All rights to Kiera Cass. Parts labeled "cass" are direct quotes from the original books, however even in other parts cass's writing may be intertwined.

This story is rated M for sexual themes.

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This is M, according to fanfiction guidelines "Fiction M can contain adult language, themes and suggestions." However there is no actual Sex in the story. Sex is talked about a lot in the book and there are a decent amount of sexy moments, but this isn't erotica.

This is technically a sequel to "The Selection Series Rewrite: Book 2 the Elite" because in my other rewrite America is a junior advisor, and I couldn't figure out a different way to keep America in the castle. This is designed for it to make sense with just some background and reading those two chapters so if you haven't read the rewrites just stick with this story and by the time you get to the actual chapter 1 you will know what you need.

This isn't the most realistic based off book characters personality, but that's what my other rewrite is for this one is just for fun. So If the Idea of America being an advisor intrigues you, but this story isn't your cup of tea, you can try my T rewrites which you can find on my profile. Those are the main storyline ones and I don't even know what this is. Hopefully you'll enjoy.

This is really clunky so I apologize:

The first two chapters at the bottom of this chapter are copied from my other rewrite "The Selection Series Rewrite: Book 2 the Elite" and the last one is edited but similar to that chapter. If you have already read my other rewrites you can just skim to chapter 31 which is different. If you haven't you do need those chapters for this to make sense, but things that may not make the most sense in chapters 30-31 aren't important….so just kinda read through it. I have bolded the important parts, so you can just read that if you want.

The only reason they are all in the same chapter is because I didn't want to waste too much space on "background". The real first chapter of the book is the next chapter. It is a bit slow at first, but try to stick till the end of chapter 2, if you don't like it by then this may not be your story, which is okay. I am honestly writing this just to have fun torturing the characters and figured others can watch me play god if they choose.

Summary:

America Singer, a poor five, is chosen to come to the castle and compete for Maxon, the prince of Illea, hand in marriage. America and Maxon early on decided to just be friends. America's ex-boyfriend, Aspen, comes to the castle as a guard, but instead of it being a secret America clues Maxon in as soon as she knows. He is surprisingly supportive, and their friendship grows in being able to confide in each other the things they won't say to anyone else. Maxon recognises America's amazing strategic planning abilities and she is brought in as a junior advisor. America realizes she's not in love with Aspen any more but is falling for Maxon so she breaks up with Aspen. Finally after America's presentation on the report and an untimely rebel attack leaves her and Maxon stranded together in a safe room even if they were to admit their feelings for each other that moment, would it too late with the king in the way?

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(Same as rewrite- if haven't read rewrites read the bold)

Orientation: Maxon and America are in a safe room together. They have not admitted they like each other (they are just friends). America is no longer together with Aspen.

CHAPTER 29

"Don't you want to know why you're still here? Don't you want to know why I at least tried to stop you from leaving the selection?"

I shook my head, but not in a way that was saying no. "Your father's stubborn. I doubt he's done trying to kick me out." I looked at him before I added, "Besides is that the worse idea? As an Elite I'm just hurting you."

Maxon thought it over. "I'm not sure I could stop it now…. Do you want to be out? You'll stay on as an advisor. It's what we always talked about."

"It's like you said I don't have much of a choice in the matter…."

"But if you did? America should I fight for you?"

"Do you want to fight for me?" The desperation in my voice made it clear I wanted him to want me. But I also didn't want to hurt him.

We locked eyes, in limbo. It wasn't a butterfly look it was one far more vulnerable. We were looking for answers. I looked away before I got any, and asked in just above a whisper. "How's Kriss?"

Maxon thought about it for a second. "Our relationship is rather quiet, friendly, steady. I can depend on Kriss, and I know she is devoted to me. As you know, there is very little certainty in my world. It's…. refreshing in that way." I looked at him surprised. "What?" He asked in response.

"You're not in love with her." I said plainly. I could see it all over Maxon's face. He was describing their relationship in almost pleasantries.

"No." He replied. "I could be happy with her I think. And I like her fine, but I don't love her." He bit his lower lip a little and I could tell he was nervous about that: about not loving her. Before I could think of something to say back he asked me, "Why did you break up with Officer Ledger?"

