Author's Notes:
"To Have and To Hold" is the continuation to "At Last (A Story of Maxon and America's Wedding Night)". This storyline focuses on their honeymoon and their growing/steamy relationship. I am also introducing a couple of new minor characters.
After careful thought and feeling extremely guilty for making you guys have to wait, I decided to start updating. Plus, I think this installment would be best taken in doses! As with all of my stories present and future they are rated for (MA) only!
Enjoy!
~ Sweetwaterspice
To Have and To Hold
Chapter One
I hated leaving the comforts of our little hideout just as much as America did but unfortunately, time doesn't stand still for anyone, not even a king. Yet, I couldn't erase the foolish smile off the face staring back at me in the mirror. I was starting a new chapter in my life. I was no longer a bachelor and a prince but a married man with a beautiful queen on my arm and a country on my shoulders. The weight of it all was somewhat intimidating to be honest. I now had new responsibilities and new worries but I wouldn't let those cloud my focus. For the next week and a-half, all of my energy would be dedicated to my new, loving wife.
"Wife," I uttered in a low tone, the word alone filling me with joy. My smile returned as wide as the ocean.
"Pardon me, Your Majesty?" asked a voice behind me. It was Harrison, my personal valet.
"Nothing. Just thinking out loud." I put my arms through the sleeves of the suit jacket he held out for me. I wasn't used to having someone dress me. I was capable enough. But every king had a valet and although I protested for the sake of change, Harrison was not going to have it. His family had been valets to the royals for decades. He had been my father's valet for many years, trained by his father who'd held this position previously.
He gave me the once-over, brushing the shoulders of my tailored jacket with what he called, "Scarlett", a brush made of the finest horse's hair. But not just any horse according to Harrison. "She was a beauty, a special one-of-a-kind, with a heck of a lot of sass," he'd told me. "You should've seen her. Fast as lighting. Left all those cocky studs in the dust." He would get a glint in his eyes when he spoke of her, his thoughtful gaze taking him back to a time before I was born.
Horses were his passion and he spent what free time he had in the stables. Harrison was approaching his 60th birthday and by no means was he showing any signs of a man his age. His hair had hints of gray and his spirit was just as young as a man 40 years his junior. He reminded me of the Italians. Full of heart and spunk. Which made me wonder, how on earth did he ever get along with my father?
"I have to say you clean up rather well, sir," he smirked, his eyes scrutinizing every detail of me from head to toe.
"I'll take that as a compliment from you any day, Harrison," I chuckled.
"Are you sure Your Majesty does not need me to come with you?" he asked with a furrowed brow as he put his tools away. "It is highly improper for Your Majesty to travel without his valet."
I turned to face the standing mirror. I had to admit, I was looking rather sharp. "I think I will be perfectly alright, Harrison," I assured him, turning to face him. I walked over, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I don't think I'll be wearing much of anything on my honeymoon." I gave him a wink and with a spring in my step, headed to the door.
"God help us," he murmured.
I turned the knob to the princess' suite and stepped inside. We hadn't made the move to the royal suites as they were still in the process of being remodeled. We hoped the project would be complete soon after we returned from our honeymoon.
Mary and Paige greeted me at once with a curtsy.
"Good morning, ladies," I nodded, but my eyes were glued on my love. America. My heart leapt as she stood from her seat. An instantaneous whistle conveyed my reaction at the beauty standing before me, as I took all of her in at once.
"I gather you approve," she raised a brow, tipping her hip to one side, her hands resting on her waist.
Damn, she had the sexiest legs. I reached her, slipping my hands around her waist and kissed her softly. "You look beautiful in that dress though I personally prefer you in nothing at all," I whispered but obviously not low enough for I heard Mary and Paige giggle.
"Why, Maxon. You're making me blush."
I placed a soft kiss on the side of her neck, my lips trailing up to her ear, "Is that all I'm doing to you?" I asked so she alone could hear. She breathed the faintest sigh. I could feel her body responding and my hands having a mind of their own, began to slowly slide down to her backside.
Gaining her wits all too soon, America stopped me, putting my hands back on her slim waist. A slight scolding look played in those blue eyes. "Need I remind Your Majesty, we are not alone?"
I glanced over to Mary and Paige, who stood there blushing. "Right. Well, that sinks that ship," I retorted, straightening myself back up. A reprise of giggles followed.
"Now honestly," America swiftly changed my focus as she held my hands, stepping back about arm's length.
"Do you think the dress is alright? Not too informal? Not too short?" she asked worriedly, smoothing the material over her thighs.
I smiled. "You would make burlap look amazing, darling."
She blushed. "You're not helping, you know." Her smile lit up the room and my heart.
"I'm useless when it comes to these things, darling. I trust Mary." And turning to Mary I asked, "What do you think?"
