MAXON's POV
I held her hand in the infirmary where she slept peacefully. I was grateful for whatever drugs were now pulsing through her system, sparing her pain. Across from me, Officer Leger sat with his head in his hands. Neither of us had left her side since we arrived. I had been trying to think of something to say to him, something that would encompass all that had happened.
"Thank you," I said softly, not wanting to disturb America. He looked up, sadness in his eyes. I continued, "I know it was you. The mysterious ex-boyfriend that I was fighting against. And I'm so sorry I didn't take better care of her."
He looked guarded as he considered his words, "It isn't like I haven't put her in danger myself." My heart ached, realizing he must have meant their relationship had continued in the palace. "Besides," he sighed, "I saw what you did in there. You did everything you could. And it looks like you have been for a while," He motioned to my back. I was slightly embarrassed that so many people had learned my secret in such a short time. He could read the questions in my eye. "I knew it was over. After that disastrous report, when she thought she was going home, she told me not to contact her. I realized no matter what, I had lost that place in her heart," he said sadly. "When I broke up with her, it was because I wanted to give her so much more than I could offer as six. I was willing to lose her then, to give that to her. This isn't exactly what I had in mind," he motioned around the hospital room. "But I trust you will take care of her from now on."
I nodded solemnly, happy to have reached this quiet understanding with him. I looked over to America and saw her eyes were open, looking between us. I smiled and brushed her face with my hand.
"I will leave you two alone," said Officer Leger, rising from his seat.
"Aspen," America croaked, regaining her voice. He turned to her cautiously. "Thank you. For everything." He nodded once and left the room.
Her eyes turned to me. "I'm so sorry, America,' I whispered. "This is all my fault."
She started to sit up, winced, and laid back down. "Come here," she said, and I brought my face closer to hers. "This is only one person's fault and it isn't yours. Nothing that has happened, to you... to us. You didn't ask for any of it and I don't blame you. Besides," she smiled softly, "All the best people have scars." She closed her eyes briefly and then opened them quickly, realizing something. "There is one thing you can apologize for!"
I flinched, thinking of all that had happened, how I wasn't able to do anything to stop her pain. She raised my eyes to hers. "Don't ever try and send me away again," she said softly. "I would rather give my life for yours than live a single moment away from you."
Our tear-filled eyes met, and we kissed slowly, honoring everything that had happened between us and hoping for a brighter future. Together.