I was surprised by his question "I told you I wasn't in love with him anym-"

"Is that all." he asked but it wasn't a question. He could see through me.

I hesitated, but I didn't want to lie to Maxon. This lie could break everything, but the truth could too. "I realized he wasn't my first choice anymore. That there was someone else…" Our eyes were locked so intensely that I was finding it harder to breathe, "...someone else who if they wanted me I would choose over him. He deserved better than a girlfriend who was falling for someone else."

Moxon nodded once. We were silent for a while as Maxon seemingly decided what to say, "You know my father has had his hand in the Selection from very early on. If you look at who's left, it's pretty clear."

He started ticking off the girls on his fingers. "Natalie is extremely pliable, and that makes her my father's favorite, as I am too willful in his opinion. The fact that he's so fond of her makes me have to fight the urge to hate her.

"Elise has allies in New Asia, but I'm not sure if that's of any use at all. That war …" Maxon debated something and shook his head. There was some detail about this war that he didn't want to or couldn't share with me. "And she's so … I don't even know the word for it. I knew from the beginning that I didn't want some girl who would agree with everything I said or just roll over and adore me. I try to contradict her, and she concedes the point. Every time! It's infuriating. It's like she doesn't have a spine." I didn't realize how much she got under his skin. He was always so patient with us.

He shook his head. "And Celeste. She is very influential, a celebrity in her own right. It looks good on TV. It sounds right for someone who is close to being on the same level as me to be the final choice. I like her if only for her tenacity. She at least has a backbone. But I can tell that she's got a manipulative streak and that she's working this whole situation for everything she can get out of it. I know when she holds me, it's the crown she pulls close to her heart."

"The others—Marlee and Kriss—were chosen by advisers. Marlee was a favorite, as is Kriss." He sighed. "Kriss would be a fine choice. I wish she would let me closer, if only for the fact that I don't know if we have … chemistry. I'd like to at least have an idea."

It kind of hurt that none of the advisors thought I would be a good princess, but I shook it off. That was before I knew any of them. And now the few I know, who are also on the princess selection team, see me as one of the guys; which frankly is a far better arrangement for me then being a lady of any sort ever was.

He looked at me.

"You were my pick. My only pick. My father wasn't enthusiastic; but at that point you hadn't done much to upset him. So long as you were quiet, he didn't mind me keeping you. In fact, he was fine with me choosing you, if you were well behaved. He tried to get me to choose someone else after the last time you told a bit about your past, but he was still okay with you though because you seemed to recognize you should keep your mouth shut, and he hoped your battle intuition would rub off on me. However, he's used your recent actions to point out the flaws in my judgment and is insisting that he have the final say now."

I didn't know why he was saying all of this. "Maxon, but it wasn't like you were ever going to choose me."

He looked up. His eyes were more full of love than I thought possible. "That's what I'm trying to tell you America. It was always you. I tried to find others, but they all look so dim at just the glimpse of your smile. I knew your heart belonged to another, and I was going to respect that, but at every turn I hoped you'd change your mind. Hoped you'd want me. So I could end this and be with the one girl I really wanted to be with."

I really had crushed him by saying I was willing to leave. I allowed myself to move to him, cup his face, drop the walls I had set up, and see into the love in my eyes.

Something that looked like relief spread over his face. "So this guy you're falling for, do I know him."

I smiled and laughed a bit, "He actually looks a scary amount like you."

A smile as big as the grand canyon spread across Maxon's face and I'm sure there was one at least as big on mine. Finally. Finally, we didn't pull away. Our lips met. The world stopped. Maxon put his hand on my lower back, pulled me in, and the kiss deepend. After a minute or so the kiss slowed, lingered, and pulled away. It was unlike anything I had felt before.

"Do you think this is smart?" I asked, searching his eyes for guidance. "If most likely we'll never be able to do that again, won't it just torcher us?"

"Maybe you're right." He hesitantly agreed and took several steps away from me. We needed the space if we had a prayer of not kissing.

"Kriss is a good choice. She'd make a much better princess than I ever would have." I tried to comfort him.

He chuckled. Talking about this in a way was easier. It's what our relationship had been for months. "She is less of an instigator. Lord knows what would happen to the country with you at the helm."

