Hello everyone. So good news, I managed to get the sequel uploaded earlier than I thought. So this chapter is mostly an introductory chapter for the story. So if you haven't read my first story "Happily Ever After" I suggest you read that one first (just a suggestion). Also i'm open to reviews, PM's and suggestion for the story. Every review means the world to me guys. Without further ado, here's chapter one! :)

Chapter 1:

I look down at the beautiful baby girl cooing in my arms. We are sitting on the rocking chair in the nursery, waiting for Maxon to finish his meetings for the day. She quite the quiet baby, meaning she only cries when she's hungry or she pooped. It's been a week since we've returned from Italy and so far parenthood has been great. Sure the lack of sleep is catching up to me and changing unlimited dirty diapers is annoying but I wouldn't trade this for the world. Emmaline starts stirring in my arms and I attempt to soothe her with a lullaby. I hear the door open as I softly sing to my baby girl. I look up from my baby girl's memorizing blue eyes to see Maxon walking over towards us. "How was the meeting?" I ask as I lift my feet off of the ottoman to let Maxon sit down. "Stressful." He replies as I place my feet in his lap and he massages my feet. I continue to sing to Emmaline but it isn't calming her. "What time is it?" I ask. "4:30ish." He replies looking up at me. I sigh and adjust Emmaline in my arms to feed her. I untie my bath robe and Emmaline immediately starts drinking. I relax against the back of the chair and smile down at my baby girl. "She's perfect." Maxon whispers as he stares at her. "Well as long as she doesn't develop my temper." I joke. Maxon laughs and stands up from his seat. Emmaline finishes eating and I hand her off to Maxon so he can burp her. I cover myself up again and close my eyes. "Ames." He whispers as he cradles his little girl. "You should get some rest before dinner. Remember we have the report tonight." I shake my head and stand up from the chair. "No I'm fine. I napped a little this afternoon while she slept." I protest as I organize the diapers sitting on the changing table. "America, go get some sleep. I can look after her for an hour before dinner. If I need anything Marlee is just downstairs in her apartment." I sigh and look over at my baby girl who is happy now that she's fed. "Fine but wake me up before dinner." I mutter as I head towards my suite. I enter my suite to see piles of paper sitting on my desk and countless blankets and baby clothes sitting on my vanity. My room is a mess since Mary hasn't been able to keep it clean. I lay down on my bed and attempt to sleep. I toss and turn for five minutes. I can't stop thinking about Emmaline and how I should be with her right now. I lay there for a few more minutes until I give up and take a shower instead.

As I wash the shampoo out of my hair I hear the door open. "Miss, are you in here." Paige calls out. "Yes Paige I'm just taking a quick shower. What do you need?" I call out. "We need to get you ready for dinner and the report. Remember your family is coming for dinner." She cheers. I hear her leave the room and I quickly finish my shower. I walk out into my room in just a towel and notice Maxon sitting on my bed smirking at my appearance. "I came in here to see if you were sleeping." He states as he walks over to me. "Sorry, I couldn't sleep. Where's Emmaline?" I demand scanning the room. "She's asleep in her bassinet. I thought she should sleep before the report later." He whispers as he pulls me into his arms. He kisses me on the lips and cheeks. I sigh and glance over at the bassinet beside my bed. I nod my head and leave the warmth of Maxon's arms. "I need to get ready." I say as I glance over at Paige. He nods and walks towards his room. "I better go change into something nicer for the report. I'll be back soon." He calls as he leaves my suite.

A little while later I'm dressed and ready for dinner. I'm wearing a floor length pale pink dress with white heels. I'm so glad I can wear heels and a more form fitting dress again. Paige put my hair up in a braid and Mary arrived to look after Emmaline as we eat dinner. "Mary can you dress her in a nice dress for the report." I smile as I run a finger along Emmaline's soft cheek. "Of course America." She smiles. I place a kiss on Emmaline's small forehead and take in her beautiful appearance. I hear the door of my suite open again and the sound of footsteps walking over towards me. "We have a dinner to attend." Maxon whispers as he wraps his arms around my waist. "I know. I can't seem to be able to be without her for more than a minute." I respond as I look up into Maxon's warm eyes. "She'll be fine with Mary. We need to eat before the report." He says as he attempts to lead me away from our sleeping daughter. "But…" I try to protest but Maxon covers my mouth with his hand. "America, she's fine for an hour. She'll be back in your arms before you know it." He smiles as he leads me out of the room.

