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Love, Smashleigh

Chapter 17:

I took her hand and pulled her up. "Come on." I said. "There is going to be a lot to do now."

She smiled her dazzling, beautiful smile. "I certainly hope so." she replied.

We walked back to the palace hand in hand; whoever saw us couldn't say anything now. Not to the future Queen of Illéa and me. But I couldn't help but sense her hesitation when the palace came into view. Then she stopped dead in her tracks.

"America what is it?" I asked her. She looked at me for a moment but then her eyes dropped to the ground. I pulled her to me but she was stiff in my arms. "America?"

She looked at me and I noticed the fright in her eyes. "Should I really do this?" she asked me.

I studied her face for a moment. She was afraid of the crown? The God damn crown? I didn't even realize how afraid she'd be.

"Darling, don't worry." I told her. "You'll have me."

She smiled weakly. "I know, I know." she said. "But I'm no one's favorite. Not the people. Not your parent's. I have no connections-"

"You're my favorite." I said softly kissing her. "I'm more sure about that than ever."

She kissed me back and then leaned her forehead against mine. I looked into her beautiful blue eyes with all my heart. Please don't have second thoughts, I kept saying to myself, just stay here with me.

I couldn't say no to him, even if I wanted to. Which I didn't! But just looking into his brown eyes reminded me that being a One didn't change anything. I'd still have him just with a few more…responsibilities.

"Are you ready?" he asked taking my hand again.

I sighed. "Ready as I'll ever be."

We walked inside, our arms linked, and strode back into the Great Hall. It was empty except for a few maids cleaning up the remainder of the farewell ceremony.

"Seems like I may be in a little bit of trouble for skipping out on my duties." Maxon said.

I squeezed his hand. "I think you'll be forgiven." I said with a wink.

"Why Lady America Singer!" Maxon exclaimed as I rushed up the stairs.

He was close on my heels and I just rounded the corner to my room when he grabbed my waist. I let out a laugh and he turned me around and kissed me. I felt him smile and kissed him back.

"Excuse me sir." someone said behind me.

We pulled apart and I saw the look of agitation cross his face. I smiled and winked at him before walking back to my room. I didn't even glance at who was behind me until I reached the door. It was Aspen.

I was frozen to the spot and couldn't move. Dear God I should've told him! I should've told him about him as soon as the thought crossed my mind.

"Yes Officer Leger?" Maxon asked trying to keep the agitation out of his voice.

Aspen glanced at me and Maxon followed his gaze. "Is there something you want to tell me or Am- Lady America?" Maxon asked.

My throat was dry and I felt like the room suddenly got hotter. Please stay calm, please stay calm, PLEASE STAY CALM! But of course he didn't.

"Mer is this really what you're doing? Are you sure?" Aspen asked me.

Maxon turned to me. "What's he talking about?"

I couldn't move, I couldn't speak, and my head was spinning a mile a minute. Maxon came over to me and just looked at me. But I couldn't meet his eyes and I couldn't meet Aspen's, I was totally and completely lost!

"America what is he talking about?" I asked again.

Who the hell was he? I felt so lost at the moment I didn't know what to do but repeat myself. But all she did was whip around and rush into her room. I was about to follow her when I felt a restraining hand on my arm.

"Release me." I snapped trying to tug my arm away.

"Sorry sir I cannot." Officer Leger replied.

"Well why not?" I snapped.

"Because she'll want to see me, not you." he said.

I snorted. "Yes because obviously she'll want to see a guard over her fiancé." I laughed.

The guard's eyes grew fierce. "WHAT!" he exclaimed. "FIANCE?"

I rolled my eyes. "Why do you care?" I asked him. "I obviously had to choose one of the thirty-five women. America is my choice."

"I loved her first!" he spat.

My pulse quickened. What did he just say? No he didn't… did he? This couldn't be the ex she'd told me crushed her heart. There was no way in hell he could be the same man. I've had him guard her door all these nights!

"What did you say?" I asked sternly.

The guard straightened up and squared himself to me. "I. Loved. Her. First." he said slowly.

Immediately I punched him. This stupid son of a bitch broke my fiancée's heart! Did he obviously think she'd want him back?

The guard stumbled a bit but then lunged at me. He pinned me against her door and punched me back. I kicked him off of me just as she opened her door.

"Maxon! Aspen!" she exclaimed. "Stop!"

I looked at both of them. Both their faces were bloody and Aspen's nose looked to be broken. "Maxon go sit in the bathroom." I told him.

"And leave you with this crazy son of a bitch?" he snapped. "No way!"

Aspen looked like he'd lunge at Maxon again so I stepped in between them. "I'll speak to Aspen first." I told him.

Slowly Maxon made his way into my room. I watched as he shut the door and then turned to Aspen. His expression was one of pure pain, and not from his nose.

"Is he really your choice?" Aspen croaked.

Just hearing him made me want to hold him in my arms. I've loved Aspen, cared for him, fed him; it was difficult to see him so choked up. But those days were over.

"I love him." I told him. "I thought I made that clear."

He looked down at his boots. "I know but I thought you were only trying to hurt me, make me jealous." he said.

I placed a hand on his cheek. He looked up and stared into my eyes. "I'm sorry." I told him. "I didn't think you'd not trust me. But Maxon means something to me."

At first I thought he'd do something rash but he just nodded. "So this is it then?" he asked.

I nodded. "You'll always be my first love." I assured him.

"I'll remember you always." he told me.

"You aren't leaving are you?" I asked quickly.

He nodded. "No point in me staying when I will always come in second."

I clutched his sleeve. "Where will you go?" I asked him.

"What's it matter to you?" he asked before slipping away.

I watched his retreating figure and clutched my chest. My heart was beating faster and I felt my knees go weak. He…he just left. He didn't care whether I was happy or not. I broke his heart and he'd never forgive me. Just like I never truly forgave him.