Hi guys! I know I haven't updated in a while, and I am supremely sorry for that. School is...well, school. Hope this chapter makes up for it. It clears up some things about the king, and there's some Maxerica at the end. If you have any questions, just review or PM me and I will answer! And don't worry, an engagement is coming soon. But who's the lucky girl? Ooohhhhh...

Enjoy!

Maxon's POV:

"Prince Maxon, sir!" Officer Logan calls, trying to catch up to me. "You're wanted in the board room." he explains. Another meeting. I knew it. When will they be over? "Thank you, Officer. I will report there immediately." I assure him. He smiles, satisfied, and turns away.

As I walk to the board room, I ponder the events of the last few days. My father almost harmed America, Celeste went back to her hometown on parol, the people decided what would be done with their King, and then meeting after meeting until I could barely keep my eyes open. America is recovering, and Kriss is hanging around the palace. I've barely spent any time with them. Ah well, that's part of the requirements of being Prince.

When I knock on the door, it is immediately opened by my father's head adviser, Andes. He is an old man, with gray hair and a withered body, yet he is one of my most trusted friends, if you can call him that. "Andes." I greet, with a nod of my head. He bows and asks,"Your majesty. Shall we commence?" "The sooner, the better." I reply. He smiles understandingly, and seats himself. I sit down too, and address the rest of the people in the room. It mostly consists of advisers, important Twos, and a few mayors. "Welcome. Thank you for joining me. Hopefully this meeting will not last too long, and you will be free to return to your homes. Let us begin." I finish. They all stare at me, enraptured, as if they'll miss a word if they blink.

Ever since my father was restrained, everything I say is listened to and respected. Before, my opinions were worthless. I squirm uncomfortably in my chair and address the head adviser. "Andes." He clears his throat and nods. "As you all know, King Clarkson attempted to injure Lady America of the Selection. The people were informed, and allowed to decide the fate of our king. Because he is king, he will not be executed nor put in prison. So that left removal from the throne, or ruling partially until our Prince comes of age. It was close, but the majority of our people decided they would let him rule partially. He will be able to have forty percent input on important decisions, and sixty percent on unimportant ones. Myself and a few other advisers will decide on the rest, along with our beloved Prince." he gestures to me. "Normally, the people would not have much of a choice, but this is an exception. It is their king, after all."

"Why was he arrested in the first place? He didn't actually hurt her. He's the king!" a Two says. This makes me angry. "He didn't hurt her, but was about to. Even the king is not above the law, you son of a-" "What the Prince is trying to say," Andes cuts me off, "is that there is a rule in The Selection that addresses this situation. It states that no member shall be harmed intentionally, and if they are, the person guilty shall be executed or thrown in prison. Because he is king, King Clarkson was not executed or thrown in prison, but allowed to rule partially. Even the king is not above the law." Andes winks at me. I smile back, relieved. If I had finished my sentence, that would mean trouble.

I stand. "Thank you gentlemen for joining us this evening. You are now dismissed." I walk out of the room before I explode again. Walking down the hall aimlessly, I sigh. For the first time in a long time, I finally have some peace and quiet. Time to think.

Celeste. The name that pops into my head angers me. I should have eliminated her when America said to. Even though she didn't sleep with my father, she still assisted him and used me.

When America told me that they slept together, I was mad, so mad. I had to find out for myself if it was the truth. So I asked around. The palace has no secrets. Maids, guards, cooks, servants, everyone knows everything. Well, not exactly everything. I didn't know about America and Officer Leger until she told me. So then I checked the cameras, nothing. I finally decided to confirm it. I asked Celeste. She told me they hadn't, and I wouldn't have believed her, but I had proof. America admitted that Celeste could've been lying about it, so I just let it go. I wouldn't have cared anyways, but it included my mother. My sweet, caring, beautiful mother. Her husband sleeping with someone else would have broken her. She really loves him.

"Ow!" a voice cries, breaking me from my daze. It is Kriss, holding her arm. "Are you alright?" I ask worriedly. She smiles. "I'm fine, Maxon. Just a little bruise. I bumped into this table on accident. Silly me." she giggles. I fake a smile. Sometimes, Kriss can be so...immature. At other times, she can be very mature. It is like there are two sides to her, a child and an adult. Well, I suppose everyone has two sides, really. "I'm glad you're ok. But I must be going." It's true. I want to see America. She fake pouts. "Are you sure? Couldn't you just stay with me for a little while longer? I haven't seen you for a long time." she sidles up to me, trying to be seductive, yet failing. "I...I really must be going. Thank you though!" I say, slowly backing away. Luckily, she takes the hint, and enters her room.

Finally. Time to see America. I knock on her door, and she opens it, a warm glow cast on her face. She lit a fire in her room. Can't say that I blame her, it's 30 degrees outside. "Maxon! What a pleasant surprise!" she exclaims, genuinely happy to see me. I smile widely. "Me? A pleasant surprise? How...suprising." I joke. She lightly swats me with the back of her hand, and invites me in. "I feel like I spend more time in your room than my own." I say seriously. "That's because you do." she laughs. It's true, I barely even sleep in my own room.

"Well, maybe I just enjoy your company more than four walls and a door." I suggest. "Well, maybe you just enjoy my company more than anything." she replies, walking even closer to me. My heart beats so hard, it feels as if it will come out of my chest. How does she have this much of an effect on me? "Maybe I do." I say, placing my hands on her waist. "Maybe I do, too." she puts her arms around my neck. "Fine. We both enjoy each other's company." I whisper truthfully. She has no time to respond. My lips are already on hers.

We spend the rest of the night in front of the fire, laughing, talking, and kissing. Eventually, we fall asleep in each other's arms. I am happy. I am content.

I am loved.

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