Chapter 6
Two weeks pass, two weeks of touring, waving, smiling. Two weeks of pretending everything is happy when really, I am trapped in a loveless engagement. I begin to withdraw from Maxon, fearing my engagement and wedding being called off. My family are too important to me to be selfish. Kriss seems happier since Maxon has stopped giving me so much attention, however he stills attempts to tug his ear. I just sadly shake my head at him, leaving him with a confused expression.
"America, are you okay?" Celeste asks one morning at breakfast, noticing my distracted mood. Today we are setting off to my home in Carolina.
"Hm? Yeah, I'm excited to go home and see my family!" I smile.
"I've never been to Carolina; I'm looking forward to seeing it!" Natalie beams. Elise nods enthusiastically.
"This tour has been brilliant for me; I've never seen so much of Illea besides pictures." Elise adds, sipping her tea. She has been quiet most of the tour, Celeste and I speculate it's due to missing her home.
"It's been fun, it's a shame it ends in a couple of weeks." Celeste sighs. "I don't care what that fiancé of yours says, I'm visiting at least once a month!" She points an accusing finger at Jackson and I. We both chuckle.
"I'd be happy to have you over." Jackson shrugs, buttering his toast.
"Me too." I add. Celeste beams. I spot Maxon and Kriss standing and take that as my que to finish my tea. Maxon announces we will be heading off and I internally groan at the thought of another press conference, another hour of sitting and listen to the public. If I were in Kriss's position I might enjoy it more, but the girls and I have to sit quietly and smile most of the time. We all file to the entrance hall of the mansion we are staying at in Allens. Maxon comes up behind me and takes my arm, tugging me away from everyone. I look around quickly, shocked he would be so bold in front of everyone. "What are you doing?!" I hiss.
"You've been avoiding me. Again." He says, his eyes full of hurt.
"I'm sorry. Look I'll explain later, not here." I say softly. He nods, clearing his throat.
"I just wanted to let you know as this is your province and you were second in the Selection that you might be asked a lot more questions. The first press conference struck a few nerves. I want you to be prepared for the press." Maxon says, he seems to genuinely care. "I don't know what they will ask, but for my sake please don't be too emotional. Stay regal and reserved."
"I will, I promise." I squeeze his hand. In my time in the Selection, I riled his father up too many times and Maxon got hurt. I wouldn't ever let that happen again.
"You know, as much as I'm glad you'll finally do as you're asked of, I loved you with your untameable spirit." Maxon murmurs. I smile at his compliment. Jackson approaches us.
"Everything okay?" He asks, staring at my hand holding Maxon's. I let go immediately but instantly miss his touch.
"Yes, Jackson. I was just giving America and brief on the press conference as it is her home province we are heading to today. I suggest you be ready for some personal questions about her time with me." Maxon states, his back straight. Her time with me. I see the annoyance in Jackson's face.
"I see." He practically spits. "Well, everyone's waiting for you, Your Majesty."
"Good. We are ready now." Maxon replies, in equal venomous tone.
"Lady America," a reporter holds his hand up and calls my attention. I immediately begin to shake slightly, preparing myself for the question. Next to me Celeste looks calm and collected as she always does. Jackson, on my other side, looks just as nervous as me. He runs a hand through his dark hair and smooths out his grey suit. His tie is matching my navy-blue day dress today. We arrived in Carolina about half an hour ago, and just like every other Province so far, we head to the Town Hall, wave in the Square and head in for a press conference. "I understand you live in Carolina now with your fiancé, do you miss your family home?" Okay, easy stuff.
"I do; however, my family and I are so lucky since coming out of the Selection. I have everything I could ever want thanks to the generosity of the Royal Family." I say confidently. I spot Maxon smiling approvingly.
"Celeste!" Another reporter calls, he asks her a generic question about her modelling and if she has taken any jobs from Carolina. It seems to be going smoothly at the moment, no awkward or personal questions.
"I don't see why Maxon had to prep you, it seems fine." Jackson whispers in my ear.
"I know, probably just a precaution." I reply in the same hushed tone.
"Lady America, is it true the King was hard on you in your final days in the Selection?" I freeze, not daring to look down the table at King Clarkson. I want to be honest and say yes, that he was cruel and abuses his son. I take a deep breath.
"No!" I laugh falsely, "King Clarkson would've made a spectacular father-in-law." I dare not look down the table.
