*All characters belong to Kiera Cass*
Chapter 4
I awoke, expecting to wake up to the sun raised over the clear blue ocean. Instead I saw a darker room with pin-striped wallpaper. It took me a second to realize where I was. As I recalled everything from last night, my head felt dizzy again just thinking about it.
Looking at the clock, I realized I had slept in till noon. Yawning, I sat up, peering around the room. It had a single bed, the one I was lying on. The sheets were white, with a cream colored quilt that had kept me warm during the night. Over in the corner was the sofa and chairs that we'd been sitting on last night. I made my way to the washroom, needing a shower. As I stood in the scalding hot water, I sighed.
What would I decide to do? Going to the palace would give me a purpose, something to do that was important to Illea. Joining the Northern rebels and helping them felt right.
On the other hand, going to the palace also meant seeing Maxon again. Not to mention, Kriss. I wasn't sure how I would handle seeing the two of them as an official couple. Planning their upcoming wedding, having stolen kisses in the hallways, holding hands as they walked through the palace. I wanted to move on with my life, I really did. And going to the palace seemed like a step back, not forward.
Rinsing the shampoo out of my hair, I tried to come to a decision. My stomach started to growl, however. I hadn't eaten since the airport yesterday morning and I quickly realized how hungry I was.
Finishing up in the shower, I pulled my damp hair up into a quick bun and pulled out the jeans from the palace that I had packed and a gray long sleeve top. Feeling comfortable, I made my way down to the restaurant. I could instantly smell the aroma of bacon as I entered the dining room. They had a buffet style brunch with eggs, bacon, toast, sausage, salads, fruits, and more. It made my mouth water.
I loaded a plate and sat in the same spot I had yesterday. There were a couple of people eating in the restaurant, but it wasn't too busy.
"May I get a beverage for you, miss?" A server came by with a pen and notebook to take my order. "We have coffee, water, juice, milk, soda."
I smiled, "Water, please."
"Of course," he finished writing and looked up at me. Slowing, realization appeared on his face. He recognized me.
"Please," I quickly jumped in before he could say a word. "Please, don't tell anyone I am here. I've come for some peace and quiet, and I'd rather not have reporters disturbing me."
He nodded, looking star struck. "Of course, Lady America. Or Princess America. What should I call you, exactly? I'm not sure."
I realized he was pretty young, probably sixteen or so. And since he was a server, he was a six. I just gave him a friendly smile and told him to call me Miss Singer. He agreed and went off to get me some water.
When he came back, his hands were shaking as he delivered the glass to my table. "Here you are, Miss Singer."
"Thank you," I replied.
"I promise not to tell a soul about you being here, not even the owner," he looked around, making sure no one could overhear. "The owner would definitely call the reporters, as it would make the Inn famous, having you here. He is greedy when it comes to business."
I nodded, understanding. "Well, I appreciate the discretion even more now."
He smiled, sheepishly. "Of course, anything for you." He then flashed a tattoo that he had on his wrist. It was three stars, one larger than the other two. He was a Northern rebel.
I met his eyes. "Like I said," he whispered. "Anything I can do to help you, Miss Singer."
With that, he left me to my meal. I suddenly wondered how many rebels and rebel supporters there were. Perhaps this location was chosen for a reason. As I ate, I looked around the room. I wondered if anyone else in here were Northern rebels. Perhaps some were Southern ones, I thought as a shiver ran down my spine.
The Southern ones were dangerous. They killed people and seemed to take delight in doing so. If they got out of hand, who knows what would happen to Illea under their control. A gut wrenching thought came to mind. If the Southern rebels gained control, that would mean that they would hurt and most likely kill Maxon.
Suddenly, the food didn't seem too appealing anymore. A bitter taste filled my mouth. I quickly dropped some money on the table and raced back to my room. I ran straight for the toilet, throwing up whatever food I had managed to eat. The thought of Maxon dying made me ill, bringing back unwanted memories of the night when the Southerners attacked us and I actually thought he was killed.
I sat on the cool tile floor, leaning my back against the shower door. I wasn't sure if I could do what Georgia and August asked of me, but at that moment I knew I had to try. Letting the Southern rebels win was not an option. I couldn't live in a world where Maxon was dead, I knew that. I felt it in my heart. If it meant going to the palace again and living under the same roof as Maxon and Kriss, I knew I had to put my feelings aside and do what was right. This country was changing and if my helping it made it a better place, I was willing to cooperate in anyway I could.
