Hey guys! Sorry I haven't updated in like a week and a half. I really suck at updating regularly. Also I was just relaxing during the break for a little while. Anyway here is chapter 7 (i can't believe I'm already at chapter 7, can you?). This chapter will be a little conversation between Maxon and his mother. I hope you guys enjoy! KC owns everything!

Maxon POV

I walk quickly towards my mother's room, head down, in the hopes that I won't be noticed. But of course, considering that I'm the prince, that is not possible. I know that going to visit my mother is hardly a crime, but I was hoping for a bit of privacy. Obviously, that wasn't going to happen. Numerous maids and butlers bow to me on my way to my mother.

As I think about what I'm planning to say the fear kicks in. My mother is the most trustworthy person I knew, but if our conversation was leaked, even accidentally, the consequences would be immense. If my father was ever to know... I shudder, not even wanting to consider it. It was very rare that a prince second guessed his choice at princess. In fact, it had never happened before.

America had been important to my father during the Selection, a gateway to an easy alliance with Italy. But now that I had chosen Kriss she was in extreme danger. And if I turned around and chose her instead, who knew what my father would do. Knowing him, he wouldn't hesitate to have her eliminated. I shudder at the thought of my precious America dying. Nobody quite knew my father like I did, I was the one who was subject to his lashings. Nobody quite understood his capacity, his ability to do whatever it took to get what he wants. And right now he wanted America gone. Forever.

For now he was ok with America just staying away from the palace. If I wanted to protect her I would have to be brave and just marry Kriss, no matter the repercussions. But I was too selfish to deny myself the one thing I had ever wanted, love. I'm suddenly furious with myself. What sort of man was I, basically delivering my true love to her execution? If I was even halfway decent I would suck it up and marry Kriss. But I wouldn't. That's where my mother came in.

I reached my mother's room and knocked softly, praying that she would be in. And alone.

The door swings open revealing my mother's smiling face. I looked around and spotted Kriss on her couch, sipping from a cup of tea. Damn it. Luckily, she hadn't noticed me yet.

"Maxon!" my mother said. "What brings you here? Me and Kriss were just enjoying a light snack. Would you like to join us?" My mother was gracious and poised, ever the perfect queen, even when she was just talking to her son.

Kriss perks up when she hears my name, momentarily distracted by the sight of me. Great, so much for her not noticing me. Don't get me wrong, Kriss was a sweet girl who any man would be lucky to have. But she wasn't the one for me. There was only one person who could even come close. And I had just left her crying. Again. God I was an asshole.

"Actually Mother", I started. "I was wondering if you and I could talk. Alone." I added the last part firmly, hoping that she would catch on.

Thankfully understanding dawned in her eyes and she nodded slightly. "Of course", she replied smoothly.

"Kriss", she called as she turned towards her. "Do you mind if we continue our conversation later? Me and Maxon have some things we need to discuss."

"Of course", she replied politely. "Thank you for the tea. It was delicious."

"Oh don't thank me dear", my mother said, laughing lightly. "Thank the maids. It is their doing after all."

Kriss laughed along quietly. "Ok. Well then I will get going. I wouldn't want to hold you up."

She curtsied to me and my mother, and then walked up and gave me a light peck on the cheek before leaving the room.

"So", my mother says, sighing heavily. 'It seems like we have some things to discuss."

I understand why my mother is tired. Putting on an act is quite exhausting, and its nice to just let loose, even for a short while. No matter what people may think, being a royal is difficult. Nothing like the endless dresses and parties that are suggested in the movies. Though I have to admit their interpretations of royal families are quite amusing.

"Yes", I replied. "I have one favor to ask before we continue though. None of this shall be repeated to anyone else. Though I have a feeling that won't be a problem."

"Of course Maxon", she replied easily. "But please, don't act so formal with me. I'm your mother for goodness sakes." I realized that she was right. Sometimes the act felt so natural that I forgot to let go of it when I was with her or other people who I could trust.

"I was hoping that you would say that. I have some matters that I would like to talk about. Matters of the heart to be specific." After I confess that last part I can breath a little easier. Despite being a Four previously my mother was extremely smart. She would understand what I was talking about just from those words alone.

"Aaah", my mother says, her voice laced with realization. "I see. And what exactly are we talking about?"

At those words I spill. Everything. How I waited at America's house, her coming home with that Ethan guy, looking at her wall of pictures, how beautiful America had looked, our little moment, our argument, and - most embarrassingly - how I had left her crying. I held nothing back.

My mother's eyes hardened as I got to the part where I had left when she was still sobbing. I couldn't say I wasn't surprised, I had been a complete jerk back there. Words are not enough to explain how ashamed I am of myself.

"Well it seems that we've got quite a situation on our hands", my mother starts. She laughs lightly without humor. "So from what you're saying I'm guessing the plan didn't work?"

I shake my head somberly no. We had created a plan. A quite simple one actually. I would go America's house and make my feelings for her clear, even begging for her forgiveness if need be. I hadn't predicted that it would turn into a mess. We hadn't factored both of our strong tempers into the equation. If we had I had a feeling that our plan would be a lot more developed. My mother and I had thought our straightforward plan would be enough and America would take me back, therefore solving my problems. I should have known that was too good to be true.

"So what do I do?" I ask plainly. I wince at how weak my voice sounds. But, unlike what I would usually do, I don't try to hide it. This is just a honest conversation between a mother and a son. No need to act so strong. My mother was the one person who I could be myself in front of. My father expected an obedient son and the country expected a gracious prince. But my mother held no such expectations. She was my safe haven. She didn't judge me, just loved me for who I was. And I was eternally grateful for that.

"Honestly Maxon, I don't know. But I do know that you have to start by apologizing. America deserves at least that." Her voice is soft as she talks about America. I can tell that she was crushed when I didn't choose her, it was quite obvious that she was always partial towards her. But she had accepted Kriss as her own quite easily. That's why my mother was the perfect queen. She didn't ask for anything, she accepted whatever she got and moved on.

"You're right", I admit. "I was a complete bastard. I - I just got so angry. I didn't know what to do. But I know now that I made the worst possible decision possible." I say this freely without restraint, not afraid of what my mother will say. Whatever it is there's no doubt that I deserve it.

"It's ok Maxon", my mother said soothingly. "It happens to everyone. And everyone knows that one half of apologizing is accepting your mistakes. So you're already 50% there."

I laugh halfheartedly at my mother's attempt to lighten the mood. But her words bring a smile to my face. My mother always knew just how to feel better. First it was if I got a scratch from falling down. Then she comforted me if I had a fight with friends. After that she helped me adjust to the ever-present cameras. And now this, helping with girl problems. I laugh silently at the absurdity of the situation.

The room is silent for a moment as I contemplate my mother's words as she rubs small circles on my back. My mother finally breaks the silence.

"Maxon. We need a new plan."

I smile at her bluntness. "That we do", I agree.

"But we can't do it alone", I continue. "We need help. And I know exactly where we can get it."

Sorry for the pretty uneventful chapter. It was more of a filler chapter. I just needed Maxon to really realize what he'd done and for him and Amberly to have a talk. I also wanted to showcase the relationship between Maxon and his mom. Amberly will be playing a bigger part through the rest of the fic. And we may see some more familiar faces. ;) Anyway read and review your thoughts or anything you might want to see happen. Bye!

Btw Tomorrow's Thanksgiving!