Chapter Two – Unforgettable
"You used to live here?" Jackson looks at the palace in awe as we approach. I take his hand and smile warmly at the memories.
"I did for a little while." I say proudly. I chose to accept the invitation, although it took me a few days to decide. Jackson was all for the idea, but I knew he was sceptical of Maxon and I being around each other. I promised him it would be formal, that two years had passed and there would be no feelings left. I don't even believe myself. Anne and Mary join us as we approach the castle, I wouldn't have anyone else with me or attending me, which I'm sure will bother Maxon but I don't care. Jackson and I are dressed in our best, Jackson donning a handsome suit fitted perfectly while I wear an emerald green gown, which comes in at my waist and has long sleeves with a Bardot neckline. My hair is down with just the sides tied neatly at the back.
"This is beautiful." Jackson grins as we enter through the large front doors. Staff are on us immediately to take our coats and things.
"Lady America!" Silvia greets me with open arms, I press my cheek to hers and feign a kiss and she does the same. "You look radiant. This must be your husband?" She turns to Jackson. I clear my throat.
"Fiancé." I correct her.
"Ah." She says, "You are the last to arrive, I'd expect no different. If you come with me, they are waiting for you in the Great Room." She beckons us with her hand and we both follow. My stomach knots at the thought of seeing Maxon again, knowing Kriss will cling to him like a parasite. Jackson seems to sense my discomfort and takes my hand. The palace hasn't changed since I last saw it two years ago, it even smells the same. It feels like home. It could've been home. As we come to the Great room I am greeted by Celeste and her model husband.
"America!" She embraces me. We have written often and spoke over the phone over the last couple of years, it seems she has become a great ally when we are not competing. "You look fantastic." I blush at her compliment.
"You look as gorgeous as ever Celeste. This is you husband?" I turn to the strikingly attractive man at her side.
"Yes, this is Hamish." She grins proudly. The man next to her has jet black hair and piercing blue eyes. Hamish Ambrose. I have seen his ads before.
"It's so nice to meet you." I smile, he nods back.
"I've heard do much about you Lady America." He says in a friendly tone.
"You're a lady? You're so lucky you got to keep your title." Celeste sighs. We head over to the refreshments table and chatter away. I almost forget why I'm here when there's a fanfare by the door.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, their Royal Highnesses, Prince Maxon Schreave and Princess Kriss Ambers." A gentleman at the door announces as I catch my breath. My stomach flips as Maxon enters, Kriss on his arm. In the last two years he has barely aged despite being twenty-one now. He seems much more guarded and mature though. His face is calm, whereas Kriss is beaming from ear to ear. Proud to show off once again in front of the Elite I can only assume. I can't help but stare at Maxon, when he suddenly looks my way and our eyes lock. I'm overwhelmed with emotion, the longing for him and missing him is almost intensified by seeing him, knowing he's no longer mine. My stomach does another jolt and my legs suddenly feel weak. Nothing has changed in two years. I panic slightly as he makes a beeline for me.
"Lady America." He takes my hand and plants a small kiss on it. "It's a pleasure to see you again. You look well." We stare into each-other's eyes, and it's like no one else is in the room. I want to open my arms, to tell him I've missed him so much and that part of my heart still belongs to him.
"I've missed you so much!" Kriss' voice breaks the tension and I remember where I am. I clear my throat and put on my best fake smile.
"It's great to see you both again." I say, smiling softly. Maxon turns to Jackson who has appeared by my side. He holds out his hand to shake.
"Ah, Jackson is it? The man my father picked out for our dear America. He picked well I see." Maxon says, shaking Jackson's hand firmly. Jackson grins,
"Indeed, Your Majesty. When I received in invitation to meet and marry America from your father I was against the idea of an arranged marriage, but I'm a very happy man." He wraps an arm around my waist affectionately. "If only she would marry me already!" Jackson jokes, but I know there's a vein of truth in his feign annoyance.
"You're not married yet?" Maxon questions, raising his eyebrows.
"No, something always comes up or I change my mind on something last minute." I laugh awkwardly. Maxon goes to speak, but Kriss tugs on his arm.
