MAXON

Soon after the party ended, we all met in the Dining room, just me and the highly energetic Singer family. I was sat at the head of the table with America to my left, then May and Gerad. Kenna and James sat opposite May and Gerad, with Magda sat at the foot of the table. Kota had been in when we had arrived and had chosen the seat to my right, knowing I would be sat at the head. America gave him an evil glare as she sat down.

There was a certain amount of awkwardness as the entire family seemed to be angry at Kota, not that I really blamed them. When dinner was served, Kota simply tucked in while everyone else waited for us all to be served with food.

"I can't believe you bagged a Prince Mer." He said, his mouth half full. "I mean you a Queen. I'm not sure that'll work." I could feel her mood change as her brother aired what I assumed were her greatest fears. "I mean, don't get me wrong. You're pretty enough to go on the arm of a King, but…" he paused to put more food in his mouth. "Could you really inspire a country and aid in leading it?" He shook his head. "I don't think so, you just aren't Queen Material." I slammed my hands down on the table.

"You will not speak to America like that. The people love her. She will be a great Queen and if you ever, ever speak to her like that again, I can have you incarcerated for treason before you can even say sorry." I could see the fear in his eyes as I shouted at me, he knew what I was capable of. 2Now, go back to your father's house, God knows you don't deserve it, don't come back until you've learned some manners." I stared at him until he quietly stood and walked towards the door. I turned to America but she wasn't in her seat. "Excuse me." I said, trying to keep the anger out of my voice, Kota's behaviour wasn't their fault.

I walked calmly to the door but after leaving I began to run. "America?" I shouted in the corridor, but heard no reply. I tried to think of where she would go and it took me longer than it should have to realise that she would be in the gardens. Upon reaching the door, the guard simply nodded as if to tell me that she was out there. Soon I spotted her sat on a bench, not that far from the door, she was just staring into space and I sat next to her. Though she didn't acknowledge me, I knew she knew I was there.

"He's right. How am I supposed to be Queen? I could barely cope with the etiquette needed to be one of the Selected. I broke so many rules…"

"America Singer. You broke the rules because you knew they were wrong. You showed your strength and you showed that you do not fear making the wrong decision. You have proved to everyone that you will be a great Queen. And though you won't be the same as my mother, it is not because you are better or worse. You will be the Queen that takes charge and makes her country great. You will do more than support me, you will help me make the right decisions in any way you can." She looked at me and smiled, but still seemed quite sad. "America, do you think I'm stupid?" I stared at her until she locked eyes with me.

"No…"

"Well then, do you think I'd make the wrong decision when it's as important as choosing my wife and Queen? I know you better than you think I do. I knew from the moment I met you that you were my other half and the future Queen of Illèa. You are perfect for this job America. I don't care what anyone says, not your brother, no one. I love you America and I can think of no one better to be my Queen."

"Stop, you're ruining my make-up." She fake-moaned, wiping under her eyes. She leaned into me and I put my arms around her waist and held her. We stayed there for a long time, completely at peace. Until there was the ear-splitting shriek of the siren sounding. I quickly stood and pulled on America's hand, willing her to move, but she stayed rooted to the spot.

"I am not going back in that safe room Maxon, I won't feel safe I there. It will remind me too much of…" She looked away from me, not wanting to remember the last time she was down there.

"We'll go to one of the small ones upstairs, they're closer anyway. I won't force you down there, but I need to get you safe."