Maxon Quotes

December 25, 10:35 p.m.
Dear America,
It's nearly bedtime, and I'm trying to relax, but I can't. All I can think about is you. I'm terrified you're going to get hurt. I know someone would tell me if you weren't all right, and that has led to its own kind of paranoia. If anyone comes up to me to deliver a message, my heart stops for a moment, fearing the worst: You are gone. You're not coming back.
I wish you were here. I wish I could just see you.
You are never getting these letters. It's too humiliating.
I want you home. I keep thinking of your smile and worrying that I'll never see it again.
I hope you come back to me, America.
Merry Christmas.
Maxon ~ Kiera Cass

I can't wait for him to visit me again. He's just so handsome, don't you think?" she asked.
I paused. "Yeah, he's cute."
"Come on, America! You have to have noticed those eyes and his voice..."
"Except when he laughs!" Just remembering Maxon's laugh had me grinning. It was cute but awkward. He pushed his breaths out, and then made a jagged noise when he inhaled, almost like another laugh in itself.
"Yes, okay, he does have a funny laugh, but it's cute."
"Sure, if you like the lovable sound of an asthma attack in your ear every time you tell a joke."
Marlee lost it and doubled over in laughter.
"All right, all right," she said, coming up for air. "You have to think there's something attractive about him."
I opened my mouth and shut it two or three times. I was tempted to take another jab at Maxon, but I didn't want Marlee to see him in a negative light. So I thought about it.
What was attractive about Maxon?
"Well, when he lets his guard down, he's okay. Like when he just talks without checking his words or you catch him just looking at something like...like he's really looking for the beauty in it."
Marlee smiled, and I knew she'd seen that in him, too.
"And I like that he seems genuinely involved when he's there, you know? Like even though he's got a country to run and a thousand things to do, it's like he forgets it all when he's with you. He just dedicates himself to what's right in front of him. I like that.
Kiera Cass

There are three things that robots cannot do," wrote Maxon. Then beneath that on the page he wrote three dots, indented. Beside the first dot he wrote "Show preference without reason (LOVE)" and then "Doubt rational decisions (REGRET)" and finally "Trust data from a previously unreliable source (FORGIVE). ~ Lydia Netzer

Do you think, that I could still call you 'my dear'? ~ Kiera Cass

What are these?" Maxon asked, brushing across the tips of my fingers as we walked.
"Calluses. They're from pressing down on violin strings four hours a day."
"I've never noticed them before."
"Do they bother you?" I was the lowest caste of the six girls left, and I doubted any of them had hands like mine.
Maxon stopped moving and lifted my fingers to his lips, kissing the tiny, worn tips.
"On the contrary. I find them rather beautiful." I felt myself blush. "I've seen the world – admittedly mostly through bulletproof glass or from the tower of some ancient castle – but I've seen it. And I have access to the answers of a thousand questions at my disposal. But this small hand here?" He looked deeply into my eyes. "This hand makes sounds incomparable to anything I've ever heard. Sometimes I think I only dreamed that I heard you play the violin, it was so beautiful. These calluses are proof that it was real. ~ Kiera Cass

Yes, Maxon," I whispered. "It's possible. ~ Kiera Cass

We were in the middle of a game of cards when I noticed a figure out of the corner of my eye. It was Maxon, standing at the open door, looking amused. As our eyes met, I could see that his expression was clearly asking what in the world I was doing. I stood, smiling, and walked over to him.
"Oh, sweet Lord," Anne muttered as she realized the prince was at the door. She immediately swept the cards into a sewing basket and stood, Mary and Lucy following suit.
"Ladies," Maxon said.
"Your Majesty," she said with a curtsy. "Such an honor, sir."
"For me as well," he answered with a smile.
The maids looked back and forth to one another, flattered. We were all silent for a moment, not quite sure what to do.
Mary suddenly piped up. "We were just leaving."
"Yes! That's right," Lucy added. "We were-uh-just..." She looked to Anne for help.
"Going to finish Lady America's dress for Friday," Anna concluded.
"That's right," Mary said. "Only two days left.
They slowly circled us to get out of the room, huge smiles plastered on their faces.
"Wouldn't want to keep you from your work," Maxon said, following them with his eyes, completely fascinated with their behavior.
Once in the hall, they gave awkwardly mistimed curtsies and walked away at a feverish pace. Immediately after they rounded the corner, Lucy's giggles echoed down the corridor, followed by Anne's intense hushing.
"Quite a group you have," Maxon said, walking into my ~ Kiera Cass