"Darling, let's go see the others." She whines. Darling. I can't lie, it stings to hear her call him that nickname. Maxon nods and says a quick goodbye to us before taking off with Kriss.
"I'm a little starstruck." Jackson chuckles. I laugh too, feeling like a weight has suddenly been lifted.
"I was like that too when I was first here. He's like an old friend now." I sip my drink. Across the room I see Kriss chatting away animatedly to Natalie and Elise. Maxon stands as stiff as a board.
"Well, she's just as irritating." Celeste sighs dramatically taking a seat at the refreshments table.
"Who?" I ask, sitting beside her.
"You know who." She grins wickedly. "I saw you and Maxon talking. The tension is undeniable." She chuckles. I swat her playfully.
"Stop, Jackson will hear you." I hiss. Celeste smirks and sips her wine.
"I still think it should've been you."
The evening doesn't drag on much longer, we are called into the Dining Room for dinner altogether. King Clarkson and Queen Amberly join us for dinner, saying their hellos and accepting compliments from the Elite girls. I sit next to Jackson, obviously, with Celeste and Elise surrounding me. We chatter about what we've been up to the last two years and I find out Elise has married a wealthy nobleman from New Asia and her family are thriving. She says she's happy with her husband and not marrying Maxon did her a favour. Celeste talks about her recent model gigs and since the Selection she is in much higher demand than ever before which is how she met her husband.
"How did you meet Jackson, America?" Elise asks. I finish chewing my food and smile, looking at him with the most loving eyes I can muster. I can see Maxon staring, listening intently.
"King Clarkson arranged for us to meet." I smile happily, "Jackson was said to be my perfect match. I have to agree with His Majesty, I've never been happier." Jackson pats my knee under the table. He kisses my cheek and goes back to eating his dinner.
"You're not married yet though?" Elise asks.
"No, I'm so particular! I want our wedding to be perfect, so I keep changing things last minute. We have finally settled on a date, a month from now." I announce.
"Just after the tour! I best be invited; I'd love another reason to get together." Celeste squeals.
"Indeed." I nod enthusiastically, I peek at Maxon and see he's still looking over, but his eyes shift as I catch him staring. The girls chat about my wedding but it's hard for me to focus. I know in my heart marrying Jackson is not right, and I know he's meant to subdue me and keep Clarkson happy. The king can have what he wants, I have no fire left anymore.
"Lady America?" A voice calls out, my stomach flips again. I look up to see Maxon staring straight at me. "How is your mother and May?" He asks casually. I am stunned by his informality at dinner time.
"They're well thank you. May is sixteen now and quickly becoming a young woman." I smile fondly, as does Maxon.
"Hopefully I can see them again soon."
I nod and catch Kriss staring at me. If looks could kill, I'd be dead for sure. We finish up our dinner and head to retire for the evening, it seems drinking from around three in the afternoon has taken its toll on my fiancé and he turns in as soon as we get to our room. It's not the only one that had too much to drink, Celeste was also stumbling around a little clinging to Hamish. Both of them are giggling as they go back to their room and I feel slightly envious of the obvious chemistry between them. Jackson hits the pillow and before long I hear him snoring softly. Anne and Mary help me undress and get me ready for bed, I dismiss them to their rooms and sit on one of the comfy chairs in my room with a book. As much as I want to fall asleep or even grow tired, my mind is racing with thoughts of Maxon. How strange he looked with Kriss, almost unhappy. I don't know if it's true or if it's my mind making it up and seeing what I want to see. I decide to go to my balcony for some fresh air. My room is in a different area from last time I stayed here, but I still get to look out on the gardens. As my mind wanders to the events of this evening, I see a figure pacing up and down. Maxon. As if sensing me watches, he looks up to my balcony and my stomach fills with butterflies. He smiles and tugs his ear. I tug mine, and creep out of my room to not wake Jackson.
Hi everyone! This chapter is a little slow at the moment, I'm trying to build up some tension without rushing into it with Maxon. Thank you for reading my story!