W e enter the dining room to see my family already sitting at the table along with the Woodworks. Mom smiles at me as I walk to my seat. "Where's the baby?" May asks, frantically looking around the room. "She's with Mary against America's will." Maxon states with a smirk. May looks at him with a confused face but shrugs it off. He takes his seat next to me and digs in. I look at my food but can only think about my baby girl. My mom must be reading my mind because she quietly says "It'll get easier America, trust me." I smile and start eating my food. We eat over small talk, mostly about the report or on how Kenna is doing, she's almost 5 months pregnant and Astra is starting to learn how to talk back. "Oh she started screaming at her mother today when she wouldn't play dolls with her." Mom explains another story about Astra. The Orders were going to come but Kenna felt a bit ill and Astra was in time-out and wasn't allowed to see baby Emmaline for a week as punishment for her behaviour. We laugh at the stories when suddenly we hear a crash. We look over at Kile who is now wearing more peas then he has eaten all night. Marlee sighs and attempts to clean him up but Kile starts throwing the food around. I try to hide my laugh but May sees me and starts laughing to. "So America, have you slept any since the baby was born?" Mom asks, trying to distract us from Kile and his food explosion. I shake my head. "Not a lot. I'm often up 2/3 of the night. She doesn't cry but she doesn't sleep either. She just kinda lies there all night." I explain. Last night was the first night I kinda got some sleep over the past two weeks. The nights now just seem like days to me. My mom shakes her head and glares at me. "Don't forget you have a husband to help you." She reminds me. Maxon puts his fork down and intervenes. "I have been up with her every night but she insists I get some sleep since we do have to run a country. Also I'm taking the night shift tonight since I only have a couple meetings tomorrow." He states, taking his hand in mine. I know Maxon is starting to feel bad for not helping me as much as he thinks he should. "Maxon, you have to sleep. The upper castes are still rioting off and on. You have a country the run and I have a baby to raise." I state. Maxon shakes his head and mutters "Just wait and see." My mother smiles softly at us and returns her plate.

We finish our meal and we all walk into the Report room. This report is very important since we are announcing Emmaline's birth. The country found out that the baby was born a day after she was but they didn't know the name or the gender. The citizens are eager to finally know the details. We are hoping that the baby will appease the twos and threes for a while. I walk over to where Mary is holding Emmaline. She's wearing a white dress with the white hat Mary made her. Mary holds her out and I happily accept her. Her blue eyes fixate on mine and I place a kiss on her nose. "Hello baby girl." I whisper as I cradle her. She stares up at me and I laugh gently. Maxon walks over and hugs me from behind; placing his chin on my shoulder. "She's beautiful." He smiles. "Just like her mother." He places a kiss on my cheek as Gavril approaches us. "Aright you're Majesties. It's time to announce the baby." He smiles as he looks down at the princess. "She's going to be a miniature America with blond hair." He states as he walks towards his seat. "Hopefully she is Gavril because everyone loves America." Maxon smiles and places a kiss on my forehead. We take out seat on the couch and Maxon wraps his arm around my shoulder. My family are sitting in seats on the side of the stage. Before the camera's turn on, Silvia walks over with a blanket for Emmaline. "Just in case." She whispers to me. I take the blanket and set it beside me on the couch. I'm just hoping at this point that Emmaline doesn't get hungry or fussy during the report. Silvia said I could excuse myself and leave since Emmaline doesn't know that she shouldn't cry on the report. I let out a breath I was holding and adjust Emmaline in my arms. She looks up at me with her sparkling blue eyes. I smile at her as the camera man screams 30 seconds. Maxon places a quick kiss on my cheek and turns towards the camera. "Welcome Illéa to our very special report tonight. I'm Gavril Fadaye and I'm here with King Maxon, Queen America and a very special guest. You're Majesties; I'll let you have the floor." Maxon nods and starts the royal announcement of the baby. "Illéa, I am proud to announce that Queen America has given birth to the heir of the Illéan throne. On March 21st at 1:36am Queen America gave birth to Princess Emmaline May Schreave." I smile at the camera as the country explodes in happiness. I adjust Emmaline so that the camera can get a close-up of her face. Maxon smiles down at his daughter. I look back up to the camera and start my part of the speech. "Emmaline was born a week premature but weighed 7 pounds 3 ounces. She's a healthy baby. We were pleasantly surprised when I went into labour over in Italy while we were attending Princess Nicoletta's wedding." I explain. "Queen America had an easy and quick labour of only 3 hours. We are so excited about our daughter's arrival." Maxon finishes. Gavril smiles widely at us and refocuses at the camera. "There you have it Illéa. Princess Emmaline is here and ready to rule." "Not yet Gavril. She still need another 19 years of training before she can take over the throne." Maxon intervenes. "Of course King Maxon, we also need a selection before she can become Queen." Gavril continues to push Maxon's buttons. "Wait a minute Gavril. My little girl isn't going near boys any time soon. I'll consider a selection when she's thirty." Maxon states, puffing out his chest. I start laughing and shake my head. "Watch out Princess, you have an overprotective father here." Gavril laughs. "Yes she does." I smile. I notice Emmaline starting to stir in my arms and I motion to Gavril to wrap up the announcement. "Congratulations you're Majesties on your daughter and hopefully we'll see more of her soon. Now King Maxon, update us on the caste removal."

