It was late night by the time I was finished with all the meetings and the interview and all the further things that had to be managed, the things that had been set in motion because of my action.
My back groaned as I flexed it, the sealed wounds again opening, letting in pain so fierce I wondered how had I been able to work till this late hour.
The day was a success, to sum it up, but father's accusations still stung me. I didn't believe any of them, and I was sure none of them were true, but could that mean I was thinking wishfully, or that I was looking at the evidence? The things he'd said had struck, but I knew America. Well and enough to claim she wasn't any of the things he'd accused her of. She hated the rebels, was helping me come with some ideas to stop them. And if she was with the rebels then she would've known about how I rescued Marlee...she wouldn't have acted in such a rash manner.
But again, it was just a wishful thinking.
Had I done a mistake giving her the way in to the secret library and handed her George Illéa's diary...But if she was with them, the Northern rebels would've already gained access to it and gotten their hands in what they were looking for.
Mulling over these things, I climbed the stairs. But suddenly I stopped in my tracks when I heard someone call me. The voice was swallowed down by the blowing wind, but the fast approaching footsteps promised someone's company.
Kriss.
I should've known, in a way. Ever since the last week, we sort of always met about this time at the passageway on the second floor, on our bench, looking over the gardens.
The same gardens who don't witness my evening strolls with America anymore. There hasn't been any in a couple weeks.
Pasting a smile on my face that hid any signs of discomfort by my lingering pain, I turned. Sure it was her, walking towards me in a red gown that was a striking contrast with the black and orange of the night. Her hair was flowing down like a waterfall over her shoulders, her heels breaking the deep silence of the night. A big smile of her face made me smile freely as well.
There was something about her that I couldn't name but liked it nonetheless. Like a boat in a waterbody—free to roam about and secure enough to not care about anything. A kind of safety I needed to feel, but the kind I didn't want as well. It was almost opposite to the way America and mine relationship, but a welcome change nonetheless.
"Hey, Maxon!" she took a deep breath in, troubling her lower lip. "Sorry about that, but I kind of needed your help."
There was a flicker of nervousness in her—something I'd never seen. "Let's sit and talk, Kriss. I don't want you fainting with loss of air."
She chuckled, but it sounded off. "You'll...see..." She gasped, still breathing tightly. After a few moments she collected herself and took my arm, both of us walking to a nearby bench. "You didn't come to dinner. I was worried. After yesterday..." I didn't apologize, even when I knew what she was referring to. "Anyway, I thought you weren't well... America was also keeping to herself for much time...and I... actually, that's why I—we—need your help."
I didn't know where she was going.
"As you already know, we'll be hosting the Italians. We don't know what to expect." She stated the fact, the little nervousness I'd seen in her already gone. "Silvia has tons of things to say about Germans, which gives the other three a big benefit, but the Italians...she doesn't know what to tell us. If you could give us a few hints? What to expect? What to say?"
I shook my head. "You just have to be yourself, Kriss. Both of you. The party doesn't represent them, but instead our regards for them." I said, not having an honest answer for Kriss's question. I didn't know the Italian federation personally, only the bits I've heard from Adolph. "Even if you do mistake, they are welcome, but if you try to look for a way to woo them, it won't work. They're very bold, their ways of working a hundred and eighty degrees from ours. The moment you try to plan anything according to their way, they'll know."
She nodded, a small frown marring her lips, along with the lines in her forehead. "Okay." She mumbled, deflated.
But I didn't want to make them fell dejected—neither of them. For the Elites, it was an opportunity to prove themselves, but for me it was an opportunity to help America secure her strong foothold and also keep Kriss close. It was more challenging for me than anyone ever knew. "And that becomes the plus point for you. Neither of us know princess Nicoletta—she's a complete mystery. You'll get to unravel her. If done correctly, there might be an arc that things may smooth down between us..."
"Which also places the big burden on our shoulders." I understood what she meant by ours. Not just America and her, but also me. This was as much a task for them as much for me.