- Just that. Your family must be very different from mine.
- I'd say so. - I laughed. - For one, no one wears their tiaras to breakfast.
- Maxon smiled. - More of a dinner thing at the Singer house?"
- "Of course. ~ Kiera Cass

Say it, America. Please. Tell me you love me, that you want to be mine alone. ~ Kiera Cass

I was overwhelmed. He understood me so well, how nervous I was about making this commitment, how frightening it was for me to become a princess. He was going to give me every last second he could and, in the meantime, lavish me with everything possible. I had another one of those moments when I couldn't believe this was all happening.
"That's not fair, Maxon," I mumbled. "What in the world am I supposed to be able to give you?"
He smiled. "All I want is your promise to stay with me, to be mine. Sometimes it feels like you can't possibly be real. Promise me you'll stay."
"Of course, I promise. ~ Kiera Cass

December 26, 7:40 p.m.
Dear America,
I've been thinking of our first kiss. I suppose I should say first kisses, but what I mean is the second, the one I was actually invited to give you. Did I ever tell you how I felt that night? It wasn't just getting my first kiss ever; it was getting to have that first kiss with you. I've seen so much, America, had access to the corners of our planet. But never have I come across anything so painfully beautiful as that kiss. I wish it was something I could catch with a net or place in a book. I wish it was something I could save and share with the world so I could tell the universe: this is what it's like; this is how it feels when you fall.
These letters are so embarrassing. I'll have to burn them before you get home.
Maxon ~ Kiera Cass

If this were a simpler matter, I'd have eliminated everyone else by now. ~ Kiera Cass

If you measure your life by what you own, the cavern of your heart will never be filled. ~ James D. Maxon

Do you think," Maxon asked, "that I could still call you 'my dear'?"
"Not a chance," I whispered.
"I'll keep trying. I don't have it in me to give up." And I believed him. It was annoying to think he'd press that issue.
"Did you call all of them that?" I nodded my head toward the rest of the room.
"Yes, and they all seemed to like it."
"That is the exact reason why I don't. ~ Kiera Cass

I should have known that if any girl was going to disobey an order, it would be you. ~ Kiera Cass

America, I don't think you can change history." All the same, his expression looked hopeful.
"Sure we can. Besides, who'd ever know about it but you and me? ~ Kiera Cass

Intrigued, Maxon propped himself up on one arm to listen. Tell me everything. ~ Kiera Cass

heard Maxon laugh once before shoving me out into the downpour. ~ Kiera Cass

America, is there lipstick on my teeth?" Zoe asked. I turned to my left and found her smiling maniacally, exposing all her pearly whites.
"No, you're good," I answered, seeing out of the corner of my eye that Marlee was nodding in confirmation.
"Thanks. How is he so calm?" Zoe asked, pointing over at Maxon, who was talking to a member of the crew. She then bent down and put her head between her legs and started doing controlled breathing.
Marlee and I looked at each other, eyes wide with amusement, and tried not to laugh. It was hard if we looked at Zoe, so we surveyed the room and chatted about what others were wearing. There were several girls in seductive reds and lively greens, but no one else in blue. Olivia had gone so far as to wear orange. I'd admit that I didn't know that much about fashion, but Marlee and I both agreed that someone should have intervened on her behalf. The color made her skin look kind of green.
Two minutes before the cameras turned on, we realized it wasn't the dress making her look green. Olivia vomited into the closest trash can very loudly and collapsed on the floor. Silvia swooped in, and a fuss was made to wipe the sweat off her and get her into a seat. She was placed in the back row with a small receptacle at her feet, just in case.
Bariel was in the seat in front of her. I couldn't hear what she muttered to the poor girl from where I was, but it looked like Bariel was prepared to injure Olivia should she have another ~ Kiera Cass

