlee and Elise looked stunning in their dresses but I couldn't help but realize that America's maids worked so hard for the beautiful dress just hanging in her room and it wouldn't be worn tonight. I've seen it of course. Anne wanted me to see it just in case America was to turn up tonight. But seeing how she wasn't here I guess their time was wasted for nothing.

"Maxon please smile." my Mother urged me.

I pasted a smile on my face, one I rarely use now since I had America to make me smile. I used it before when I was trying to convince people I was happy but now I'm sure it only made me appear sulkier.

"She'll turn up. If not tonight then tomorrow." she said.

I nodded and watched the happy partiers from France and Illéa enjoy a wonderful night. A familiar face caught my eye but I didn't bother to say hi. Her deep blue eyes were like daggers as she watched me. But it's not my fault she fell for me when I was about to enter this Selection. I wasn't even in love with her or ever for that matter.

"Lady America wake up." a voice whispered in my ear.

I raised my head and the familiar gray eyes of the old man stared back at me. My heart immediately lifted at the thought of being able to go home, well back to the palace for that matter.

"We don't have much time. But I've managed to have the back cleared out. All you need to do is go under the fence and run straight. You'll reach the palace walls within maybe an hour. We aren't that far away." he told me releasing my arms and legs from the chains.

I fell on the floor and wearily got up. The man helped me move towards the back door but stopped there. "I cannot help you out of here without raising suspicion that I did this." he told me, "But I wish you the best of luck!"

I didn't argue with him. He had his reasons and I had mine but there was no time for that. "Thank you." I whispered softly.

"Don't worry." he assured me, "You'll be safe soon."

I nodded and pushed open the heavy metal door. My arms burned with pain but I had to push through it if I was ever to get back. And see Maxon.

The cool outside air soothed my wounds and I tried to rush over to the fence. It was maybe only fifty feet away and I noticed a hole cut out underneath the fence. I delicately tried to squish under without cutting myself but it was no use. I reopened a few cuts and had to cover my mouth to prevent a scream.

Once on the other side I dashed into the forest. 'Run straight' I kept saying to myself, recalling the man's words. So I did just that. I pushed myself until my legs seared with pain but still kept pushing.

Think of Maxon, America. I said in my head, you'll see him soon.

I danced with a few women but was forever looking at the door, willing America to burst through. I knew I was getting my hopes up but who could blame me? It was rude of course and a few women playfully scolded me for it but it was no use. So after I danced with Marlee, who was oddly completely okay with it, I gave up on dancing and sat down with my Mother.

As soon as I sat down a familiar brunette sat next to me. "Why have you been avoiding me all night, Maxon?" she whispered softly in my ear.

"Hello Daphne." I replied back weakly.

"What's wrong my dear?" she asked in mock concern.

"Don't tease me now." I warned her, "I'm not in the mood."

She smiled to herself but continued. "Making the wrong choice?" she pushed, "Those two girls don't suit you?"

I sighed. "No." I told her. Her face brightened. "Can we talk about this later?"

She tugged me towards the terrace. "No." she said. "We cannot."

Once outside she turned towards me. I had to back away just because she was so close but she matched my step. "Why are you unhappy darling?" she asked softly.

She took one of my hands in hers, intertwining our fingers. I tried pulling away but she held it in a hard grip. "It's none of your concern." I told her sharply.

"Oh but you see it is." she said, "Maxon I see how miserable you are and you don't even glance at those two girls twice. So all I want to know is why you can't just tell me you love me?"

I snort. She is so full of herself. Here I thought that Daphne was a sweet innocent girl and now I realize she's nothing worse than an arrogant princess. "It's not that-" I began but she leaned up on tiptoes and kissed me.

I stood stock still in my place. After what seemed like hours trudging my way through the forest I finally reached the palace terrace. But I was only met with a revolting sight. Some random brunette had her arms wrapped around Maxon's neck and was kissing him. She pulled back and looked into his eyes. But Maxon only looked around the terrace and his eyes landed on me.

"America!" Maxon exclaimed and pushed the girl away. He strode over to me and wrapped an arm around my waist. I pulled away and he gave me a questioning look.

"Who's America?" the girl asked stepping over towards us.

"She's a member of the Selection." he said to her softly.

Is that all I am? Is that all as Maxon sees me as? Just another member of the Selection? I choke back a sob and rush through one of the side entrances. A few people relaxing in the hall shot stunned looks at me but I ignored them and rushed up the stairs and into my room. My maids were there and they exclaimed in delight and worry at the sight of me.

"Oh miss, are you alright?" Lucy asked.

I nodded but wouldn't speak. All I did was let them dress me for bed and then manage my wounds. Mary just brought in a bowl of water and we were sitting in the bathroom when someone knocked on the door.

Anne opened it and Maxon strode in. "Where is she?" he asked her softly.

She motioned to the bathroom and he walked brusquely over to the door. The expression on his face told me all. He was stunned by the condition of my arms and neck. His face was also red at seeing me in a tank top and shorts as opposed to my usual linen nightgown.

"Can you give us a moment Mary? Lucy?" I asked softly.

They curtseyed and left me and Maxon alone. At first he was frozen but then he came over to sit beside me. As delicate as one of my maids he picked up the cloth and began whipping my arms. I said nothing as he washed away all the blood from my arms until I was left with nothing but scars. He moved to the next arm but I stopped him.

"Maxon…" I began. He paused and looked at me. I held my hand out for the cloth and he reluctantly handed it over. I sighed before speaking again. "I did see you. But all I wanted to know is why?"

He let out a deep sigh. "She thought that since I wasn't interested in Marlee or Elise that I was in love with her." he began. "Before the Selection began she expressed that she loved me and to call off the whole thing and marry her. I said no and that I did not share her feelings but she thought seeing me so miserable meant I realized that I could only be happy with her."

"But you're not." I prompted.

He chuckled. "America," he said, "there's only ever been you. Even from the start."

I bowed my head. It felt odd hearing that even though I was never one hundred percent in love with him. At least not until I realized I might die before I told him that.

"I think all this time I've felt the same way." I told him looking into his eyes.

For a moment he didn't say a word. "A-America." he stuttered, "Are you saying…"

I smiled at him and nodded. "I love you Maxon."

He didn't even hesitate but cupped my face in his hands and kissed me hard. It sent a pain through my neck and I let out a small gasp. He pulled back and his eyes were full of concern. "I'm sorry." he said softly, "Let me finish, okay?"

I handed him the cloth and he washed off my neck. His nails grazed a few cuts once or twice and I winced in pain. Every time he mumbled sorry and would kiss my lips softly. It wasn't a bad consolation for being in so much pain. Before he moved to my right arm I stopped him. I took the cloth and braced myself for what was next.

I flipped over my arm and saw the deep gash through my forearm. Maxon gasped and almost snatched the cloth back but I stopped him.

"It was-" I began.

"Celeste." he finished, "I know."

"You do?" I asked in disbelief.

He nodded. "I dreamed about you. Well it was more of a nightmare." he admitted. "But I saw the way you were treated and how you wouldn't tell them anything."

A stray tear fell down my cheek. The saltiness stung but I was too absorbed. I wondered if it was the same night I dreamed of him.

"But it doesn't matter." he said taking the cloth. "As long as you're here and safe from now on."