Hey Awesome peoples!
First of all I'm so sorry this didn't come out sooner life and school have just been hectic! And it also doesn't help that the only times writers block lifted were the times when I was stuck on a train. But I did get to go see 'The Lion King' at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney and the costuming was amazing! It was so well cast and put together and…. Well I could go on for ages.
As always thanks to the wonderful reviewers! You all help lift my self-esteem and motivation! All I can say is the more reviews the quicker I'll try to get this story out!
PeetaOrMaxon- I tried I really did, thanks for liking this!
Kassoug4- I have dabbled in a bit of Maxon's POV, not liking what I've got so far. I'll keep trying but.
Tigers On A Gold Leash- I was thinking of doing something like that. YAY a fan! Also I want people to remember that they are just kids still. In lots of them she's just getting kidnapped or pregnant. They need to have a bit of fun first! Thank you!
AlyTheAmazinglyAwkward- Sorry to keep you waiting. Cheers!
Winterprincess- glad you like it loved the pun. Haha it was berry funny. Thanks. :P
Guest- Um thanks, I got all of that from books. I have no experience in that sorta thing so yeah. Thanks.
Lilythemermaid- I'll try, thankyou thankyou thankyou!
Property OF Illea- That annoys me too! It's so frustrating. I'm trying keep mine different so I'm avoiding that (at the moment {mwah ha ha ha}) Thanks, writing the characters is hard.
Who cares- No I don't. I'm pretty clueless TBH I had to ask my sister what that was. Sorry but thankyou! GET AN ACCOUNT!
Also… I do apologize for any mistakes in this chapter or any for that matter. I really wanted to get this chapter out tonight so it's sorta daytime for all of you Americans! I edit my chapters around four times before you see them, I'm not saying they're perfect (far from it) but I do try so this one may/may not be up to the usual standards and for that I'm sorry.
Well, this is what you're all here for so here is chapter 9. ENJOY MY FRIENDS!
Chapter Nine
I kept my face pressed against the window, the blue ocean carpeted the earth. They plane when we had gotten on was huge but here I couldn't have left more miniscule. "You know, you're going to need to sleep." Maxon laughed, tilting his chair back so it was more like a bed. He was wearing grey slippers and one of those eye covering things. I didn't know how he could stand to where it.
The pilots remained hidden from our view, it made me a little more confident knowing that they were concentrating on flying us. A maid served me a bowl of soup for lunch and informed me that we had just entered the communication dead zone. For the next few hours, the plane was on its own.
We flew through a cloud, the puffy white mist surrounded us blocking my view of the sea. I closed my eyes, hoping to speed the trip up.
…
The cabin jolted and shook, like a giant baby were using us as a rattle. The cloud still surrounded us. I slipped from my seat, hitting my head on the floor. Maxon grabbed on the rail of the seat in front of him and slowly made his way across the aisle to me. The world vibrated and the plane began to turn the right, tipping me again the wall.
Maxon half fell, half sat next to me, our backs leaning against the wall which was quickly turning into the floor. I moaned as something hit my head. He reached for my hand, and I gripped tightly onto his. Completely accepting that I was going to die. I seemed to be at an odd peace.
After a few quiet moments the world began to ripple again, something was shaking me furiously. My insides seemed to turn to liquid as the plane began plummeting out of the sky. Maxon was saying my name calmly, brushing my hair off my face. He was calm, too calm. "America!-"
…
I sat bolt right up, I would of fallen from my seat if Maxon wasn't holding onto my shoulder. I tried to calm my breathing. The plane was calm, not shaking or falling. I was covered in a layer of sweat, my body slowly stopped shaking. It had only been a nightmare. "I'm okay," I whispered, not entirely sure if he'd asked.
…
Our plane taxied to a stop, we waited for our luggage to be of loaded, then the royal guard in their dress uniforms then all of the maids. I watched as the climbed into crowded buses, only a handful of the guards remained. Our limousine was parked around a hundred meters away, the path there was marked out in a red carpet. Even though the country had just lost its leader there were people everywhere. Taking photos, filming, waving flags, throwing flowers.
I now wore a white pair of trousers and a pale blue shirt with a white lightweight jacket. The pants were a small luxury. My hair was out in soft curls, I was already wearing sunglasses. Maxon and Amberly were wearing theirs too, I had no idea why people always wear sunnies when the wanted to avoid the paparazzi. "Smile and wave at the crowd, but don't stop." Maxon whispered.
"Why?"
"We're here for a funeral, it isn't polite."
"Oh."
Amberly got off first, quietly reminding me that out of the three of them all the public wanted to see was me. I cringed as I watched her walk down the ladder gracefully. I sighed, praying that I wouldn't fall. Amberly didn't wait for us, she waved a bit and walked straight towards the car, Maxon went down next. Appearing carefree and energetic. He turned at the bottom of the steps, waiting for me.
I don't know if it was real or if I imagined it but the crowd got louder as I took the first few steps, I understood the sunglasses. I'd be blind from the flashes from all the cameras without them, I smiled at Maxon when I reached the ground. Suddenly grateful to be back on earth, he linked his hand in mine and we slowly walked towards Amberly.
