Hey everyone,

I know its been forever since I updated this story. And really my only reason is, well, life. I finally updated though, and its finally reaching the climax. So I hope you like it!

America POV:

She couldn't stop crying. Her Maxon was going to be killed. Publicly, probably, now that that evil man though he had the throne. She had to stop almost every five minutes. Holding back the tears was so painful. But she needed to be strong. For Averia. For the part of Maxon she still had with her.

The tunnels were dark, and reeked of gloom and waste. Averia clung onto her tightly, her tiny hands digging into her back. And she tried her best not to think about their goodbye.

He opened the tunnel door with sad eyes, leaning on one foot. A pained look on his face. She wasn't sure if it was because they were leaving, the foot, or both. He wouldn't look at her.

" Maxon," she whispered, her voice breaking. He hugged her tightly and kissed her wet. It tasted of pain and loss. But it was the best goodbye kiss she could ever dream of. And the most hated kiss she could give. She didn't want to say goodbye. She wanted to yell and throw a tantrum at life. Beg whatever force that controlled to not take her Maxon again. To not take anything more from him.

But she couldn't.

He let go of her and looked to Averia. The love in his eyes so fatherly and pure. He would be a great father. A great father if this wasn't goodbye. He kissed Averia on the cheek, holding her in the air.

" Dada, dada," she cried, clapping her hands. He smiled sadly.

" I love you so so much, my little dear. I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you, but I know you'll be a great queen. And I left you my journal, if you need help, there will be advise in there. I will always be with you. Always," he turned to America.

" I love you both. Please be safe." With one last kiss he gave me Averia and her slipped into the tunnel. With a smile she would remember for the rest of her life, the door closed.

She could see a pinprick of light now. A mere spot of hope in the distance. The end of the tunnel. She looked back, hoping that maybe for once Maxon decided to be selfish, and come after them. But she knew Maxon. And she knew he wouldn't follow, no matter how much he loved them, to keep them safe.

The light grew, but the closer she got, the more she felt like she was going to fall. Fall or go running back, make him let her take his place. But she knew she couldn't. Because that would only end in all of them dying. And she wished suddenly, that she had told him before. That she hadn't been so stubborn. That she had run back to him and kissed him like she had desperately wanted to.

But she hadn't and now she never would.

She pushed open the door and then paused. There were people outside. She listened.

"Where is she,"a familiar voice asked.

"She was supposed to be here. Maxon said if anything happened to come here." Maxon? "What if she got caught."The voice sounded worried. Worried about her?

" She smart, she won't be caught August." August. He was here to help. She pushed the door opened and they turned.

"America!" Georgia exclaimed happily. She rushed over, then saw Averia. " She adorable," Georgia cooed over the girl's sleeping figure. August came over, wrapping his arm around Georgia. Georgia who she now saw, had a significant baby bump. Her heart pulled when she saw them together. It reminded her of Maxon. Maxon.

Tears welled in her eyes. She blinked them back. Not now, Not here.

" Where's Maxon,"August asked, looking behind her. Then she broke. She clutched her daughter, dropping to her knees and sobbing. Georgia kneeled beside her. She gently gave Averia to August, who seemed a bit overwhelmed. Georgia wrapped her arms around her, a bit hard to do.

"I just left him there,"she sobbed. Georgia rubbed her back.

"We're not letting him die. We're gonna get him. We're not letting Southern Rebels rule our lands." Her tears quieted, she raised her face. Hope lighting in her. She could still see him. Save him. Be with him.

" We're gonna save your Prince."

Five Days Later

Maxon was still alive. She didn't know how. The Northern Rebels army was ready to fight. They were going to save him. Ad she was going, a fact that was admonished by August and Georgia. But in the end, she was ready. They had trained her a bit, in case she got in a scuffle. But she was only to serve as a distraction.

A speech prepared.

She had left Averia with Georgia and her son Nathaniel. And now she sat here, rocking inside the dark truck. It had been a while, everyone was silent, unsure. She wondered if anyone would die today, she didn't want anyone to die.

Suddenly the screen in the truck flickered to life. A hated face appeared on the screen. She watched with clenched teeth. Wishing she could reach through the screen and wipe that stupid smirk off his stupid face.

"Hello people of Illea,"he announced grandly. He was sitting in the King's throne. Her teeth were getting sore. " A new power is on the throne now. We were known as the Southern Rebels. But we will give you what the monarchy never could, freedom." A cheer went up behind me while the people in my car grimaced. At least there were people who were on her side.

The the camera shifted, a bit roughly, I wondered if anyone from the palace had joined them. Her heart almost stopped. The camera focused on a pale man, with blond hair. I bit my lip, hard.

"The only living embodiment of the monarchy." He zoomed in on Maxon, who seemed to weak to even stand. Something wet trailed down my cheek as he looked up. His brown eyes seemed dull, a cut ran down from his eyebrow. His face was pale, paler than the moon. His cheekbones stuck out prominently. Her heart lurched. Tears flew down her cheeks. A hand closed around hers. She turned to face August, who hand was clasped over hers.

" He'll be fine. He's strong,"August whispered. She nodded, biting her lips. Her throat closed. She couldn't speak. The screen shifted wobbly again.

" Tune in later to see the new leaders come to power." Another cheer and the screen flickered. And the image was gone. She stared at her lap. The image of Maxon burned into the back of her eyelids. It was all she could see. And she knew, that she had to get her daughter's father back. Or she would never forgive herself.

She had to get her love back. Or else guilt would remain with her for the rest of her life. She'd get him back. Not because he was the King. Or Averia's father. But because she loved him. And she wasn't afraid to admit it now. She loved Maxon Calix Schreave. With all her heart.

How was it? I hope you liked it. Please REVIEW if you want more. Your Reviews help me update faster. Love all you guys!

- alunarselectedreader