The Prince And His Elites

by sd2905

All Maxon wanted from his Selection was to find his one. He was nearly there. He had his Elites. He had found someone. He was ready. But was it that ready? Look more into Maxon's amazing story after he selects his Elites. New bonds are made. New relations are forged. Everything is new. But what about him? This is Maxon's journey in finding his one out of his Elites.

12. Starting Anew

As I turned left at the corner, the door to Kriss's room, just through which I was passing, opened and I almost crashed with her.

"Oops!" She muttered, catching my arm at the last moment to stop falling. When she finally found her balance she took a step back, still muttering curses under her breath.

"Kriss? Are you fine?"

"Yes. It's just that I never lose my footing. Stupid heels!" She muttered and looked up. "How are you?" She asked softly, searching my face as well.

This was the first time someone had asked me this. And the worst part was, I didn't know how I was. There were too many emotions building up inside me, and I had no idea to let which one up. "Tired, I guess." I answered at last.

She nodded, chewing on her lower lip. "I can understand. You and Marlee were good friends. And to see someone you care about getting punished... I'm sorry. Is there anything I could do?"

"Nothing, actually. I am fine." I will be.

Another nod. "You're here." Why did it sound like a question.

I couldn't say I was here to see America. Just like Justin said, I couldn't afford to be obvious and predictable. "I just wanted to look after all of you. It all could be a burden after all."

"You went to see America." Again, not a question. Before I could answer, she nodded again. "She took the worst hit. She and Marlee were like sisters. I tried to see her but she refused to open the door."

"She didn't open for me, either." Not a lie.

"You please don't be deflated. She'll come around soon. She just needs time."

This time I nodded. "Yes. And how are you faring? I know it wasn't easy for any of you."

"It's... baffling." She answered after a moment. "In a way, being Elites bonded us all. I am happy for Marlee—she finally found someone she couldn't live without. And just right then it was taken from her. In the worst way possible."

"I didn't know you both were close, too."

"We weren't. But I liked her enough to care for her."

"I'm sure she'd appreciate that."

"I just wish I had some more time with her so I could tell her all these myself."

I knew Kriss well. Enough to know that every word she said was from her heart and not to get in my good graces.

"And I also know you cared for her more. At least more from many of us. Wait a moment, please." She dashed in her room and came back in no more than a minute, but this time holding a card. "It's nothing much. But I always believed more in words. And since you said we were friends, I hoped...I just wanted you to know that you are not alone."

With an uncertain grimace, she gave me a card. Nothing but a white paper folded in two, but which had a few drawings among them, along with some words especially for me.

I read it.

What happened with Marlee was bad, but it could've been worse. I've read what happened when something like this happens, but still what she got was much more better than being hanged to death. You are not just a handsome prince, but a true friend and a more amazing person. Thank you, on my friend's behalf, for caring for her.

We couldn't have asked for any other amazing person.

And please don't blame yourself. I know Marlee wouldn't want you to.

And last but not the least, I'm honoured to call you as my friend, Maxon. More than honoured. Not because you are a prince, but because you are so much more than that.

Your friend.

P.S. please ignore my awkward lines, but I didn't want to tell you any lies or regard you with anything less than truth.

Around it were images drawn by a pencil. Of me along with the Elites. Making them laugh and dancing with them. Protecting them.

"It was the least I could do." She said in a mumble, nervous for my response.

"No one has ever given me a card." I mumbled, too raw to say anything else. Her letter broke something in me that I was trying to build up.

"Oh, sorry. I didn't know. It's just that I always did that...I mean, if anything happened, I would've wanted my friends to give me a card...and so I thought...I really should stop talking!"

"No! I didn't mean that." Breathing deeply, I murmured, "I never had the luxury of making friends, Kriss."

"Oh!"

"Thanks for this." I said, pocketing the letter in my coat. "And for everything you wrote. I guess I was so lost after today that I needed to read it." Taking her hand, I kissed her knuckles. "You are a much more better friend than I could ever be, Kriss."

"I wish to defer, Your Highness."