…
Maxon had told me that the location of the Spanish palace was amazing but I didn't think anything could be a beautiful as ours, I was pleasantly surprised. The palace sat at the bend in a river, so it was surrounded by water on two sides, the gardens sprawled around the grounds. Guards were dotted around the grounds too. I could even see ladies in dresses walking amongst some roses.
We were shown to our rooms, and both Maxon and I were excited to discover we were sharing. Most courts didn't like the princes and princesses sharing even if they were married. The poor maid who showed us to our rooms didn't speak much English. Maxon could speak Spanish so the girl didn't have to stress too much. "I apologise, the palace is full because of royals from many countries. Thinking you wouldn't mind sharing though." She said timidly, before she left. Maxon said something back to her that I didn't understand, I sighed. It was going to be a long week.
…
Although it was a security risk, both Maxon and I decided to take advantage of being tourists. Maxon had been to Spain twice and had taken on the role of a tour guide. I got the feeling he still didn't know much. We stopped for afternoon tea in a café, although we had been dressed in normal clothing and had only two guards who were also not in any uniform we had still been photographed and stormed by some of the press. The little old lady who ran the café politely closed it for us so we could have a calm and private few minutes.
We'd been in Spain for almost a week now, the same with other royal families everything we'd worn, eaten and done had been put under the microscope. A younger waitress came out with our tea and Maxon's food. As she placed the tray down we were greeted with an image of us on a newspaper cover, looking at a water fountain, Maxon had his arm looped around my waist and our backs to the camera. I was pointing at something, and some birds were flying above us.
I remembered that, it was two days ago. We were waiting for our car to come after the funeral. The fountain had sculptures of fish and swans. I didn't know what they had meant but it was very pretty. I grabbed at the paper, eager to read the article but to my disgust it was in Spanish. I sighed and handed it to Maxon, who read it to himself while eating a pancake looking thing. I'd just taken a sip of my tea when he finally spoke.
"They think we're trying for a baby." He said calmly, almost like he wasn't surprised. I was though, I almost sprayed my mouthful of tea at him. Grateful that the café was empty.
"What?" I asked when I finally swallowed.
"You haven't been seen drinking, and while we've been here. You've only eaten fruits and fresh foods."
"But…" I trailed off, I hadn't been drinking at all. Nothing really since the wedding, I hadn't been staying away from it for any reason other than I didn't want to be seen even a little tipsy. It was the first trip I'd been on as Princess of Illea, and we were overseas. "We're not." I managed to get out eventually.
"Don't worry about it," Maxon said sighing, he put the paper back on the tray and sat his empty plate on top of it.
"But what if my family see this? They'll be horrified."
"They're going to have to learn not to listen, besides if they see that article they'll know it's a lie."
"Why's that?"
"The article also said you were in the early stages of anorexia." He smiled, knowing very well I wasn't anywhere close to anorexia. I literally ate everything I saw.
After I finished laughing I met Maxon's gaze, he was looking at me intently. I often caught him looking at me like that he normally turned away or started speaking, but he didn't do any of those things. Today he just sat there. I stared back at him, we silently decided to have a staring competition. After a while his face broke into a stupid grin, half smiling half poking his tongue out. I gave up on staring then.
…
Two more days passed in a blur, the Spanish held a beautiful feast with performances and dancers buy talented ballerinas and acrobats. I'd run into the Ambassador from Italy, they congratulated Maxon and I again for our marriage. Now though I found myself curled up under a blanket holding a cup of hot mint chocolate. Underneath me, the ocean passed hidden below a cloak of darkness.
…
It was late at night when we piled onto the train, waiting for it to chug to life and take us home. The maids had kindly picked up a few magazines for us to read on the trip back. We were bursting with life and it felt like it should be time for morning tea. Maxon sweetly informed me that jetlag was going to be a pain for the next week. I attempted to tease back saying that he was in the same boat, he just smiled and replied that people who travelled often readjust quicker.
Flicking through the glossy pages I sipped slowly on a glass of wine, gleefully discovering that Celeste had had a messy break up with her latest boyfriend and that there was no news of my assumed pregnancy. "Weird combination." Maxon huffed, plonking himself into the armchair opposite me. He picked up a piece of cake that should be for afternoon tea, not a midnight snack. I raised my eyebrow at him but made no comment. Lights blurred past us as we quickly skirted a town, I watched until the darkness of the night surrounded us. Out of the corner of my eye I watched Maxon as he was handed a beer, the froth foaming around the top. "Weird combination." I muttered with a smirk.
…
Dawn burst through the windows, giving the train a ghostly glow. I looked out and registered the sun, remembering it was the first time I'd seen the sun since returning back to Illea. "Is it too early for another drink?" I asked Maxon, trying to stand. My empty wine glass dodged the table as I tried to place it down. That was glass number five? Six?
He handed me a cup, and I grabbed it greedily gulping a mouthful before noticing the taste was different. I shot him a disgusted look, leaning at the train tipped to the side. It was strange how Maxon stood upright. "I don't want water!" I stomped my foot as loudly as I could, almost losing my balance.
