Hi guys! Merry Christmas if it's Christmas where you live! Here's your present from me. I hope you like! A little Maxerica fluff, a ball, dresses, chocolate cake...what more could a girl ask for? Anyways, enjoy!

America's POV:

"Merry Christmas Lady America!" Anne exclaims while opening my curtains. I groan, and slide out of bed. "It's too early to be waking up Anne. Can't I sleep in?" I beg. "You asked us to wake you up early Miss America. Besides, a queen is never late. And also never lies on the ground like that." she says with a hint of laughter, noticing me slide to the floor and lie spread-eagle. "Well, I'm not queen yet! Don't I get exceptions?" I ask teasingly. Mary laughs while drawing my bath, and Lucy giggles over her sewing. Anne tries to keep a straight face, but fails. "You will be queen soon." she replies.

"I wish I had your confidence Anne." I say wishfully. Anne walks over and kneels, looking me straight in the eye. "There is no doubt in my mind, Lady America. Therefore, you should not have any doubts." she says determinedly. I sigh and stand. "Ok Anne, but if I lose, don't be too disappointed."

"You will win." is her reply. An hour later, they have me ready. As always, they worked miracles! My dress is made of forest green velvet, flowing to the ground and sweeping out into a full skirt. My sleeves are elbow length with the top slightly falling off my shoulders. The neckline is a swooping v-neck, with a rounded edge. Red and gold highlights accent the top and bottom of the dress. My hair is half up, with curls elegantly falling to my shoulders. My makeup up is noticeable: dark eyeliner and mascara, gold and brown eyeshadow, pink blush, and red lipstick. I asked them to let me wear the pearl necklace Maxon gave me last night, and they agreed. It actually complimented my outfit nicely. Finally, I was ready.

As I entered the ballroom to make any last minute changes, I was blown away. The table was laden with delicacies (including lots of chocolate cake for Maxon), the musicians were setting up and practicing the many Christmas songs we has chosen, and the decorations were breathtaking. Gold, red, and green filled up every inch of space, including bows, paintings, and a tree. The tree...oh the tree. It is the highlight of the room. Towering at least 15 feet above my head, it is green and full and beautiful. White lights and huge red ornaments, gold tinsel and even cranberries decorate it, adding to the splendor. I stare at it amazed, until Celeste walks in and snaps me out of my trance. "Stop gawking, would you? We're here to make changes, not make googly eyes at the tree." she says crisply. I turn, and see her looking condescendingly at me . We all agreed to wear the same style dress- hers is red and Kriss's is gold. Of course, there are a few differences. Celeste has a neckline that dips so low I am tempted to look away. But I don't. Kriss walks in, and I notice her neckline is much more modest, thank goodness. She looks...angelic. I am jealous for a moment, until I remember that my maids made me look beautiful too.

"It turned out well, don't you think?" Kriss asks. I smile and nod in response. Celeste just makes a sound of approval. Kriss turns serious and lowers her voice. "Maxon is making an elimination today. Are you worried?" she asks. Celeste just flips her hair over her shoulder and says "I'm sure I won't be eliminated. So no, I'm not worried." Kriss nods and they share a glance that screams We're still in. I won't be eliminated, and I'm sure Kriss won't be either. So Celeste will be, thank goodness. I just smile and walk away. Pretty soon it is time for the ball to start. Not many people were invited, since we had such short notice. But some important Twos and Threes were, and they arrived fairly early. A couple of them ask me to dance, and I accept. Finally, Maxon and his parents join us and I am saved from the misery of dancing with smelly-breathed old men.

"Lady America, may I have this dance?" Maxon whispers in my ear while lightly tickling my sides. I giggle softly and curtsy. "Nothing would give me greater pleasure, your majesty." I reply. He offers a small smile, and takes my hand tenderly in his. We start to dance, lost in the music and each other. I see Kriss standing on the side, watching with an eagle eye
while Celeste flirts with a guard. But Maxon and I just sway to the music. "How's my favorite red head?" Maxon asks me teasingly, breaking the silence. "She's doing just grand. And what about her Prince?" I ask with the same amount of a teasing tone.

"He's doing well. Especially with all that chocolate cake." Maxon replies. "You remembered."

"Of course I remembered! How could I forget? Learning something new about you...well, let's just say it's worth remembering." I say softly, tenderly. Maxon just stares at me for a moment before putting his lips by my ear. "No one has ever wanted to learn about my likes and dislikes before. No one has ever cared about me as much as you." he whispers. A part of my heart melts. "You're worth caring about Maxon. Always remember that." I reply. He pulls back, and I see tears in his eyes. The crown Prince of Illéa with tears in his eyes? That's a first.

"I love you more than words can describe, my America, my darling." he says. I sigh, and place my head on his chest. "I love you too Maxon. So much."

We dance until Maxon says he must include the other girls. I reluctantly head over to the food table, but immediately cheer up as soon as I taste the chocolate. I happily remain by the food until Maxon heads to the stage to make an elimination.

"Tonight I make the long awaited elimination. After this one, I will choose my wife: the next princess of Illéa. Ladies of the Elite, congratulations for making it this far. Unfortunately, only one of you can stay." He turns toward Celeste. "Lady Celeste, thank you for participating in the Selection. You are a beautiful, talented, lovely woman, and I'm sure some other man will snatch you up as soon as you return to your home province. But I feel we are not right for each other. I apologize if this provides any inconveniences for you, I will do anything I can to make the rest if your stay at the palace comfortable. Again, thank you." he finishes, and the crowd bursts into applause. Celeste's jaw drops, and she looks shocked. She really thought she would stay. I feel bad for her, but then remember that she's Celeste. Kriss also looks startled, they both thought I would be going. Well, Merry Christmas to them.

The rest of the ball passes quickly, all I remember is eating and occasionally dancing. After many hours I head up to bed. Exhausted, I quickly get undressed and climb into bed. When I am almost asleep, I hear a knock on the door. I stand up and open the it. The person I was least expecting to see stares back at me.

Who is it? Guess you'll just have to wait and see...