A chuckle came out of my lips before I could think. "Rest, my dear. The day has been too long."

"You look shaken, Maxon. Can I help you? Anyhow?"

Shaking my head, I said, "I don't get the liberties to rest, Kriss. Good bye. I have a few more of my Elites to check on to."

Now that I'd said it, it seemed a good idea. Checking on everyone.

Elise was shaken, but still in her essence. Her exact words were, "I know what it is like to not like the rules yet follow them."

Natalie was a complete wretch, crying silently. Just like Kriss, she too had formed a likeness to Marlee, and now that she wasn't here she longed for her presence. "She always used to laugh and talk. There were times I used to tell her not to, but now...I would give anything to hear her chatter non-stop for as much time as she want."

Celeste, on the other hand, was my fortunate ally in this unfortunate situation. "We both are actors, Maxon. We have to control ourselves. We can't just display out emotions everytime. Marlee was a fool—stupid, idiot, desperate fool to not tell you first. And a little more to make her emotions clear." She was shaken as well, but she hid it well. She didn't say anything like 'I miss Marlee' or something like that. No! She just said what a celebrity like her was supposed to say, not allowing to let her emotions be clear.

Back in my room, Justin helped me arrange the last documents and everything else that was supposed to be done. In between, I didn't forget to place Kriss's letter in my desk drawer.

After dinner, when Justin was sure it was about time for guards to move Marlee and Carter to an export van or bus which would take them to Panama, he signalled. Together, we made our way through the secret passageway, wearing the dirty cloaks that he'd brought for us. A few floors down and a few turns, there we met Juan Diego and Abril, who were waiting for us just outside the kitchen quarters.

With a nod as a greeting from me, a small bow from them, and a parting all the best from Justin, we made a few more turns that led us to the prison wing secret opening. Waiting for us in there as guards were my two loyal guards, Warner and Pete, who nodded to signal everything was right.

And finally we reached the cell where Marlee and Carter were disposed. Fortunately for us, they both were kept in one cell.

The keys jiggled as I opened the gate, letting us all in. The door made a few protesting sounds it didn't make before but it gave up and opened all the way, displaying a very much conscious and yet in-so-much-pain Carter, who was lying on his stomach, his back covered with the salve I'd given him. Sitting on the floor near her was Marlee, with her head in her hands, whose head jerked up as we approached her.

And her fearful frown turned up in a beautiful smile as I revealed my face.

She rewarded me with a fierce hug, embracing me with so much excitement she forgot about her torn hands. And then a few whimpers escaped her, still her smile didn't dissolve.

"It will be all right." I swore. "The salve takes a few days to get everything back to normal, but, Carter, even you should be walking on your own soon. You'll heal much faster than most."

Not wasting any time, I introduced her to the twins and told them about what we were supposed to do. "Marlee, if you and Abril will go into the corner, the gentlemen and I will avert our eyes while you trade clothes. Here." Handing her the extra cloaks, Juan Diego and I turned, helping Carter change. "Carter, we're going to have to put pants back on you. We'll help you stand."

He tried his best to not whimper, no doubt for Marlee, yet failed marvellously.

"Thank you, prince." He murmured softly. "And you too, young man. I would never forget it."

"It's nothing. Helping you is giving us a chance to get back to our family in Panama."

"Still, it means so much to me." Putting the cloak on, he turned to me. "I couldn't ever repay you, even if I tried to do so my whole life."

"You mean the world to Marlee, Carter. It is nothing."

When Marlee and Abril joined us, I was certain no one would recognise either of them unless and until one takes off their hood. It was a good thing then that Warner and Pete were the ones who'd escort them to Panama.

"All right. Abril, Juan Diego, the guards should be coming to this room. Use the bandages and walk like you're hurt. I think they plan to put you on a bus and ship you off. Just keep your heads down. No one's going to look at you too closely. You're supposed to be Eights. No one will care."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Juan Diego murmured, clasping my hand in his. "I never thought we'd see our mother again."

