America's PoV

I stop short at the sight of my hospital room. It's completely in shreds sure but the message is what scare me the most:

WE'LL BE BACK

I stare at the blood written message, not moving.

"America, okay I know your scared-" Maxon starts.

"I'm not scared."

"And I know this is not what you're used to-"

"I'm alright."

"But if you'll just-"

"Maxon!" I cut him off. "I'm okay. I'm not scared. And I know what you're thinking but I'm not leaving."

"What? You're not..."

"No. I'm just... confused."

"I was hoping it wouldn't come to this," Maxon mutters. "America, at this point the Rebels have realized who my favourite is, in other words, the girl I'm most likely to chose. They realize now that they can use you to get to me and me to get to my father." I bite my lip, knowing what is coming. "Now I realize you're not going to like this but it needs to be done. The gardens are off limits as well as any other connection to the outside world."

No. "So I can't talk to my family?"

"America I'm so sorry but there is no safe way. Phones can be bugged or letters can be intercepted. It's just not safe for anyone involved. That said, you will not be able to go out onto your balcony by yourself and when you aren't out there the doors must be closed and locked as well as the windows."

"Might as well just lock me in a safe room," I mutter.

"I know, I know, I'm sorry. But you understand why I'm doing this right?"

I nod. "What about Elise and Celeste?" I question. "Surely they'll be getting the same kind of protection as me?"

"Of course," Maxon assures. He looks ready to say something else when my maids come barging in.

"Oh miss! You're alright!" Lucy exclaims.

I run over to them and hug them all. "I was so worried about you all!"

"Oh miss what happened!" Anne says looking around. She freezes when her eyes land on Maxon. "Your Highness!" She says and swoops into a perfect curtsy, followed by Mary and Lucy.

"Hello girls," Maxon says. "I do apologize for the mess. It seems the rebels had gotten in here."

"So now I guess I'll just have to sleep in my own room," I heave a sarcastic sigh.

Maxon looks unsure and I'm positive the amount of my weight I'm depending on him to hold up isn't helping.

Adjusting me under his arm he sighs. "I see no other way. Would you go on ahead and see that the room is ready?" Maxon addresses my maids.

They nod and scurry out of sight, towards the stairs.

Feeling faint from all the standing we are doing I lean more heavily on Maxon. He looks down at me and without a second thought, picks me up against him, bridal style.

"All this stress can't be good for your recovery," He sighs. "I'm sorry about... everything that's been happening."

I smile sleepily at him. "It's not your fault." Then, to make him feel better I add, "I love you."

Setting me down on my bed Maxon says, "I'll see you at dinner I hope? You need the food."

I nod. "Dinner."

I'm asleep before he even leaves the room.

I wake around ten to the sound of my door creaking open.

My first thought is rebels so I quickly duck under the covers.

"America?" I hear an urgent, worried voice say. I peek up from under the covers to see Maxon standing there.

"Sorry," I say, sitting up. "I thought..." Trailing off he nods, knowing what I mean.

"Are you okay?" He asks, still sounding worried. "You didn't come to dinner and I was worried."

"Sorry," I say. "I was just really tired and not up to facing everyone."

"Alright. How's your stomach?" He asks.

I nod. "Feeling much better actually."

Relief floods through his face. "You aren't just saying that?"

"No," I laugh. "You shouldn't worry about me so much Maxon," I say, the smile slipping from my face. "Because then I worry about you."

He sighs. "I know. Get some more sleep okay?"

I nod. "Will you stay though?" I ask. "Please?"

"Of course," He sighs, climbing in beside me and wrapping his arms around me.

I smile. "I love you."