"I think she looks stunning!"
"Absolutely chic," Paige confirmed.
I supposed being used to wearing gowns all the time during the Selection would make someone second guess themselves. But I remembered even mother forsaking gross formality for practicality and comfort in her day dresses the few times we traveled on vacation.
America embraced their approval and seemed to relax. It was nice to see. First appearances were nerve racking and she'd been nervous about hers. All eyes would be glued on what she wore, her hairstyle, the shoes, the handbag, the jewelry and makeup. The pressure was palatable. I was happy at that moment to have been born a male.
I checked my watch for the time. "Well, ladies," turning to Mary and Paige, "the motorcade will be leaving shortly. Please make sure Her Majesty is downstairs in half-an-hour."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
I leaned into America and gave her a very slow kiss on those luscious lips she possessed. More giggles.
"See you soon."
"Everything is on schedule, Your Majesty." Stavros reported to me as we walked down to the main floor. "Security is set and on alert. I've placed fully armed security escorts for the motorcade…"
"Is that necessary?" I interrupted.
"We cannot take any chances, Your Majesty. Your safety and that of the Queen's is my main concern. We must be prepared for anything."
"Very well."
He continued, "The jet is on stand-by awaiting your arrival. Your luggage has already been loaded on-board."
"What about staff at our destination?"
"Staff is in place. A car will meet you once you land to take you to the villa."
"And has everything else been prepared per my instructions?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Very good."
By the time I was brought up to relative speed we had reached the main hall.
"In here, Your Majesty," Stavros gestured to one of the rooms off to the side. He opened the door announcing my entrance and I was greeted with a slew of the usual formal greetings. The head of security along with a couple of my advisers were there as Stavros wrapped up the details of the time of arrival and time and date of our return. In addition, he warned of the crowd of paparazzi waiting outside like starved dogs to pounce on us as soon as we made an appearance. Thankfully, he had secured a perimeter for our safety.
I glanced out the window as he spoke. The sight was unbelievable. Cameras and reporters clumped together in a mass behind the roped perimeter. I caught a glimpse of Gavril speaking with Silvia. Gavril, of course had full-access to the royal family for all special events and occasions and would dutifully carry out his assignment for the Report. And as Stavros confirmed, he would get a brief interview with us just before we could escape. Although warned, I wasn't sure how America was going to react to all of this. This was reality smacking me in the face and I couldn't wait to disappear and steal her away from it for now.
I could see the line of black cars and the unmistakable Rolls reserved for us with its tinted windows waiting. Some of the guards I recognized – Avery, Markson and Hector were at their assigned posts. The security detail were getting their final instructions inside the earpieces they wore and I was feeling a bit anxious. The Southern rebels were still a concern and truth be told, the possibility that there could be a rebel attack at any time was not a thought I wished to be having at the moment. Yet, I was grateful that Stavros had been on top of it all while I had been lost in my honeymoon phase.
We spent the next few minutes speaking of the particular day-to-day business of the palace while in my absence. Of course, Stavros had taken care of it all. "No worries, Your Majesty. I will make sure the ship is intact until your return."
I patted him on the back and gave him a confident nod. He had quickly become my most trusted adviser.
A knock. The door opened. The head butler entered.
"Pardon the interruption, Your Majesty, but the Queen has just arrived."
"I guess that's my cue." I smiled on the outside, but my nerves were still on edge.
I followed Stavros out of the room, followed by the rest.
They greeted the Queen right away each with a slight bow.
Such a weight fell off my being once I laid eyes on America. It amazed me the calming effect she so easily had on me. Everything in my world would be right as long as I had her at my side. I smiled broadly and once I joined her, laid a kiss on her temple. "You look beautiful."
"You'll spoil me rotten with so many compliments," she smiled as I offered my arm. She took it and immediately placing my free hand over hers, I felt it ice cold.
"I'm so nervous, Maxon," she admitted.
I was as well, albeit for different reasons but wasn't going to voice that. "It will be alright," I assured.
There was always the formality of a send-off. The main staff had gathered in two lines as Stavros announced our entrance. "Your Majesties, the King and Queen." They were almost like trained soldiers, standing at attention.
I squeezed America's hand just to remind her I was here as we made our way down the hall. I could feel she was tense. Staff showed the usual respect with bows and curtsies as we passed. The line seemed endless! I didn't realize that we had such a large staff!
We could hear the buzz of the paparazzo and the unmistakable sounds of clicking cameras as soon as our figures became visible. Mary and Paige along with Harrison, headed the line of staff. While Mary and Paige handed America some personal items, Harrison discreetly turned to me, a small box in his hand.
He whispered, "Don't think you want to forget this, Your Majesty."
