Thank you all for the feedback; it was your encouragement that made me decide to make this more than just a one-shot.
I decided to make the following from Maxon's point of view as I thought that this would help the progression of the story.
I'm sorry if this felt a little repetitive and somewhat like a filler chapter; I sincerely promise that wasn't my intention.
I hope to update soon; thank you for the support and I hope you enjoy!
Chaos; that was, really, the only word that could describe the situation at this time. One moment I was furious with America for lying to me, for betraying the trust and love I had instilled in her and the next moment, those who were supposed to protect ended up pulling out their weapons and open fired. Blood was everywhere and gut-wrenching screams filled the air. What happened at that moment was absolutely terrifying.
Although I have seen and heard many things in my life, I don't think I will ever forget the sound of that gun being fired; the gun whose bullet broke through and pierced the chest of my beloved America. I remember staring into the murderous eyes of the wielder as the barrel of the gun pointed towards me. I was certain that my death was to occur and at that very moment, my life began to flash before my eyes.
I was able to relive many memories in the blink of an eye, but what stood out to me were not the memories themselves, but the people that were with me. Although I had not known America for very long, she was the one that dominated my flashback; her smile, her laughter, her loving embrace.
I had known deep down that America would always be the one for me, and there was no denying that fact. I was trying to fool myself out of grief and despair but there was no way I could ever pull the wool over my own eyes moments before I go to my grave. Thus, at that moment, before the man pulled the trigger, I sought out America hoping that my eyes would portray to her what I didn't have the time to say: that I was sorry, and that I loved her unconditionally.
When I turned back towards the man, I was ready for the pain that was bound to occur. What I was not ready for was the blur of America's dress as she lunged toward me. I braced myself for the impact that was headed my way but instead of slamming into me, America flew across in front of me, hitting the floor a small distance away.
I was frozen in shock to say the least. I could not process what had just happened, that America had just saved my life. There was so much screaming in the background but nothing was as deafening as the beating of my heart in my ear. As I came out of my stupor, I heard the guards yelling out orders; the man that had tried to kill me, the one that endangered my America was dead.
"I got him!" someone shouted. "Find the king!"
More shots were fired; it was pure pandemonium.
I rushed towards America; kneeling down, unsure of what else to do.
"America!" I cried. "How could you do this to me? I'm so sorry. Please don't leave me here. I'm begging you. America, I love you!"
Taking off my jacket, I used it to apply pressure to the wound. She winced at the contact. Seeing her laying there before me in pain as her blood flowed out of her body freely, I couldn't contain my sorrow as sobs racked my body.
I felt her cold hand reach out and touch my face. "I'm so sorry Maxon." Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"No, I'm sorry. I was about to ruin both our lives." I was filled with regret as more tears escaped.
She tried to speak; to comfort me. My America always did put others before herself. "Maxon, I-"
"No, America. Don't talk, just look at me." My voice was threatening to crack.
I saw her beautiful eyes look at me, and through them, I felt as if I were able to look into her soul. "Break my heart. Break my heart as many times as you want, into as many pieces as you want. I couldn't possibly fool myself into thinking that I could ever give my heart away to someone else."
The corner of her lips turned up into a smile. Even through all the pain she must have been experiencing, she manages to smile.
"America, my heart was only ever yours and it will forever be yours"
"Maxon," she gasped. "My heart will only ever beat for you; every beat of my heart is yours and I'll love you until my very last breath. I don't want to die without you knowing this."
"Please don't do this." I couldn't bear the thought of losing her. A life without America was not one I would want to live. She was my world and she meant everything to me; I was falling apart at the seams. I would never be the same without America. She was my light, my one true love.
She laced her hand through my hair. The pressure was light but it was enough for me to understand what she wanted.
The kiss that took place was filled with emotion; all the uncertainty and all the hope. Through that kiss, I felt the love she had for me.
Her breathing became more labored and her eyes started to close."Don't give up America. I love you. Please don't."
I was no longer aware of the world around me; it seemed as if there was no one else in the room but her and I. All I could think of was: America, I love you. I clutched onto her hand begging for forgiveness, for a second chance.
"Please America. You have to get through this. I can't live without you."
The time got away from me as I watched the color drain from America's face, the crimson red of her blood spilling onto the floor.
"Kriss is in a safe room, Your Majesty," Aspen said. I couldn't believe how he was all business. The girl that I love, the girl that he once loved was lying on the floor bleeding to death. "Are you alright, Your Majesty? We must hurry to a safe room!"
I saw Aspen's lips move, and I heard the words he spoke but nothing made sense.
"America, don't go," was all I managed to say.
"Your majesty, we must go now!" Aspen said in an authoritative tone.
"No, we must take her. We can't leave her"
"I will come back –"
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How dare he utter such words!
"That's an order!" I responded forcefully. "She lives. Do you understand me? Whatever it takes, she will live!" Having said those words, I began to pull myself together.
Aspen nodded and together we were able to make it towards a safe room that was unlocked. As we got to the door and placed America in one of the cots, he pulled out a gun and handed it to me.
"Stay safe Your Majesty."
I nodded in response and with that, he took off back towards all the mayhem as I slammed the door of the safe room shut.
Rummaging around for a first aid kit, I did the best with the supplies I had on hand. Although I knew deep down that what I had wouldn't be enough, I still had hope.
I loved America and she loved me; there was no doubting that. She really loved me.
We were supposed to be together in the very end. We had managed to fall in love despite everything that should have kept us apart. Our castes, our mistakes, the world around us; nothing could stop us from being together.
"We'll get through this America. I promise you that, if you live and if you'd still have me, I would love to have the honor of making you my wife. I can't imagine a day without your beautiful radiant smile. Please America, I beg you, hold on!"
I clutched her hand in mine, bringing it closer to my heart, I found a sense of comfort in her heavy breathing.
Every so often I'd try to guess at the time and each sluggish minute that went by was maddening to say the least. I had never felt so powerless in my life and the worry was killing me.
After what seemed like an eternity, I heard the click of the lock. Uncertain of whether they were friend or foe, I held the gun up and aimed. I was ready to do whatever I could to protect America.
"Don't shoot, Your Majesty!" a guard pleaded, "You're safe!"
"How can I be certain that you're not one of them?" I retorted. I knew better than to trust just a man's word.
The guard looked down the hall, acknowledging an approaching figure.
"It's over, Your Highness. We got them," Gavril confirmed.
"Hurry," I demanded the guard as I moved away from the door. "Take her to the hospital wing; Lady America is in critical condition!"
As I saw the retreating figure of the guard run away in the direction of help, my vision blurred as I collapsed onto the stone floor, comforted by the knowledge that there really was hope for America.
