The Elite (Selection)

married two days ago. I told Maxon the morning we were caned that I loved Carter and that he was the one I wanted to marry, and I apologized for hurting him. He didn’t care, of course. He came to me two days ago saying there was some big event happening and that if we wanted to get married, this was the time.”
    I counted back. Two days ago was when the German Federation had come. The entire palace staff was either helping serve them or preparing for the ladies from Italy.
    “Maxon gave me away. I’m not sure I’ll ever see my parents again. The more distance they have from me, the better.”
    I could tell she was pained to say so, but I understood why. If it had been me and I was suddenly an Eight, the kindest thing I could do for my family was disappear. It would take time, but people would forget. Eventually, my parents would recover.
    To push away her sad thoughts, she fanned out her left hand, and I noticed the little band across her finger for the first time. It was twine tied in a simple knot, but it was a clear statement: I’m taken.
    “I think I’m going to have to get him to give me a new one soon; I’m already fraying this one. I guess if he works in the stables, I’ll have to make him a new ring every day.” She playfully shrugged. “Not that I mind.”
    My mind had jumped to another question that I worried might be rude to ask, but I knew I would never be able to have this kind of conversation with my mom or Kenna. “So, have you … you know?”
    It took her a moment to understand, but then she laughed. “Oh! Yes, we have.”
    We both giggled. “How is it?”
    “Honestly? A little uncomfortable at first. The second time was better.”
    “Oh.” I didn’t know what else to say.
    “Yeah.”
    There was a bit of a pause.
    “I’ve been really lonely without you. I miss you.” I played with the little piece of twine on her finger.
    “I miss you, too. Maybe once you’re the princess, I can sneak up here all the time.”
    I snorted. “I’m not so sure that’ll happen.”
    “What do you mean?” she asked, her face turning serious. “You’re still his favorite, right?”
    I shrugged.
    “What happened?” The question was laced with concern, and I didn’t want to admit that it had started with losing her. It wasn’t her fault.
    “Just things.”
    “America, what’s going on?”
    I sighed. “After you got caned, I was upset with Maxon. It took me a while to realize that he wouldn’t have done something like that if he could have stopped it.”
    Marlee nodded. “He tried so hard, America. And when he couldn’t, he did everything he could to make the situation better. So don’t be mad at him.”
    “I’m not anymore, but I’m also not sure I want to be the princess. I don’t know if I could do what he did. And then there was this poll in a magazine Celeste showed me. The people don’t like me, Marlee. I’m at the bottom.
    “I’m not sure I have what it takes. I was never a good choice, and it seems like I’m plummeting. And now … now … I think Maxon wants Kriss.”
    “Kriss? When did that happen?”
    “I have no idea, and I don’t know what to do. Part of me thinks it’s a good thing. She’d make a better princess; and if he really likes her, I want him to be happy. And he’s supposed to do another elimination really soon. When he called me out today, I thought I might be going home.”
    Marlee laughed. “You’re so ridiculous. If Maxon didn’t have feelings for you, he’d have sent you home a long time ago. The reason you’re still here is because he refuses to lose hope.”
    Something between a choke and a laugh came out of my mouth.
    “I wish we could talk more, but I should go,” she said. “We’re taking advantage of guards changing to do this.”
    “I don’t care that it’s short. I’m just glad to know you’re okay.”
    She pulled me in for a hug. “Don’t give up yet, all right?”
    “I won’t. Maybe you could send me a letter or something sometime?”
    “That might work. We’ll see.” She let me go, and we stood together. “If they polled me, I would have voted for you. I’ve always thought it should be you.”
    I blushed. “Go on, now. Say hello to your husband for me.”
    She smiled. “I will.” Nimbly, she went over to the armoire and found the latch. For some reason, I thought the caning would break her, but she was stronger now. She even carried herself differently. Marlee turned to blow me a kiss and disappeared.
    I