I laughed along because he was right. "I'd probably ruin it."

Maxon continued to smile when he spoke. "But maybe it needs ruining."

We sat there in silence for a little while. I wondered what our world would look like ruined. We couldn't get rid of the royal family—how could we possibly transition it out?—but maybe we could change the way some things were run. Offices could be elected instead of inherited. And the castes … I really would love to see those dead and gone.

Maxon went on. "You know, you would have made an amazing princess."

I shook my head. "Well you're one of the only people who thought so."

He looked shocked. "You really can't see it."

"You can?!"

He moved over just a bit closer to me and positioned himself in a way that he could better paint a picture. "You've told me that I lead out of love for my people, and that would make me a great leader. Well you do too America. You have so much love for the people. You already do everything you can for them: intuitively accepting their lives as your responsibility. You may not be the classic idea of a princess, but that's not who our nation needs. Our nation needs a princess who is willing to fight for them. To show little girls that a lady is not someone who rolls over, but is someone who is strong. Imagine America, a nation full of girls that know it's okay to be strong."

He was shaking his head a bit, "You don't give your strength enough credit. You are the first female advisor in Illea's history. You have seen more in seventeen years than most people do in a lifetime, and you still care. You have to be broken, yet even broken you are stronger than the entire army.

"My father doesn't like you because he knows you are a force to be reckoned with. And that's why he doesn't want you to be a princess. Not because you wouldn't be a good princess. No, it's because he knows you would be a better king than he could ever be."

I took a second to process his words. "You mean that don't you?"

He nodded. "Every word."

"Maxon, most my fear to be with you was because I didn't think I could do it: be a princess. If it was just about you I would have kissed you weeks ago." I shook my head before trying to continue on, "I know I couldn't be as abrasive, but what you just said...I still don't know, but for the first time I feel like it's really possible. Maybe I could be a princess. Not that it matters now anyway." I took a deep breath before adding, "I'll be your advisor and... best friend- forever. Just like we planned." I tried to smile but a tear rolled down my face instead. Best friend seemed so hollow looking from the edge of so much more.

Maxon broke the distance and moved in to hold me.

"Hey." he said softly, stroking my hair, "My America, I never want to be the cause of your tears. I'd spare you tears for the rest of your life if I could." They were silently flowing and he spoke up again. "You never answered my question from earlier. Do you want me to fight for you?"

I answered so easily. Easier than any other decision of my life. I declared in one word it simply and clearly, "Yes."

In his eyes I knew he wanted to kiss me, and the reasons for not were seemingly more and more inconsequential.

"I changed my mind." Maxon said and for a second I panicked, "I don't want to not be together tonight. If that makes it harder tomorrow, so be it. If this is my only chance to be with y-"

I leaned in to kiss him lightly. He stopped talking immediately. I pulled back to let myself get caught in his warm chestnut eyes. He slid the hand cupping my face deep into my hair and pulled my lips fervently to his.

I had dreamed of these kisses, so quiet, so sure. I knew that, in my whole life, no one would ever make me feel this way. It wasn't like I made his world better. It was like I was his world. It wasn't some explosion; it wasn't fireworks; It was a fire: burning slowly from our heart to our souls.

We shifted, sliding so I was on the floor and Maxon was above me. His bare chiseled chest brushing against me. He ran his nose along my jawline, down my neck, across my shoulder, and kissed the same path back to my lips. I kept running my fingers through his soft tickled my palms.

I thought that it should feel fast for our second kiss, but it was anything but fast. We spent months getting to know each other inside and out. Now we quite possibly have just one night to learn the one thing we wanted to learn the most: how it feels to be loved by the other.

After a while we pulled out the blankets and built a makeshift bed. He held me for the longest time, looking into my eyes and peppering kisses across my face. We could have spent years doing this if not for me. I tried to imagine what I would have done if I had known how Maxon had felt about me. He was right about the project, I was just trying to make noise, but because I thought noise was the best I could do. I thought back to what Aspen had said, did I have it in me to be calculating enough to do something circumstantial now so I could do more later? Yes. Because it wasn't betrayal, it was the long game.