Maxon has to pick you," Lucy cried. "You're the only one ~ Kiera Cass

America," he begged.
I turned to Maxon.
"They're fine. The rebels were slow, and everyone here knows what to do in an emergency."
I nodded. We stood there quietly for a minute, and I could tell he was about to move on.
"Maxon," I whispered.
He turned back, a little surprised to be addressed so casually.
"About last night. Let me explain. When they came to prep us, to get us ready to come here, there was a man who told me that I was never to turn you down. No matter what you asked for. Not ever."
He was dumbfounded. "What?"
"He made it sound like you might ask for certain things. And you said yourself that you hadn't been around many women. After eighteen years...and then you sent the cameras away. I just got scared when you got that close to me."
Maxon shook his head, trying to process all this. Humiliation, rage, and disbelief all played across his typically even-tempered face.
"Was everyone told this?" he asked, sounding appalled at the idea.
"I don't know. I can't imagine many girls would need such a warning. They're probably waiting to pounce on you," I noted, nodding my head toward the rest of the room.
He gave a dark chuckle. "But you're not, so you had absolutely no qualms about kneeing me in the groin, right?"
"I hit your thigh!"
"Oh, please. A man doesn't need that long to recover from a knee to the thigh," he replied, his voice full of skepticism.
A laugh escaped me. Thankfully, Maxon join i ~ Kiera Cass

But no one wants that anymore. People want a choice." Maxon shook his head. "You're terrifying to him, but he can't expel you. They adore you, America.
I swallowed. "Adore?"
He nodded. "And ... I feel similarly. So, no matter what he says or does, don't lose faith, this isn't over. ~ Kiera Cass

We should take pictures!" Elise said.
"Anyone got a camera?" Celeste asked. "I;m a pro at this."
"Mason does!" Kross shouted. "Come here for a minute," she said to a maid, waving her over encouragingly.
"Hold on," I said, grabbing some paper. "Okay, okay. 'Your Highest of Highnesses, the ladies of the Elite require, immediately, the least fancy of your cameras for. . .'"
Kriss giggled, and Celeste shook her head.
"Oh! A study in feminine diplomacy," Elise added.
"Is that a real thing?" Kross asked.
Celeste tossed her hair. "Who cares?"
Maybe twenty minutes later, Maxon knocked on the door and pushed it open an inch. "Can I come in?"
Kross ran over. "No. We just want the camera." And she snatched it from his hand and closed the door in his face.
Celeste fell on the floor, laughing.
"What are you doing in there?" he called. But we were all too busy doubling over to answer. ~ Kiera Cass

No, I'm not choosing him or you. I'm choosing me. ~ Kiera Cass

The Angeles air was quiet, and for a while I laid still, listening to the sound of Maxon breathing. ~ Kiera Cass

Something about being that close to him all the time made my bones feel weak. ~ Kiera Cass

Daphne: You're the only person who really knows me. The only person I feel I truly know myself
Maxon: Knowledge isn't love.. ~ Kiera Cass

December 26, 10:00 a.m.

Dear America,

Miracles of miracles, I've made it through the night. When I finally woke up, I convinced myself I was worried for nothing. I vowed that I would focus on work today and not fret so much about you.

I got through breakfast and most of a meeting before thoughts of you consumed me. I told everyone I was sick and am now hiding in my room, writing to you, hoping this will make me feel like you're home again.

I'm so selfish. Today you will bury your father, and all I can think of is bringring you here. Having written that out, seeing it in ink. I feel like an absolute ass. You are exactly where you need to be. I think I already said this, but I'm sure you're such a comfort to your family.

You know, I haven't told this to you and I ought to have, but you've gotten so much stronger since I met you. I'm not arrogant enough to believe that has anything to do with me, but I think this experience has changed you. I know it's changed me. From the very beginning you had your own brand of fearlessness, and that has been polished into something strong. Where I used to imagine you as a girl with a bag full of stones, ready to throw them at any foe who crossed her path, you have become the stone itself. You are steady and able. And I bet your family sees that in you. I should have told you that. I hope you come home soon so I can.

Maxon ~ Kiera Cass

It must be nice to have someone to write to. I've never had the luxury of love letters," Maxon said, a sad smile on his face. "Has she kept her word?"
Aspen was moving pillows from the other bed to prop under my head, avoiding eye contact with either Maxon or myself.
"Writing is difficult," he said. "But I do know she's with me, no matter what. I don't doubt it. ~ Kiera Cass

You've changed me forever. And I'll never forget you. ~ Kiera Cass

I don't think the lady should go. As if he's won the argument, Maxon looked at me with a face that said, See! ~ Kiera Cass

You are all dear to me. it is simply a matter of discovering who shall be the dearest. ~ Kiera Cass

