WARNING, there will be big spoilers for the series from here on out in case you haven't realized that at this point!
If you havn't read the books, proceed with caution! Other than that, enjoy!
-theselectionseriesfan
America
"I went on dates with other ladies, eliminated some girls, and realized none of them was an 'America,'" Maxon continued. "We created a signal to let each other know we wanted to chat. Everytime we would tug our ears and we would figure out when we could next meet. We especially used it during Reports."
"During one Report, I had an interview with Gavril," I said, thinking back at the memories. "Maxon had told the public that someone had yelled at him when they met during the last report. Naturally, Gavril was determined that day to find out who scolded the prince during their first meeting. Once I confessed, Maxon shouted to Gavril to make me tell the whole story," I said, glaring at him. "I was not happy, as you can imagine. As was my mother."
"It was definitely one of the more amusing Reports," Maxon said, chuckling. "I'm sure we can pull out the tape sometime."
Eadlyn and Ahren grinned and nodded eagerly.
"One of the things your mother exposed me to was the situation of the lower castes. The first thing was how many families were starving." Maxon looked to me. "In fact, I vaguely remember you telling me about that boy who was beat for stealing something."
I saw Aspen go rigid, staring at me with wide eyes.
"That boy was actually Aspen's brother," I whispered to Maxon.
His eyes widened. "You never told me that!" He turned to Aspen. "I'm so sorry, I didn't realize."
"It was awhile ago," he responded softly.
Maxon sighed, turning back at the kids. "My father had covered all of this information from me. I had no idea that so may people like your mother and Aspen were starving. When I found out it, I decided to make a change. I created a system that would allow Fives and below to eat a free meal and announced it at the same Report."
"We still deal with that issue today," Eadlyn muttered. "It must have been terrible back then."
I nodded. "We have made great improvements in the past years, but this is one war that will take forever to win."
Eadlyn gave me a grim smile, but I could already see the wheels turning in her brain. She was undoubtedly thinking of a way she could help.
I looked back at Maxon, feeling myself blush. "After that Report, Maxon came to my room, and told me that I looked beautiful in my dress, and... well, we had our first kiss."
"She also admitted that she may be able to develop feelings for me. I remember being overjoyed to hear that!" Maxon said, smiling.
"I didn't tell any of the other Selected about the kiss, but I was soon tempted to do so," I said. "When I heard that Maxon had kissed someone else a few days later, I became jealous. I nearly told them, but I decided against it."
"Olivia?" Maxon mouthed, and I nodded, surprised he still remembered.
Storing that though for later, I proceeded with the story. "In the next few days, the King and Queen of Swendway and your great-aunt Adele and her family visited. It was then I was told-" I stopped, looking at Maxon for permission to tell them. He slowly nodded his head.
"I was told that your grandmother had 3 miscarriages, two before your father and one after," I continued.
Maxon was silent next to me. It was still a heavy topic for him, and probably would be for the rest of his life.
"Anyways, moving on to a couple days later. Maxon and I were on a date when I saw Aspen, here at the palace," I said and I shyly peeked at Lucy, unsure if she knew this part yet, but she showed no surprise. I didn't know why I was shocked by that.
"At that point I didn't know Aspen was 'the famous boyfriend' and stationed him outside America's door." Maxon said, and Aspen, Lucy, him, and I all shared another smile.
"Will you stop doing that!" Eadlyn said, rolling her eyes.
"Doing what?"
"Smiling knowingly at each other so much!"
Aspen, Lucy, and Maxon laughed, but my eyes were on something else.
"Pardon me your majesties," a butler said walking up to us. "The party will be starting soon and Lady Brice sent me to find you to make sure you were ready."
I heard Ahren curse under his breath and stand up, Eadlyn soon following.
"We still need to change!" Eadlyn said, starting to panic.
"Hurry! You guys go, the rest of us are ready!" Lucy urged. The twins sped off toward their rooms to finish getting ready.
"I think we should stop here for now, but we will finish after the ball," I suggested, eager to catch a break. Osten nodded, shot out of his chair, and headed to... wherever he was going.
"Excuse me. I need go find Josie," Kaden said, realizing that at least someone should be well mannered. Maxon and I nodded, and turned toward Lucy and Aspen. We all bursted into laughter, the second Kaden turned the corner.
"Boy, are they going to be surprised later!" Lucy said wiping a tiny tear away, from laughing so hard.
"And to think that they thought that our story was a 'fairytale'..." Maxon erupted into laughter again.
"How much longer until Marlee and Carter come in?" Aspen asked after we all calmed down.
"Soon, kind of. I need to tell them about us meeting, Kriss's birthday party, the rebel attack, the diaries, Halloween, and then Marlee and Carter," I said putting my head in my hands. "Telling that will be so hard," I mumbled as Maxon soothingly rubbed my back.
"Should we bring Marlee and Carter here to tell that or..." Aspen drifted off.
"We can ask them if they want to, but I think it should be up to them." Maxon replied, and I nodded in agreement.
"Do Kile and Josie know about how Marlee and Carter got their scars?" Lucy asked.
"I am not sure, actually. I should ask, and maybe they want to hear our story as well. After all, Josie will be our family soon and Kile is here for the day..." I trailed off.
"Yes, and while we're at it, we can invite all of Illea to listen as well," Maxon said sarcastically. I shot him a playful glare.
Maxon smirked at me. "But yeah, they can come, if Marlee and Carter want. If they do come, we should also invite Camille, Erik, and Kerttu."
I wanted to smack my head, how could I forget them?
"What were you saying about inviting all of Illea, your Majesty?" I replied, laughing. "Besides, Kerttu won't understand a lot and will be tired after the party!"
We all laughed as Maxon playfully glared at me.
''Should we meet in the Woman's room later?" Lucy asked.
"Yes, I think that will be big enough for all of Illea," I said, giggling. Maxon shot me another glare.
"Well, I think it's time. We should probably head for the party," Aspen said, holding out his arm to Lucy.
"Agreed." Maxon stood up, his hand still in mine.
"See you later!" I called as we parted, and going our separate ways.