Once Maxon's shirt was dry, he put it on, covering the dried stains with his coat, and curled up next to me again. When we both got tired, we started talking. I didn't want to sleep through a second of this, and I sensed he didn't either.

"Do you think you'll go back to him?"

"No." I answered simply, "I don't love him like that now. And I mean it when I say he deserves someone who does. I guess I will be single for a while….How will you explain to Kriss that the girl everyone thought was your favorite has to stay in the castle?"

"She'll get on board with the fact that you're my best friend or I'll choose another. I can't lose you from my life completely."

I leaned into him. Amply trailing kisses down his neck before returning back to his lips. I wanted to kiss him till the end of time and judging by his hands pulling me closer he agreed.

We laid there for a while, just letting ourselves be close. I listened for any signs of what was happening outside and I couldn't hear anything. I knew they were southern rebels. What drives them? What drives any of the rebels?

(cass)

"Maxon, what if the Northern rebels are looking for the diaries?"

He shifted, still not quite alert. "What do you mean?"

"When I was chased that day in the gardens, I saw them as they passed me. A girl dropped a bag full of books. The guy with her had bunches, too. They're stealing books. What if they're looking for a specific one?"

Maxon opened his eyes, squinting in thought. "America … what exactly was in that diary?"

I thought for a moment about how to put it. "A lot. About how Gregory basically stole the country, how he forced the castes on people. It was awful, Maxon."

(edit)

"But how would they even know what was in it?," he asked. "Besides, trust me, after that little display, my father is making sure those things are even more protected than usual."

"That's it." I covered my face, stifling a yawn. "I know it."

"Don't get worked up." he joked, "For all we know, they just really, really like to read."

I moaned at his attempt at humor.

"I know better to discount your theories. However I have the feeling that this is one that should stay between us for a while." I nodded in agreement.

He moved in closer. His strong arms grounding me to the earth. "Don't worry now My America, it will do no good. We should try and sleep." He said the nickname in the way that claimed me as his, and he was so right. I was his, every part of me.

"But I don't want to," I whispered, though I curled closer into him.

Maxon closed his eyes again, still holding on to me. "Me either. Even on a good day, sleeping makes me nervous."

It made my heart ache. I couldn't imagine his constant state of worry, especially considering that the person keeping him on edge was his own father.

He played a bit with the bracelet he gave me. "At least we'll have this, a symbol of the hope of something more." The bracelet, friendship, it felt so over bland now.

Yet I made him make one more promise, "My Maxon. Promise me if fighting for me will get you hurt. You'll stop."

"No. America I cannot just roll over and let you be taken."

"You make it sound like rebels are trying to kidnap me." I joked, but he looked scared.

"If they knew how much you did for us they might." he was right of course.

I was silent for just a moment before I said it again, "Maxon I need you to promise me. I can't be the reason you're hurt."

"I could promise you, My America, but it would be an empty promise. I would break that promise in a heartbeat. If fighting for you will make you safer, keep you with me, or bring you one ounce of happiness, I'll do it."

"Fine." I seceded quietly. I hope it never comes to that. That was the last thing we said. Maxon just held me close from then on.

… … … … … …

(cass)

CHAPTER 30

THE SOUND OF THE CREAKING door woke me, and the light streaming in was so bright, I had to block my eyes.

"Your Majesty?" someone asked. "Oh, God! I've found him," he screamed. "He's alive!"

There was a sudden flurry around us as guards and butlers stormed to our location.

"Were you not able to get downstairs, Your Majesty?" one of the guards asked. I looked at his name. Markson. I wasn't sure, but he seemed to be one of the higher-ups in the guard.

"No. An officer was supposed to tell my parents. I told him to go there first," Maxon explained, trying to straighten his hair. Only once did his face give away that the movement pained him.

"Which officer?"

Maxon sighed. "I didn't get his name." He looked to me for confirmation.

"Me either. But he was wearing a ring on his thumb. It was gray, like pewter or something."

Officer Markson nodded. "That was Tanner. He didn't make it. We lost about twenty-five of the guards and a dozen staff."

"What?" I covered my mouth.

(Edit)

Aspen.

