The Second Choice: The Selection Series

Confusion

I knock gently on America's door.
After a moment her maid, Lucy, answers the door.
"Oh, Prince Maxon," she says before curtsying.
"Can I speak to America?" I request.
"She's getting dressed sir."
"Then I will wait out here until she's done."
"Alright sir."
She closes the door.
I take a deep breath and look around while I wait.
A few guards and other staff pass by, not looking my direction but obviously curious why I'm standing in front of America's door. No doubt this will start rumors later. But the rumors are worth it.
Lucy comes out and leaves.
America comes over to the open door, wearing a purple day dress and looking stunning as usual.
I smile. "You look lovely, my dear."
"And we're back at it with my dear."
"Always."
She smiles a bit and there's an awkward moment of silence.
"I'm sorry, Maxon," America apologizes.
"There's nothing to be sorry for."
"Yes there is. I didn't mean to storm off like that. I was just so confused and scared."
"Scared? Why were you scared?"
She hesitates.
"Tell me America. Please."
"I was scared to get hurt again."
"I never meant to hurt you."
"I know. But you did. I was in love with you and you refused to listen to me."
"Are you still in love with me?"
"I don't know, Maxon. I think so. But I don't know."
I nod, majorly disappointed.
"After I left I couldn't escape the pictures of you and Kriss kissing and holding each other so close. The pictures of you two look at each other like you were deeply in love with each other.....And were you?"
"Never. Not once did I love her the way I love you America."
She looks at me and tears up.
"Don't cry, my dear."
"I'm so lost."
"It's ok. You said you need time. And that's ok."
She nods and wipes her eyes.
"Here. These are yours."
I hold out the flowers and she takes them.
"They're so pretty," she comments.
"Pretty flowers for an even prettier girl."
She blushes a bit.
"Would you like to walk with me to the event?" I ask.
"I would love to."
She brings the flowers into her room then comes back out and takes my arm.
"Ready?"
"Ready."
I smile at her and lead her to the garden.
As soon as step outside pictures are taken.
The girls are already there as well as all of our guests.
I look over to my parents and find my father frowning. Daphne is standing with him, another frown on her face. I start to feel guilty, only until I see the smile on my mother's face.
I walk America down into the garden and over to the other girls.
"I hope you are all enjoying the event so far," I tell the girls.
Daphne comes rushing over, no doubt jealous of even an extra sentence another girl would get from me.
"It's lovely, Maxon," Elise replies.
"I'm glad."
"You look so handsome today Maxon," Daphne swoons and says flirty.
I force myself to smile at her. "Thank you. That's very kind of you to say."
The other girls look at each other and I look away from Daphne.
"Prince Maxon, can I speak with you in private?" Marlee questions.
"Of course. And you can just call me Maxon. All of you can."
I hold my arm out to her and she takes it. I take her by the stairs and she lets go of my arm after making sure we're out of ear shot from the others.
"I wanted to explain something," she starts. "During the selection you helped me so much when I was caught with another man. Please know I never meant to hurt you and I don't want to hurt you now. But I love that man. And I want to be with him. You know we love each other. You saw it."
I nod. "I know Marlee. It's ok. I can send you home soon I just needed you to be here to make me look good. That's terrible, I know. But it's important. I'll send you home soon. All of you but one."
"Thank you."
She hugs me. "America loves you, you know."
I smile and hug her back. "I know."