A/N: Hi! Gosh, it has been forever since I updated. I could spend an hour listing why, but let's just say I've had a rough couple of months. I have finally recovered from my surgery and I will be updating once a week! You guys have been asking for Maxerica moments for a while, so I hope I delivered! They are cute together! I hope this chapter makes up for all those months of no updates! Have a Happy Easter everyone! I won't be posting anything this weekend, so I'll either post something before then or next week. Love you guys!
Chapter 8: Confessions
"America, darling." Maxon whispers, waking me from my intermittent sleep. I smile at his gorgeous face; determined to hold on to it this time.
"I just had to see your eyes again. I've taken for granted every precious moment I've had with you, America, but not anymore." He vows, his hand trailing down my cheek tenderly. I lean into it, craving his touch. He sighs in content and positions himself next to me on the hospital bed. His arms encircle me and my head rests on his chest.
"You saved me sweetheart. Why? I simply cannot fathom it, but you did. You put yourself in harm's way for me and I don't have the slightest clue why. Your life is astronomically more important and beautiful, brave, wonderful-" His words quiver with the intensity behind them and I put a finger to his lips.
"When I saw the gun… when I saw Wesley prepared to k- end your life the… pain was unbearable. Maxon, you're… everything to me. I will always love Aspen; he is a piece of me; he is a piece of my past. I couldn't just let him die, but I would be inconsolable if you had-" I break of as a stray tear leaks out of the corner of my eye. Maxon stares at me with what could only be described as adoration and that is it for me.
I pull his mouth to mine and kiss him with everything I have. He clutches my back and kisses me feverishly. We abandon all sense of reason; pouring all the hurt, fear, and devastation of the last few weeks into it.
"I love you, I should have said it before. I love you more than I can ever convey." I whisper, breathless. He kisses more tenderly this time and we break apart as we both hear shouting erupt in the hall. Maxon's eyes fill with worry and he holds me protectively. I squeeze my eyes shut; not prepared to handle another attack.
Maxon suddenly laughs loudly, shaking the bed with its potency. He hugs me to his chest and kisses my hair.
"My darling, the trouble you ensue," he murmurs. I roll my eyes, that sure clears things up. I strain to focus on the voices more clearly.
"I am sorry ma'am, but Lady America is in critical condition and is not allowed visitors." A guard says sternly. I turn to Maxon, my visitor, and he grins that infuriatingly handsome grin.
"So help me, if I don't see my America immediately I will revoke my alliance with Illea!" A woman shrieks indignantly and that's when I pick up on the Italian accent. I smile as the infirmary doors swing open and in walks Princess Nicoletta in all of her glory. She practically runs over' somehow still maintaining princess-like grace. She beams at us and I realize the intimate position Maxon and I are in. Maxon thinks nothing of it and smiles a little too proudly at her.
"My, my America, you work fast." She chuckles and I blush furiously and, of course, Maxon just smirks knowingly at me.
"I came as soon as I heard what happened." She explains more seriously, throwing an accusing glare at Maxon.
"I can assure you that if you and Maxon ever visit me that we will have the top security." She says fiercely, the statement acting as more of a scolding to Maxon than a reassurance.
"Princess Nicoletta-" Maxon begins shamefully and I gently squeeze his hand in support, but she silences him by holding up her hand.
"I did not travel all this way to hear you apologize for something that has most likely eaten away at you for days. I came to see how my America was doing." She clarifies warmly, smiling slightly at him in a sign of forgiveness. He sighs heavily in relief and she laughs, coming over to take my hands in her own tan ones.
"I am so happy you are better my America." She whispers with tears springing into her eyes. With quite an effort, I prop myself up and wrap my arms around her.
"I am so happy to see you. You didn't have to make such a long trip, though it is such a lovely surprise." I say and try not to laugh as Maxon gives me a thumbs-up.
"Well, America, as much as it pains me to do so, I must return to Italy. I know I have just arrived, but we have been so busy lately and I didn't know if I would able to come at all. Good luck, my America." She smiles sadly at me before heading toward the door.
"Oh and Maxon, take care of our princess please!" She adds. Maxon nods, staring intently at me.
"Believe me, I plan to do just that." He whispers, knowing full well she has already left.
"America, darling, I can't express how grateful I am for what you did, but I need you. You can't risk your life ever again. If something happens to you, I don't know if I will survive it. I will break, just after my heart does. I will be shattered in every way a man could possibly be. Promise me." He whispers the last part, his lips just barely touching mine. I nod infinitesimally and feel the smile on his lips as we kiss once again.
"America," he breaks away and I moan in complaint. "I will speak to my father. You are my sun, my moon, and my stars, you are my one and only true love." He declares. I gasp, but it gets lost in the scream of pain that bursts into the air. We both turn to see Kriss bolting from the room. Maxon looks back at me, his eyes drowning in pain.
"Go Maxon," I whisper, hating myself. I die a little more inside as I see him bound after her, not throwing a backward glance to me. I let it happen, I tell myself. He loves you, I chant. I just hope it's enough to be his wife. The truth of my own thoughts dawns on me and I swim in momentary horror. I'll be Princess of Illea. Oh God!
A/N: My heart aches when I have to face the reality that Maxon isn't real! It hurts! Tell me if you thought I portrayed them well! Do you think Maxon meant what he said or he'll back out now that Kriss knows? What about Aspen? And King Clarkson (that will be a fun conversation!)?