Maxon, some of those marks are on your back so they wouldn't be on mine, and I love you for them."
He stopped breathing for a second. "What did you say?"
I smiled. "I love you."
"One more time, please? I just - "
I took his face in both of my hands. "Maxon Schreave, I love you. I love you."
"And I love you, America Singer. With all that I am, I love you. ~ Kiera Cass

I'm not sure if fate or destiny is real. But I can
tell you that sometimes the very thing you've been hoping for will walk through the door, determined
to fend you off. And still, somehow, you will find that you are enough. ~ Kiera Cass

It turns out I'm terrible at staying away from you. It's a very serious problem."
I smiled. "Have you really tried?"
He pretended to think about it. "Well, no. And don't expect me to start." -America and Maxon ~ Kiera Cass

Close your eyes, Maxon."
"What?"
"Close your eyes."
He frowned at me but obeyed. I waited until his eyes were shut and his face looked relaxed before I started.
"Somewhere in this palace, there is a woman who will be your wife."
I saw his mouth twitch, the beginnings of a hopeful smile.
"Maybe you don't know which face it is yet, but think of the girls in that room. Imagine the one who loves you the most. Imagine your 'dear.'"
His hand was resting next to mine on the seat, and his fingers grazed mine for a second. I shied away from the touch.
"Sorry," he mumbled, looking my way.
"Keep 'em closed!"
He chuckled and went back to his original position.
"This girl? Imagine that she depends on you. She needs you to cherish her and make her feel like the Selection didn't even happen. Like if you were dropped on your own out in the middle of the country to wander around door to door, she's still the one you would have found. She was always the one you would have picked. ~ Kiera Cass

Celeste had been raised to be a specific kind of pretty. That beauty depended on covering things up, shifting the light, and seeking to be perfect at all times. But there is a different kind of beauty that comes with humility and honesty, and she was glowing with it now. Maxon ~ Kiera Cass

If you don't want me to be in love with you, you're going to have to stop looking so lovely. First thing tomorrow I'm having your maids sew some potato sacks together for you. ~ Kiera Cass

I am not a
commodity! And neither are they! I
wish for once you would look at me
and see a person.- Maxon ~ Kiera Cass

Heart isn't something you find in soap operas and Harlequin novels. It's that pure essence–sheltered deep inside–that occasionally makes its way to the surface. Give heed lest it ever trend to waste. ~ James D. Maxon

Fiction gives us a reach into the lives of individuals that would otherwise be but a closed door. If we are gifted with a desire to tell tales, then we should tell them ... if only to reach but a few. ~ James D. Maxon

You know how your mother and I met," Dad began.
I rolled my eyes. "Everyone does. You two are practically a fairy tale. ~ Kiera Cass

I walked away, angry with Maxon for making me feel this way...and angry with myself for making things so much worse. ~ Keira Cass, The One

I want everything with you, America. I want the holidays and the birthdays, the busy season and lazy weekends. I want peanut butter fingertips on my desk. I want inside jokes and fights and everything. I want a life with you. ~ Kiera Cass

Could she possibly have
someone who really could love
And add to her fins the wings
of a dove

So not only the waves could
she enjoy through the day
But soar 'bove the clouds,
perhaps see a new way

To enjoy a full life she didn't
think she'd deserve
Too far out of reach so far as
she could observe

The final decision she and she
alone must make
One heart is committed,
but both are at stake ~ Ken Maxon

I've met nearly every woman in this room, and I can't think of one who would make a better friend. I'd be glad to have you stay."
My relief was inexpressible.
"Do you think," Maxon asked, "That I could still call you 'my dear'?"
"Not a chance." I whispered. ~ Kiera Cass

Surely he loved me. Right? Why wouldn't he just say it? We're alone, Maxon. If you say it, I'll say it back. ~ Kiera Cass

You're an idiot, Maxon Schreave. Your parents have completely sabotaged you. You could have a thousand girls set before you, and it wouldn't matter. You're too stupid to see love when it stands right in front of you. ~ Kiera Cass

My Selection wasn't a farce, but it wasn't that far off. My father chose all the
contestants by hand, picking young women with political alliances, influential families, or enough
charm to make the entire country worship the ground they walked on. He knew he had to make it
varied enough to seem legit, so there were three Fives thrown into the mix but nothing below that.
The Fives were meant to be little more than throwaways to keep anyone from being suspicious."
I realized my mouth was gaping open and shut it immediately. "Mom?"
"Was meant to be gone almost immediately. Truth be told, she barely made it past my father 's
attempts to sway my opinion or remove her himself. And look at her now." His whole face changed.
"Though it was hard for me to imagine, she is even more beloved as queen than my mother. She has
made four beautiful, intelligent, strong children. And she has been the source of every happiness in
my life. ~ Kiera Cass