After rinsing my mouth out and splashing some cold water on my face, I lounged in my room for the rest of the day. Anxiously I kept checking the peep hole in the door, seeing of Georgia and August were there. Even though I knew they wouldn't be coming till the evening, I was too jittery to just stay still.
I passed the time, watching television. Some dramatic romance show caught my eye. As a five, we had a small television in our living room. We rarely watched it though, as it made the power bill go up. The only time thing we watched was the royal reports and the during the Selection announcements, of course.
This show made me feel better about my own dramatic romance of a life. The main character, Elizabeth, was a four that was secretly in love with a six. She was engaged to a three however, but that guy acted like a jealous, manipulative person. He was also cheating on her and seemed to only want to marry her for her looks. Oh! And then Elizabeth's sister, secretly loved the guy. The show was oddly addicting.
Afterwards, the newscast came on, sombering me. The Southern rebels were attacking twos and threes. Cornering them in the streets. Some were robbing them, others were physically hurting them, and, sadly, a few were killing them. It seemed to be happening all over Illea, but mostly in the southwestern part of the country.
They then discussed how the Northern rebels were trying to stop them. The news reporter also talked about how King Maxon supports the Northern rebels. It cut to a previous report, and Maxon's face suddenly filled the screen. He was wearing a dark gray suit, with a red tie. After not seeing his face for weeks, it was as if I couldn't look away. Maxon looked the same, with his blond hair and sincere eyes. But I could also see a few changes, he had faint bags under his eyes that made him look more tired. His smile wasn't quite as wide as he used to be.
He spoke, "I've come to an agreement of sorts with the Northern rebels. They plan to work with me and our country, helping us defeat the Southern rebels. With the caste system being abolished, they've also given their full support. As a country, we need to come together and work on making Illea a peaceful place. One where future generations will live without fear or worry."
The newscast cut back to the reporter. She spoke, "King Maxon's support for the Northern rebels as well as the support for the abolishment of the caste system has caused mixed reactions amongst the people of Illea. Right now, the people of Illea are divided."
I watched, I knew that not everyone had supported the caste system, but I also knew that a lot of people did. We were all used to the caste system, but the higher castes were the ones that didn't understand how horrible it could be. If you were a one, two, three, or even a four, you didn't necessarily see how unfair life was for the lower castes. How much poverty affected them. How if they weren't good at a trade within their caste system, they were lost.
Watching a little longer, I heard a knock on the door. Quickly shutting off the television, I went and looked through the peephole. Seeing August and Georgia, I opened the door, letting them in immediately.
"We brought some take out for you," Georgia held up a bag, then started pulling out small, white containers. It smelt heavenly.
"What is it?" I asked, curious.
"Food from an Asian restaurant, the best in town," she replied.
We started to eat and they looked at me, expectantly. I sighed, taking a sip of the soda they had brought. "I've thought things over," I started. "And after much consideration, I have decided to accept your offer and go to the palace to help Maxon."
"Good," August smiled. "We need you there as soon as possible, tonight we can take you there."
My eyebrows shot up," Tonight? Why so soon?"
I thought that I would have time to prepare myself more, to talk myself into it. I thought a week or so would be more appropriate and I was just about to tell them that when Georgia started talking.
"The quicker the better," she said between bites of rice and chicken. "If we get you in the public eye, it will give the Northern rebels a boost in morale. You're good at talking to the people, America. You can give your speeches on the Report, explain about the benefits of the caste abolishment, of standing up to the Southern rebels. The sooner you do that, the better."
I nodded, "I can see where you're coming from I suppose."
"Good," she said. "Then we'll take you over to the palace and have a meeting with the King."
I gulped. "Maybe the morning would be better, it'll be pretty late by the time we arrive. I don't want to...inconvenience him."
She rolled her eyes, "He's used to us stopping by at any hour, plus he's always up late, working on running the country and all."
"He must have a lot to do, now that his father and mother are both gone," I commented absentmindedly.
"Yes," August agreed. "With you there, however, you can take on some of that work load."
I sighed, leaning back into the chair. Rubbing my temples, I felt a headache starting to come on. All of this was happening too quickly and it felt like it was out of my control. Seeing Maxon tonight? After all of this time. Seeing his face on the news segment was one thing, but seeing him in person… I wasn't sure how to react to this. It was going to be hard, I knew that at least.
