All rights to Kiera Cass. This book is designed to make story edits that largely follow the original plot. So even in the edited parts it is often largely Cass's writing.

…. …. ….. …..

Author's note: Last chapter of book 2! Book three is up! (also posted chapter 30 on 1/15/21)

…. …. …. …..

(edit)

CHAPTER 31

I GOT A NOTE. IT was time to go to the advising meeting. I hiked my way up to the third floor, and entered the room not knowing what to expect. When I entered the king and Maxon weren't there yet, but all the advisors were. They all stood applauding.

"What's that for?" I asked.

"Well." The General began, "We may not agree with the way you went about it, but you stood up for the lower castes. And that was very brave of you."

I was shocked. Cane then answered my unspoken question, "You forgot lady America while we may be Twos now, we were all born in the lower castes." He played with his ring that looked like some sort of spiral. "We're only here now because we worked our way up from a draft."

Aimes spoke up next, "The way you stood up to the king." He was shaking his head, "Fearless though maybe a bit stupid."

"Well I know I'll have hell to pay for it so hopefully it did some good." I noted. "Can I have the entail?"

A few minutes later the King was storming in infront of Maxon. "We didn't foresee the attack on Lady Natalie's family. And we couldn't cognize the rebel attack would be tonight. I want to know why." I couldn't believe how upset he was. I had assumed his pity was practiced, but maybe a part of him really did care.

"They're clearly upping their attacks." I spoke first. "I suggest we assume the rebels are going to attack the castle and set more patrol guards. We can give the guards walkie talkies so if they see any rebels they can signal to sound the alarm and give us more warning of an attack. That will at least cut down on casualty numbers."

"Do as the girl says." The king declared waving his hand. Great 'the girl'. I don't even get a name anymore.

Most of the rest of the meeting was filled with a discussion of how to better support the Elite's family so they wouldn't be injured, or killed. I thought about my kids at the garden, now that everyone knew about them, including the rebels, would they be safe still?

Right before the meeting ended the king made a passing comment. "Maxon has made another elimination. Natalie will be going home."

I left the room, but my head spun: Natalie.

"America"

I turned. Maxon was coming out of the room after me. He gestured and we slipped into his room.

Maxon cleared his throat. "So as you may have guessed, I've spoken with my father."

I meant to reply but the words got caught in my throat.

(cass)

"He was quite happy that I wasn't killed last night. As you know, carrying on the royal line is very important to him. I explained to him that I nearly died because of his temper and attributed my finding a hiding place to you."

"But I didn't—"

"I know. But he needn't."

I smiled.

"I then told him that I set you straight on some behavioral things. Again, he needn't know that's untrue; but you could act like it happened, if you wanted."

(edit)

Does this mean...

"Considering that I owe my life to you as far as he knows, he agreed that my desire to keep you here might be somewhat justified, so long as you were on your best behavior and could learn your place as an Elite."

I stared at him, not completely sure I was hearing this right.

"Really, the fair thing to do is let Natalie go. She's not cut out for this; and with her family grieving right now, her home is the best place for her. We've already spoken."

I was still dumbstruck. So that was right. It was just Natalie, not me.

"Shall I explain?"

"Please."

Maxon reached for my hand and pulled me close tenderly looking into my eyes. "You would stay here as a member of the Elite and still be a part of the competition, but things will be different. My father will probably be harsh toward you and do whatever he can to make you fail. I think there are some ways to fight that, but it will take time. You know how ruthless he is. You have to prepare yourself."

I nodded. "I think I can do that." I had to wonder if what he was doing before wasn't harsh, what was coming? Or did Maxon just not know?

"America I want to be with you, but you have to be a person who the country can get behind. I know you are that person, but…."

"Maxon. If we are going to do this." I said pointing at the two of us, "Then I need to make a deal." He nodded and I continued, "You need to keep seeing Kriss." He looked shocked. "It will probably drive me insane... maybe even hurt me a little- but it's important."

"America I don't understand."

"You like Kriss, right."

"Yes, but-."

"Kiss is the better choice for a princess. She can still show those little girls what it's like to be strong and she'll love you and the country with all her heart. I honestly still don't know if I can be a princess at all. So if you ever get to the point where you love us the same you need to choose her."

"America, why stay at all if you're giving up." Maxon almost begged.

"Oh I'm not giving up; in fact I am just getting started. I am going to fight for you Maxon Schreave. But if I win I am going to win fair and square, not because you never looked at the competition." He was shaking his head. "Besides. What if I end up not being cut out for this. You need someone else."

"I don't want anyone else."

"Well then let's hope I can be a princess. Because I don't want anyone else either."

He moved in and kissed me deeply. It was a passionate kiss, but one not nearly as frantic as the kisses from last night. This one was tender and sent a message: I'll do this every day for the rest of time.

I stood to leave. But before I got out the door Maxon called out, "You are an enigma America Singer." I turned over my shoulder and looked back at him. "Just when I think I have you figured out, you do something that sends me for a loop." I left the room with a mysterious smile on my face.

It seemed as if the King was waiting for me as I stepped onto the second floor. He approached me slowly, a clear display of control. When he stopped in front of me, I curtsied.

(cass-minor edits)

"Your Majesty," I said.

"Lady America. It seems you're still with us."

"So it does."

A pack of guards passed us, bowing as they did so. "Let's talk business," he said sternly. "What do you think of my wife?"

I pursed my forehead, surprised at the direction of the conversation. Still, I answered honestly. "I think the queen is amazing. I don't know enough words to say how wonderful I think she is."

