Hi guys! Sorry it took me so long to update. School started up again, and my sister's birthday was yesterday, so I've been kind of busy. Once I get into the swing of things, I'll update more often! I'm planning on ending this story in early March, what do you guys think? Also, thank you so much for all the wonderful reviews! I know I've said this before, but they mean so much to me! I seriously love you guys.

Anyways, this chapter introduces a whole new Celeste. Hope you like!

Celeste's POV:

How did this happen to me? How did I end up in prison? How could I be so stupid as to let myself get caught? I'm such a fool. Yes, I'm calling myself a fool. Happy?

It's just...America is so perfect. So perfect for Maxon, so perfect for the kingdom, so perfect for everything. You wouldn't think that after the mistake she made during the Report, anyone would think so. But it's true. All the other Elites know it, even Kriss. Well, Kriss has a good chance. But me? I was just here because I'm a Two and a model. Then I got eliminated.

You would think that with the snobby girl act I put on, I'm just...well a snob. That I just want the crown. But really, I'm don't. I mean, everyone wants to be a Princess, but I would rather be loved. I want to be loved for my personality, and how I act, not just my long legs and curves. I want someone to love me for me, not just my caste number. I want...I want true love. And that's what America and Maxon have.

The only reason I helped the king hurt America is because I was jealous. Isn't that what causes most people to do terrible things? I didn't have an affair with King Clarkson, as I told America. That's low, even for 'me'. I just convinced him with sly smiles and seductive movements, not actual physical contact. Since I'm his new favorite and had just been eliminated, he came to me with his plan to harm America. And I helped.

I didn't really want to see her hurt...well ok I did, but I just wanted her to feel what it's like. I just wanted her to feel alone, and afraid, and...hopeless. Because that's how I've felt my whole life. Being a Two, my parents always expected the greatest things from me. "Become a model, become a Princess, become a Queen," they always said. They weren't satisfied with one thing, I had to become better, and better, and better. Nothing was good enough. Nothing. Even if I was Queen, I would have to be God to please them. And that's all I wanted to do. Please them.

So that's how I became that cruel, snobby, bratty girl the world knows today. But that's not me, it's all an act.

I am a very good actress.

King Clarkson's POV:

"Let go of me, you fools!" I demand my guards. They just keep a tight grip on my arms and shake their heads. "I'm sorry, sir, but we have direct orders from the Prince," one of the guards reply. "I'm the King! You take orders from me, not my son!" I exclaim angrily. Why won't they listen?

"You violated a rule of the Selection, father. Even you are not above the law." Maxon says, after returning from caring for that America brat. She's the one who got me into this mess. I told Maxon to eliminate her, and not Celeste. But he had to disobey, didn't he?

"I didn't actually harm her." I defend myself. I was about to, but didn't. Maxon gave me no chance. "But you intended to, which is still against the law," my son shoots back. When did he start standing up for himself? When did he get so...strong?

"Take him to a holding cell until we figure this out." Maxon commands the guards holding me. I let them. This isn't an argument I can win. The law is on Maxon's side.

Now that I have time to think on my actions, I regret them. Once Lady Celeste (my personal favorite) was eliminated, anger took over. All I could feel, all I could see, all I could think about was how angry I was. Instincts took over, and I made a plan. A crude one at that, but a plan. I was going to take Lady America to my personal study, and whip her as I did Maxon.
I knew that in doing so, I could kill two birds with one stone. By hurting America, my son would be hurt too. And that's all I wanted.

Still, that's not what a King does, and I know that all too well. My actions could provide serious consequences, such as removal from the throne, though I don't think it will be that harsh. With the help of Maxon, this information will get out. And with it, the people will be furious. Furious that their King could act so cruelly. My advisors will decide my fate, and from there, who knows what could happen. I don't think I've ever admitted this to anyone before, including myself. But right now, in this holding cell, with my further at stake, I'm...afraid.

And I can't do anything about it.

America's POV:

"Miss, are you alright?! We heard what happened, and it sounded terrible!" My maids greet me the next morning with worried exclamations and concerned expressions. I smile, faking a confidence I haven't totally gained back yet. "Ladies, I'm fine. Really. The king didn't have a chance to hurt me. Maxon came in and saved the day." I comfort them, remembering Maxon's rescue. He's my Prince in shining armor. Literally.

"Well, if you're sure..." Anne falters. "I'm sure." I confirm. They smile, apparently convinced. "Let's get you ready, you have a big day!" Lucy exclaims. I just nod and go along with them. After a while, I am finally presentable. Last night's events took a toll on me, and I looked tired, scared, and defeated. But then my maids worked miracles yet again.

My dress is knee length, black with gold detailing. My hair is swept up into a bun, and my make up is dark. Heavy black eyeliner, smoky eyeshadow, and fiery red lipstick. I look tough, fierce, confident. Like no one can hurt me. And that's exactly what I need right now.

We hear a knock on the door just as they finish up. Mary hurries to open it, and I see Maxon standing there with a bouquet of roses. "Thank you ladies. You are dismissed." I tell my maids. They curtsy and hurry away.

"Hello, my darling." Maxon smiles, walking up to me and handing over the red flowers. I inhale their beautiful, sweet scent and smile in return. "Thank you! They're lovely." I tell him. He looks pleased, and leans in for a kiss. Just as our lips are about to meet, I back up. He stands there for a moment with his eyes closed, confused. I giggle. Maxon opens his eyes, and smiles deviously. "Oh no you don't. You can't get away with denying the Prince what he wants, " he jokes. "And why not?" I flirt, sauntering away from him teasingly. Maxon just strides over to me quickly, and grabs my wrists before I can get away.

"Just because." he murmurs. I stare into his warm brown eyes while he searches mine. I lean in, and he does the same. This time I let our lips meet. His are soft and full, moving in synch with mine. The kiss is full of longing, wanting what we can't have, yet needing it to be. He was so scared, I was so afraid, and now we are together again. But how long will this last? How long will we be able to stay together without harm coming to one of us? I don't know, and I think it scares me even more than any injury.

"You had something to tell me? Maxon murmurs, resting his forehead on mine after pulling away. I had forgotten about that! He is not going to like this news. "Please, sit." I tell him, gesturing to my bed. He takes a seat and looks up at me expectantly.

"Last night," I begin, and Maxon winces, remembering the events. I clear my throat. "Last night, Celeste told me something that I thought you should know." I pause, looking for the right way to break this to him. "Yes?" he prompts.

"She once told me that there is more than one way to get something you want. You know, like...well, you know." I stutter, my face turning red. Maxon nods understandingly, looking a little bit embarrassed too. "Well, last night, Celeste told me that she did exactly that. To watch me get hurt." I finish quickly, hoping I won't have to say it again. Maxon looks confused for a moment, until realization dawns on him. Then he just looks disgusted. "You mean, she did...that with my father?" he asks.

"I think so," is all I say. "What about...what about my mother?" he asks, now looking angry. This is the part that hurts the most. "I don't know." I whisper. Maxon stands and starts pacing my room. "How could he do that to her? How could he be so heartless? Wait, of course he did this. My father may love my mother, but he wants a new toy. That sounds exactly like him." Maxon answers his own question.

"We don't know for sure." I remind him. He looks up at me, then walks over and takes my hands. "Thank you for telling me, America. It really means a lot. You have regained more of my trust." he informs me. I smile, pleased. Gaining his trust is good news! "I just don't want you to get hurt." I reply. He smiles.

"I know. And I love you all the more for it."

There it is! Hope you guys liked it. Can't make any promises, but I will try to update soon.