I have to say I absolutely loved the reviews. Thank you so much! We are going to hear a little bit from Maxon this time. But not much. We really needs to learn to express himself a little more. :)
Chapter 48
Maxon's POV
Lord, what had I done. America was too smart for her own good. She had taken me by surprise by her question. If that had happened in the war room or the council chamber I would have handled it much better. But it seems whenever I am around her I leave all my senses at the door.
I still had Elsie by the arm and was escorting her back to her room as if she were a common prisoner. She hadn't done anything wrong. Well, at least tonight she hadn't. I stopped; apparently too abruptly as I had to catch Elsie when my sudden stop caused her to trip and begin to fall.
As she righted her balance she turned and looked at me. I knew she had questions. I could see it in her face. Frustrated, I asked her if she was okay and then began our marched to her room once more. I was concerned to say too much to her but at the same time I believed that she deserved an explanation.
Once we reached her room I asked if I could come in and speak to her in private. Without a word she entered and held the door for me to follow. She offered me a seat but I declined. I wanted to get this over with as soon as possible.
"Elsie, I apologize for my terse behavior tonight. I am not ready to have the visit to New Asia discussed. It is important that it not be brought up again. I will speak to America about this as well."
Elsie curtsied and simply replied, "Of course your Majesty. I was unsure of how to answer Lady America's question. I apologize for my misstep."
"You will tell her and anyone else that may ask while you are here, exactly what my father told you to say. Is that clear? You have proven yourself to be quite an actor, so I know firsthand that you can play your part convincingly. You will tell them that the information you were given when you called was wrong and that my father had been in touch with a member of your family - That my father had informed your family that we would not be able to join them. "
Elsie nodded. "I am so sorry for the inconvenience and problems I created by speaking of your mission while you were away. I know enough about such things to know that there may have been components to your mission that required duplicity...secrecy. I should never have spoken to my family or anyone here...Was my father told of my error, your majesty?"
I could see the apprehension in her eyes. I knew the sting and fear that came with disappointing a father. "I did not tell him. I cannot speak for my father though."
I began to move toward the door and then, almost as an afterthought, I turned to her and thanked her for agreeing to keep mine and America's secret. Perhaps she would make a good ally in New Asia. I certainly would have to keep her offer in mind.
As I stepped out into the hallway and began to close the door, I wished her a goodnight and told her I would see her at breakfast.
I walked hurriedly back to America's room wondering if we could ever have a night together where I didn't end up feeling like I was going to lose her any minute. I sincerely hoped she was still alone, and not asleep.
Thank you for reading.
L.M.