I prayed that he was safe. I'd been so consumed last night, it hadn't occurred to me to worry. And I am worried now. I still care so deeply about Aspen and it doesn't feel so long ago that I buried his brother. I don't want to bury him too.

(Cass)

"What about my parents? The other Elite?"

"All fine, sir. Your mother has been hysterical though."

"Is she out yet?" We started moving, Maxon leading the way.

"Everyone is. We missed a few of the small safe rooms and were doing a second sweep, hoping to find you and Lady America."

"Oh, God," Maxon said. "I'll go to her first." But then he stopped dead in his tracks.

I followed his eyes and saw the destruction. That same line, the one from last time, was scrawled across the wall.

WE'RE COMING

Over and over, by any means they could find, the warning covered the halls. Beyond that, the level of destruction was elevated yet again. I'd never seen what the rebels managed to do to the first floor, only to the hallways near my room. Huge stains in the carpet announced where someone, perhaps a helpless maid or fearless guard, had died. Windows were shattered, leaving jagged teeth of glass in their place.

Lights were broken, some flickering as they refused to give up. Terrifyingly, there were massive gouges in the walls; and it made me wonder if they had seen people going into the safe rooms, if they had been hunting. How close were Maxon and I to death last night?

"Miss?" a guard said, bringing me back to the moment. "We've taken the liberty of contacting all the families. It appears the attack on Lady Natalie's family was a direct attempt to end the Selection. They're targeting your relatives to get you to leave."

I covered my mouth. "No."

"We're already sending palace guards out to protect them. The king was adamant that none of the girls should go."

"What if they want to?" Maxon challenged. "We can't hold them here against their will."

"Of course, sir. You'll need to speak with the king." The guard seemed embarrassed, not quite sure how to handle the difference of opinions.

(Edit)

"You won't have to guard my family long," I said, hoping to break some tension. "I'll likely be eliminated within the hour."

The guard's eyes flickered between Maxon and me, looking to confirm that was true Maxon simply nodded once.

"Yes, miss," the guard replied.

Maxon interjected. "Is my mother in her room?"

"Yes, sir."

"Tell her I'm coming. You're dismissed."

We were alone again.

Maxon took my hand in his. "I'm still going to fight for you America but…."

"I know." I replied simply.

Maxon continued on. "You'll stay in your current room for now, but once things calm down you'll most likely be moved to officer quarters. Take your time to say good-bye to your maids and any of the girls if you want. You might still see them around, but it will be far less frequent."

I smiled. "I will."

Maxon wet his lips, almost fidgeting. This was it. We were just friends again.

"I am sure we'll have a meeting later." Maxon shook his head. "We didn't see so much coming."

I looked down at the ground. "I'm sorry." I whispered.

"Why are you sorry?"

I shrugged, "Part of me feels like I am supposed to be this secret weapon. But then things like this happen. Things I never saw coming and I feel...helpless."

He pulled me in for a hug. "On the contrary you are a secret weapon. But no weapon, regardless of its power, can fix all the problems alone. And no one would expect you to." Part of me wondered if this was going to be the last time we would touch. Once he's married it wouldn't really be appropriate.

He kissed me on the forehead and we locked eyes. "See you later." I said softly and we turned our separate ways.

(Cass)

Each step up the main stairwell was torture, both because of what I had left and what I feared was coming. What if I rang the bell and Lucy didn't come? Or Mary? Or Anne? What if I looked at every face of every guard I passed and not a single one was Aspen's?

I made my way to the second floor, passing destruction at every turn. It was still recognizable, the most beautiful place I'd ever seen, even in ruins. But the time and money it would take to restore this was beyond my imagination. The rebels were very thorough. As I got closer to my room, I heard the distinct sound of crying. Lucy.

I let out a breath, happy she was alive but terrified of what was making her cry. I braced myself and turned the corner into my room.

Working with red faces and swollen eyes, Mary and Anne were collecting the shattered glass from the doors to my balcony. I watched as Mary had to stop midsweep to exhale and calm herself. In a corner, Lucy was weeping into Aspen's chest.

"Shh," he said, comforting her. "They'll find her, I know it."

I was so relieved, I burst into tears. "You're okay. You're all okay."

Aspen let out a huge sigh, his tight shoulders slumping as they relaxed.

