Hey guys! I'm sorry it's been a while since I have updated. (wow, I just realized that I've said this same thing every time I've posted a new chapter) This is chapter 8 and I will be introducing some new POVs in this chapter. I hope you guys like it! As always, all rights go to KC!

Marlee POV

Carter and I were just about to settle in for the night when a knock sounded on the door. I looked over at Carter quizzically. Who could be visiting at this hour? He merely shrugged, apparently just as confused as I was. I was hesitant to open the door. Only a few people, including Maxon, knew we still lived here. Ever since we had supposedly been banished to Panama we had been living in secret, thanks to Maxon. Carter smiled reassuringly and motioned for me to open the door.

I moved towards the door and peeked through the little hole at the top. The person I saw through the hole quelled my anxiety, but increased my confusion. What on Earth was Maxon doing here? It was nearly midnight. I quickly unlocked the door to let him in.

Before I could even completely open the door Maxon flew through the door and took a seat on our small bed. I quickly shut the door and turned towards him. He looked nothing like his usual self. His hair was tousled and his eyes were rimmed red, a wild look in their eyes. I frowned. Had he been crying? I was about to voice my concerns when Carter beat me too it.

"Your Highness, what's wrong?" he asked politely, an undertone of worry in his voice.

"Please, call me Maxon. I'm fine. It's just been a crazy evening." His voice was weary and broke slightly at the end. My frown deepened. Something was definitely wrong. And I was determined to find out what it was.

"Maxon, what's wrong?" I asked sternly.

Maxon looked up at me and sighed deeply.

"I promise I'll explain in a second. Just, give me a second to think." I nodded understandingly. "Do you need anything?" I asked hospitably.

"Some water if you have it", he asked. I quickly flitted to the corner of the room and poured him a glass of water from the jug sitting on the table. I handed it to him and he smiled gratefully before taking a sip. The water seemed to do him some good. It relaxed the crazed look in his eyes and added some color to his face. He drained the cup quickly and set it aside. He then turned to us.

"I suppose I owe you some answers. After all, I did barge into your room at the middle of the night", he said. He laughed wearily, poorly attempting to lighten the mood. Neither I nor Carter cracked a smile. Something was up and we were going to do our best to help. He had saved us from death and exile, the least we could do was try to aid him with whatever was going on right now.

Maxon sighed deeply once and then launched into his explanation. He told us all about how choosing Kriss was a bad decision and how he regretted it. I couldn't help but smile at that part. I liked Kriss well enough, but I always knew that Maxon and America were meant to be together. I'm glad that he had realized that.

He then moved onto his botched attempt at getting her back just a couple of hours ago. The smile disappeared from my face during that section of the story. I burned with anger when Maxon told us about how he had left her crying. I glared at him throughout that entire part. I couldn't believe that he had the nerve to hurt America. Again. I of all people knew what a generous and giving person Maxon was, but at times he was just as bad as all the other guys. This was one of those times.

Maxon noticed my expression. "Not my best moment", he said jokingly. My glare only heightened in anger. I could accept the fact that he had made a mistake, but I wasn't going to let him joke about it. America was my best friend in the whole wide world. She hadn't pried when I had acted strange during the Selection and she had tried to save me during the caning, not caring about the repercussions of that decision. She was the sweetest and most loyal friend a girl could ask for. I couldn't stand to see her hurt.

Maxon finished his story and then the room settled into a heavy silence. He looked at us expectantly, as if he was waiting for us to say something. After an excruciatingly long silence, I spoke up.

"Thank you for telling us all this, but I'm confused why you did so", I say, completely lost. Carter nods, apparently wondering the same thing.

"Ah. I actually need your help. I spoke to my mother about this earlier and she completely agreed with you on the fact that I screwed up really badly. We are creating a plan. A plan to make sure that America is my wife. And I was wondering if you could help." He looks at us hesitantly, as if he's afraid we'll refuse. God sometimes Maxon can be so clueless.

Carter speaks on behalf of both of us once again. "Of course we'll help Maxon. How could you even think otherwise?"

"Carter is right. America was my best friend. I can't stand to see her so upset. And you've helped us through so much. The least we can do is ensure that you get you're own happily ever after as well", I pipe up, my voice passionate.

Maxon nods and for the first time tonight a grin surfaces on his face. "Thank you so much. I feel horrible for what I did tonight. I love her so much, despite my actions tonight. All I know is that America is the only one who deserves to be my queen. And I won't stop until she is." Maxon's voice fills with emotion whenever he talks about America. And he looks as if he is on the verge of tears again. I smile, they were perfect for each other.

"I'm sorry", Maxon apologizes. "I didn't mean to get so emotional. It just happens." And to his credit, he doesn't even look the least bit ashamed.

"Get emotional whenever you want Maxon. It helps me realize that you truly do love her. But I'm warning you. Break her heart and you'll never walk again."

"Are you threatening me Mrs. Woodwork?" he asks amusedly, raising his eyebrows.

"Maybe I am", I state simply, a mischievous glint in my eyes.

"Consider me warned then", he says chuckling.

"Ok you two. Stop flirting", Carter says good-naturedly, laughing.

"No need to worry about any competition Mr. Woodwork. I'm all yours", I say slyly. And to prove my point, I lean in and kiss him. Even after all this time I'll never get tired of kissing my husband. His lips were warm and made my insides feel all mushy. I sigh involuntarily and moved to deepen the kiss, running my hands through Carter's hair. Someone coughed and I blushed, remembering that we weren't alone. I slowly pull myself away from Carter. I smooth down my hair and turn to face Maxon again, a tinge of pink still lingering on my cheeks.

"Sor-", I start to say, but Maxon interrupts me.

"Don't apologize, I get it." Maxon's eyes soften wistfully and I know he's thinking about America. He quickly regained his composure. "But I'd appreciate it if you could wait until after I'm gone to resume your activities", he says jokingly.

"Of course", I agree.

"Actually, I do have to get going. It's getting quite late and there's a few more stops I need to make tonight. I'll visit again soon, once I have contacted the others. And then we can begin to formulate a plan. Thanks so much for helping me. I owe you one."

"Actually I believe it's us who owe you one", Carter says. "And no need to thank us, we would do anything for you and America." He glances at me and I nod vigorously, agreeing with him.

Maxon smiles gratefully and gets off of the bed, heading towards the door. "Thanks again. Goodnight", he calls out, before shutting the door.

"Goodnight", Carter and I chorus back. I lock the door behind him. I turn around to see my husband lying on the bed with a sly grin on his face.

"How about we continue those activities", he says seductively. I giggle, my insides melting just at the thought of it.

"I would love to", I purr. I then race to the bedside and climb on next to Carter. He pulls me on top of him and brings his lips to mine. I sigh in pleasure and pull him closer to me. I kiss him hungrily, not wanting to ever stop.

It's safe to say that we didn't get very much sleep that night.

So did you like it? It was fun to write from Marlee's POV. I also enjoyed writing the little pieces of fluff between Marlee and Carter. There will be more of that coming. I'm debating whether or not I should have Marlee try to visit America somehow. Let me know you're thoughts on that. Next chapter will be the first meeting of the Maxerica club. Sorry, I'm still trying to think of a name for it. Review or PM me any ideas you have. Bye!