Every Little Part of Me

Chapter 5

"How are you feeling?"

"Like I was just caned. Oh wait I was." I rolled my eyes

"America, how are you feeling?"

"Terrible, Maxon. I'd rather have been shot in the arm again."

"I'm sorry, darling."

"Can't we tell your mom?"

"I don't want her to worry."

"Maxon, if we don't put a stop to it-"

"America, please."

"Maxon. This isn't just your fight anymore. I don't have to mention you at all. I have all the proof I need."

"I can't stop you but I can tell you that I wouldn't."

"I'm not you." I stood up and walked inside, "Oh, Amberly, I was just looking for you, do you have a moment?"

"Of course, dear. What about?"

"I think we might need to go somewhere more private."

"Oh- okay. Sure." We walked into the Women's room. My heart was racing in anticipation for the conversation I was about to have, "Are you alright?"

"It's about your husband..."

"Okay, go on." She looked at me skeptically

"He- well you see-" I took a deep breath, "Okay so he caned me." I said and looked away

"He what?"

"Caned me." I repeated timidly

"Why would he ever do that?"

"He was mad that Maxon proposed to me."

"You understand the accusation you are making." She said in a warning tone

"I do. I can show you." I said and turned my back to her. I moved my hair out of the way and adjusted the straps of my dress to allow a better view. I heard her gasp at the bandages, "Do you want me to take off the bandages?"

"No that will be alright, dear." I turned around to face her, "My husband did that to you? I know he is harsh but never would I think he would do such a thing."

"He did."

"Maxon?" She asked

"It's not my place." I said, giving her the answer she needed

"Where is he?"

"The gardens."

"Let's go see him." She said and we both got up.

----

"You did it. You actually told her."

"She did. And I'm quite upset you didn't tell me sooner, Maxon."

"I didn't want to worry you."

"It is my role as a mother to protect you and I've failed. I feel terrible that I allowed this to happen."

"Mom-"

"Maxon, I'm serious. I'm going to find your father."

----

"Listen to me. I can explain. Please." The king begged

"There is no explanation for this. You've hurt our son and future daughter. I know you have done unfair and bad things but I refused to believe you would do this until I was given all the proof I needed. I know most things that you think I don't. I know you gave America the hardest case at The Convicting. I heard you that day when you threatened her; the day Maxon was going to send her home." Maxon put his hand on my hip and guided me in front of him. He put both arms around me and I let my head rest freely against his chest, "I heard you try to convince her that she wasn't good enough. Well, guess what. She is better than enough. She is perfect. Perfect for our son. She is perfect for our country." Amberly said

"I thought I told you to stop opening your mouth. I warned you to not become my enemy. You've failed. When will you learn that keeping quiet is best for everyone?" Clarkson demanded at me

"Leave her alone!" Maxon said forcefully, "Never speak to her like that ever again."

"I'm calling an emergency Report this evening. It's time the country finds out about their king. We start in twenty minutes." Amberly said.

----

Maxon looked worried in only minutes the entire country will know his secret. The queen looked very confident. I've never seen her this determined. The King looked furious. Furious that his treasonous actions were going to be held against him.

Gavril stepped on to the stage. He introduced himself and then us. I walked over to my seat, hand in hand with Maxon.

"Good evening, Illéa. I apologize for the short notice of this evening's Report but our dear Queen Amberly has a pressing matter she would like to publicize." Gavril said bebre stepping back and allowing Amberly to take his spot.

She seemed nervous, who wouldn't be? But she was going to handle this like the queen she is.

"Today has been a joyous day. Our beloved Prince Maxon chose his wife. From the look of it, they couldn't be happier." Maxon looked at me with a boyish grin that made me blush, "But sadly I am forced to address a more somber issue." Maxon squeezed my hand, bracing himself, and I began to draw invisible lines on his hand, "King Clarkson has committed a treasonous crime against Prince Maxon. While we will not be disclosing details-"

"I will. I'll give more details." Maxon jumped up, surprising everyone at his sudden burst of energy and confidence, and quickly made his way to the podium, "My father has been caning me for years and has caned America as well." There were gasps amongst the studio, "As of right now, I will be working as King until my coronation since my father's title is revoked." He sat back down

"Revoked? No!" Clarkson protested

"Actually, yeah." I stood up and took a step forward, "If you are completely aware of the laws of the country you rule, you would know that any act of crime committed by a member of the royal family is an act of treason. To follow up on that point, in category five, I believe, which is all about treason- well, i hope you knew that already..." I looked over to Clarkson who seemed to be both furious and caught off guard at my knowledge, "In section eleven, it says, and I quote, "If any member of the royal family is found guilty of treason, they are to be immediately stripped of their title, regardless of the power their title is said to hold." I looked around and saw Silvia practically jumping out of her seat with pride and a lot of confused faces, "Long story short, King Clarkson is no longer King." I looked at Clarkson, "Yes, I paid attention in all of my lessons and yes, it seems that, once again, you greatly underestimated me." I sat back down and Maxon leaned into me,

"Darling, that was incredible." He kissed my cheek, "Absolutely amazing, America."

Gavril signed off and that was it.; the country knew the truth.