"America," Georgia said, bringing me back to the conversation. "I understand that this can't be the easiest thing for you to do, but it must be done."
"Yes, I know." I stood up before I could talk myself out of this. "I'll grab my things and we can be on our way."
As we exited the Inn, Georgia took me to the car as August checked out of the room for me. I sat in the back, gazing out into the night. It was a clear day, and even in the Angeles sky I could see a few stars twinkling above me. Georgia sat in the front, silent. I think she understood that I didn't want to talk at that moment. August got back to the car shortly and started driving us towards the palace. Soon, the city lights grew distant and trees began to appear. As they materialized around us on the sides of the paved roads, my surroundings started to look more familiar. The trees reminded me of the time that the Northern rebels attacked and I had run right away from the palace and into the forested area. That was where I first saw Georgia and August. Smiling at the memory, the palace lights suddenly caught my eye.
We were minutes away and the sight of the palace made my heart start to race. I was excited and nervous, all at the same time. My palms started to sweat and I had to rub them on my jeans. As we approached the gate, I peered at the four guards who were working. I thought I might see Aspen, but I didn't recognized any of them. That being said, they did recognize me.
"Princess America," one of them came over. His name plate read, Barnaby Williams. "Welcome back, King Maxon told us that you may enter if you were to come to the palace." He then looked at August and Georgia, "And you two, as well, are welcome." He yelled over to the other guards, telling them to open the gate.
We drove in and I caught their eyes on me. They seemed confused, yet curious as to why I was there. I couldn't really blame them, though. I'd be confused too if I were in their shoes.
As August stopped the car, my eyes wandered to the front entrance of the palace. The last time I'd seen it, I had been leaving with a broken heart. It all looked so familiar, and comforting. Like home. I knew it wasn't, however. This wasn't my home, not anymore. I was simply going to be working here, probably only for a short period of time. Until the rebel situation was taken care of and the caste abolishment was fully in effect.
I stepped out of the car, putting on a straight face. I hoped it hid all of the emotions that were running through me at the moment. Not wanting to look weak, I stood tall and started walking forward with August and Georgia. A servant grabbed my bags from the trunk, bringing them into a side entrance. I suddenly wondered where I was staying.
About to ask Georgia, even though she probably didn't know, something stopped me. Or rather, someone.
As the doors opened, there stood Maxon Schreave. Waiting to greet us. He stood in the middle of the large foyer, his hands behind his back. I think I may have slowed down a little because Georgia suddenly grabbed my arm, pulling me along with her. When Maxon finally made eye contact with me, I couldn't even feel her arm on me. I could barely feel my toes.
His eyes latched onto mine, and it seemed that neither of us wanted to be the first to look away. I focused on my breathing, making it come out in calm, short bursts. How embarrassing would it be to faint in front of him? I didn't want a repeat of the restaurant in Dominica.
We stood in front of him, from the side I noticed Georgia and August bow. I soon realized I should be doing the same thing, since he was King now. Since we were… whatever we were now. So I bowed, finally breaking eye contact with him.
"Please, there's no need for such formalities," he said as I stood up straight. His eyes were now trained on Georgia and August, almost like he was avoiding mine.
"Your majesty, we thank you for accommodating us when we gave no notice," August told him with a slight grin. "Again."
"Of course," Maxon chuckled lightly. "I wouldn't expect anything different. When my guards told me you two arrived with Lady America, I was a little surprised." He turned to me again. "I didn't know if you would agree to come."
"Well, I want to help my country. And as Georgia and August explained, this seems like the best thing I can do."
"Yes," he agreed. "It is." He paused, gazing into my eyes again. Then, as if something overcame him, he quickly looked away. "Well, it is very late. Lady America, you will be staying in your old room, if that is alright. I've asked Lucy and Marlee to look after you while you stay here."
"You did?" I asked, shocked. "Isn't Lucy assigned to Kriss?"
"You know that?"
I nodded, not bothering to explain, "Yes, I do. And is Marlee a maid now?"
He sighed, "Not officially, but I think this is a good experience for her. When I told her you were coming, she asked if she could be assigned as your maid. Since she has no experience, I decided Lucy should train her and help her learn."