"My lady?" Lucy said. A second later she was running for me. Not too far behind, Mary and Anne came, enveloping me in hugs.

"Oh, this isn't proper," Anne said as she held me.

"For goodness' sake, give it a rest," Mary retorted.

And we were so happy to be alive and safe that we laughed about it all.

Behind them, Aspen stood, watching with a quiet smile, so clearly grateful to see me there.

"Where were you? They looked everywhere." Mary pulled me over to the bed to sit, though it was a terrible mess, with the comforter shredded, the pillows stabbed and leaking feathers.

"In one of the safe rooms they missed. Maxon's okay, too," I said.

"Thank God," Anne said.

(edit)

"Don't you worry about a thing," Anne said. "We'll get this room fixed up in no time, and we have a fantastic new dress once you're ready. And we can—"

"That won't be necessary. I'm being eliminated, but I will remain in the castle. I'll put on something simple."

"What?" Mary gasped. "But why?"

I shrugged. "It didn't work out." I looked up at Aspen but was unable to read his face. All I could see was relief that I was alive.

"I really thought it would be you," Lucy said. "From the start. And after everything you said last night … I can't believe you're going home."

"That's very sweet, but it'll be all right. From here on out, anything you can do to help Kriss, please do that. For me."

"Of course," Anne said.

"Anything for you," Mary seconded.

Aspen cleared his throat. "Ladies, maybe you could give me a moment. I need to go over some security measures." he didn't give a better excuse. He probably didn't have one. "Anne, maybe you could go get some fresh towels and things. She's still a lady. Mary, some food?" They both nodded. "And Lucy, do you need to rest?"

"No!" she cried, standing tall. "I can work."

Aspen smiled. "Very well."

On their way out Mary asked, "Is it still improper for us to hug?" looking at me and then Anne.

"Who cares?" she said, and they crowded around me one last time.

"Take care of yourselves."

"You, too, miss," Mary said.

"You were always a lady," Anne added.

They stepped away, but Lucy held on. "Thank you," she breathed, and I could tell she was crying. "I'll miss you."

"I'll still see you around the castle. You just won't be my maids."

I smiled at them as they left. Aspen walked over, and I stood to face him. "I thought you were dead. I thought I'd lost you."

"Not today," I said, smiling weakly. Now that I saw how bad it was, the only way to stay calm was to joke about it.

"Mer, the caste thing. And all the eights I had no idea about that… You're crazy, you know that?"

"Oh, I know." I looked at the ground, thinking over all the insanity of the last day.

"So Maxon kicked you out because of that?"

I sighed. "Not exactly. The king's the one eliminating me. If Maxon proposed to me this very second, it wouldn't matter. The king says no, so I'm going."

"Oh," he said simply. "It's going to be strange with you not being an Elite."

"I know," I said with a sigh. "But I'll be more inline with the workers level which will probably be better for me anyway."

"Well we can go back to dating. And even get married now that Maxon isn't in the way."

"Aspen," I said, cutting him off. "We're still broken up."

He stepped back, offended. "So, what, do you not want me to talk to you?"

"I want to be friends Aspen, I really do. But if being friends means you can't move on…."

"I love you." He said, taking a deep breath. Before I could cut him off he spoke again. "But not just romantically. If the only way I can love you is as a friend, then I'll have to make that work."

"Thank you," I whispered. "Stay safe. Don't be a hero, Aspen."

He stepped away, giving me a nod but no word and made his way to the door.

I stood there for a long time, not sure what to do with myself, waiting for the cue to start my life as an advisor.

… … … … …. … …

EVERY ONE READ THIS PART

(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 forget lady America while we may be two's 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 up first. "I suggest we assume the rebels are going to attack the castle and set more patrol guards. We can give every guard a walkie talkie 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. Lady America is no longer a part of the selection. We will be transitioning her to being a full time Junior Advisor."

I left the room. I had hoped….no I knew this was coming. This is what I expected to happen when I did that presentation, actually it is far better.

"America"

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

Maxon cleared his throat. "I tried to speak with my father, but he wouldn't even let me get a word in. As far as everyone knows the elimination is going to be my choice, not that most people on the selection team would question it. They didn't think I should choose you."

