Hello everyone! I'm really sorry for not posting. First I was sick, then we had had Spring Break, and I had to make this perfect. I hope you enjoy this chapter. It's almost time for The One to come out! Can you believe it?

Anyway, thanks for the reviews that kept me going, 4 more until 300! I think a shoutout is coming soon! And 7 favorites left until 100! That's also shoutout worthy! Thanks guys. Now I'll let you get to the chapter.

Who will he choose?


America's POV:

As we sway to the music, Maxon's eyes take me in all at once. The way that he does that...I guess it's a Prince thing. "You look beautiful, my dear." He compliments, looking a bit dazed. I smile, pleased with the effect I have on him. "Why thank you. I swear, my maids are capable of miracles." I reply with a half smile.

"It's no miracle, you're always beautiful America. Tonight especially so." Maxon says. I blush, still not used to his full attention. That's when I notice Kriss in my peripheral vision, glaring at me. I thought we were on good terms! Apparently not.

Maxon spins me gracefully, as gracefully as I can manage really. As I return to his arms, something about his expression is...off. He looks as if he's in a battle between decisions. But what decision could he possibly have to make? I gasp, barely audible.

A proposal.

I know it has to come, the nation is ready to have a princess. But what decision is Maxon trying to make? Me or Kriss? Shouldn't he know?!

Maxon senses my discomfort, and pulls me closer. "What is it, my dear? Is your birthday not going as planned?" I smile, trying to look happy for him. "I'm fine. Just a bit tired, I guess." is my reply. He smiles back, hopefully convinced. "How about some punch?" he asks me. I nod.

As we step off the dance floor, all eyes are on us. I squirm, then stop myself. If this is what being a princess feels like, I should try to get used to it. Not that I'm sure I'll be a princess.

Maxon's POV:

How is this happening? How can I not be ready? I am literally minutes away from proposing, and I don't know to whom!

I ask myself again. A calm and peaceful life, with no surprises? Or a wild life, with passion and surprises every day?

As I walk to get punch with America, I study her. Fiery red hair, slender, looking almost like a bride in her blue-white dress. A flame that can never be extinguished.

I turn to look at Kriss. Lovely in her soft pink dress, yet America is taking up the spotlight. And you can tell Kriss is jealous. But she's still so...sweet.

Who do I want? Who do I need?

I think I know.

America's POV:

As we walk to get punch, I feel Maxon's eyes on me. Good. If that's what it takes for him to choose me, then look all you want. I know I'm acting a little like Celeste, but that girl got what she wanted every time. Well...almost.

We sip punch together, idly discussing non-important things. Guests wish me well, and I thank them. I'm offered a few dances, but turn them down, hoping to spend most of my time with Maxon. Is he going to propose here, or somewhere else? Will he even propose?

My breathing starts to get heavy, and Maxon notices. He must think I'm too warm, so he offers an arm and asks, "Would you accompany me to the gardens?"

"Of course." I say gratefully. I need fresh air.

We stroll through the gardens, enjoying the scent of soon-to-be-spring. Flowers are budding, and we even spot a few birds in the trees. I forget about the proposal, about being princess, about being someone's wife for just a few moments, and enjoy myself. This is what life should be. Worry free, and filled with joy.

We pass the roses, or what will be the roses in a month or so. "Look!" I exclaim, and lean down to inspect the stems. "A bloom!" I turn to show Maxon, and find him down on one knee. I gasp, startled. Is this...?

Maxon smiles ruefully. "This may not be the best time, but it's as good as any. We're finally alone." I smile to urge him on. He clears his throat, looking a bit uncomfortable. "I know that this is a huge responsibility, and there is a bad side to being royal. You've seen a little of that side, and if you don't want to stay, I understand. It's just..." he makes eye contact, "I'm so helplessly in love with you. And I want you to be my wife." My smile grows larger. He takes out a ring case, and opens it to reveal a diamond set with sapphires. I'm speechless. "So will you, America Singer, do me the honor of becoming my wife?" he finishes. I just stand there for a moment, not crying, not even breathing really. Because I'm lost in a world, a world with just me and him. A world with just Maxon and America.

"Yes." I breathe, not sure if he heard me. "Yes, yes, yes!" I say, louder each time. Maxon grins, slips the ring onto my finger, and stands. I throw my arms around his neck, hugging him and exclaiming, "yes, yes, yes a million times!" He spins me around, and we comically almost lose our balance. As Maxon sets me down, he stares into my eyes. Those big brown eyes staring into my own. I'm again lost in our world. "I love you." I say, breathlessly. He smiles that little half smile and replies in a whisper, "Not as much as I love you." Then kisses me before I can respond.

Our first kiss as an engaged couple is different somehow, impossibly filled with more love and hope than ever before. It ends all too quickly.

"I'm sorry if my speech wasn't that good. I had one memorized, but I forgot it instantly and just said what came to mind." he looks at me apologetically. "It was perfect, probably the most perfect in the history of proposals." I smile. He looks relieved.

"I will have to give one inside, in front of the cameras and everyone. In fact, why don't we get that over with. We're the only ones who know we're engaged." he says. I want it to stay that way, but know that my parents will want to see, along with May. And I know it's terrible, but I can't wait to see Kriss's expression. So I just nod, letting him pull me along.

As we enter the room, everyone can tell something is different. I gave Maxon my ring back (which I love. I've always had a thing for sapphires) so no one has proof we're engaged, but I think they can tell. The cameras are focused on us, along with every pair of eyes.

We walk to the front, where a stage has been placed. Maxon leads me up, and bends down to one knee like before. The audience gasps, and I hear Nicoletta squeal with excitement. I try to look surprised. Maxon gives his speech, but this time I can tell it's more thought out. When he concludes and I accept, he puts the ring on my finger and stands, beaming. We put our arms around each other, and share a quick kiss. I look into the crowd, seeing Kriss about to cry, my parents proud, and May hopping around. "You should go talk to Kriss." I tell Maxon. He nods, and makes his way over to her, but not before having to talk with everyone.

I stand there, receiving many a "you're so lucky" and "have fun being princess". I smile and nod, hoping to just get this over with. Finally, it is over, and I head back to my room with my Prince at my side. Both my parents were happy for me, and May acted like she is the one getting married. But we're still a family, and that's what counts.

I turn to look at Maxon, not believing he'll be part of my family also. He notices my staring, and turns to look at me too. "You know, this is probably the best day of my life." he states. I grin. "Only probably?" I ask. He laughs, and pulls me to him. "It's definitely the best day of my life. How does that sound to my fiancé?" he asks. I gasp, still unbelieving. Fiancé. It has a certain ring to it that I've always loved. "That sounds perfect." I whisper, and stand on my tiptoes so his lips touch mine. We share a long kiss, full of adoration for each other.

I've always wandered what it would be like to fully love someone.

Now I know.


Me again! Hope you enjoyed. I think we all knew America and Maxon are meant to be, and Kiera Cass better believe it! If you want a wedding/prologue, just comment!

Love, Sara