Need someone to talk to? I could tug my ear right now. ~ Kiera Cass

He must love you very much,' Gavril said once I had my footing.
I couldn't look at him. 'What makes you say that?' Gavril sighed. 'I've known Maxon since he was a child. He's never stood up to his father like that. ~ Kiera Cass

I want it to be as easy as breathing for you to say yes. ~ Kiera Cass

I was stunned into silence, the way I always was when he touched the sky places of my heart. ~ Kiera Cass

It wasn't all that long ago that he'd stood where I did, that my mom's face was one of many in his
world. And yet, despite all the impediments and all the time that had passed, they were still deeply in
love.
It was obvious in everything, from their shared room to the way they fretted over each other to the
way they seemed to be incapable of not flirting with each other even after being married so long. ~ Kiera Cass

Maxon broke the kiss and looked at me. "You're so pretty when you're a mess. ~ Kiera Cass

I loved him.
I couldn't pinpoint what made me so certain, but I knew it then, as surely as I knew my name or the color of the sky or any fact written in a book.
Could he feel it, too?
Maxon broke the kiss and looked at me. "You're so pretty when you are a mess."
I laughed nervously. "Thank you. For that and for the rain and for not giving up."
He ran his fingers along my cheek and nose and chin. "You're worth it. I don't think that you get that. You're worth it to me. ~ Kiera Cass

That for each memory created
a lesson is learned
And for each chapter that's
finished a new page gets
turned
To understand happiness one
must also meet with sorrow
And believe a sunset today is
followed by sunrise tomorrow
A dark new moon rises as the
sun fades to black
A chapter finished, a page
turned, the sunrise will come
back ~ Ken Maxon

America: You didn't have to do that.
Maxon: I know. But sometimes it's about what you want to do, not what you have to. ~ Kiera Cass

In the story of life, the prologue and epilogue are written by God. Yet the plot has been given to us; therefore we should write the best prose we can. ~ James D. Maxon

Is there a love that really can
last?
Certainly not if it's built very
fast ~ Ken Maxon

A lot of things are yours, America ~ Kiera Cass

You are the last Five left in the competition, yes? Do you think that hurts your chances of becoming the princess?"
The word sprang from my lips without thought. "No!"
"Oh, my! You do have a spirit there!" Gavril seemed pleased to have gotten such an enthusiastic response. "So you think you'll beat out all the others, then? Make it to the end?"
I thought better of myself. "No, no. It's not like that. I don't think I'm better than any of the other girls; they're all amazing. It's just...I don't think Maxon would do that, just discount someone because of their caste."
I heard a collective gasp. I ran over the sentence in my head. It took me a minute to catch my mistake: I'd called him Maxon. Saying that to another girl behind closed doors was one thing, but to say his name without the word "Prince" in front of it was incredibly informal in public.
And I'd said it on live television.
I looked to see if Maxon was angry. He had a calm smile on his face. So he wasn't mad...but I was embarrassed. I blushed fiercely.
"Ah, so it seems you really have gotten to know our prince. Tell me, what do you think of Maxon?"
I ahd thought of several answers while I was waiting for my turn. I was going to make fun of his laugh or talk about the pet name he wanted his wife to call him. It seemed like the only way to save the situation was to get back the comedy. But as I lifted my eyes to make one of my comments, I saw Maxon's face.
He really wanted to ~ Kiera Cass

There, lying in the hospital wing, my heart broke for the first time over Maxon Schreave. ~ Kiera Cass

Maxon looked down at my wrist. "Do you..." He looked up at me, seeming to rethink his question. "Do you want to dance?"
I nodded. "But I'm awful."
"We'll go slow. ~ Kiera Cass

There were so many beautiful women here. I got the sense that a few of these girls had been on dates before and, perhaps foolishly, I was intimidated.
And then there was America, her mouth stuffed with a strawberry tart, her eyes rolling like she was in heaven. I stifled laugh, and suddenly I had a plan. ~ Kiera Cass