He nodded. "She's a rare woman. Beautiful, obviously, and also humble. Timid, but not to the point of being cowardly. Obedient, good-humored, an excellent conversationalist. It seems that even though she was born into poverty, she was meant to be a queen."

He paused and looked at me, taking in the clear admiration on my face. "The same cannot be said of you."

I stayed calm as he continued. Noting the king was getting to me less and less. "Your looks are average. Red hair, a bit pale, and I suppose a decent figure; but you're nothing next to Celeste. As far as your temper …" He inhaled sharply. "You're rude, jocular; and the one time you do something serious, it tears at the fabric of our nation. Completely thoughtless. And that's not even counting your poor posture and gait. Kriss is far lovelier and more agreeable."

I pushed my lips together. I knew all of this already. He's just trying to intimidate me.

"And, of course, there is absolutely no political advantage to having you in the family. Your caste isn't low enough to be inspiring, and your connections are nonexistent. Elise, however, was very helpful with our trip to New Asia."

I wondered how true that could be if they never actually made contact with her family. Maybe there was something going on that I simply didn't know about. Or maybe all of this was being exaggerated to make me feel worthless. If that was the goal, it was starting to work.

His cold eyes focused on mine. "What are you doing here?"

I swallowed. "I suppose you would have to ask Maxon."

"I'm asking you."

"He wants me here," I said firmly. "And I want to be here. As long as both of those things are true, I'm staying in the selection."

The king grinned. "You're what, sixteen? Seventeen?"

"Seventeen."

"I suspect you don't know very much about men, which you shouldn't if you're here. Let me say, they can be very fickle. You might not want to hold on to your affection for him so tightly when a single moment could take his heart away for good."

(edit)

I ignored him. I know his words are just to try and make me lose faith in Maxon. But I trust him. He'll tell me if things are getting more serious with him and Kriss.

"I have eyes all over this palace. I know there are girls offering him more than you'd dream. Do you think someone as plain as you could stand a chance next to them?" While his words were supposed to inspire obedient fear they're inspiring spunk.

Wow. He's really pulling out everything. I wonder how he found out about Celeste. A loyal guard most likely. I know I am supposed to be well behaved now, but I never liked bullies. "Sir are you speaking to me as a King, a Commander in Chief, or a man."

He paused for a moment before replying, "We're just having a little chat person to person. Wouldn't you agree?"

I smiled. He thought he was intimidating me, but he just gave me all the permission I needed to speak my mind. "I would. And that is why I would like to add that I have had a bit of a change of heart. I actually think I would make a great princess."

He cut me off with his laughter but I shot him a look that could kill. Helping to raise over sixty children really does well for the death looks. His laugh quickly diminished into an awkward chuckle. I have to say I didn't think that would work so well on a king, but this is not a brave man. He's one who strives to make everyone around him weak so they don't confront him. I stepped towards him slowly, "I want to make a better country for the people." I stated with so much raw power no one could doubt my intentions, "Maybe I haven't been perfect so far, but none of the other girls have either.

"You listed off all the qualities of the other girls, but you forgot that I am the only one that can truly connect to the lower castes. And the lower castes are the ones being recruited to the rebels. None of the others know what it's like to dedicate their life to fighting an impossible task. But I have. And that is why I know I will never get tired of fighting for better lives for the people of Illea. None of the other girls have an in-depth knowledge of the way the enemy mind works. None of the other girls are me.

"If you've listened to a word I have said when I am speaking from the heart, you would know I am a fighter. But what might scare you is I haven't even started fighting to be here yet. It took me far too long to realise your son was worth fighting for, but now that I have, get ready, because I am a force to be reckoned with." The determination and confidence in my voice did not match the pit in my stomach.

For a split second I saw a flash of what I could have sworn was curiosity dance across the king's face. "Feisty. Passionate. I bet that's what my son sees in you. Too bad it won't be enough."

"Willing to bet on it." He raised his eyebrow and I stook out my hand. He accepted it and we shook, "Let the best one win. Oh and Sir. For now on if you have any issues with me, take them up with me: not your son."

I turned to walk away forcing the king to call after me. "Lady America-"

I turned my head over my shoulder, "Not a word to anyone, like usual." Straightening my head I kept walking back to my room.

After I was out of sight I almost wanted to kick myself. That was dumb. I literally just asked for the king to sabatosh me after talking back to him. And gave him a free invitation to yell at me. Not that he needed it though. I really need to stop walking the line between brave and stupid with him, because everytime I get further away from the brave teritory.

I walked into my room and scurried over to press the button that sent for my maids. Faster than I could have imagined, Anne, Mary, and Lucy came running breathlessly into my room.

"My lady?" Anne said. "Is something wrong?"

(cass)

I smiled. "Not unless you think me staying in the selection is a bad thing."

Lucy squealed. "Really?"

"Absolutely."

"But how?" Anne asked. "I thought you said—"

"I know, I know. It's hard to explain. All I can say is that I've been given a second chance. Maxon matters to me, and I'm going to fight for him."

"That's so romantic!" Mary cried, and Lucy started clapping her hands.

"Hush, hush!" Anne called out sternly. I thought she would be excited and didn't understand her sudden seriousness. "If she's going to win, we need a plan."

... ... ... ...

Fun Fact: I debated having America actually kicked out of the selection at this point, but decided it was too different from the original.

Thanks for reading. I love to hear your thoughts of the book as a whole as well as any book three predictions!

Go read book three! "The Selection Series Rewrite: Book 3 The One"

Book three is by far the most different of the three rewrites, but it still very much feels like the selection. I like it a lot better so go tell me what you think!