"Lady America, was your father's death premeditated by rebels?" Another reporter asks. I see Maxon tense in the corner of my eye, I shake even more. The thought of my father always hurt, I miss him every single day and his death has never gotten easier. Maxon clears his throat. Tears threaten to fall from my eyes at the thought of my father being killed by rebels. Part of me soothes the sadness, knowing my father was a rebel himself so it was impossible.
"I'm sorry, that question is a little too personal." He states.
"My apologies, Your Majesty." The reporter looks mortified to be called out by the Prince.
"Prince Maxon, you had both beautiful girls at the end of the Selection, one the public adored and one the public loved and rooted for. What made you choose the one the public didn't root for?" A female reporter asks. I hear Celeste snigger.
"I-"Maxon begins but she cuts him off.
"The public wanted America Singer and as future sovereign what made you go against them? Your chemistry with Miss Singer was undeniable. Forgive me but many think you have made a mistake." She continues, I stare at her in awe. Her hair is black and cut into a blunt bob. She wears dark sharp eyeliner and scarlet red lipstick.
"Excuse me, ma'am, it was my choice to make." Maxon shoots back. The woman scoffs.
"Was it really?" She pushes.
"Maxon! Were you pressured into your choice?" Someone calls.
"Your Majesty, were you playing a game with Lady America?"
"It should've been Lady America."
Voices over voices call the same things, I can't help but glow slightly from the praise from the public. Of course, in my home province they react this way. I was their Champion, and I wasn't chosen. Maxon looks startled, but Kriss has her head bowed. I see her fighting tears. This isn't what I wanted. I see King Clarkson seething with anger. It seems this will never really go away. Inside my chest I feel that same fighting urge I used to have, the want to annoy and one up the King. I stand suddenly, Jackson staring at me, Celeste smirks.
"Prince Maxon made his choice. Can I say it was the right one? I don't know. However, we shall not berate him for his choice, but respect him as I do." I say royally, finding my confidence. The reporters go a bit nuts once again.
"Lady America, do you still have feelings for Maxon?!"
"Are you two still in love?"
"ENOUGH!" King Clarkson booms. The reporters are instantly silenced. I see the dark-haired woman smirking as she slowly moves back into the crowds. "I've had enough of this sham; the press conference is over." King Clarkson abruptly pushes his chair back and stomps from the room, the Queen following close behind. The reporters begin to file out and once we are out of ear shot, Celeste bursts into laughter.
"That was brilliant!" She laughs. I smirk but shush her, knowing Kriss will probably be extremely upset. As will Jackson. On the way back to the estate we are staying in, in Carolina, Celeste can't stop talking about it. "You should've seen their faces, the royal family. My goodness I'd pay to have pictures. Isn't that mad that the public think he made a mistake. I mean I could've told you that." She goes on. Jackson clears his throat. "I'm sorry Jackson but you didn't know America then, so it doesn't matter. She would've made a brilliant princess and nothing you say will change my mind." She snaps. I bite my lip but I'm secretly thankful she snapped at him and not me. Once we get to the estate, Celeste and Hamish wave goodbye, saying they'll see us at dinner. Jackson grabs my arm as soon as he sees no one is around.
"What the fuck was that about?" He practically yells.
"What do you mean? I can't control what they ask!" I yell back, tugging my arm but his grip tightens, hurting me.
"No but your response was humiliating. Can I say it was the right one? I don't know. What the hell America!"
"Oh, for goodness sake Jackson. I meant about who would be Queen. Get off me!" I shove him so he releases my arm. "I will see you later. Leave me alone."
"You might as well have admitted you still want him." Jackson mutters, but I ignore him as I walk up the steps into the building. As I practically stomp my way through the halls, I realise I have no idea where I'm going. My arm is burning, and I know it will bruise again. As I turn a corner I see her. Kriss.
"Kriss?" I say quietly, walking closer to where she is sitting on one of the sofas dotted around. She doesn't look at me but continues to stare out of the window, a tissue in her hand. She sniffles, wet streaks decorate her cheeks.
"What?" She says, her tone harsh.
"Are you alright?" I ask.
"What do you think? That whole thing was humiliating and rather than comfort me, Maxon thinks of his father, and you." She wipes her eyes delicately with the tissue, still avoiding looking at me. "Do you think I don't know? After two years I thought it would be different, that he'd truly love me as he did you. But then you came back, as radiant as ever, more a woman than me and he's smitten all over again. It's like I'm back in the Selection." She sighs, looking at me now. "I regret ever inviting you."
"Kriss, it's not my fault. I just turned up at your invitation. I didn't want to come between you two. I'm engaged." I say, sitting next to her.
