Hey everyone! Happy March! I hope you're all doing well. I reaaaally don't want this story to end because I love writing it so much, but this has been a 7+ year project and I think it's time to finish it. This will probably be the 2nd to last chapter. I hope you enjoy :)
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"I think the dress is too long. Is it supposed to be like this? I don't look right."
I giggle, taking Amberly's hands in mine. "Darling, you look like a queen. My dress was the same way. Uncomfortable and... well, different, but regal nonetheless."
"What if we're not ready? What if we mess up what you worked so hard to build?" She gives me a pleading look.
Taking her arm, we sit down on the nearest couch. "You and your father have been working extremely close in the last few months. You know everything he does and exactly how he does it. You've proven yourself to be more than worthy of his crown, and you will take this country in a new, beautiful direction, just like we did."
She sighs, looking at the ceiling. "Was Dad nervous? How did he handle it?"
"Of course he was nervous! It would be concerning if someone about to take the throne wasn't at least a little apprehensive." I give her a small smile. "But just like you, he was ready. And everyone knew it, too. He was respected and adored, as are you."
"But this country has never had a queen leading them. Always a king. Won't the people be extra critical of me?"
"Even if they are, just show the people what women can do, my love." Winking, I tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Besides, you will always have Xander by your side, and I believe he will make an excellent king consort."
She beams, finding my eyes with hers again. "I know he will. I'm still worried about his heart, but now he has the best doctors in the country looking after him. So much better than what he had before he came to the palace."
"You've changed his life in so many ways already, and you will continue to do so for the rest of your rule and your marriage."
She nods before standing up and looking at her reflection in the mirror. I have never seen someone look so beautiful, elegant, mature... perfect. I could not be more proud. After all the hardships she has faced through her life; criticism from her people, her brothers leaving, a difficult relationship with her father in her childhood, and far too much death; here she is. Becoming our queen.
I walk up behind her, squeezing her shoulders. "You're ready. You will be a fair, loving, and tolerant ruler. A queen that commands respect and adoration. A wife and mother that takes care of her family before everything else. A daughter that will never fail to make me proud."
"I love you, Mom," she whispers, tears in her eyes.
"I love you too, more than you know. And don't forget, even if you are unsure of yourself or come to a difficult decision, your father and I will always be here. Just because you're taking our place, doesn't mean we can't help you."
"I know. Thank you." She smiles at our reflection. "Can you get Dad? I want to speak to him for a minute."
"Of course. I will see you out there, my dearest daughter." I leave the room, wiping away my own tears.
Waiting outside the room is Maxon, who is pacing nervously. He runs up to me as soon as he sees me, raising his eyebrows. "How is she doing? Is she nervous?"
Laughing, I reply, "I think you look more nervous than she is." I pause. "She's ready. She wants to talk to you, though."
He nods, understanding. With a kiss on the cheek, he walks into Amberly's preparation room.
As soon as he closes the door, Xander comes around the corner of the hallway. He stands up straighter when he sees me, smiling. He looks regal as well, dressed in an elaborate suit of gold and silver.
"Well, don't you look handsome!" I pull him in for a hug. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm a little anxious about the ceremony, and of course about being king consort, but I know Amberly was made for this and she'll make my job very easy."
We both laugh, and he opens his mouth to speak again, but quickly closes it.
I narrow my eyes, looking up at him. "What is it? Is something bothering you?"
"No, no." He sighs. "I just want to be the best husband and partner I can be to Amberly. I know she'll always have to worry about my heart, and the fact that I have no background in politics... or any of this, really. I have no connections and even though I've memorized everything I was taught, I don't want her to have to do all the heavy lifting. Especially if she thinks involving me in her difficult decisions will end up killing me."
I bite my lip. "She loves you more than anything. I know she would never want to do anything to hurt you. And though she might worry about your heart, she just told me how happy she is you have such great doctors looking after you. You just have to take care of yourself, and know your limits. She will trust you when you tell her how much you can take, and I believe that will relieve some of her worry.
"And don't forget, I came from nothing, just like you did. I was a musician. I didn't know anything about politics, let alone how to rule a country. All I knew was how much I had to work to put dinner on the table.
"You won't be able to help her with everything. There are some decisions that she will have to make, some difficult situations she will have to figure out herself. But as long as you are there for her and she knows she has you, she will be okay. And so will you. I can promise you that."
He nods along to my words, taking them all in. And after I'm done speaking, he gives me the most sincere look I have ever seen.
"I will take care of your daughter. I will get her through the difficult decisions and the impossible situations. She will never be alone. And your country will be in good hands. That's what I can promise you in return."
I pull him in for another embrace, more tears in my eyes. Amberly chose well, I have to admit.
"Now," I say, sniffling. "Go on and take the throne beside her. You will make excellent rulers. Good luck, and I will see you after the ceremony."
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The audience erupts as the newly crowned queen and king take their place on the throne, Maxon and I by far the loudest. We cheer, laugh, cry, and applaud for the new rulers of Illéa. Maxon squeezes my hand so hard it could break. I turn to him and kiss him on the cheek, so incredibly in love with the life we built. We did this. We created peace in our nation, we raised our children to be great people, and we will continue to help them be the best they can be. My husband and I made this joyous moment possible.
Amberly stands, offering her hand to her husband. He takes it, standing by her side. They wave to their people, who in turn exclaim their love and throw roses onto the platform they stand on. With the lift of her other hand, a hush passes through the ballroom.
"Thank you, everyone," she says clearly, with confidence I've never seen in her before, but I knew she had. "We stand before you as your queen and king, but also as your friends. We will dedicate our lives to your happiness, peace, and prosperity. We swear to be tolerant and fair rulers; we will hear your voices and we will respect them. We live in service of you, and we will die in service of you. On behalf of my dear husband and I, thank you for your support and your love. We will not let you down."
The people applaud again, perhaps even louder than the first time. I can't hold the tears back from my eyes. My baby girl, all grown up. A wife, a mother, a queen. One look at Maxon and I know he's thinking the same.
Even though him and Amberly were never close when she was a girl, they have more than made up for that in the past couple decades. When I had to leave the country during her Selection, which still breaks my heart to this day, her and her father were able to bond over their shared experience. Though I wish I could've been there to watch my only daughter fall in love, I'm glad Maxon and her were able to grow closer in my absence.
Looking past Maxon, I smile at my other children and my grandchildren. Gerad has started to go gray, but he's still so incredibly handsome. Gwen and their children stand beside him, almost as proud of Amberly as I am. Logan and Ashlyn hold each other, their kids fooling around with each other quietly. On my other side stand Amberly's children, who cheer loudly for their mother. They are the next in line after her; and I can already tell they would be perfect for the job. My country is in good hands.
It's crazy that even though most of the time we're all in different places in the world, but we are all still so insanely close. If I could pick a greatest accomplishment of my life, I would forget all about the strides I've made as queen. It would hands down be having a family that loves and supports each other this much despite all of the circumstances. Nothing makes me prouder than that.
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Yayyyy Amberly and Xander are now the queen and king!! Sorry it was a short chapter but I hope you enjoyed. Thank you to everyone that's still reading! I appreciate you <3