I nodded. "Now, if you give me permission, I have loads of work for the week."
She stood along with me, her eyes still holding mine.
"All the best, Maxon." She whispered, understanding my nerves for the upcoming days.
Smiling, I nodded. "We all need it."
"Yes." She agreed, stepping forward to plant her lips on my cheek. It was a very light kiss, her lips grazing my cheek with the softest touch. "We all need it."
Anticipation lightened in her eyes as we looked at each other, our faces close that could feel her breath on my face. She smelled of roses and new book, the soft vanilla perfume she wore a beautiful contrast.
Kissing the knuckles of her hand, I told her my goodnight, our eyes still holding each other captive.
At my final nod, she stepped back once, twice, and then turned around. Another few steps and I stood still, seeing her going back. With each step she took away from me, a dilemma rising, suffocating me.
America wasn't with me anymore. She didn't want to be with both me and a prince. Then what was it that stopping me? Guilt? No. I never felt. Not even when I was dating the others, as a part of my duty. Anger? No. Even when America had hurt me, I wasn't angry on her. Just the circumstances. I understood what she was asking of me, what she wanted. Revenge? No. I still loved and cared for America enough to not think about such things.
It wasn't something that I had a name for. It was just a feeling of... settling. Kriss was everything I should choose. Someone I may have to choose. Not someone I wanted to choose. She was the assuring prize, the kind that is given when you lost the actual prize, but a beautiful one nonetheless.
And seeing her retreating, hearing her humming, I knew deep down I cared for her. I loved her. Not the way I loved America. I wasn't in love with Kriss, but I loved her in a way that I never wanted to see her hurt. More than friendship—the feeling so pure that it made me realise if it came to it, I will be happy with her. Even if I couldn't love her, I will make her happy. Not just as a prince, but also as a friend.
But with that realisation came a sinking feeling of guilt. So strong it felt like it crushed me. Because one way or other, I was hurting her.
It was the feeling of driving her to a path where I knew what I was doing was next to cheating. She cared for me. She liked me—maybe even loved me. Not just the prince, but me. Something I hadn't had the luxury of feeling. But taking her down that road, not telling her where my heart actually lies...it felt like crossing a line I shouldn't. America had always been my secret to share. And why does it matter if I don't tell Kriss how I felt for her? America knew and that was more than enough. Telling Kriss...
Not even a few seconds had passed but it seemed like an eternity had driven away.
My heart whispered one thing to me, my mind the other thing. They never agreed on anything, always arguing. How could I choose among them?
"There you are! I was looking everywhere for you!"
I turned at the slightly pitched voice that demanded protocol. Wherever she went, it was apparent that everything happened with a standard. I can't even remember the number of times Silvia had scolded me just for breathing too loudly or blinking too many times. A royal in herself, even when she was in her late forties, Silvia was a woman you never wanted to cross your paths with, but were always grateful you did.
"What did I do now?"
"Let's start with something basic: You forgot to mention me about your impromptu shoot."
"Ah."
"Don't!"
"Should I say sorry or tell you that you shouldn't take concerns as you're already taking too much burden on your shoulders?"
"Neither one. You'd be a fool to say sorry and a bigger one if you think I can't handle many things at a time."
"Yeah. What are the updates I should know about?" I asked, sitting with her on the bench Kriss had just vacated.
She gave me the details of the exact arrival timings of the Wolfés, and the things I should know about. I listened carefully, planning accordingly. When she finished, she asked me if there was anything she should know and I denied. Then came the topic of how the Elites may fare amidst the pressure they were presented with. "You know, I think they'll do fine. We'll be there to manage, you don't need to fret over anything. Your only focus should be on wooing our guests."
"Hopefully." I muttered. "Silvia, you have come to know every Elite now, more than me. I guess. Whom do you think is better suited for the role of princess?"
She looked me in my eye, once again my teacher. "Choose your questions wisely, Your Highness."
Running my hand through my hair, I sucked in a deep breath. She was right. "Better for me." I corrected.