Shaking my head, I replied, "Thank you. Your willingness to leave the palace is saving their lives. I won't forget what you've done for them."

Looking at our small group one last time, I nodded to no one in particular. "Okay. Let's go."

With Carter limping and leaning into me and Marlee at my heels, we went out of the cell. Signalling my guards standing just out of sight with a nod, they too set in motion.

"Won't people be suspicious?" Marlee asked, looking around for anyone.

"No." I answered, but looked around all the same. "Lower-level staff, like kitchen workers or general cleaners, aren't supposed to show their faces upstairs. If they absolutely must come up, they're covered like this. Anyone who sees us will think we're done with a task and heading back to our rooms."

Making our way through the secret passageway, we reached the kitchen back gate. A nod at Justin to signal everything went just as planned, and his returning nod assured me his part of plan was completed and already set in motion—apparently Gavril had been ordered by me to set the cameras in such a way that everyone sees the couple were ready to be dispatched but in such a way that no one gets suspicious on why and how they seemed different— and with that he went back in my room to make sure no one gets suspicious.

Down the lane and up a few stairs, we made our way to the kitchen quarters. There, on the end of the passage was a small room that was once a storeroom—unused since a decade. Opening the door, we three went in. The room had nothing major in there. Just a small cot with a wall-shelf and a wardrobe, along with a small rug in the centre. A private bathroom was just the next door, also unused since a decade—the best part of looking for a room in the old quarters which was mostly vacant now.

Dinner—bread and cheese and milk—was waiting for them on the table.

"I know it's not much, but you'll be safe here. I'm sorry I can't do better."

Carter shook his head. "How can you be apologizing to us? Our lives were supposed to end hours ago; but we're alive, together, and we have a home." He looked me in the eye and I understood the unsaid. Home for him was Marlee. "I know that what I did was technically treason, but it had nothing to do with a lack of respect for you."

"I know."

"Good. So when I say that no one in this kingdom will ever be as loyal to you as me, I hope you believe it."

No sooner he said it than he fell on me, losing his balance and strength. "Let's get you to the bed."

Marlee and I helped him in the cot, laying him on his stomach. He took most of the bed, but still Marlee didn't look feared. She knew what she'd step into, and embraced it with all of her heart.

"A nurse will come check on you in the morning. You can have a few days of rest, and you should stay in here as much as you can during that time. In three or four days, I'll have you put on the official work orders, and someone from the kitchen will give you something to do. I don't know what your exact jobs will be, but just do your best at whatever you're asked. I'll check on you as often as I can. For now, no one will know you're here. Not the guards, not the Elite, not even your families. You will interact with a small group of people on the palace staff, and the chances of them recognizing you are slim. Still, from now on your names are Mallory and Carson. This is the only way I can protect you."

"You've done so much for us." Marlee said, her eyes welling up again. "Thank you."

"I wish it was more. I am going to try to get some of your personal items if I can. Beyond that, is there anything I can give you? If it's within reason, I promise I'll try."

"One thing." Carter groaned. "When you get a chance, can you find us a preacher?"

Oh! I couldn't expect more happiness for her in this moment. She was finally getting her fairytale.

"Sorry. I know that's not the most romantic proposal."

"Yes, all the same." She answered, her smile too big.

As an answer, Carter's eyes too welled up. No longer it seemed I was helping them but intruding their private moment. There was no need for a third wheel, and they needed their private space to sort everything out and rest.

"It'd be my pleasure. I'm not sure how long that will take, but I'll make it happen." I promised. Eager to escape, I put the medicines on the table. "Use the salve again tonight, and rest as much as you can. The nurse will see to anything else tomorrow."

Marlee acknowledged me with a smile. "I'll take care of us."

I knew she would. She'd fought too hard to find her love and she'll give it for nothing. Marlee, as I knew, when made a decision, she made sure she'd do anything to reach the end. She'd already shown me this when we discussed we didn't want each other and she wanted me to pursue America.

She finally got everything she wanted. Even if she lost many things in return, she found her happiness.

I was all smiles till I reached my room, where I was greeted with an anxious Justin. "What took you so long?"

