Hello readers! I hope you enjoyed the drama of the last couple chapters. I really wanted to further express the close bond between Maxon and America and how they take care of each other, as you will see in the following chapters. To answer one question I received, the doors of the safe rooms do go on lockdown during a rebel attack. This was described in The Elite, the second book of the Selection series by Kiera Cass. That is why America wasn't able to escape from the room until Aspen opened it with a special key.

I would love your thoughts on small plots or events in the chapters to come! I am always looking for new ideas and inspiration. Thank you for reading this story - enjoy!

The morning after the attack, I woke up in Maxon's arms. He was holding me close and looked like he hadn't rested all night.

"Good morning, darling," Maxon said, his face lighting up as I slowly opened my eyes.

"Hey, Maxon," I said, a tired smile playing across my lips. "Did you even sleep last night?" Light rings were visible under his eyes, which looked like they were fighting to stay open.

"I couldn't," he chuckled humorlessly. "I can't believe what I let happen to you. I couldn't let my eyes close without imagining your stricken face. Ames, you know that I would rather die than hear you go through something so terrible."

"Don't say that. I'm right here," I promised, brushing his fingertips with mine before squeezing his hand tightly.

"It was too close," he muttered, hugging me tighter. I wrapped myself around him, drawing energy from his warmth and golden heart. I felt like nothing could ever get to me with Maxon by my side. It was Maxon who had driven me to fight harder against Hunter because I now had the world to lose. It was Maxon who was loving and strengthening me while I was hurt.

"What are we going to do today?" I wondered aloud.

"The areas of the palace that the rebels wrecked are a mess, so the staff will be cleaning all day. The advisors are checking in with their families and have the day off, so there won't be any meetings today. We're free!"

"I feel like doing something outside," I offered. "I need some fresh air."

"Absolutely," Maxon agreed. "Do you want to go riding?"

"I've never truly ridden a horse before," I answered honestly.

"It's never too late to learn," he said with a smile.

"Okay, let's do it," I finally decided.

After breakfast, Maxon gave me a pair of riding pants, a plain shirt, riding boots, and a helmet to put on. I had never hung around the horses before, so I didn't already have my own set. After slipping into the clothes, I walked down from my room to meet Maxon at the stables.

"The horses are beautiful!" I gasped.

"Aren't they?" Maxon said proudly. "Horses are my favorite animals. They're so fierce and majestic, but loving if you can understand their language. These are all thoroughbreds. A couple of them are true racehorses."

"Wow!" I said, delighted.

"Who do you want to ride?" he asked. "Our gentlest horse is probably Honey. She's that pure, white mare over there." Maxon pointed Honey, who was drinking her water. "You'll most likely want to ride her. There's also Flame. He's young, so he's a bit rebellious and always wants to stop and snack right on the trail. However, Flame is really sweet and will give you a more exciting ride."

"You know them so well," I marveled. "I think I'll try Honey first, while I get the hang of things. Flame can wait for another time."

"Perfect." He unlocked Honey's stall and led her out for me to pet.

"She's so gorgeous and glossy!" I marveled. A stablehand who was walking around handed Maxon the saddle. He gently tossed it over Honey's back and tightened the straps.

Finally, she was ready for me to ride.

"Don't be nervous. She won't hurt you," Maxon reassured me, his steady hand on my back.

"But she's so tall," I worried. "I could easily flip off."

"I'll be right beside you the whole time. I promise I won't let anything happen to you."

"All right. I trust you," I sighed. "How do I get on?" Maxon lifted me up by the waist and helped me get my left foot settled in the stirrup. Then, I flung my other leg over and completely lost my balance. I toppled over as my left foot slid out of place.

"Help!" I shrieked as I started to fall. Maxon was there in an instant, catching me before I touched the ground and helping me back up.

"Relax," he laughed. "I'm right here."

"I know," I panted, my heart beating rapidly from the fright. At last, I got comfortably settled in the saddle. Maxon quickly opened the stall of Jupiter, his horse. A huge, black horse stalked out, led by Maxon.