She thought about it for a moment. "Definitely not Natalie. She does not go along with time, and she isn't a perfectionist. A few things a queen must always possess."
"Not a proper answer, Silvia. You're not helping."
Placing her hand on mine, she squeezed. "That's not a question for me to answer, Maxon." It was rare when Silvia spoke with my real name and not some title. It meant she was very serious—more than she usually was. "There are a few you should choose, but that doesn't mean you need to."
"How do I know the one I'm selecting is perfect?"
That was a question I'd never gotten an answer of. Mom always said I'd just know, and I did when it was America, but if not yet...
"You don't, Maxon." She murmured, shaking her head even as she squeezed my hand. "You just have to trust your heart and the other person. It's just a matter of trust and understanding. And of course love."
Love. When have I started to not believe in that word? "Of course." It was hard not to scoff.
"But you're a prince, as well, Maxon. You have some duties that may come in between. That is the true test you must clear. You may have to not go after love but after what's the best. Somebody you want to choose, but instead you select the one you should."
Her words settled my dilemma with a notch, but that didn't mean it helped me anymore.
"Why didn't you marry, Silvia?" I asked without thinking. This was a question I had never asked of her. It was hard to see someone as strict as her all head over heel in love—everyone knew Silvia was once hopelessly in love with a mystery man no one knew of, and that after a few years, one day a rumour started that Silvia broke her long term relationship, which later proved to be true.
She snorted but answered. "I was once a fool as well, Maxon, stupid enough to fall in love without realising what it would mean for me. But after I realised that things wouldn't work out for us, I left. I never stopped loving him, but I never went after anyone else either."
"Someone you wanted to choose but couldn't." I summed up. Silvia wasn't a woman who'd give up on anyone for any misunderstanding. It had to be something big to cause such a heartbreak for her.
She didn't answer that. Instead she said: "That's why I know what you're going through. But duty is a line that you can never cross."
"I know. Can I ask a question?"
"He is someone I wouldn't like to talk about." She answered instead, misinterpreting my question.
"I wanted to ask what did Gavril do that you broke up."
Silvia, my always strict teacher whom I'd never seen laugh, choked. Really choked. " What?"
Running my hand through my hair, I have her a sly smile. "It was Mom who hinted me about you two, but I was afraid of asking you. Gavril laughs but never says anything and you on other hand..."
She smiled—a genuine one. "There are a few things you learn with time, Maxon. I'll tell you myself when the time comes, but not now. Good night, Your Highness."
"Good night, Silvia. And thanks for everything."
She nodded, her mind somewhere else even when her feet carried her to the floor downstairs.
.
.
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It was the time to receive the Germans in no time. Justin accompanied me along with a dozen guards and tight security to the airport. Lowering my shades, I looked at the private plane that just landed. A few more minutes and formalities later, Adolph and Meryl stepped out, along with their cousins—Kelly, Arlond, Freya and Cassuis, followed by their own personal bodyguards and security.
Golden skinned with a little hint of tan, smiles as big as a moon, they all were the most amazing friends I'd ever had—age same as mine but very different personalities. With a good height and dresses as elegant as modern, they all looked resplendent as ever, their beautiful faces as warm as the sun.
When they reached me, I took all of them in a tight embrace one-by-one and they hugged me back.
"It's been so long!" Meryl whispered on my shoulder.
"True."
Adolph made a face. "So, what's my favourite lady doing? I thought she'd come here to receive us." Mocking accusations covered his thick accent as he looked around for Mom.
Laughing, I told her about Mom while he introduced me with their cousins, all of us talking the whole way. I'd missed my friend so much, I realised as I talked and listened to him. Other than Evon, the crown prince of England, he was my only good friend on whom I could rely on. Meryl was a year and a half younger than me, three years short of his brother, but together we three were the best friends.
By the time we reached, it was already time for dinner, a luxurious dinner waiting for us in the gardens. We helped ourselves, where we were later joined by my parents.