You were my pick. My only pick. ~ Kiera Cass

Oh, yes. She's still here," Maxon said, not letting his eyes wander from Gavril's face. "And I plan on keeping her here for quite a while. ~ Kiera Cass

Maxon cleared his throat. "He'll be lucky, too." He got down from his make shift seat and walked to my side of the balcony.
"Huh?"
"Your boyfriend. When he comes to his senses and begs you to take him back,: Maxon says matter-of-factly.
I had to laugh. No such thing would happen in my world.
"He's not my boyfriend anymore. And he made it pretty clear he was done with me." Even I could hear the tiny bit of hope in my voice,
"Not possible. He'll have seen you on TV by now and fallen for you all over again. Though, in my opinon, you're still much too good for the dog. ~ Kiera Cass

~A Note From A Feline~

If you give me a home, I won't ask for much
Some food for my belly, an occasional touch
Maybe a toy to chase 'cross the floor
And an old empty box you would otherwise store

I'll be your companion and pay you with love
Perhaps sit on a shelf and observe from above
When you sit down, I'll rest on your lap
You're welcome to pet me as I take a nap

You'll find it's relaxing as you pet my fur
And even more calming when you hear me purr
I'm sure there'll be times on your nerves I will get
And I'll knock down a few things on the table you set

But we're all far from perfect, human or beast
And I'll love you forever, or until dinner at least
That's just a joke from your four legged friend
I'll love you until my last moments end ~ Ken Maxon

Maxon wrapped his arms around me, and I laughed as he covered me with kisses.
We were so distracted, we didn't even hear the butler open the door. "Your Majesty, there's a call from - "
Before he could finish, Maxon chucked a pillow at him, and the butler retreated into the hall, pulling the door shut behind him. There was a pause before a muffled voice filtered in. "Sorry, sir. ~ Kiera Cass

It's hard to get a hug wrong. ~ Kiera Cass

Maxon kissed the tip of my nose. "Let's go get dry and watch a movie." "Sounds good. ~ Kiera Cass

We've got to stop being afraid of the change. ~ Kiera Cass

This Maxon, he is handsome. How can I get into the Selection? ~ Kiera Cass

Sometimes it's what you want to do, not what you have to do. ~ Kiera Cass

Let her go!" That was a new voice, young but full of authority. ... There was Prince Maxon.
...
"Open the doors."
"But-Your Majesty-"
"Open the doors now and let her go. Now! ~ Kiera Cass

Prince Maxon surveyed the room and found me. Our eye met for a moment, and he smiled. ~ Kiera Cass

I only wish I knew that you'd actually want to be with me when that time is over. ~ Kiera Cass

America, my dear, I hope you find something, in this cage worth fighting for. ~ Kiera Cass

The sun never shown
as bright as your lovely eyes
When you are happy ~ Ken Maxon

He let you have the pants anyway?" she asked. I had started talking about Maxon as soon as I could, eager to know how their conversation had gone.
"Yeah. He was very generous about it all."
"I think it's charming that he's a good winner."
"He is a good winner. He's even gracious when he's gotten the raw end of things." Like a knee to the royal jewels, for example. ~ Kiera Cass

Maxon smiled effortlessly. "America Singer," he announced, "my closest friend." "That's right." I rolled my eyes. ~ Kiera Cass

I looked away. That wasn't something I could promise. I weighed Maxon and Aspen in my heart over and over, and neither of them ever had a true edge. Except, maybe, when I was alone with one of them. Because, at that moment, I was tempted to promise Maxon that I would be there for him in the end. ~ Kiera Cass

You once asked if I told Maxon about you, and I did. He knows exactly what a spineless, ungrateful jackass you are. ~ Kiera Cass

I rose, locking eyes with Maxon, who I noticed had stopped chewing. ~ Kiera Cass

Thank you," he whispered. "At least I can know for certain that, for one brief moment of our time together, you and I felt the same thing. ~ Kiera Cass

None of us is an Amberly, are we?" "I like shocking people too much," Celeste said with a smile.
"And I'd rather hide than do half the things she has to." Elise ducked her head.
"I'm too wild." I shrugged my shoulders, embracing my faults. "I'll never have her confidence," Kriss mourned.
"So there. We're all messed up. But Maxon has to pick one of us, so there's no point worrying anymore. ~ Kiera Cass

I'll love you until my very last breath. Every beat of my heart is yours. I don't want to die without you knowing that. ~ Kiera Cass

Would you like me to let you go home to your love today?" he asked. It was obvious that my preference for someone else bothered him, but instead of choosing to ve angry, he showed compassion. ~ Kiera Cass

Bad things will happen to the
finest of people
Sometimes their heart is hung
high on a steeple
And even while it sits there as
if on display
Some uncaring person will
add more dismay ~ Ken Maxon

I took a steadying breath. "Listen, I know we have a full night ahead of us, but I wanted to give you your birthday present."