"You have such a daunting horse," I chuckled.

"He's really all love on the inside," Maxon smiled, patting his impressive horse on the back. "And Jupiter has the smoothest gallop I've ever seen. It feels like you're flying. When you get a little more experience in you, you have to try him!"

"Thanks," I said sarcastically. "That'll be the day I die."

He laughed and gracefully hoisted himself up on Jupiter in one swift motion. I rolled my eyes, knowing he was showing off.

"Where to?" he asked. There were three general trails we could take for our ride.

"Whichever you'd like," I offered generously.

"Let's take the middle one, then. It's about an hour to the end and an hour back, but we can always turn around early if it's too much."

"Sounds good to me," I agreed. He smiled fondly and walked his horse closer to mine.

"Be sure to tell me if you want to go back," he said seriously, worry clouding the laughter in his eyes. "I don't want to hurt you."

"Don't worry about me," I said gently, holding the reins of my horse with one hand and letting the other settle on his.

"I'm afraid that's not possible," he chuckled grimly.

"Ready to go?" I asked, not wanting him to overthink this. He nodded gratefully and led Jupiter down the dirt trail.

After thirty minutes of easy riding, my muscles were already becoming sore. Even though my saddle was cushioned and fit for a royal, it wasn't comfortable for me, because I had no experience with riding.

"How are you, Ames?" Maxon called behind his shoulder. We were walking through a low tunnel of trees, so I ducked before answering.

"Fine," I replied.

"Do you want to take a break and head back soon? The first time on a horse can be very tough. You're doing amazing with Honey."

"Thanks, Maxon. I think I do want to rest for a bit. I'm tired!"

"Okay. There's a nice spot where we can stop in a couple minutes."

"Perfect." We continued on in companionable silence, focusing on the pretty nature around the trail. At last, we made it to a patch of grass under some maple trees that shaded us from the bright sunlight.

"Here it is," Maxon said and stopped his horse. "Pull back on Honey firmly," he instructed. "That will get her to stop."

"Okay," I said nervously and gently pulled back on my horse. She kept plodding forward and walked around Jupiter without slowing.

"Pull her tightly," Maxon called. "I promise you won't hurt her."

I nodded and tugged the reins back more harshly, which caused Honey to stop in her tracks.

"Great job!" Maxon cheered. He slid off Jupiter easily and tied up the horse to a tree. Maxon walked over to where I was sitting on Honey and held his arms out. "Just jump into me."

"I'm pretty sure there are other ways to get off a horse," I raised an eyebrow playfully.

"Well, this should be your favorite," he grinned mischievously. I shook my head, smiling, and pulled out my feet from the stirrups. My whole body tightened as I started to slide off the left side, but I pursed my lips and leaped to Maxon. He caught me with his strong arms and set me down with a twinkle in his eyes. "That wasn't so bad, was it?"

"Not at all," I smirked. He tied up Honey to another tree and pulled out a blanket from a bag attached to Jupiter's saddle.

"It's time for a picnic!" Maxon set down the blanket and pulled sandwiches and fruit from another pocket.

"How sweet!" I gasped, delighted.

"Come sit." Maxon sat down on the soft cloth and patted the spot next to him. I curled up right beside him after stretching my legs. "How are you?" He asked, searching for truth in my eyes.

"Perfect," I breathed. "This is truly what I needed, some outdoor time with you."

"Are you thinking about, well...you know," he shifted uncomfortably.

"Hunter Bersole will never be erased from my memories," I said softly. "But I will not change my life because he played a negative part in it. He wanted to see our misery and break our relationship. I'm not going to give him that power." I bridged the space between us with a light, gentle kiss.

Maxon looked as if he was about to burst with happiness. "I'm so proud of you, America. Thank you."

"For what?"

"For being who you are and brightening my life. I love you." I breathed in his scent, cologne mingled with horses, thinking of my undying love for Maxon. Nothing could ever get between us.

"Always."