"You've had way too many drinks darling, it's time to go to bed." He replied smoothly, gesturing to the door.
"But the suns up." I moaned waving at the window.
"You're drunk." He laughed.
"Am not!" The world tipped again and I grabbed the wall hoping it would anchor me upright.
"Okay then, prove it. Walk it a straight line."
I did as I was told, regretting the decision of leaving the safety of the wall. Maxon laughed under his breath and grabbed my hand. Ignoring my half-hearted attempts of bashing his arms away from me. "I'm completely sober." I said evenly, knowing sadly that I was indeed drunk. "Alright maybe I'm a little tipsy." I leant towards him, aiming for a kiss. Instead he pushed me gently away.
"You're breath reeks of alcohol."
"Fine," I hissed wrestling my arm free and storming toward the bathroom.
I hastily picked up my toothbrush and dropped it. It took to goes to pick it up, all the time I could hear Maxon chuckling from the doorway. It took all my strength to not turn around and scream a curse. Finally I managed to open the toothpaste. I looked in the mirror and aimed the toothbrush for my mouth, failing and hitting my cheek.
Throwing the brush down in frustration I plopped myself onto the floor. Tears seeped from my eyes, ruining whatever makeup was left on my face. "Do you want to brush your teeth?" Maxon asked, bending down in front of me.
"Yes."
"But you need to be sober."
"We've established I'm not though haven't we?"
"I know a trick which will sober you up." He smiled, I was too light headed to know if he was genuine or teasing.
"Do tell."
"Well, first you have to stand up." He pulled me to my feet. "Then you have to close your eyes." He stared at me until I shut my eyes. Now just follow me. He led by holding my hand for a few steps. Finally he turned me around so I was facing the way we just came, he dropped my hand. "Keep them closed or it won't work." I grew doubtful of this trick.
"Maxon…"
"Sssh."
Suddenly something shot down and hit me, my eyes flooded open in time to see Maxon's laughing face close the door to the shower, the shower he'd set to cold and turned on. The water quickly drenched me, causing me to instantly shiver. I let lose a series of words that no one should use, let alone a princess. Bashing of the glass door, hoping for Maxon to let go and open it.
After a few minutes of glaring and swearing I was sober, perfectly sober and fuming. I must of looked a sight, fully clothed, tear stained and beyond mad. Somehow Maxon had grabbed his camera. Laughing he took a photo. That's when I made the decision that I would kill him.
Giving him my most charming smile I saw his falter than fall, he knew he was in trouble. Ignoring the burning cold I laughed at him. He put the camera down giving it a sad look, he'd put the pieces together it seemed. If he was in trouble so was that damned camera.
He handed me a towel and quickly turned heel and took off out the door. I took off after him, only a few meters behind. A grin spread across my face, as long as I didn't lose sight of him he wouldn't be able to hide which meant that he'd keep running until he ran out of train.
Someone stepped out in front of Maxon causing him to skid to a stop and me to almost collide into him. Even in her sleepwear the Queen radiated beauty. "Is there a problem?" She asked, her eyes growing wider and wider as she took the image of me dripping wet in front of her and barely containing anger.
"There's no problem mother." Maxon said calmly, looking back at me for a moment. I sent him a burning smile.
"No problem at all." I confirmed, barely hiding the acid in my voice. I watched her as she raised an eyebrow in question then dropped it and shook her head.
"What is it about this train that makes you two behave like wild animals?" She mused.
"We're sorry for disturbing you, please go back to sleep." Maxon said, choosing not to respond to her question. Amberly looked out at the window taking in the early daylight, Maxon had a warm smile growing across his face. She turned back to us glancing at Maxon then taking me in her eyes lingered on the growing puddle beneath me.
"Maxon, I suggest you go and get ready for bed and America how about you dry off or go have a warm shower." I flashed her a grin, fully aware of Maxon's falling smile. That's where he discovered that trick.
The Queen left us and headed into her rooms, the guard standing up at the other end of the carriage suppressed a grin. I turned back towards my rooms hoping that Maxon wouldn't miss the camera I was planning on smashing. "Where are you going?" He asked falling into step behind me.
"To my room."
"I'll get you some dry clothes while you have a warm shower."
"I'm quite capable of getting my own clothes now that I'm sober." I answered, oh I would make him work for forgiveness. "I don't know where you are planning on sleeping but it's not in my rooms now." He stopped dead in his tracks, I had enough restraint to hold back a cackle. That was the reaction I was hoping for.
…
It's all good people, America wasn't serious about killing Maxon. Though he can have a miserable few days is she has anything to do with it.
I hope you enjoyed this and didn't find too many errors.
As always guys, keep up the favourites, follows and especially the reviews. Reviews keep me motivated! Constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.
I'm forever adding to my Pinterest so check it out! The links on my profile
And if you haven't already go check out Kiera Cass's Pinterest! She has images for 'The One' on there, some of them are amazing others are scaring me…
It's also come to my attention that in my daily vocabulary I use a lot of Aussie slang, if you pick up on that and realise it please tell me and if you don't know what it means don't hesitate to ask. I promise I won't bite.
Thanks!
Until next time my pretties.
-Lily,
xxxx