Soon the palace, which seemed to be under the shadow of something grave, turned lively. The conversation flowed freely as did the drinks, the chatter rising in volume as all talked and listened all at once. It hasn't been this lively since my birthday a half year back or the weekend a few weeks back.
Walking and talking with them made me realize just how much my life had been consumed by the Selection. It felt good to roam around the palace with no Elite on my arm, nothing to talk about and nothing to show them. I had missed just being me.
As the night passed, a small bonfire was lit in the garden, all of us sitting around on the ground and benches. Mom and Dad had already retired for the day, which left just us. Though it was early November, we all ate marshmallows and chocolate scones and desserts as if we were celebrating Christmas or a beach party.
"I wish Teena was here." Arlond said, swinging a hand over Freya's shoulder. "She loves bonfires."
Kelly, sitting adjacent to Freya, waved her hand. "Lovesick fools!" We all laughed at that.
Arlond and his wife, Teena, were childhood sweethearts. A couple years back he got married and now they were pregnant. Arlond was unwilling to join Adolph on this trip, but it was his cousin who eventually made him come.
Adolph, seated beside me, turned. "Whom should we expect to join us, Max?" he asked, his accent thick, yet his hatred towards Illéan idea of finding a bride wasn't hidden.
"You'll meet them all tomorrow yourself, help me then to decide."
He chuckled. "Do you want to make me scare anyone?"
Considering that it was Adolph asking me—one of the best prankster and troublemaker I've ever known, I wasn't sure he was joking or being serious.
We all laughed and Meryl helped me turn the conversation to other topics. Lucky me, she knew what was at stake and why. Eulond Wolfé was trying to forge an alliance with the monarchy of Swendway by trying to establish a relationship between Isaac and her. As advanced as Germany was in terms of all the other things, they still used their daughters as a soldier who helped them expand their territories and relations.
It was she who told me at my birthday, via call, that I should enjoy my Selection as it was a luxury for me to select a bride for myself. Even Adolph was asked to marry the princess of France, Daphne, but they both refused. An ax has been hanging on his head since then, that was why he wanted an escaped and came here. He understood me completely when I told him about my Selection and what had happened, but he believes in marrying for love. "I'll find someone and get settle. Father may be in a rush, but I'm not." was what he'd told me. Marrying someone who were chosen by a small piece of paper was something he found hilarious, and selecting someone from a small group was notorious for him.
By the time it was near to one, we all retired to our rooms, all of us exhausted after so many drinks and games and talks. It was a rare day when we all met not as people who carried the burden of their country on their shoulders but someone who was here just for their friends.
In the lone minutes of trying to catch sleep, I thought about what Adolph had asked me: to briny my future wife to them to meet. My thoughts, of course, were of America, but I knew how she viewed royals. And how she thought about the rules of Illéa. No wonder she'll like Germans' way of boldness intriguing. But that wasn't why I refused to answer him. The reason was simple enough: even after what all had happened between us, America was still a secret of mine, a special secret which I worried would be taken away as soon as someone learns about her. And with how we'd parted our ways the last time we met, it wasn't a guess of should I take her to them.
Humouring them with Kriss's presence seemed like finalising things, something I wasn't ready for. And Elise was an asset for my father but a liability for me. If presented as a strong contestant, it will be the final blow to Meryl which would break her.
In so many ways, Elise would be the final blow that'll send Meryl to the edge, and I loved Meryl as my small sister to not do that to her.
Celeste would be an amazing match for my present company, but she was still a liability in so many ways. She was unlike America is so many ways, and still so much like in rest of them. Their strong will, their determination. Their ability to think outside the box.
I wished I could introduce them to Marlee. She had a calming auto around her that made anyone like her instantly. She made up for the confidence Natalie lacked sometimes; her presence not intimidating as Celeste's; she was the mixture of Kriss and Elise—patient and curious, dominant as well as submissive. And so much like America in many ways.
Lying on my bed, waiting for sleep to embrace me, I thought about tomorrow's party Celeste was going to host along with Elise and Natalie. It was easy to make them feel welcome, but still...And then there was tomorrow's meeting to worry about.
