A/N: So for those I drove crazy with the shorter chapters, I did it on purpose. I wanted readers to feel the same frustration that America must feel. She wants more information too but can't get it.
This on is a longer chapter with more information, but there are still more twists but I promise, before the end, all will be revealed.
Chapter 49
As I rounded the corner to America's room, I was hit by a force that almost knocked me to the ground. I had been in my own thoughts, not paying attention, so before understanding the source of the blow I raised my fist ready to strike. Just before I struck however, I came to my senses and thankfully realized that a very scared and upset looking Kris was standing before me with her hands raised in a protective posture. My heart broke. How many times as a child had I taken this same stance with my father.
I lowered my arms, taking a step back. "I am so sorry Lady Kris. Please, are you alright? Did I hurt you?"
"No your Majesty, please forgive me. I wasn't paying attention and it is late. I should not have been out prowling around the halls. I will be going."
Kris lowered her head and moved to step around me. I caught her arm gently. "Why are you prowling around as you call it? Were you visiting Lady America?"
Kris seemed to stiffen at my inquiry. Without looking at me she indicated that as she was getting ready for bed, she had realized that she hadn't really spoken to America today and that she just wanted to catch up because it had been a few days.
Since I had no idea how girls behaved or got on around each other this sounded very nice to me and I smiled. "That was very kind of you Lady Kris. Lady America has been through so much in the last week it is good for her to have a friend that can look out for her." I was now a little leery of Elsie as she clearly had her own ideas of how a friendship with America could be used for her own benefit. I didn't want America hurt or confused by political ties and the fickleness of political friendship until she was trained and understood the roles and pit falls of being a Royal. Kris was a nice girl. It was good for America to be with her.
I sent Kris on her way and carried on to America's room. The guard outside the door saluted me. I saluted him back before knocking.
America quietly opened the door a crack and peeked out. When she saw me standing before her, she opened the door wide, allowing me entry. There was a part of me that was relieved as I hadn't really been sure of what emotional state she would be in once I arrived or how she would react to my presence.
"I didn't expect to see you tonight." America said.
"I won't stay long, but I thought an explanation of some sort was in order."
"How progressive of you," America said and not without attitude. "Generally you just do what you want to do and expect me to simply deal with it. I expected it would be at least a week or two before you would get around to talking to me. But then again, Kris wasn't in her room so you couldn't go running to her – it was either here or your room, right."
I ignored her sarcasm, "I wanted to see that you were okay. I can see that you are so I will be going. But before I do, know this, even as a Princess there are things you will never know. I will never tell you. You can ask me anything you like, when we are alone, but I will only tell you once that a matter is not to be spoken of again and you will obey me." I winced, as soon as I said the word, obey I knew that I was in for an argument. But why couldn't she understand.
"Obey you! You want me to obey you. I thought you didn't want a woman who would simply bow to your every wish and command. I thought you wanted a woman who had a spine. What has changed?"
"Nothing's changed. Why do you do this every time America? I cannot talk about the New Asian War. Elsie is not allowed to talk about the war and she has been warned not to do so by my father. She listens. When I told her not to speak of it again, she simply bowed and said of course your majesty. You on the other head have to have a temper tantrum every time something does not go your way." I was so angry now, I just wanted to leave. She made things so difficult.
"Maxon, when did you ever tell me that I wasn't allowed to ask questions about the New Asian war? In fact, just before I asked my question I asked you if it was okay to ask a question about the New Asian war and you said yes. If you had of said no, I wouldn't have. I would have later asked you, why? But for you to have gotten angry, practically pull poor Elsie from her chair and drag her out of here, that was scary Maxon. She is probably going to have bruises tomorrow. Is that what is going to happen to me if I step over the line one too many times. Will I end up with bruises?"
I could not believe she would say that to me. "Do you think that would happen America?"
"I didn't, but I also don't know how to explain what I saw tonight. You made a new rule for me without informing me that there was a rule!" America yelled.
I thought about Kris just moments ago. I had reacted to Kris surprising me with an upheld fist, and I had reacted to the fear America's question raised in me by physically hauling Elsie away. "I would never do that to you America. I want to keep you safe. I have to keep you safe. Sometimes knowing things can be dangerous. Please trust me. I will explain, but not now.