The camera zooms in on Maxon and Gavril so that I can exit the stage without being noticed. I walk by Marlee who is standing on the side of the stage with Carter and Kile. She follows me out of the room after he hands Kile to Carter. As soon as I exit the studio, Emmaline starts to cry loudly. I cradle her to my chest and attempt to soothe her with a lullaby. Marlee places her nose near Emmaline and makes a face. "I believe she needs her diaper changed." She announces with a sympathetic smile. "Thanks Marlee." I sigh. "Tell Maxon when he's done that I'll be in the nursery." I call out as I walk in the direction of the third floor.

The sun shines through the large window of my study and lights up the entire room. Today is the first day since I went off maternity leave months ago that I am able to do actual work. April is here and so are the spring meetings. There are several meetings every day for the next week on how we can improve the budgets and the country. Apparently having a baby two weeks ago isn't an excuse to miss the meetings this year. Even though today is Saturday there are still several meetings Maxon must attend and one I have to attend. The country is full of stress right now as the riots continue. We were lucky enough to fly in safely from Italy and there have been no riots yet in Angeles or on the palace. Maxon has been in a lot of meetings trying to please the citizens. Silvia and Marlee are sitting across from me at my desk and they get their notes ready for the meetings. Since I missed the past few months, these ladies are attempting to catch me up on everything that has happened as far as budgets and castes removal goes.

I lean back in my chair and sigh. I glance down at Emmaline, who is lying in the travel-size bassinet on my desk. She looks up at me with her big blue eyes. I laugh at her confused face. "Queen America, this work isn't going to finish itself." Silvia mutters, glaring up at me. I refocus myself onto the papers in front of me. The meeting starts in 20mins and I'm nowhere near ready. I haven't seen the advisors since before the wedding. I'm honestly kind of scared to go into a meeting with them this soon. Normally the Queen is given a month off after the heir is born in order to calm her hormones before attending stressful meetings.

A knock at the door interrupts my thoughts and upsets Emmaline. "Come in." I call out as I pick up my scared daughter. "Knock quieter next time." I mutter angrily, not caring who just came in the room. "Sorry my darling, I thought Emmaline was in the suite with Mary." Maxon says, walking behind the desk to greet me with a kiss. "How's my favourite little girl?" he coos. I cradle Emmaline close to me and whisper "I couldn't leave her alone." Maxon rubs my shoulders and looks up at Marlee and Silvia. "Are the notes almost ready for the meeting?" Marlee sets down the notes she was working on and smiled. "The ones I was working on are done and ready for the advisors. Also I could watch Emmaline during the meeting. I'm sure everyone will find it easier if there isn't a baby crying throughout the entire meeting." Marlee offers. I shake my head, my eyes not leaving Emmaline's. "Ames, I'm sorry but the baby can't come with us. I know it's hard for you to let her go but you need to understand that it will get easier. Marlee is 100% capable of watching her for a few hours." Maxon tries to reason. I say nothing and keep my head down. Marlee and Silvia gather up the notes for the meeting and Silvia carries them out the door to and to the conference room. I feel Maxon hands move from my shoulder and place them on Emmaline. "Trust me Ames." He whispers. Maxon takes Emmaline from me and cradles her in his arms. I watch him as he places a kiss on her forehead and hands her to Marlee. He then takes my hands and leads me out of the chair and out of the room. "Maxon I can't leave her." I protest. Maxon remains silent and guides me down the hall towards the meeting.

I hear the advisors screaming at each other through the door. "Maxon, I'm not ready to face the advisors yet. Now I know that the country isn't at its best right now with the riots but I just need a rest." I plea. Maxon pulls me in for a hug. "I know Ames. Just stay for a little while, for me." He places a piece of hair behind my ear and smiles. "After this meeting we can go to our rooms and relax for a while." "You better keep that promise my royal husbandness." I mutter. Maxon smirks and kisses me lovingly before opening the doors to the meeting. The advisors are all sitting in their chairs arguing over something. The noise level decreases once Maxon and I sit down in our seats. "Gentlemen, we are here today to discuss possible ideas to appease the upper castes within the country within a reasonable budget. We all welcome Queen America to our meeting where she is temporarily returning from maternity leave to help us settle this problem." Maxon opens the meeting and takes my hand underneath the table.