Sleep found me amidst all these worries, and I slept with the comfort of the knowledge that way least Mom would be there with me every step of tomorrow to help me.
.
.
.
The meeting that I was looking after for such a long time went as smoothly as it could ever be. There were times when the ideologies between the two nations came in between, but the differences were conferred, talked over and a conclusion was drawn. Soon it was two, the time for their tea party where the Elites would be hosting it.
Announcing some work in the city, I went out, knowing Mom would entertain the guests well and that Dad was busy to prepare his presentation for tomorrow. Afters short drive through the city and collecting a gift I was looking for, I went back. By the time I reached the palace, the party was in the middle and everything was loud that nobody would look on my absence.
Justin already knew what to do. He was the one who'd come up with this plan.
If I was the heart of the palace, Justin was my mind. A dear friend, but mostly a brother. He knew what I wanted to do and wasted no time in making sure it happened as smoothly considering the circumstances. We'd discussed the plan this morning and arrangements were made, inconspicuously.
Referring my watch for time, I changed my clothes in one of the hotels, getting in and out without diverting attention to me. Choosing the back gates through which the supplies for food we're transported in the kitchen, I weaved my passage in a way that nobody saw me. Passing through a path that worked more as a labyrinth, I reached the person I wanted to talk to. It was Agatha. Seeing me, she nodded and turned her face slightly to the door adjacent to the walls that were always casted in shadows.
I had talked to Marlee this morning, early at dawn. Today was a big day. For the later part of the evening, both the Italians and Germans would be here. Every personnel would be busy, which meant there would be no time as good as today. Of course they both said yes, eager and excited. After consulting Agatha, she agreed to help me.
Going through the door Agatha showed, I entered the backyard of the palace that met directly with the forest, a few trees hugging the back walls and casting their shade on the west wing. A mile in the woods that only allowed a few streaks of sunlight to pass through, casting the whole area in twilight even it was hardly early evening, I reached the point where we were supposed to meet.
Carter was already here, standing with the help of crutches—he could walk, sit and stand, but it all made it too painful for him—beside Justin, who was dressed as a Reverend. Katherine had worked on Carter, removing all his bandages to display slightly yellowish-blue skin. Carter was proud to display those bruises in a white shirt tucked into black pants, sleeves rolled upto elbows and the top few buttons open by the collar.
Agatha had given us an hour for the whole thing. She was trying to be careful, but she knew what if meant for them. The fact that she'd taken a liking towards the ex-Elite also helped.
Justin acknowledged me with a nod as I made my way to them, looking at his watch. Time was of essence today.
Sharon, his fiancée now—he'd proposed her yesterday evening but I couldn't be there for him that time as I was busy with Adolph and his cousins—was leaning against a tree, wearing a soft green gown, matching her pine eyes, a silver chain with an eight pointed star pendant hanging in between her breasts. Her golden-brown hair blew with the slight breeze, her lips curled up in a smile when she saw me. With high cheekbones, dark yet not so long lashes, lips painted in blush pink which complimented her porcelain skin, her face radiated with happiness.
Upon seeing me, she threw herself at me for a tight hug and I embraced her back such that her legs lifted off the ground. "Did my stupid friend do it properly?"
"Oh, Maxon! You should've been here yesterday. It was perfect. He asked me to wear a red gown he'd gifted me that morning, and told me to wait for him here in the back woods at sunset. When I came, I saw tulips and sunflowers and roses of every colour scattered around, forming a path for me, and at their end was your idiot friend, sitting on a knee. And he proposed me! Here, look!"
Flinging her fingers in front of me, she showed me the ring that was now hers. An infinity framed by diamonds was standing on the ring, two hearts made of their birthstones—Ruby and Sapphire—sitting proudly on the opposite sides, 'FOREVER YOURS, ALWAYS MINE' carved beneath the infinity.
"Congratulations!"