"Maxon it's alright. I know you tried...it just wasn't meant to be." I tried to smile at him, but it was pathetic.

He turned away from me and leaned on his dresser on the other side of the room. "How can you say that? After last night…."

I walked up behind him and hovered my hand above his back before deciding better of it and taking a few steps back. "Bad timing….Maybe we should just pretend it never happened. Go back to being friends."

"Is that what you want?" His voice sounded on the verge of breaking, and tears budded in my eyes. "Is that what you want?" He repeated, turning to look me in the eyes.

He dove into my soul demanding only the truth and I obliged. "Of course not. I meant every word I said last night, I want to be with you. But the decision was made for us. We can't be...an us. So we're friends. Maybe it would be easier to just forget there was ever a glimpse of something more."

Maxon took the small step to me and cupped my face. "I can't forget. And I don't wish to try. You may do what you want, but I will always remember the blissful hours the stars aligned and you were mine."

A single tear rolled down my face and I quickly stunted any others from falling. "I should go."

He nodded and I left the red walls, rosy cheeks, and broken hearted boy behind. As I walked down the hallway I felt a chill, explained by the King's presence as I turned the corner. "Your Majesty," I greeted with a curtsy.

"Lady America. You should consider yourself grateful you're still with us at all."

"I do your Majesty."

"Let's be clear you only are because you have made yourself indispensable, but even you have a point where you are more trouble than you are worth. Tread lightly or you will find yourself not so lucky." I nodded, but he wasn't done. "You should also consider yourself grateful I kicked you out of the selection." Something like disgust fought its way to my face and the king smiled knowing he got under my skin. "What do you think of my wife?"

(cass)

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."

(edit)

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. I wasn't allowed any information on New Asia. Or maybe all of this was being exaggerated to make me feel worthless. If that was the goal, I'm not sure the point. I'm not in the selection anymore.

His cold eyes focused on mine. "As a Princess you would do nothing more than drive the country astray. You would guide the people from your morals, but in no real direction. It would be the most disastrous leadership of Illea's history."

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 actually think I would have made 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 wasn't perfect so far, but none of the other girls were 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 they 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.

"You took away the opportunity for me to prove you wrong. But rest certain you were wrong." 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. "You think I haven't been watching you?" he laughed and the hairs on my arm stood straight up. "You want to change the world, not be the face of it. " My eyebrows lifted and lips unpursed. "But what you hadn't seemed to realise is you can't be a princess and an advisor. They are both full time jobs. As a princess you would have to plan events, design invitations, address the public, inspire the people, and constantly wear a mask of poise. Can you honestly look me in the eye and tell me that's a job you would want?" I looked away. It wasn't. I don't want to spend my days choosing the color streamers for the party, I want to spend it writing new laws that can keep people from starving. "Eventually you were going to have to choose. I made the choice you would have made anyways. And you should thank me for sparing you the pain of making a choice."

I honestly hadn't thought about it. I hadn't been a real contender in the selection until a few hours ago. "How can you be so certain I wouldn't have chosen to be a princess?"

The King's features softened slightly, but he reaffirmed eye contact, "Because you're a fighter America. You fight for the people with everything in you. While at times you are misguided you wouldn't be able to live with being a princess if it meant people would die from you not being able to advise. Because rest assured thousands, over years maybe even millions, would die if you stopped advising."

It was the closest thing to a compliment I had ever gotten from the king. But it came at a price: admitting he was right. I couldn't be a princess, if not because of my ability to do the job then for what it would mean giving up. My mind pulled me back to the perfect hours of the night before. I wanted to live in the moment forever. But now we're in the real world. And in the real world I can't have it all.

After a few moments the king addressed me, "You're dismissed. And as always: not a word to anyone."

...

Thanks for reading and I super duper duper love comments so please read a comment.

That whole thing was a mess. The first few chapters are pretty exposition-y, but they give a good Idea of where that story is going!

Update information: I am a college student and often in stories I like to save up all the chapters until I am almost done, but I am not doing that with this story so the updates will be inconsistent and likely a few weeks a part. My goal is one chapter about once every two weeks, but that may be idealistic.

I will definitely write faster if you comment though :)

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