"Nothing. What happened?"

"Charles stopped by." Dad's butler. It couldn't be any good. "The king demands your presence in five minutes. Something related to about Selection and all."

"Did he get any suspicious?"

"Nope. I told him you're in the queen's room, and that you expected not to be disturbed. Go now! I'll pass on the message by her."

"Do that! And thanks."

"Just go!"

I needn't said anything twice. As fast as my legs could take me without making it seem like I was running, I went to Dad's office. He was sitting there with Stavros. When he saw me, he motioned me to sit and Stavros took his leave after a moment. When alone, he sighed. The only indication that he was as exhausted as I was. "How are the Elites faring?"

"Coping up. They were shaken but I talked to them."

"Good." He sighed again and took a sip of his coffee. "About America Singer and her act of defiance."

"America and Marlee—"

"Don't even say her name!" He roared. "She may have taken her actions under the act of love but look what happened then! You are too lenient, Maxon. You need to maintain discipline among them. Just because their friend was punished, they cannot act against us. If they want to be the queen, then they need to accept each and every aspect that comes along. Make sure they are reminded of that."

"Consider it done."

"America Singer's act of defiance: it was a good thing the cameras weren't facing her else the country would be divided in two parts, Maxon. I hope you understand that." When he didn't see me arguing, he took another sip of his coffee. "Make sure you pass on the message to her. Or maybe not. It would be better if you start keeping distance with whom there is no future for you."

"You can't—"

"I can and I will, Maxon. The only reason she is still here is because Marlee is eliminated. We don't need any other reason to show how useless this whole lot of Selection is."

Since I knew I couldn't say anything, and my other option was yelling and shouting, I remained silent.

At my lack of contradiction, he gave me a victorious smile.

"Ms. Tames and the guard were escorted to Panama a few minutes ago." I didn't anything. "I know you liked Marlee, Maxon, and I know that you don't like any of these, but you need to make sacrifices just because of the post you hold. It never gets better—you just get the hold of it."

"That doesn't make it any easier."

"No. It doesn't." He gave me a rueful smile. "Hate me all you want, but we both know whatever happened was just the way it should've been."

For this, I have no argument.

If Marlee and Carter were to be punished, the Illéan way was to be hanged to death. But Dad made sure I got my way and turned their punishment into something else, and announced it to the country, so they could learn that I was more than ready to take my oath as the future prince. There was no easier way for the whole situation, but Dad made sure we get the most advantage off of it.

How can I be angry with him for this when I would've done the same thing if our places had been turned?

He was right about one thing. This was just one of the many sacrifices I'd make. There will be more to come and I cannot let my heart rule when it comes to the whole country.

But that doesn't justify Marlee's fault either.

It was a thin line to walk. Every step, either the prince or Maxon overwhelmed my steps and I was more than ready to fall on one side when I have to walk in this thin, fine line for the rest of my life.

"I don't hate you for what you had to do, sir, I just hate that I couldn't do anything for Marlee."

"That is what stops you from taking hard decisions, Maxon." He exclaimed, slamming his hand hard on the table between us. "You can't just listen to your heart!"

"Yes, sir."

"I hope you learn this lesson. Now, about the visits we are expecting."

"They approved?!" I'd already known that but he liked the element of surprise. Also, when they'd approved a few days ago the details were left unattended, and it was an informal acceptance.

Adolph had played his part well, Father was working on letting me take the lead this time. Now, it was my turn to make sure everything happened just as perfectly as I hoped it to be.

"Yes. We got their call previous morning, but you were busy with your party. We were going to tell you today, but...Nevermind. We're expecting guests the next week. From Germany, we'll be hosting Prince Adolph and Princess Meryl Wolfé, while from Italy we'll have Princess Nicoletta and her cousins to host along with the queen herself. The Wolfés' will be arriving Tuesday evening, a party for them will be thrown on Wednesday. Later that evening, Nicoletta and her cousins will be here. Their party will be on Thursday. Both of them will be staying for two days term. That is, the Germans will be take their leave by Thursday morning and the Italians will follow them by next morning."