"See? You're always so good."
"So are you. The public and royal family adore you." I smile, she chuckles softly.
"Don't, America. I know I don't fit in here. I'm an outsider. I feel so lonely all the time." Tears slip from Kriss's eyes again and I take her hand. "I miss my old life and friends, but then I know if I ever left, I'd regret it. I love him."
"I know." My voice is soft. I squeeze her hand reassuringly.
"I don't know what to do. Most of the time he's so distracted now. It's like he was only happy when you were in the palace. After you left and the others, it wasn't the same. And his father never talks to me."
"King Clarkson is a bit of an ass." I chuckle. Kriss pauses before chuckling too.
"I guess so." She smiles. "I'm sorry I didn't write or call."
"I'm sorry I didn't come to the wedding."
"Honestly, I don't blame you. I wouldn't have either if it was you and Maxon." She sighs, wiping her eyes.
"You still look beautiful." I take the tissue and dab the black mascara under her eyes.
"Thanks. I'm sorry for my outburst. I know this isn't your fault." She murmurs. "America, what is that?" She takes my forearm where Jackson's fingerprints have already begun to bruise.
"Oh." I go to tug my arm out of her grasp, but she holds on, making me wince.
"America, please don't tell me Jackson did this to you?" She asks, examining the bruise.
"No, of course not! I'm so clumsy." I laugh it off, but she looks at me with unsure eyes.
"These are fingerprints." Kriss states, her voice makes me feel like I can't wiggle out of this. "America, you can't be with him."
"I have to. He supports my family." I sigh. Kriss pulls me into her arms and I am shocked at first, before wrapping my arms around her.
"It'll be okay." She whispers. We hold each other as footsteps come around the corner. Maxon clears his throat as he approaches.
"Sorry ladies. I need America for a moment."
"Um, no. You don't. Kriss is really upset after earlier, why don't you comfort her? I can speak with you later." I say, standing up. Maxon nods. He sits beside Kriss and asks her if she's okay. I leave them to it. Their relationship is more important than Maxon and me.
A couple of hours later, Maxon knocks on my bedroom door. I have just finished applying make-up to my arm when he comes in. He strides over and takes me in his arms, I tense, but allow myself to hug him back.
"Are you alright?" I ask, checking to see if he winces but he seems alright.
"My mother was there. He couldn't do anything. I came to check on you." Maxon strokes some hair from my face.
"I'm alright. I was shocked at my confidence; I haven't felt that way in a long time."
"I knew it was still in there. As well as being mortified, I've never found you more attractive." Maxon moves to kiss my neck. I want so much to give in, to let him have me, to kiss me all over. But I can't. I push him back slightly and sigh. "What's the matter?"
"We can't Maxon. Kriss was so upset earlier. I'm not this girl." I feel tears filling in my eyes. "I can't do this. Jackson is so onto us; he threatens to break off the engagement and then what? When I go home you get your princess and palace and I get nothing. This will only end badly for me. You can't have your cake and eat it too." I shove him now, suddenly realising this has been some stupid fantasy all along. "You haven't thought of me at all!"
"Yes, I have! You are all I think of America! Every thought is of you. You have consumed my being once again." Maxon replies, his tone exasperated.
"We can't do this. Jackson said he will break us off and then I'll have nothing. Who wants someone twice rejected?" I cry.
"America, you don't need him! You can play beautifully. You could be a brilliant singer, a violinist. You can play concerts!" Maxon smiles proudly, but I cry harder.
"No, Maxon. I can't anymore. I've just lost the passion." I sob. Maxon grabs me in his arms as I cry. I feel safe here. I wish I could be here all the time. In his arms. With him. "It's only going to end badly for me." I whisper. Maxon strokes my hair and kisses my forehead.
"I'm sorry. It was just surreal having you here. I felt like it was two years ago all over again. I guess I just got carried away in my fantasy." He murmurs, pressing his cheek against the top of my head.
"I'm sorry I got so heated. I just think, as much as I want to, we can't do this anymore."
"I understand, but before we end whatever this is and go back to civil terms, would I be able to make a request?" Maxon asks, pulling back to look into my eyes.
"Um… sure?"
"Take me to your home. Show me your world."
Hi, me again! I don't know if we can do author notes but I just wanted to say thank you for all the reviews, they're so helpful and I appreciate them all! I wanted to Kriss some more depth in this chapter rather than take the easy route and villainized her, I hope I did her justice! Every review left is taken into consideration when writing :)
Thank you for reading my story!