"Oh, darling, you didn't need to get me anything. Every day with you is a gift." He leaned in and kissed me.

"Well, I hadn't planned on getting you a gift, but then something presented itself, so here we are."

"All right then," he said, placing his glass on the ground. "I'm ready. Where is it?"

"That's the only problem," I started. I felt my hands begin to shake. "It won't actually arrive for another seven or eight months."

He smiled but squinted. "Eight months? What in the world could take . . ."

As his words drifted away, so did his eyes, leaving my face and making their way to my stomach. He seemed to expect me to look different, for me to be as big as a house already. But I'd done my best to hide everything: the tiredness, the nausea, the sudden distaste for foods.

He stared on and on, and I waited for him to smile or laugh or jump up and down. But he sat there, frozen to the point that it started to frighten me.

"Maxon?" I reached out and touched his leg. "Maxon, are you all right?"

He nodded, still watching my stomach. ~ Kiera Cass

Are you all right? You seem tense," Maxon noted. "You get confused by crying women, I get confused by walks with princes," I said with a shrug. ~ Kiera Cass

What are you terrible at?" I asked, running my hand across his starched shirt. Encouraged by the touch, Maxon drew circles on my shoulder with the hand he had wrapped behind my back.
"Why would you want to know that?" He asked in mock irritation.
"Becaue I still know so little about you. And you seem perfect all the time.It's nice to have proof you aren't.
He propped himself up on an elbow, focusing on my face.
"You know I'm not."
"Pretty close,' I countered. Little flickers of touch ran betwen us. Knees, arms, fingers.
He shook his head, a small smile on his face. "Okay then. I can't plan wars. I'm rotten at it. And I'm guessing I'd be a terrible cook. I've never tried, so-"
"Never?"
"You might have noticed the teams of people keeping you up to your neck in pastries? They happen to feed me as well. ~ Kierra Cass

A rose for all its beauty still
has a thorn ~ Ken Maxon

Maxon: "To be clear, no one agrees with you."
America: "To be clear, I don't care. ~ Kiera Cass

I got through breakfast and most of a meeting before thoughts of you consumed me. I told everyone I was sick and am now hiding in my room, writing to you, hoping this will make me feel like your home again.
-Maxon ~ Kiera Cass

Is this a good time to pat your shoulder? ~ Kiera Cass

Well, I'm glad you're so amused," I said, running my fingers across the railing.
Maxon hopped up to sit on the railing, looking very relaxed. "You're always amusing. Get used to it."
Hmm. He was almost being funny.
"So...about what you said...," he started tentatively.
"Which part? The part about me calling you names or fighting with my mom or saying food was my motivation?" I rolled my eyes.
He laughed once. "The part about me being good..."
"Oh. What about it?" Those few sentences suddenly seemed more embarrassing than anything else I'd said. I ducked my head down and twisted a piece of my dress.
"I appreciate you making things look authentic, but you didn't need to go that far."
My head snapped up. How could he think that?
"Maxon, that wasn't for the sake of the show. If you had asked me a month ago what my honest opinion of you was, it would have been very different. But now I know you, and I know the truth, and you are everything I said you were. And more."
He was quiet, but there was a small smile on his face.
"Thank you," he finally said.
"Anytime."
Maxon cleared his throat. "He'll be lucky, too." He got down from his makeshift seat and walked to my side of the balcony.
"Huh?"
"Your boyfriend. When he comes to his senses and begs you to take him back," Maxon said matter-of-factly.
I had to laugh. No such thing would happen in y world.
"he's not my boyfriend anymore. And he made it pret ~ Kiera Cass

On the contrary, Maxon held me so close I could smell his cologne and feel his stubble against my cheek. ~ Kiera Cass

If she cries, I want to wear pants for a week," I offered.
"Done," Maxon said. "And if she doesn't, you owe me a walk around the grounds tomorrow afternoon."
"You drive a hard bargain, sir, but I accept. ~ Kiera Cass