The Prince (Maxon's Selection POV)

Chapter Eight

I crossed the hall to the staircase that lead to the foyer, where the Elite's families would be coming in. I stood at the top of the staircase in time to see a blur of red hair running into America's arms, a couple soon following. I smiled as America's family hugged her in a big pile on the floor. America's parents rapidly talked with her, them all smiling. I was happy to see America so elated.

The girl who ran to America suddenly spotted me, and stared. Slowly, America turned, still in her kneeling position, as I made my way down the staircase.

"Your Highness," America's father said, standing immediately.

"Mr. Singer, it's an honor. I've heard so much about you. And you, too, Mrs. Singer." I greeted, shaking both of their hands.

"Your Majesty," Mrs. Singer squeaked out. "Sorry about all of that." She motioned to the floor as America and her sister stood, hugging each other tightly.

I laughed. "Not at all. I'd expect no less enthusiasm from anyone related to Lady America." I turned to America's sister. "And you must be May." May blushed and held out her hand.

Instead of shaking it like she expected, I kissed it. "I never did get to thank you for not crying."

"What?" she asked, blushing harder.

"No one told you? You won me my first date with your lovely sister here. I'll be forever in your debt," I said smiling.

"Well, you're welcome, I guess," she giggled.

I put my hands behind my back. "I'm afraid I must meet the others, but please stay here for a moment. I'll be making a short announcement to the group. And I'm hoping to get to speak with you more very soon. So glad you could come." I gave them another quick smile and turned to leave.

"He's even cuter in person!" I heard May whisper to America. I shook my head, fighting a laugh. They really were something.

I walked over to Elise's family, and her parents bowed to me as I approached. I noticed immediately that America's family and Elise's were different. While America's was more loose, Elise's family was more reserved and polished. I found that I didn't mind either of the personalities.

After meeting with Elise, Marlee, Celeste, Kriss, and Natalie's families, I walked up a few steps so I could see everyone. "I want to thank you again for coming. We're so pleased to have you at the palace, not only to celebrate the first Halloween in Illea in decades, but so that we can get to know all of you. I'm sorry that my parents were not able to greet you as well. You will meet them very soon.

"The mothers, sisters, and Eilte are invited to have tea with my mother in the Woman's Room. Your daughters will be able to escort you there. And the gentlemen will be having cigars with my father nd myself. We'll have a butler come for you, so no worries about getting lost.

"Your maids will escort you to the rooms you'll use for the duration of your stay, and they will get you properly suited for your visit, as well as for the celebration tomorrow night," I announced. I gave them all a quick wave, and walked up the remaining steps to get to my room. I had preparing to do.

-o-

"Mr. Singer? May I speak with you?" I asked America's father later. I couldn't deny that I was nervous to speak with him.

"Of course, your Highness," he replied standing up from the couch.

I was honestly shocked. No retaliation? No sarcasam? Interesting...

"Your daughter must get her feistiness from your wife, and not you," I guessed and internally winced, hoping that I didn't offend him.

"Why would you say that?" he asked in a way that I knew that he wasn't.

"Well for one, your response was much different than America's," I said, as we both laughed.

"But speaking of your daughter, I have something important to ask you." I said, nervousness suddenly filling me again.

Mr. Singer raised an eyebrow. "Go on."

"I'm not sure if you can tell on the Reports, but I really like America. And I-"

"Wait," He interrupted. I stopped, surprised. "Really like? Or love?"

I gulped. "I havn't told America yet... but yes, love."

He considered my answer and gestured to me to continue. "Ok, you were saying?"

I cleared my throat. "And I was wondering if you approved of me possibly proposing and marrying her." There I said it. Wow. It felt like a weight was lifted of my shoulders. Well, not quite yet. I held my breath as I waited for an answer.

"All I want for America is that she is happy here and with you. Is she?" he responded.

I paused, thinking. Was she? I mean America said she wanted me, so she must be happy with me. And the palace? "Yes, I believe she is."

I then stepped in front of Mr. Singer, so I could see him clearly. "So then you would approve of me marrying her?" He paused for what felt like the longest second in my life. I was already starting to brace myself for a no, when he held his hand out. I relaxed and smiled, and shook it eagerly.

He lightly slapped my back, with caused me to stiffen. But then he put his arm around me. I felt... love? Happiness? Acceptance? What ever I felt, I didn't feel it when I was with my own Father. It was a nice change.

You may notice that this last part is just like part of the chapter in America's dad's point of view that I wrote on Untold Tales. Go check it out if you haven't! ;)

Please go comment your thoughts on this chapter!

-theselectionseriesfan