I almost cursed. "Definitely not. Thank you. I owe you one."
"Won't be the last," he murmured with his signature smirk. I shook my head, smiling. Harrison was brash but loveable. I tucked the box inside my jacket pocket.
"Have a safe journey, sir," Harrison bowed.
"Will do."
Next in line was America's sister, Kenna, followed by May now both formally assigned the title Lady and at the very front, the Queen Mother. Kenna curtsied, and shared a little banter with her sister. May, being the bright light she was, forsook all formality and hugged her sister by the waist. America laughed, and gave her a kiss on the top of her head.
"You be good while I'm gone, okay?" she told May. As carefree as her nature was, May frowned. "You're a Lady now."
"Whatever that means," May shrugged in return. One day she might come to appreciate her new role.
America's mother wore the proudest gleam in her eyes as she looked at her daughters. I could only imagine how proud Shalom would be too. I gave May a hug and she made me promise to take care of her sister. I swore with the promise of hoping to die and sticking needles in my eyes.
America had moved on to her mother and they spoke quietly, and soon I greeted my mother-in-law with a kiss on the cheek.
"You two look perfect together." Magda wore the happiest smile as she held my hand.
"So…" she continued, tossing a glance at America, then back to me, "has she made you a man yet?"
In a flash, America's face turned crimson red. "Mother!" she scolded behind gritted teeth, stunned at her mother's crass question.
"I'm only asking…"
"Ugh, mother!" she cried quietly at the same time keeping her cool.
I could only smile. I gave Magda another kiss on the cheek saying, "We'll see you on our return, mother."
Her own face flushed and giddily turning to Kenna and May, "Did you hear what he just called me? Mother!"
Dodging my new mother-in-law was easier than doing so with the press. As soon as we stepped on to the pebbled drive, Gavril was there, at the ready, his perfectly coiffed hair and bleached smile waiting for us. He gave a bow as the feverish clicks of cameras fighting to memorialize that perfect moment, frozen in time, an image of the happily married King of Illéa, filled the air. I held America's hand and felt her grip tighten. I glanced over and saw that she was doing a good job holding it together with a smile of her own.
"Your Majesties," Gavril greeted.
"Gavril," I greeted in return, "let's get this over and done with quickly, please," I stated through clenched teeth, my tone tainted with a slight tinge of irritation that we had to do this.
Gavril, always the showman, didn't blink an eye. He gave the cameraman the go-ahead to start recording. As soon as the red light flashed he started, "Your Majesties, I want to thank you for taking a moment to speak with us. What an exciting week this has been for our nation! Millions of eyes from coast to coast witnessed one of the most anticipated unions of our lifetime! It gladdens our heart to welcome the new King and Queen of Illéa, the new Sovereigns of this great country. The outpouring of love and support from the people of Illéa has been nothing but outstanding."
"Thank you, Gavril. The Queen and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all of your personal messages and cards wishing us happiness. We are very blessed and humbled to be put in this position and want to extend our gratitude and love to all of the people of Illéa. We look forward to serving your interests and making this nation stronger with the support of its citizens."
"Very well said, Your Majesty. Very well said. Now…we know you are anxiously waiting to take off on your honeymoon, any hints of your destination you may want to share with us?"
I chuckled, "Not a chance."
"I can certainly respect that, Your Majesty," he laughed. "With that, we will wish Your Majesties a safe journey and return but before we end, Queen America, you are looking as lovely and radiant as ever," he turned his focus on her.
"Thank you, Gavril," she smiled.
"With the Selection behind you and now the wedding and coronation as well, please tell us, how are you feeling?"
America beamed, "On top of the world."
"And so it seems," he agreed. "Thank you, Your Majesties." He continued, "So there you have it, the King and …"
His voice faded into the background as Silvia called us to join her, directing us to stand before the mass of cameramen and reporters on the other side of the rope for the photo ops they had been waiting all morning to get. Some flashes popped, the continuous clicks of high speed cameras and the flood of questions hurled at us from all directions could be overwhelmingly intimidating.
"A kiss, Your Majesties…for the people!" came a demand from somewhere.
I whispered to America and she blushed. We kissed and the feverish pitch of the cameras swelled.
We smiled at each other and as regal as I'd ever seen America, she took this whole thing in stride. Silvia directed us to another spot where we stood briefly for a few more pictures and waving to the crazed photographers and reporters, we turned to the sanctuary of the Rolls.
The door was opened for us. America climbed in first and I followed. We looked at each other once the thud of the door shut us in, and laughed. The laughter was more an exhalation of relief that that was over with.
Our fingers laced and I kissed the back of her hand. I felt safety again. As soon as all the parties were in place, the Rolls began its journey, following the lead cars down the long drive of the palace. Finally, we were on our way!
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