I have apologized to Elsie for my actions and I am apologizing to you. It will not happen again. I would never hurt you." I hoped she could see the sincerity in my words and not the fear I felt towards my behaviour.
America had her arms tucked around herself. "I accept your apology. I was just trying to do something good; something a Princess may do. You know, forging alliances and helping. I didn't do a very good job." She looked so sad.
I stepped forward. America didn't move away so I took that as a sign that she may allow me to hold her. I held out my hand. She looked at it tentatively for a moment and then took it. "America, there is so much you don't know yet. You will learn and you will do great.
Think of it like this. To marry me you have to accept the crown and learn everything that goes along with it. What if, to marry you I had to learn to play the violin? How well do you think I would do having never played the violin, let alone any instrument in my life? I wouldn't do well without your guidance and the teachings of those you chose to help me. And I would have to trust that you would never set me up to make me look bad." I hoped this made sense. The analogy had just come to my mind as I looked at her various instruments throughout the room.
America smiled. "That makes sense to me; a lot of sense... So how should I have handled it?"
"First of all never make promises to anyone when you are approached. In the case of Lady Elsie, it would have been preferable for you to have simply told her that you would discuss her proposition with me and that I would decide. I understand that you did say something along those lines but then you went on to volunteer to facilitating a meeting and hosting it in your room. You must not get that visibly involved in the politics of Illea. Mother will be able to give you more direction on that as she is apparently an expert.
The truth is America, if my father finds out that you are attempting to foster relations with other countries he will attempt to twist it into something ugly. He will use anything he can against you." I hesitated before saying, "I am so afraid he will hurt you, America. Please, if not for me, than for your own safety, please just concentrate on the studies mother, Silvia, and I tutor you in. Do not ask questions unless it is within that context, unless we are alone. And even then, I may refuse to answer your questions for various reasons that I cannot share, please accept that as a part of my job and although I know you will feel frustrated, please trust me."
America nodded, "I understand. I am so sorry I caused you more stress. I really did think I was doing a good thing, but I guess if I am being honest," America seemed to look embarrassed or ashamed, "I did have a feeling that asking about the New Asia war might be a no-no, but I ploughed ahead anyway in hopes that you might learn something useful from Elsie. From what she said, the two of you have never spoken of the War."
"No we haven't, but my father and our advisors have."
"But what if he hasn't told you everything that she said, or that she knows. I mean, I am not accusing them of anything, I just mean that you have this great resource right here and she is willing to talk to you...America's hands flew to her face, hiding her eyes. I am doing it again and you just asked me not to. This is going to be hard. I have so many questions about so many things and I have kept them inside for so long I sometimes feel like I am going to bust. So, I will promise not to cause controversy but I cannot promise that I won't ask you questions when we are alone. Does that sound okay?
I smiled, "Yes, yes it does sounds good. You know, we are going to do this. We are going to make this work and we are going to be sensational!" I winked at her.
She smiled broadly at me and started to laugh, "You just want a kiss, you sweet talking Prince you."
Laughing, I confirmed her suspicions by leaning down and kissing her on the forehead, the cheek, and then finally her lips.
As I pulled away, I sighed. "It is getting late. I should bet going."
America nodded at me and to my satisfaction, she looked disappointed. I inwardly smiled.
As I touched the door knob and began to turn it, I thought of something she had said. I turned back to her and said emphatically, "I didn't go to Kris's room tonight. It didn't cross my mind and it won't. The Selection was what it was and I handled it the best I knew how. I would prefer not to have my time spent with others out of duty to be thrown in my face every time we have an argument. Can you do that?"
America answered, "I will try. Some things still hurt." There was no anger or sarcasm in her voice just honesty, which I took as a good sign.
"I never meant for you to get hurt America. You are who I have chosen. Do you understand?"
"Yes", she said looking me straight in the eye.
"Good. Have a restful sleep America. I will see you in the morning." And with that, I left the room and proceeded to my own room on the third floor.
So I am going to try something. Between now and the posting of my next chapter, send me a review and I will send you a teaser for tomorrows segment. Trust me its worth your time. Tomorrows chapter is awesome if I say so myself. My daughter (who is 13) and I actually wrote it about a month ago.
Have a great Saturday, if it is Saturday in your part of the world. Otherwise, just have a great day, whatever day it is.
Cheers,
L.M.
