Thank you everyone for all the love! I'm so glad you're enjoying my story. Without further ado, the next chapter!
"What are you keeping from me?" Marlee asked, her usually bright and happy face seeming a little bothered by my secretiveness.
"Meet me in the library after breakfast, I'll tell you then." I whispered to her, spooning a scoop of berries on to my plate. "I can't say it here."
She nodded, looking a little happier that I was going to let her in on my deep dark secret.
"So." I said, spreading butter on my toast. "What's going on with you? Any progress with Maxon?" I realized that this was the first time I had asked her this not hoping she had grown closer with him, this was the first time I was asking to see where I stood. I wanted to be in first place.
"It's alright." she sighed lightly, taking a bite of a blueberry muffin.
"Just alright?" I pondered, setting my knife down.
"I'll tell you in the library," she muttered, taking another rather large bite.
"Is everything okay?" I asked, getting concerned for Marlee. It wasn't like her not to be bubbly at breakfast.
"She's just mad because Maxon asked me on a date and not her." Celeste bragged.
"That's not true," Marlee said, her voice raising a little. "You have no idea what I'm going through right now, Celeste, so just back off."
Celeste sat in her seat looking a little shocked and stunned at Marlee. She wasn't expecting Marlee to fight back like that, I don't think. I smiled a little to myself and shook my head, popping a raspberry into my mouth. It was nice to see her put in her place for once.
"Ladies. If I could have your attention." Maxon said from the end of the table. He stood up, he looked so calm and collected, I would never have guessed he was about to eliminate almost everyone. "As the rebel attacks have been getting worse, and I truly believe I've spent enough time with you all to judge who I want in my life, I'm going to be eliminating everyone except for the 6 elite. I don't see any reason to keep you here in danger if I know we don't have a future. Your maids have already been notified and are packing your things, you are scheduled to leave after breakfast. Here are the following that have made it to the elite. Natalie, Elise, Celeste, Kriss, Marlee," he turned his eyes to mine and smiled, "and America. It was lovely getting to know the rest of you, and I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors." he nodded and left the dining room quietly.
A sea of girls bursted into tears and cries. Marlee sighed next to me and Celeste flipped her hair over her shoulder as she stood up and left. She was obviously pleased with herself. I looked over at Tiny, who had fainted, Elise sat next to her and tried to shake her awake. It was mayhem. I now noticed that the queen and king had promptly left the dining hall a few minutes before Maxon made his announcement.
"Let's go." I tugged Marlee's arm. We both set our napkins on the table and jogged in our heels out of the dining hall.
We rounded the corner to the library and sat down next to the roaring fire. I told her everything as quietly as I could, watching the door to make sure no one came in and listened to our conversation. I told her about Aspen and I at home, how he showed up here and wanted me back, how Maxon understood when I told him. The only thing I left out was that we told each other we loved each other. I didn't want anyone else knowing about that quite yet. She looked a little shocked by the end, but didn't seemed more sad than anything.
"Marlee?" I asked, needing her to say something.
"America, I think I've ruined everything!" she said, breaking out into tears.
"Marlee what happened?" I asked, taking her hand into mine.
"I've messed it all up! I'll bring such disgrace to my family-" she choked. "America I think I'm in love with him."
"With Maxon?" my heart dropped. I didn't want to compete with Marlee. Not when we were such good friends now.
"No. Not Maxon." she whispered. "With Carter Woodwork."
"Who is that?" I asked, shocked but slightly happy that it wasn't Maxon.
"A guard, here at the palace." she said, tears flowing down her cheeks. "He's been posted outside my door. He's so kind. And nice. We haven't done anything yet-"
"Yet?" I asked. "You want to?"
She bit her lip and looked away, "Yes. I do. And so does he."
"Marlee, you could lose everything-"
"You almost lost everything." she snapped back. I sat up a little and clenched my jaw. She was right, but I didn't want to admit that.
"Then why don't you quit the selection?" I asked.
"Because." She muttered. "If I do, I would want to be with him. And how could I explain why or how I knew him? I couldn't. The story would tell itself." She put her face in her hands and cried. "I love him. I don't know what to do?"
"You can't stay here and talk to him, Marlee, you could be executed. You have to choose. It wouldn't be fair to either of you." I said.
"I know." she said, sniffling loudly through her tears. "I just had to tell you. I had to tell someone."
"I think you should tell Maxon." I said carefully.
"Are you crazy-" she whipped up.
"No, listen. Maxon cares about you. I know he does. He's so kind, I don't think he'd be mad at you."
"Of course he would America, I've been breaking the law!" she said angrily.
"I think if you tell him the truth now, you'll save him having to eliminate you later, and you won't be caught. If you're caught it will be so much worse Marlee."
She crossed her arms, seeing a little sense in my words. "But what about Carter. I have to be with him."
"I think if you tell Maxon how you feel, he would be open to letting you be with him."
"But how would I explain to the tabloids how I know Carter? This whole situation is impossible."
"There's always a line of suitors for the selected women, Marlee. Keep your relationship on the down low at first and then come out. You'd have to be careful, but you can't keep this a secret for much longer. How long have you been talking?"
"Since the third week." she said in an ashamed tone.
"You're lucky you haven't been caught yet." I said, almost angry at her for being so careless.
"You're right. I'll tell him." she sniffled.
I sighed, "Thank you."
"Would you be there with me when I do?" she asked.
"What?" I choked a little.
"I need you. He'll be more understanding if you're there. Everyone knows he loves you." she said with a small smile.
"I mean, I guess I can come." I said, nodding. "Of course I'll be there for you."