"Kriss needs her though," I countered. "Doesn't she?" I didn't want Kriss to be mad at me for taking her maid, even though she was mine first.
"Kriss has several maids now," he replied without emotion. "She will be alright."
"You've asked her if it was alright?" I questioned, wanting the truth.
He frowned, "No."
"Well maybe you should."
"It's not your concern, America."
"Fine," I said stubbornly. "I don't even need maids."
"Your a princess now, of course you need maids."
"I've gone without them the past few weeks and have managed to survive, Maxon. I've gone most of my life without them and here I am," I swung my arms out, feeling frustrated with him for some reason.
He snapped, breaking his previously cool demeanor, "Well you're getting them, regardless."
We both stood there, looking at each other with frowns on our faces, breathing heavily. I soon remembered that we weren't alone when I heard a cough from beside me. I swung my head towards Georgia, and suddenly felt embarrassed at my behavior. Her and August looked amused by it, though.
"Well, we should talk briefly your majesty, before we leave." August told him.
"Yes, we should. Let's head to my office," he still sounded frustrated. I didn't seem to be invited in on this meeting, so instead I started to head to my old room. As I made my way up the stairs, I didn't look back. But I had a funny feeling that Maxon was watching me leave. Nonetheless, he didn't say a word.
Heading to my room through the familiar halls brought back so many memories. It felt weird, that all of the surrounding rooms were empty now. During the rest of the time, these rooms were meant for guests, I believed. I guess that was what I was now, though, a guest. Knowing that Kriss was somewhere in the palace, probably in the Princess suite, made my stomach turn. I wondered if she knew I was here yet. Or if Maxon even discussed the possibility of me returning.
When I got to my room, I heard laughter on the other side of the door. Opening it as silently as I could, I saw Marlee and Lucy making the bed. They were giggling as they did it. I almost cried, seeing the two of them. They must have heard me because they both turned at the same time, freezing.
"America?" Marlee said, a smile spreading on her friendly face.
She ran over to me, enveloping me into a tight hug that made it hard to breathe. I didn't care, though. I hugged her back. Lucy then came over too, making me end up in the middle. Soon, it was like our bodies gave out and we were on a pile on the floor, smiling and laughing. Tears were filling our eyes, tears of joy. As we all calmed down, I felt like my heart was fuller than it had been in quite some time.
"I've missed you both so much," I told them, leaning against the doorframe and tucking my knees under me.
"We've missed you too, Lady America," Lucy smiled.
Marlee took my hand, "It hasn't been the same without you!"
"How are Mary and Anne?" I asked, wanting to make sure they were doing alright. My previous maids were more than just maids, they were my friends. I missed them all deeply.
Lucy smiled reassuringly, "They are both doing well. Kriss treats all three of us well, and we know you wanted us to be kind to her if you were eliminated, so we've been following your wishes of course. That being said, Anne and Mary will be very excited once they realize you are are here."
"Maxon told Lucy and me only a few minutes ago, just after you arrived at the gates. We've been getting your room ready, but have been so excited to see you that we may not be working quite as efficiently as we ought to be," Marlee laughed.
I smiled back, happier than I'd been in a long time. "Well, I'm honestly not used to maids anymore. I told Maxon I didn't even need them."
"You did?" Lucy asked, shocked.
I nodded. "And then it led to an argument. Somethings never change." It was like Maxon and I couldn't help but have arguments over the littlest of things. I worried that if we were going to be working together, we may argue too much and he may fire me. Afterall, he was the king now. And I was nothing to him.
We all stood up and they finished making the bed and tidying in the room. I offered to help, but they simply declined. I decided to wash up in the bathroom and change into my night clothes. It was getting late and I suddenly felt drained. Seeing Maxon again seemed to make me even more exhausted than I was before. Sleepiness came over me, and I wanted nothing more than to lay down in my soft bed.
I came out of the bathroom and one look at me from the girls and they must have caught on about how tired I was. They pulled down the covers and I layed down in the familiar bed.
"We'll talk more tomorrow," Marlee whispered as her and Lucy finished turning off the lights.
"Alright," I mumbled. I think I smiled, but I was too tired to know. It seemed that as soon as my head hit the pillow, I was out. I had a peaceful, dreamless sleep. Maybe it was the palace that helped me relax, with its familiarities and comfort that it brought. Maybe it was knowing I was so close to Maxon again. I wasn't sure.
