Thanks for everyone who read my last chapter! I know you're a little disappointed about him not proposing but the bracelet has a secret to it that you'll find out later! Panda-Crazy-19 I'm sorry he didn't but I'm glad you like my idea! flawed angel thank you for following my story and I hope you read on! Meg-sters52 I'm sorry he didn't! And I'm glad you like Elise in this! She needs a little spark in this don't you think? Thank you so much and I hope you'll like this next chapter! Cluelessangel thank you for following my story and I hope you read on! Gilmoregirls1197 thank you for the review and you are always awesome as always! livingtodance glad you love it! Thanks for the review! ClaireMonteith even if your English is basic I really appreciate you reading this and reviewing my story! It means a lot and I hope you enjoy the later drama to come! Thanks you all for being amazing and I hope you enjoy this next chapter!

Love, Smashleigh

Chapter 16:

The farewell was short for the royal family of France. After the Report we all met in the Great Hall and exchanged a few subtle goodbyes. Daphne wasn't rude to me, nor was Fredrick- who hugged me rather tenderly- but the King and Queen were absolutely thrilled with me. They were so sweet that I was wondering why Daphne was such a bitch. She definitely didn't get it from them!

"I hope you do win." the Queen of France whispered in my ear. "Maxon needs someone strong and kind, like you."

I pulled back from her hug and looked up at her. Her kind blue eyes rested on me with some sort of passion. "Thank you, Your Majesty." I told her breathlessly. I've never had a royal compliment me. Normally I would compliment them on something.

She nodded her head and smiled before turning to Elise, who obviously heard the little exchange. But when the Queen came over she was all smiles.

"So are we still on for our little date tonight?" Maxon whispered in my ear.

His closeness bothered me when in front of everyone. I know he was close when we were on television but these people made me feel awkward. "Of course we are." I whispered back. "Why wouldn't we be?"

He smiled at my tone and I sneaked a peek up at him. His eyes weren't on me though; they were on Daphne who was watching us back. Immediately I knew what he was doing and stepped away.

"Excuse me." I said walking towards the garden doors. I needed some fresh air for a moment just to clear my head.

Outside it was getting late but the moon shone brightly overhead. I plopped down under on off the trees with my back to it. The rough bark pricked me but not too painfully. I'm sorry my maids spent so much time making this dress which was now obviously ruined. I tilted my head back and closed my eyes. The Angeles air blew over me and cooled down my boiling temper.

Suddenly I felt a soft kiss on my lips. I turned my head away and opened my eyes. Maxon was looming over me and softly kissing my neck. It wasn't his usual kisses which we passionate and somewhat overwhelming. These were loving kisses meant to apologize for what he'd done.

I let him kiss me again and I lifted my hands up to cup his face. But I hit something in his pocket first. Slowly and ever so skillfully I plucked a small box out of his pocket. Then I got to my feet and dashed about ten feet away.

"America Singer what do you have there?" he asked me trying to make out the dark blue box against my dress.

"Me?" I laughed. "What do you have here Maxon Schreave?"

His eyes widened in recognition and he darted after me. In this dress it was difficult to run and he got me in no time. We tumbled down the hill until finally resting at the bottom. He lay beside me with a firm hand on mine, covering the box.

"Are you really curious to know what's in here darling?" he asked with a smile.

I nodded my head and smiled back. I already knew what it was the moment I looked at the box. Now he was slowly opening the lid to reveal a four carat diamond, slightly tinted blue, with two intertwining bands also surrounded in tiny diamonds. The ring just took my breath away.

"America Singer," Maxon said, "I think I've never met a more troublesome, naïve, and passionate girl in my entire life like you." He heard me stifle a giggle and his smile grew bigger. "Yet I've never met someone I could also love as much as I could love you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

I choked back a sob but nodded. "Yes." I managed. "Yes, yes, yes."

He slipped the ring out of the box and placed it on my finger where it truly belonged.