"Thank you," she sighed, embracing me in a large and tight hug. "I don't know what I'd do without you. I love you America."
"I love you too, Mar. Promise me you won't endanger yourself again until you talk to him."
"Promise." she giggled.
It was the night of the report, and I'd never been so nervous. Mostly now because this was the first report since I'd told Maxon I loved him. Since we both said it. My heart fluttered; I knew now that I had to win over the public. Their opinion of me mattered almost as much as Maxon's did.
"Hey, redhead." I heard someone say behind me. I could tell before seeing her that it was the falsely sweet Celeste Newsome.
"What?" I asked, turning around.
"I know your friend's little secret." She smiled, putting on a fresh layer of red lipstick on in front of the mirror.
"What are you talking about?" I bluffed, but I knew exactly what she was talking about.
"Marlee. Carter." she said with a little pout, drawing a heart in the air with her fingers. "Such a shame if the nation found out." she gasped, following with a cynical smile. She stood up, strutting away in her black dress.
"Marlee!" I said, walking toward her in her bright yellow dress.
"America, we're on in twenty seconds, get to your seat." Sylvia scolded me, pushing me into my chair on the end, far away from Marlee.
Damn it! I thought. Celeste was going to out Marlee to the whole world.
"In five, four, three, two," the director pointed his finger, the curtain pulling to the sides and the spotlights turning on to us.
"Hello!" Gavril smiled, his bright white teeth shining on the large tv screen showing what was being filmed. "Hello and good evening Illéa! Tonight, our gracious King will give us updates on the war in New Asia, the current tax plan, and a new plan for infrastructure repairs in Carolina. Then the rest of the time will be spent by an announcement or two from Prince Maxon!" he said with a smile. The camera zoomed in on us, showing that only six remained.
I smiled at the camera, trying to look as regal and beautiful as I could. Though I was a nervous wreck on the inside, I couldn't risk lowering myself in the ranks of the favorites. Especially now that there weren't many girls.
I zoned out, trying to remain composed as the King spoke about New Asia. Suddenly, it was time for Maxon to speak. "Hello, Gavril." he smiled, walking up to the podium.
"Hello Illéa." he said charmingly. "I'm pleased to announce that I have eliminated all but the elite, in my selection. The lovely ladies America, Celeste, Kriss, Elise, and Natalie remain." He didn't say Marlee's name. But she was sitting right here. I couldn't help but show my nerves anymore.
The crowd seemed to register this, a sea of murmurs arising. "Unfortunately, Lady Marlee will no longer be with us as a member of the selected. She and I have been good friends from the start of the competition, we've shared many memories and laughs. But I've been made aware that she does not have romantic feelings for me. And nor do I for her. It's my pleasure to part with her as friends from the selection." he turned to her and she stood up, walking towards him. "I wanted you all to know that the selected girls remaining are now only the five you see on stage. Marlee," he faced her, "I'm so glad to have met you. I hope you visit often."
Celeste was seething in her chair, upset that she didn't have the chance to cause a scandal. I, however, was so relieved that my smile was becoming visible.
Marlee smiled and said, "Thank you for having me, and for so graciously letting me leave. And thank you, Illéa for supporting me in this adventure!" The audience clapped as she curtsied and Maxon bowed his head slightly. Even in her leaving, the people absolutely loved her. She waved at the crowd and walked off the stage to the wings to go home I assumed. I wondered if I'd see her before she left. We had told Maxon last night about it all. He was upset, but agreed that their relationship was hardly romantic. He wished Marlee the best last night, but I never knew they planned this beautiful goodbye on the report.
The rest of the report flew by, our quick interviews over the beginning of training to be princess were somewhat annoying to me when all I could think about was saying goodbye to Marlee and kissing Maxon. I loved him for how good he was about everything with Marlee.
I raced to my room, hoping Marlee was there, only to find a note on my dresser.
America,
I'm sorry I didn't get to say goodbye, but I thought it was better if I left sooner rather than later. I'm sure you know by now that Celeste knows about me and Carter. She threatened my this morning. I'm sorry I didn't have time to tell you about saying goodbye on the report. I told Maxon about Celeste and he agreed that we needed to keep this all very insulated. We couldn't risk my cover being blown. Whatever she says now will be overshadowed by Maxon's word. I wish I could have said goodby, but I'm sure this won't be last time we see each other. I've left my address at the bottom of the page. Write to me! I can't thank you enough for helping me get out of that situation safely. I don't know what I'd do without you. Just know I'll be here rooting you for the win! I know you never said, but I know you love him. You belong together. Go get your man!
Lots of love,
Marlee
I held the letter close to my heart, a small tear slipping down my face. I was going to miss her so much. A small slip of paper fell onto the ground out of my hand. It must have been with the letter. It was a small note, scribbled by Maxon.
My darling,
I know tonight must have been a shock. I'm sorry. I didn't have a chance to tell you before it happened. Unfortunately I have a last minute meeting tonight I can't miss. Tugging my ear for breakfast in the garden at 8 so we can talk.
All my love,
Maxon
P.S. Don't be mad at me for Marlee leaving without saying goodbye...it was her choice I promise! Did I mention that I love you..? See you tomorrow, darling.
I tucked both of the notes into the small envelope I had in my piano bench with all the saved notes and letters I received while here at the selection. I took a bath and got into bed, everything seemed to be perfect right now. That was, until I heard the rebel sirens.
Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed the chapter! Naturally, since I changed the plot of events, I think everything else about the series would change as well! I hope you like the way I'm doing it :) let me know what you think! Thanks again for reading!