Hi y'all! Okay, I'm sorry for the cliffhanger and decided to post first thing in the morning because I feel kind of bad. I mean, I can't have Maxon and America fighting! Anyways, this chapter should calm any troubled Maxerica lovers out there. Enjoy!

P.S. I'll just put this out there, even though it's a fanfiction website, but I do not own the Selection Series or its characters.

America's POV

Why is Maxon acting like this? What have I done wrong?

Oh.

Maybe he overheard what I said to Aspen last night. But I said I was in love with Maxon! Why would he be mad about that? I sigh, pondering Maxon's actions. At least we will be able to talk.

An hour later, I find myself in the Women's Room. The queen is in the corner with her maids. Good. When she leaves, I'll head to our meeting room. Sitting down, I pick up the first magazine I see and flip to a random page. The article is titled How To Earn A Man's Trust.

Wow. How fitting.

I start to read. The first rule is "Always listen to everything he says, and don't argue unless absolutely necessary." Okay then. That sounds like Elise, and Maxon doesn't like her. Still, I could argue a little less often. The second rule is "Never break promises." That's a tough one. I've kind of broken a lot of those. The third and last is "Be honest. Tell him everything." Everything? Could I do that? I tend to keep things to myself. I supposed if I was married to the man I would have to tell him most things, but everything?

I am so immersed in the article that I barely notice the Queen Amberly get up and leave. Excusing myself from the room, I follow and walk to the Princess Suite. I open the hidden door, and walk down the passageway until I see the queen. She smiles at me, and I curtsy.

For the next two hours, she teaches me more about the etiquette of a royal. I learn pretty quickly, walking with a stack of books upon my head and working on dance steps. I know Silvia taught us the basics, but working one on one with someone who has experienced it first hand is so much more helpful.

Working with the queen is very tiring. After we are finished, I head back to my room and decide to take my lunch in there. When will Maxon come and talk to me?

He doesn't come until after dinner, which I also take in my room. The moment he walks in, I can tell.

He is going to eliminate me.

"Maxon, what have I done?" I ask, before he can say anything.

"Lady America, you have broken the rules of the Selection by having a romantic relationship with a guard. I am sorry to say that I will have to eliminate you." This is the Prince speaking, not my Maxon.

"Maxon, you don't understand."

"What is there to understand, Lady America?" He inquires. "I heard you talking to Officer Leger, or should I say Aspen, telling him that you love him. You were probably kissing him in your room most nights. But there's one thing I have to know. Was everything you told me a lie?" The last part comes out in a whisper, this time my Maxon speaking. I hate to see him like this.

I take a deep breath, preparing to defend myself. "No Maxon, nothing I said was a lie. I do love you. I care about you more than I ever cared for Aspen. Yes, at certain times I kissed Aspen, but only I was confused or angry at you. Those times are over. I will never kiss Aspen Leger again in my life unless you eliminate me from the Selection. But there is one thing you should know, Maxon. Last night, while I was talking to Aspen? You must not of heard everything I said. I told him I loved him, but I was in love with you. I will always be in love with you. You are the only one." I finish.

Maxon just stares back at me. Is he mad? Will he still eliminate me? For what seems like hours we just stand there. Then he steps towards me and gathers me up into a hug. I let out a breath I hadn't even realized I was holding. "Oh America, my dear sweet America. I thought I would lose you." he whispers into my hair. "Maxon, my one and only Maxon." I whisper back. I cry with relief. He pulls back, confused on what to do. I laugh, despite my tears. "Don't worry Maxon, these are tears of happiness." He smiles, and pulls me in again. "Good, because I don't want you to feel any other way."

We lay down on my bed and start talking. "America, I have a confession to make." Maxon starts. I suck in my breath, preparing for the worst. "Last night, after I overheard you, I went to Kriss's room."

Oh dear. This can't be good.

"We didn't kiss or anything, but I just wanted to let you know." He concludes.

"You don't know how much that means to me Maxon. Thank you. I just have one question. Do you love her more than me?" I inquire.

Please say no. Please say no.

"I don't think I could ever love anyone as much as I love you, America Singer. But, there are things to consider. I'm not over your relationship with Aspen yet, and Kriss has never broke the rules. I can trust Kriss, and can rely on her to be dependable. My father wants to do everything he can from having you chosen, and Kriss is his favorite. All in all, it would be easier to marry Kriss."

"But you don't want to take the easy path?" I venture.

He chuckles. "Sometimes it seems it would just be...well, easier. But no, easy is not what I'm looking for. What I am looking for is someone I can trust. Can I trust you, America?"

"I promise I will do everything I can to gain your trust. I even read an article titled How To Earn A Man's Trust this morning." I tease.

"Well then, you should be set." he teases right back.

"Yes, I should be. I want be a perfect princess soon-to-be-queen, Maxon."

He sighs. "America, I can not promise that I will choose you. Though it is most likely, things happen. And my mind could change. Do you understand?"

"Yes Maxon. I just wish the Selection was over, no matter who you chose. Though I do hope you choose me." I hint.

He laughs. "Well, I make no promises. But it is likely."

"Then I am satisfied." I reply. He smiles, and leans in to kiss me. I meet him halfway.

The kiss starts out gentle and sweet. But when he rolls over so he is on top of me, it deepens. I tangle my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer while he fits his hands to the curve of my waist. He makes me feel wanted, treasured, loved. And in that moment, I know everything will be alright. Because I love Maxon Shreave. And he loves me.

After a few more kisses, we fall asleep in each other's arms. I am, and forever will be, happy.

I hope.

Duh duh duh duh...