She flung herself back at me, her voice throaty and shaky as she said, "Thank you, for everything. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you."
Patting her back, I kissed the crown of her head. "Welcome to our family, Sharon. We need you. There's no one who can handle this jackass better than you."
She laughed. "I believe you."
Going to Justin, I slapped her back. "So you did it, you bastard." And pulled him to me for a big hug. "Just wait till Mom hears she missed the whole scene."
He grumbled. "You wouldn't dare."
I chuckled. "She'll be waiting for you in her room after dinner. Be ready." Turning to look at Sharon, I added, "You should be there as well."
She nodded with a laugh. She loved my Mom, and as Justin's love of his life, Mom liked her too.
Carter, who was standing and looking at us, shrugged. "I don't know how to thank you, Maxon. No words or actions will ever be enough."
"There is no need, Carter. Ever."
Sparing us from this conversation, Agatha came out in the woods and gave me a nod. I smiled and patted the groom on his shoulder, making my way to the bride.
Dressed in a white dress, with a veil that covered her face, Marlee stood in the clearing, fidgeting and bouncing from one foot to another. The dress Agatha had once given to her now deceased daughter. Upon seeing me, she said, "I am nervous."
Stepping closer that I could see her properly through the veil, I murmured, "And also the prettiest bride I'd ever seen. Carter is so lucky to have you, Marlee."
"If I stand here one more minute, there is a high chance I may turn around."
Chuckling, I shook my head. "We both know that is nowhere close to the truth. Are you ready?"
She took in a deep breath. "I am."
The was no music to announce the arrival of the bride, just the rustling of the leaves. No audience to stand, just a few close ones that could make it today, who knew the whole truth of what I'd done. Marlee didn't have the bridesmaids she needed at her side for her big day, instead she had the company of a female she barely knew. Walking with her on the aisle was the person she once saw her future with, walking towards the man of her dreams.
Crossing the thirty yards between her and Carter, I gave her to the man who held her heart, nodding at me in response.
Kissing Marlee on her forehead, I said, "Here you are, my dear."
She laughed and squeezed my arm she was holding one last time and let it go, turning to Carter. Justin said a few words, keeping it short and sweet. Vows were made, rings made of brass—on request of Carter—were exchanged and soon they both were no longer two lovers but husband and wife.
I opened a champagne bottle Agatha had smuggled out and toasted it to our newly married couple, giving a best man speech I wasn't prepared for.
The whole thing didn't even last for an hour but we all know time was of essence. Promising Marlee to meet her soon and make sure America also knows it as well, I made my way to the palace and entering in just as the party was announced over.
.
.
.
Soon it was six and I went to receive the Queen of Italy, Evalina D'amnicia, with the princess and heir, Nicoletta, who came along with her female cousins Orabella, Noemi, Evangeline, Astera, and Sheana. I welcomed them all at the airport. Nicoletta removed her shades as she gave me a small embrace, whereas the queen nodded at me and asked me about my parents. As before, I came here alone with only Justin to accompany me. Adolph wanted to come as well but his security denied him. Apparently, the news of two Rebel groups was a topic of gossip in Germany.
"I've seen you after so long." Nicoletta said in her thick accent.
"You, as well." I said in Italian. "It's nice to see you again. How was your journey?"
" Meravigliosa. We can't wait to meet the others." She said the rest in a highly accented Italian.
Kissing the knuckles of the queen, I welcomed her with warm greetings, none of them any lie. She was a very beautiful lady, her dusky skin as warm as the sun and her stature was not made up just by her position. A highly opinionated lady with the compassion and passion a royalty seldom has, she was once my role model.
And as the news had travelled, it appeared her qualities had been transferred to the heir of Italy as well.
One who hold a rebellious nature as well—it was an all female trip as Father had once pointed out indiscreetly that how could a queen rule a nation with the demise of her husband and no male heir to rule. This trip, if my inside information was correct—which was Adolph who always played with gossips—was Nicoletta's idea to show the king of Illéa how the ladies in Italy fared and ruled—even better than the males.