"I want you to attend them the whole time they're here. Make good friends of the princesses, form an alliance with Italy. And make sure the Elites are in the right state of mind by then. The Germans and the Italians will be staying together for Wednesday evening. Make sure you impress them."

"I'll work on everything."

"Good. Look that your Elites do not make any more nuisance about anything."

"You needn't worry."

"I hope you don't disappoint me this time, Maxon. Good night."

.

.

.

That night, while I was sitting in my balcony as sleep evaded me, the whole day and its events came rushing to me. But only three faces stood up. My Mom's, who was proud of me even though she had no idea what I was up to. Marlee's smiling face as she looked at her love, even when she was beaten up, and when Carter told her about marrying her.

And America's face, as she fought for her friend, as she looks so dejected when I talked to her. When she refused to be mine. That was the one I saw the most.

A small part of me already knew we wouldn't be same anymore after she sees the cruelty, but still...

I always thought she was my calm in a chaos. My solace, my elysian place, to where I could go whenever I want.

A stone in the sea for me to stand upon.

The wrong metaphor mocked me as I thought about it more and more.

A stone in the sea.

Of course! She was my undoing at every point.

A sea is not known for its water, but its depth. The waves not for their fascinating of water coming back and forth and going back, but the angry tides that swallow up everything that comes in its way.

She was a stone in the sea. My escapade. But I forgot that stones weren't supposed to float in water. They would surely drown, and carry me with her. The waves always hit the stone, curse of the depth of the sea. It wasn't shallow to give me a chance to swim across it. If anything, it was all consuming. She took my heart with her, stroked it delicately with the small laps of waves that came and went, but when it mattered, she left me fall in the abyss.

The stone fell in the sea, already forgotten.

My heart broke into a million pieces.

The irony being that she still held those pieces and I didn't mind that. If anything, I was still waiting for her to join the pieces and make my heart whole again.

She took my every happiness with her.

And yet, yet, I couldn't deny her even that.

The prince in me was already debating who would be the next best choice now that my only considerate option was not available. But the Max in me—the stupid, idiot, romantic fool boy who believed he could get his true happy ending in a very occasion he didn't believe in in the first place—couldn't grasp the reality yet.

She'd just gone. Still here but not mine.

My darling. My almost bride-to-be. My wife, my queen...

I still had the other Elites, I thought.

Kriss, the only one except for America to give me anything. To care for me. Then there was also Celeste, the perfect candidate for the queen. And we both were good at being physical—there was no denying that.

But still...

She was my dearest...

The fact that I even thought about her in the past tense made me swallow.

Sleep was a lost cause so I gave up on tossing in my bed—the very bed where I thought about proposing her, giving her the last piece of me that'll make her mine.

Tears gathered at the corner of my eyes but I blinked them back. I couldn't cry. I shouldn't cry. The prince can't cry. He has to be strong. For his monarchy, his kingdom, his country...

The stupid, romantic boy in me didn't listen to the arguments.

Looking up at the stars from my balcony, the slightly chilled wind licking my face, the Illéan night sky my only audience, I let the boy in me grieve for every dream that he'd lost. For every future that was still beckoning him to cross the threshold but mocking it at the same time knowing he couldn't do that alone. The hand that was grasping his a couple days ago wasn't here anymore.

Just the ghosts of her presence.

I crumbled down, letting the tears fall as freely as they want to. Try as I may, the sobs never came. One more thing the prince had taken away from me.

Not just my whole future, but my whole life. My every dream. My every thought.

I fell in the abyss, not knowing when I'd climb back. All I knew was that I didn't want to.

.

.

.

But when the stars disappeared as the sky turned from black to grey, then blue, I already knew there was no time for me to stay in an abyss. If not America, then I have to start anew. My country wanted a princess and I was willing to sacrifice my broken heart for the happiness of the country.

It was time for a new start.

There will no more be parts of me. Only and only the prince. No Max.

A new start! For everything. Even if not from the scratch. And even from the scratch.