I'm updating early- I know I haven't gotten ten reviews for this chapter yet but I don't know, I'm just really thankful for all these new reviewers! And don't be shy if you have read my story and not reviewed- I won't bite! I love getting to know new people, so even if the review isn't related to my story, just talk to me if that's what you want to do! Or PM me- whatever makes u guys happy! :) Well here ya go:

MAXON'S POV

"You?" I managed to croak out. My voice seemed to have gone numb. She laughed at this, a cruel, bloodthirsty laugh.

"Who else? Did you really think I would forget "us"?"

"There IS NO US," I said harshly. I pushed her against the wall. "Why are you here?"

"Aww, you're becoming just like your father. Bullying people, girls nonetheless. I have to say, I'm-"

"What. Do. You. Want." I spat out, releasing her from the wall.

"What do I want? I want you to marry me."

I choked on laughter. "No matter what you think, I don't love you."
"Nor I you. However, I am the crown princess, and you are the crown prince, so I would have TWO countries under my thumb. Works out pretty nicely, don't you think?" She smiled, a glint in her eye that made me want to be sick.

"If you think I would marry you-" I started, but she interrupted yet again.

"Oh, you will marry me. Do you know how I know? Because, let's just say that I have my ways... You wouldn't want sweet, bold America to get hurt, would you?"

My eyes widened, and she knew she had hit a soft spot- one that I HAD to reverse.

"I don't love that... creature. At least, not anymore." I forced out, every word tasting like bile. I'm sorry, America. Even if you don't even care, I'm sorry.

"Hmm... well how about the rest? That girl, Kriss, maybe? Sweet, pretty? Or maybe the stiff one- Elise? She cackled.

I had to force my lips shut to keep from yelling threats. She had me- and she knew it. Her family's military was at least three times the size of ours. Plus, our families were allies so they pretty much knew everything about our country, including secret entrances.

She continued on with her threats. "If it's not one of them, how about your mother? Wouldn't want her to get hurt, would we?"

"No!" The cry came from my lips without thinking. I snapped my mouth shut, but the damage was done.

"Then marry me. You have two weeks to decide. The people you love, or destruction," She said, already walking away. She stopped, halfway out of sight.

"Oh and, let me remind you- I'm watching you- all of you!" She laughed, and then was gone.

I sat there in the dark a long time. Trying not to cry, or move, or even think.

"Maxon?" Maxon!" My dad eventually came looking for me. He found me in the dark room, and slapped my back, hard. I tried not to wince when his hand connected with one of the scars. I just looked at him, waiting for the harsh words that were sure to come. But they didn't. Instead;

"Come on, son, time to go home. Not sure what you're doing in here, kissing some girl, maybe?" He said, his words slurring. He giggled like a little girl.

Oh. He was drunk, I realized in disgust. My father was drunk. Not sure what this would mean for me later on, but I followed him out of the restaurant anyway. I stared at my shoes until we got to the car. I noticed that my father had left the pictures inside. Thank goodness. Hopefully he would forget about this whole evening. That is, if I was lucky.

Someone who I didn't know was driving the car- probably someone from the restaurant who realized that my dad wouldn't have been able to drive in his state. When we got back to the palace, I thanked the man and told him to keep the car- we had dozens like it. He thanked me over and over, but I just nodded, still kind of stunned from the events tonight. Maybe I should have reacted more, but for now this was my burden, and that meant keeping it a secret, and if that meant acting like everything was fine, I would.

I sighed, but my thoughts were interrupted by my father's slurred voice.

"A little- little help here boy?" I just shook my head and walked away. I wasn't going to babysit my father, not tonight. Plus, I liked the feeling of revenge on him, even if it was only a little thing that no one would remember anyway- no one except me. Maybe I WAS turning into my father.

Tonight, though, I had bigger things to worry about.

This was kinda short, but the next chapter will be longer, I promise you guys. Thanks for all the positive feedback!

Today's Question is: What is the stupidest thing you have done in the past week? Also- what do you think Maxon will do when he finds out about that bomb? It probably won't be pretty, I'm warning you...

Mine is asking if you put the no-stick spray on BEFORE or AFTER the wrap that you have to put over the pan. Really stupid, I know. Haha.

Someone the World Forgot: Thanks! It's good to know that people are actually reading (and liking) this story! And yes, I love nike too :) Thanks for reading!

Basedonthosebooks: Yeah, I think it will be kind of a mixture- I know mystery fanfictions have ended up failing in the past so I am a little wary of doing that, but you never know! And yes, Sweatshirts rock! I like nike most of the time, too! Thanks for reading!

ThisGirlActuallyReads: Yay! Thanks for taking the time to review! And I have to agree, I love sweaters! I wouldn't be able to choose between those and sweatshirts, though, they both rock. :) Thanks for reading!

EruditeAbnegationMockinjay: Thank you! Ya, that was something I thought Clarkson might do- but then again, he IS very unpredictable. I don't like him at all. Thanks for reading!

Guest: Thank you! I love cliffhangers. I think this is the first chapter I haven't used one. Its kind of relieving, actually. And yes, love that song. "So let me hold both your hands in the holes of my sweater..." Haha. Thanks for reading!