We weren't close friends or great allies, yet, still it seemed the princess of Italy was trying as hard as I to build one. Even when we all, Illéans, Germans and Italians, sat together.
Adolph and Nicoletta were good friends since childhood, as thick as thieves. They had a lot of history to write and retell, which made me realise I never had that. There was always Evon, the prince of England, but even then we were friends because we were taught to be, unlike the ones sitting in front of me.
Once again bonfire was lit, the gardens decorated to welcome all the new visitors as well, the national flower of Italy, Lilies were spread in the whole garden along with Cyanis', the national flower of Germany. Marshmallows were served, chocolates and strawberries were eaten, desserts were shared and toasts were toasted. Stories were told, laughter was shared, and old as well as new friendships were rekindled.
I had already asked Adolph to priase Illéa in front of Nicoletta so we could have a chance at our alliance. He had laughed at my naive request, saying "Nicolatta was a clever lady who'd know the whole play in no time, but he'd try the same." But when the time came, none was required. After the party that lasted past twelve, when we were ready to retire for the night, I escorted Nicoletta to her room in the third floor in the guest's wing.
On our way, she said in Italian, "This palace is beautiful, and so is Angeles. I fear I haven't seen the whole city, but I can tell."
"Thank you, Nicoletta," I said, turning a corner, "also for answering our call and agreeing to come all the way from your home."
She smiled, her dusky skin glowing in the evening light. "We Italians are always hungry for adventure. And to explore new things. I am. And Adolph always has so many good things to say about you."
I chucked. "He is a man who can control dices." Not to say that the prince of Germany was as much notorious as he was good. He played in gossips and secrets for his own good, but also a man of honour and loyalty.
She laughed as well, agreeing.
"I see your Selection is going as well." It was clear from her tone what she thought of this Selection as well.
"It's going well. The Elites are eager to meet you."
She nodded, but added nothing.
We both fell in silence, which broke once we turned another corner and climbed another flight of stairs.
"I saw the video of an Elite, one of your Elite." she said in a murmur, her words telling me what she didn't want to add. An unfair action considering there was no such things to lead upto those consequences.
What she meant, what she wasn't saying was all clear even if left unspoken. Marlee and her caning. Her punishment for something that was a normal liberty in other countries but an act of treason in Illéa.
"I know it's hard to explain you, but—"
"I know what you mean and what you don't, Maxon." She stopped walking and turned so that we both were facing each other, the light casting shadows on her skin. "Mother always told me that she pitied this nation—please don't take me wrong. And I can't say I'm against her."
"I know, Nicoletta, but this is one of the reason I need your help. We need your help. Our relations with New Asia are already precarious at best, deadly at worst, not that I am trying to use political aspects as any reason to build one alliance. As soon as I select one, my coronation would be announced. I love my country dearly, and I want to do right to it and justice to my position. Illéa is a big and worthy kingdom, but with many backward notions to hold it back: differences between men and women and the castes to name a few and the major ones."
"The rebels." She added, smiling faintly as we resumed our walk to her room.
"Yeah. That too." They would always be the biggest problem. "What I mean is, there is so much to learn from Italy and the way your mother has ruled. There are so many things that can be amended here, but for that we need your help." I needed her help.
"It won't be a one-way alliance, I assure you of that. We have the best weapons to export and the literature we provide is superior to many nations. Even under the castes, there are great many talents that had grown here and prospered, which may help you beautify your nation further...My father will tell you all the benefits you'll receive in forming an alliance—"
"Questo è il punto, Maxon." She interrupted me as she stopped in our tracks again and turned to look at me. There was no other person here to hear us, but she still lowered her voice. "We aren't here to form an alliance. No. We are here on a vacation, which will give you the advantage of trying to form an alliance, but not to us. My mother wants to remain a neutral factor until the threat of war between Illéa and New Asia isn't resolved. And as of I, I really like you, Maxon—don't take me wrong!" She added quickly seeing that I was going to interrupt her. "I have heard so much about you from Adolph. He told me about all your ideas and I like them. I really do. It's just that I can't help Illéa—"
"if caste system still prevails here." I completed for her. This was a conversation Adolph had had with me a long time ago.
