Holy crap. I apologize for not updating in almost a week. Truth be told, I've been a little busy with school and work and driving. I drive a lot, and I mean a lot. Like. I drive three hours round trip each weekend going home and back to school. I'm crazy, but, whatever. Here's the seventh chapter of 'The Beginning'! Haha(: I hope y'all enjoy! And thank you for the reviews and the follows!
America felt her mouth dry and she reluctantly sat back down, the king taking a step towards her. "Lady America." He stated, his eyes void of emotion, his voice a mixture of ice and joy. "It has come to my attention that you have not been entirely, what is the word that I'm looking for, ah, yes, - faithful to my dear, dear son, Maxon throughout this competition." King Clarkson had a sinister grin on his face as his eyes narrowed. America put a hand to her chest, her eyes as wide as platters, feeling very much as though she was a deer in headlights. America's eyes darted from Aspen to King Clarkson repeatedly. America felt the world spinning around her, and with her free hand she grasped the bench beneath her tightly, her knuckles turning white in a matter of seconds. King Clarkson smiled once more, pleased with her reaction to the news that he delivered. He inhaled happily, walking over to America, reaching inside his coat quickly. America flinched at the movement so close to her and gasped at what King Clarkson showed her. It was a picture of her and Aspen, more importantly, it was a picture of Aspen kissing America.
She shook her head 'no', her eyes filled with tears. She had never hated anyone more in her life than now. She had never hated King Clarkson more in her life, and she had never hated Aspen more than she did now for doing that. For kissing her, thinking that they were safe to do that. America's eyes narrowed at Aspen, her heart, for the second time, breaking because of him. Aspen took a step back before taking two steps forward towards her, eyes his surprisingly happy. "Mer…" He said happily, King Clarkson snorting in disgust at his joy. "Don't you get it? He said that he would let us go home…King Clarkson said that he would let us go home with no punishment, no demotion. You would still get to be a Three since you're one of the elite…I would get to be a guard still; I would be your guard." America felt pity for Aspen, pity that he seemed to be so happy and through the moon at what he had just said. How could Aspen be so dumb to believe that there was no catch?
America shook her head. "No, Officer Leger. It's not that easy, it is never that easy if King Clarkson is involved, now isn't that right, Your Highness?" America asked coldly, speaking with a confidence that she never knew that she possessed. King Clarkson smirked, laughing coldly at America. "You can catch on quickly, can't you, Lady America?" He joked, knowing well aware that it was all too obvious what was going on. "What Officer Leger has said is true, Lady America. I will let you keep your undeserved rank as a Three and let him be your guard and ensure your safety after the Selection, as well as let you go unharmed." He smiled warmly, happy that he was about to be rid of Lady America. "All that I ask for in return is that you never return to the palace, to Angeles, again, not even, actually, especially not for Maxon's wedding. Also, you will have absolutely no communication with my son ever again, not as long as I am alive, not after." The king said sternly, his lips twisted in a cruel smile as tears rolled down America's colorless face.
She shook her head as Aspen went over to her and took her hand in his. "'Mer, it's all we've ever dreamed of…we'll be together…we won't be poor, we have a chance to be happy." Aspen spoke excitedly and America stared at him in slight disgust. She ripped her hands out of his and stood up, backing away from Aspen's shocked expression. King Clarkson even seemed a little surprised, America noted, at her action. 'If he thinks that's surprising, he'll love this.' America thought angrily to herself as she stormed towards the King, stopping in front of him as she leered at him, her entire body shaking. "How dare you! How DARE you think that I would accept that offer instead of staying here. How could you even think that I would leave Maxon?! I love Maxon." America was not the only one that was surprised at her words, but she went along with it, glad that she had finally admitted it. "Yes, Your Majesty, I said it. I. Love. Your. Son. And I am going to do everything that I can to marry your son. I love Maxon, and I will not let anyone stop me from being with him, especially you." As she spoke her last sentence, her tears flowed freely and she turned on her heel and began to walk away.
"And what did I say about your temper, Lady America? It will get you nowhere." King Clarkson laughed as he spoke. "I am being VERY generous with you." He spat. "And if you decline my offer then I have no choice but to inform Maxon, and have him sentence the two of you to death." America stopped dead in her tracks, earning a loud laugh from King Clarkson. "I knew that would get you to stop and see reason." There were no more tears flowing from America's eyes, there was no more sadness in her heart, and there was no more fear. Once more, America turned on her heels and marched over to King Clarkson, her head held high, her stride as regal as could be given her pace. She stared King Clarkson in the eyes as she narrowed her pale blue ones. "Go ahead." She spat at him, her tone even and collected, earning a protest from Aspen. "Tell Maxon, but I guarantee you he already knows." King Clarkson looked slightly puzzled, surprising America slightly, but she did not let it show. "That is what we were discussing before you came." Venom dripped in America's voice as she turned and walked off, leaving King Clarkson stunned. America had no doubt in her mind that Aspen was hurt beyond all belief, but it was time for America to take charge of her life, her happiness, and she would be damned if anyone tried to take her away from what made her happy.
America Singer would be damned if anyone tried to take her away from Maxon Schreave.
Bum bum BUUUUMMMMMM. So, that's always fun. Uhm, I'm probably going to write the eighth chapter tonight and post it either tonight or tomorrow when I have time. Reviews would be great! And also, I would love to know what y'all would like to see in the next chapter or the chapters to come! Review, favorite, follow, and let me know what y'all think!