Elise was gone the next morning. The palace felt emptier without her presence.
Breakfast was even more awkward than usual. The stakes were higher, and we all knew it. Three women left in the competition. One of us would be queen.
Kriss is quiet the whole time, frigid as ice. She must still be mad at Maxon for our kiss last night. Celeste is flirtatious as always, seductively smiling at Maxon and occasionally shooting me an angry glare. Maxon is distant, not cold, yet not friendly. I can't wait until the Selection is over, and all this is tension gone.
That afternoon, I decide to play the piano in my room. My fingers fly across the smooth black and white keys, playing a lively gavotte. The next piece is slower, a song my mother used to play for me. The melody is sweet, and my voice joins it.
For a while I lose myself in the music, forgetting Maxon, The Selection, Kriss, and everything else. Nothing matters but the music and I.
I am startled out of my daze when someone bursts into applause behind me. I turn and see Maxon standing in the center of my room, smiling widely.
"You never cease to amaze me, America Singer." he says. I blush.
"And you never cease to amaze me, Maxon Shreave." I reply coyly.
He grins and walks over to me. I stand and embrace him.
"How are you?" I ask.
He sighs. "As good as can be expected, I suppose. Budget meetings took up the majority of my morning. After them, I immediately came to see you. It seems I have a problem staying away."
"I wonder why." I tease.
"I don't wonder." he says, and leans down to kiss me. Our lips meet, and move slowly in synch together. His are soft and taste like honey. My fingers tangle themselves in his hair, his find their way to the bare skin on my back. We stay that way until Maxon pulls back. My lips ache for more.
"I have to go." he says regretfully. I nod. "See you soon?" I ask. "Lunch." he replies, while jogging out of my room. I longingly watch him go.
Maxon's POV
"But father, the Italians would become our allies if I married America! We could end the New Asia war!" I try to convince the king.
"Maxon, Lady America would ruin this country. Everything I worked for, everything you will work for, will be gone. Washed down the drain. If she could learn to control her temper, then we could talk. But until she does, I don't want to hear another word. You will marry Kriss or Celeste, and that is final."
How could he be so cruel? This is my selection, not his. I will be married to this girl forever, not him. Why can't he act like my father for once?
"Fine." I say, and storm out of the room. I bump into my mother.
"Maxon, my dear. How are you?" she asks, ignorant of my dilemma. I must be strong- if not for myself- then for her.
"I'm good mother. Thank you for asking." I reply. I offer her my arm, and she takes it. Together we walk down the hall. "Did your father agree to let you marry America?" she asks. I sigh.
"No, he is still convinced that she will ruin the country." I tell her.
"Maxon, I am giving her those lessons you asked me to give." she says in a hushed tone. I smile, grateful.
"Thank you mother. It means so much to me. Is she improving?"
"Yes, she is doing quite well, especially for a Five." the queen replies. I expected nothing less from America.
We enter the dining hall for lunch, and I scan the room for a fiery red head. My eyes land on her, and she tugs her ear. I tug mine back. Lunch is a somber affair. Celeste, as always, is sending me seductive smiles. In the middle of the meal, she even goes so far as to rub her foot up my leg. I subtly pull back. I used to be caught up with Celeste, but not anymore. She is just here because my father wanted me to keep her. Kriss is quiet the whole time. Mad, almost. I did kiss America last night instead of her. But that was because of the Italians. I try to include Kriss in what little conversation we have, and she seems to cheer up a bit. America, on the other hand is glowing. Talking, laughing, smiling the entire time. I haven't seen her like this before. I only hope it is because of me.
That night I visit Kriss. She is sitting on her bed, reading a book. I knock before entering. When she sees me, her entire face lights up. "Maxon, please come in." she says. Always reliable. America would probably slam the door in my face. Yet I still could never stop loving her.
I smile. "Kriss my dear, it is lovely to see you. I am sorry for last night. I only kissed America because I was, well, caught up in the moment." I figure that is the best way to explain it. "Can you forgive me?"
"Maxon, I already have." she replies. As I said, reliable.
"Thank you. I hope you have a wonderful night, but I must return to bed." I excuse myself.
"Maxon, wait." she calls out. I turn around, and she walks up to me.
"Yes my dear?" I ask.
Suddenly, Kriss stands on her toes and lightly dusts my lips with a kiss.
"Sometimes rules are meant to be broken." she whispers. I stare at her, aghast. She said she wouldn't kiss me! And she just did! I excuse myself and hurry to my room. Kriss is finally opening up to me. We might have more of a chance! My father would approve, and everything would be fine. I dream of what life would be like with Kriss. Yet when I fall asleep, I only see America.