"Sì. But that doesn't mean I am going to turn my back on it. It's just that...I think Mom is right on this. We can't help Illéa and give support to this ridiculous caste system or any of its ridiculous notions."
I knew she was bold, saying all this in front of me. But this was a quality I'd admired of them. Something that I was trying for myself as well,yet my attempts always resulted in failure.
"I can understand your hesitation, Nicoletta, trust me. But please understand my point of view as well."
"We've heard so much about Clarkson Schreave, and from what I've gathered, he isn't a flexible man. His ways are too right and ours are incomprehensible for him. There's no middle ground in here."
"What about me, Nicoletta?" I asked desperately, already knowing that she was going to blow the last flame of hope as well.
"That's why I'm here talking about this when even I shouldn't." There was a challenge as well as daring in her Alice-blue eyes. "I see you can prosper, Maxon. Give a proper direction to Illéa. And so I extend my hand of help to you, and only you. If you see it fit, and want any help from me, even if in any illegal ways, please contact me. Money, personnel...anything you need to conquer these basic things. As a friend of yours I'm more than ready to help."
"I wasn't aware with how bold Italian women were." I said, smiling now. Not only she didn't blow the flame, she also lit many others.
"One of the many reasons Italy had prospered—it always listen to its women."
I laughed.
"There was this one girl...red hair—"
"America Singer." What about her?
"Nothing. Just that I liked her courage."
"Yes. She's quite courageous and loyal to a fault to her friends."
"I saw that." I nodded, my mind already a floor below to where she was sleeping. "And I can also see that she's quite a charmer." She didn't elaborate but she didn't need to either. I knew what she meant.
I really need to work on not letting my feelings show on my face.
But that was a thing only Mom knew about me. How did Nicoletta? Her maids? Spies?
She must have seen me speculating about it as she tilted her head to a side. "As much as I dislike the concept of choosing a life partner by the way of Selection, this whole thing is a success in Italy. I know everything that I should know about."
Chuckling, I shook my head. "Should I be afraid?"
She laughed and I escorted her to her room, the whole way both of us acting as if she didn't just give me a hand of help.
.
.
.
It was one in the noon the next day in no time. A meeting was held regarding the alliance Father wanted to form between Illéa and Italy. Many times I saw Nicoletta roll her eyes when father said something which described him as a rigid person or something which she'd already told me.
After the meeting and a merry lunch, it was time for the Germans to return. Adolph's escapade came to an end with the end of three days. While the Italians were attending the party thrown for them by Kriss and America, I went with the Germans for farewell.
Goodbyes were said, promises of meeting soon were made, and many jokes were shared on my Selection. Adolph wanted to know whom I preferred and how he wanted to be here for my wedding, whenever it will be. Meryl said her goodbyes and told me to come Germany as soon as I were free. I congratulated Arlond prematurely for the birth of his child and to give my best wishes to Teena. Adolph shared his news that he was as going to decline the offer of forming an marriage alliance with France and will be looking for true love, which earned a handful of groans and laugh from all of us.
When we all finally parted, their absence created a small hole in my heart.
With all my duties and everything, I always forgot what it feels like to live with and among friends. To be able to tell anything freely without considering my words. Of course there was Justin, but even with him, both our duties always created a big distance which always seemed to get bigger during the day. A distance that always narrowed down to nothing during the hours we were alone, and in no one's company.
No sooner I said my goodbyes to Adolph and his group than it was time to give my farewell to the Italians the next day. Unlike the Germans, they were going back just after breakfast.
Again words were spoken of meeting soon, going to Italy. Nicoletta reminded me of her promise of help and her need for a deeper friendship. Laughter was shared, jokes were said and not long after, I was waving bye to my most probably new alliance and a new friend.
Now that new relations were made, it was time to amend the older ones.