Hey guys! I promised; another update! This sort of a filler chapter so bear with me! I hope you guys like it and I hope that despite the limited dialogue, there is enough Maxerica to make you all happy! Also, could you guys please review because I want to know what you think specifically for the next chapter and how I'm going to do it! It would mean a lot to me to hear some feedback!

Chapter 9: Pain & Preparation

I wake to the sun streaming in from a window behind me. The pain is a consistent throb in my heart. Maxon.

I blink and allow myself some perspective; if I want to prove my strength and worth to Maxon, that's not going to happen here in the hospital for who knows how many more days. I heave myself off the mattress, yelping involuntarily and sighing in relief that I am alone. My vision is blurry at the edges and I scream into clenched teeth. The wheelchair on the wall appears to me as a blessing and I hobble over to it. I push the wheels over to the doors out and go out, making my way into the garden. The guards open the doors without question and I smile at them graciously.

"Please, don't hesitate to alert us if you need anything, Lady America." He says and I smile wider. They don't delay me any further and I luxuriate in the feel of the Angeles air. Fall is here and the trees are exquisite, cloaked in hues of red and orange. I soak up as much sunshine as I can manage, then make my way back inside. I want to attend breakfast, but a hospital gown isn't exactly the proper attire.

"Excuse me?" I ask the nearest guard. "Could you please ask my maids to bring a day dress to the infirmary? I will be out and about today." I say proudly and the guard just shakes his head and laughs.

"Big plans, huh Mer?" Aspen asks. I whirl around and he stands there smirking. I smile, but it falters when the events of last night with Maxon come back to me. He looks confused now; most likely do to my agonized expression.

"I just have a lot on my mind." I say quietly, rolling past him, ignoring the stab of pain in my chest at his dejected face. I manage a smile and my wonderful maids swarm me once I return to the infirmary.

"Oh Lady America! They wouldn't let us see you!" Lucy cried, throwing her arms around me. I grin and hug her back to the best of my ability.

"We heard you were shot three times!" Mary exclaimed horrified. I nodded and gestured to my stomach and my leg.

"Hush now with all these questions!" Anne reprimands them, always the voice of reason. "We were all there and we know what an unpleasant ordeal it was! It's our job to help our princess recover. Let's get you ready, Miss." The other girls hurried to prepare everything and I smiled at Anne in gratitude. She stared me down fiercely; almost screaming at me with her eyes. I shrug my shoulders in confusion and she sighs quietly. As if checking for prying eyes, she looks suspiciously around and hands me a note then gives me a pained smile. Mary and Lucy are distracted with laying out my clothes, so I slip the mysterious note into my bra.

"I cannot wait for you to see this dress, Miss." Mary exclaims. "It was all Lucy's idea." Lucy blushes graciously at Mary and Anne, who nods her head in approval of Mary's statement.

"Well, then let's see it." I try to pass my impatience off as enthusiasm. But it's really the vicious pain in my stomach. The bullets, though removed, left quite a mess behind for me, but I square my shoulders and prepare to face my newest opponent; time.

For weeks, I've battled with the Selection girls, King Clarkson, rebels, Aspen, Maxon, and even myself. It was really time in disguise, it ebbs away now; Maxon slips even farther from my grasp and that is why I fight. The moment of clarity allows me to finally see straight again, not off into some new peril, but at the stunning dress set before me.

It is a faded, fusia v-neck that turns into a deep purple at the bottom. I hug all three of them and I let myself relish in the idea of Maxon's face when he sees me; the love he still feels; the Princess I will become.

"So you like it?" Lucy practically squeals. "I adore it, thank you so much!" I confirm and we hug all over again. They pull the dress over my head, careful of my injuries and put on some light makeup. Then, they wrestle with my curls, until I am finally presentable.

"You're right on time, Miss." Anne informs me. I nod, excited.

"I really appreciate this girls! I can take it from here." I announce proudly, and they watch protectively as I situate myself in the wheelchair and push it toward the Great Hall.

I pass a few guards, but thankfully no Aspen and as I round the next corner I see Silvia. Once she meets my eye, she rushes over and hugs me. I compose myself, despite the surprise, and she pulls back glowing.

"Oh, where are my manners? Lady America, it is just such a pleasure to have you back! We begin a new assignment tomorrow and I know you'll do wonderfully! I mustn't hold you any longer; you're probably starving. Very well, I will see you soon!" She gushes, before hurrying away. I smile and shake my head; you have to love Silvia.

As I reach the Great Hall, I hear a quiet buzz of conversation and Maxon's loud laughter. The noise fills me up with the confidence and peace of mind I need to give the chair a final roll.

No one notices me at first, but Maxon suddenly realizes and he jumps out of his chair. "America!" He runs over beaming and I try not to blush. The Queen comes over too, but the King remains in his chair.

I see the joy in Maxon's face, but I have to know what happened last night. I need to know if he even spoke to his father at all, or what happened with Kriss, or if he even actually loves me.

"America, darling, what are you doing here?" Maxon asks bewildered. I see behind him, Celeste, who's eyes are blazing- I guess even near death experiences can't change a person- and Kriss who seems particularly interested in a patch on the ceiling, Elise justs sits there eating like King Clarkson.

"I wanted to get out of the infirmary; I got bored." I say and then realize how ill-mannered that sounds, but Queen Amberly and Maxon laugh together.

"Maxon, why don't you go back to your breakfast?" Queen Amberly suggests and she chuckles as his face falls. "Lady America and I will be finishing breakfast in my room, and then we will search for something more amusing for her." She says smiling at me. I grin at Maxon and tug my ear, knowing full well the Queen is watching me and knowing that I need to seem in control (despite the thousands of questions whirling around in my head), and his face brightens. He tugs back and Queen Amberly asks a servant to fetch her breakfast.

"Oh wait America!" the shrill, sugar-sweet voice penetrates my focus.

"Yes, Celeste?" I ask.

"I just wanted to tell you I will stop by your room later to talk with you! I am so happy that you are alright!" I am dumbfounded at her disclosure so I plaster on a smile and quell my various emotions.

Queen Amberly pushes me out of the Hall and leans down to whisper in my ear, "America, the Selection is over. "

Umm…. I think I'm going to leave it there. Sorry! All questions will be answered next chapter, which I will post this weekend. Love you guys!

Will Maxon confirm his love for America or disclose his true feelings? What the hell is with Celeste? Why is the Selection OVER? Did Maxon really choose who his bride; the Princess of Illea is yet? Why are there still 4 girls, when Maxon was supposed to choose at three? What will King Clarkson think of America now? And what does Queen Amberly think of King Clarkson?

Read the next chapter for all of the answers!