So I was brainstorming different ideas for an hour or so, and then I realized 'holy cannoli! I have to go to a party tonight!' so then I rushed and wrote this chapter for you. I hope you like it. If you don't, I completely understand. I was sort of out of it when I wrote it. Anyways, ENJOY!

Kiera Cass has all rights. She wrote the Selection Trilogy and other stuff (ebooks, etc.)

Chapter Fourteen

(Maxon's POV)

When we got in the safe room, everything seemed panicked. Guards were running in every direction, nurses were ushered throughout the room attending to the wounded, and everyone looked very shaken up. I looked over to where the royal family's thrones should have been and saw cots lined up instead. Where were my parents?

(America's POV)

Something was off. I saw Maxon looking around the room. He could see it too. All of the Elite were gone, as well as the king and queen.

A guard started walking in our direction and I instantly got anxious.

"Prince Maxon, we have a problem. The other Selected have not made it down here, and we fear the worst. The king and queen have been in a closed-off area discussing the issue with their advisors. They asked me to get you and America as soon as possible." he said in a voice that gave away no emotions.

Maxon sighed heavily and nodded.

"Follow me please, your highness." the guard motioned us forward.

After passing what seemed like forty injured soldiers and maids, we reached a closed-off area surrounded by guards. How had we not noticed this place before?

The guard saluted to the others and a door was opened for us to go in. As soon as we stepped through the door, arms were around us. I wasn't going to say anything, but the running for our lives really hurt my wounds from the previous attack on the palace, and someone hugging us tightly wasn't helping the pain. I groaned, feeling like someone was stabbing me again.

Everyone pulled away.

"America, dear, are you alright?" Maxon asked, noticing how I was holding my hands in front of my stomach.

He pried my hands away from my body and took a deep breath. I couldn't will my head to look down and see what he was seeing, but I had a feeling I knew what it was. As Maxon took my hands from my dress, they felt sticky and slick. I raised my hands in confirmation. My wound had reopened. I looked up in to Maxon's eyes, feeling frantic.

Nauseousness enveloped me. "Maxon... I-"

"Don't you dare move or speak, America. You will not make this worse than it already is. The blood is leaving your body at a rapid pace, and we don't have much time. Stay still." a doctor said entering the room and looking at my abdomen.

At that moment, though, I couldn't will my legs to stay in place. Everyone's face swam in front of mine. The room was spinning and, in an instant, I was on the floor. I remember feeling someone's arms under me before everything faded way to black.

(Maxon's POV)

I was crying in front of my superiors and my colleges, and I sure as hell didn't care. The whole world could look on and I still wouldn't. America was unconscious and in my arms, and I couldn't do anything to help her until the rebels left the palace. God, was she pale. It was like she was slowly loosing all of the melanin in her body. Blood oozed from her stomach, and all I could think while she lost more of it was I love you, don't die; I love you, don't die over and over again. While the annoying and blood-thirsty rebels were up there searching for books that would never be found, scouring the whole palace for them; America was dying in my arms.

My mom bent down next to me and started rubbing my arms reassuringly. Something she used to do when I was little.

"Don't worry, sweetheart, we'll find a way to help her. No one you love will die on my watch." she said, trying hard to comfort me; though I had the strangest feeling it was also to comfort herself.

I could tell that she was just as nervous as I was. Without me knowing it, my mother had grown fond of America, and right then, we were both going to lose her if someone didn't do something soon.

Okie doke! That was probably the worst chapter I've written yet, but I hope you at least understood a little of what was going on. :) Keep a lookout for the next chapter. It should be up late tonight! :) Remember: suggestions are gladly accepted, PM's are great, reviews are stupendous, follows mean the world to me, and favorites are a life line! ha ha.

Thanks for reading guys!

-Property of Illea