Many different ideas are pitched the advisors but many of them had more consequences than rewards. I lean back in my chair and look around the room. "What if we offer a small check to every household of two's and threes? We can say that it's in celebration of the princess's arrival." One advisor suggests. "And where would we get the money for that? That would take up too much money and the other castes would be upset." Maxon places our joint hands on my lap and sighs. "Any other ideas or can we move on to our next meeting?" He asks. We sit in silence when suddenly an idea comes to my head. "What if we had a celebration?" Maxon looks as me puzzled. "We never had a celebration for the birth of Emmaline. I know she's already two weeks old but I read some old documents before she was born. It was recorded that your birth celebration was three weeks after because of your mother's slow recovery state. We can say that I just finished recovering and since I've only been seen during the birth announcement, it would be believable." I explain. Maxon smiles and looks to the advisors. "We could have small parties throughout the provinces for upper castes and parades and activities for the lower castes to attend." Maxon elaborates. "And the parties and such will help fives get some jobs." I add. The advisors look pleased. "This will help settle them down until we can find a more permanent idea." Maxon stands up as does the rest of the room. "Then it's decided that we will hold a celebration in two days. Someone inform the Silvia and the staff. Gavril, get the word out to mayors and citizens once the details are finalized." "Yes, you're majesty." "The meeting is over. Let's move on to the next meeting after a quick break. Also please excuse the Queen as she is obligated to return to maternity leave and care for the princess." With that the meeting is over and Maxon guides me out of the room.

As soon as the door of the meeting room is closed Maxon pulls me into his arms and kisses me passionately. "I can't believe I married the smartest and most beautiful woman in the entire world." He whispers as he kisses me. "I better get back to Emmaline. She's probably hungry and Marlee can't feed her." I sigh as I break off the kiss. Maxon places a kiss on my hair and smiles sweetly at me. "Okay, I should be back after these meetings. Ames, try to relax for a little while." I nod my head and place one last kiss on Maxon lips. "I'll try but you better meet us for dinner." "I'll be there."

The sky is filled with pink and orange tonight. The sun is setting over the city and the city lights slowly turning on. The Angeles air is cooling down for the night and the night sky is creeping up from the east side of the palace. I'm standing on my balcony, cradling Emmaline in my arms. She looks adorable in her little pink onesie and matching hat. A noise comes from down in the gardens and I see Marlee and Carter walking hand in hand. Marlee is laughing loudly about something Carter said. I unconsciously smile as I watch Carter pull Marlee in for a kiss. I help but think about everything that they went through together. I turn my head to give them some privacy.

I sit down on a lounge chair and pull my knees close to my chest. A knock on the patio door interrupts my thoughts. "Am I allowed to join you?" my husband whispers, half standing between my room and the balcony. His hair is messed up and he is missing his jacket, tie and shoes. Although he is handsome I can't help but be a little mad at him. "You missed dinner." I mutter, not looking up at him. Maxon walks over to me and sits on the chair opposite of me. "I'm sorry my darling. I tried to get out of the meeting but we are still trying to figure out how to appease the castes and try to find money to continue the caste removal." I sigh and look at Maxon. "I know. I was just hoping to have some alone time with you." Maxon stands up from his chair. "We will. We can ask Marlee to watch the baby for a little while. Maybe we can go watch a movie." I laugh and point towards the gardens. "Marlee's busy." Maxon looks down into the gardens. "Looks like baby Woodwork #2 will be here in ten months." He jokes. I stifle a laugh. "When was she fed last?" he asks, nodding to Emmaline. "She's probably going to be hungry soon, why?" I ask. "I'll be back." He mummers as he goes back into my room. I don't understand his secretiveness. I move from my seat and back into my room. I close the balcony doors and turn the table lamp on. The room seems smaller with only the one dim light on. Maxon appears to have disappeared from the room. I lay Emmaline down in her bassinet. I take my hair out of the braid Mary put in earlier. I enter my closet and remove my dress and put on a blue nightgown. I walk over and collapse on my bed waiting for Emmaline to start crying. I'm not disappointed because within two minutes, ear piercing cries fill the room.

I curl up on my bed and start feeding Emmaline. I hear the door of my suite open and Maxon walks in. "Where did you go?" I ask. Maxon sits next to me on the bed and wraps his strong arm around my waist. "This is my favourite view." He whispers in my ear. I smirk and look up at him with loving eyes. "Why, because it involves you seeing my breast?" I joke. Maxon laughs and places a kiss on head. I snuggle up to Maxon. "No, it's because I can feel the love you have for her. She's perfect and so are you." "Well one can never help being born into perfection." I whisper. "No, I don't suppose you can." He lowers his lips on mine. He places a hand on my cheek and deepens the kiss. "You never answered my question." I say against his lips. Maxon pulls away and looks down at Emmaline. "I found us a babysitter for the night or at least a few hours." Emmaline finishes and I place her against my shoulder to burp. "Maxon, I don't think that that's a good idea. She's only two weeks old. She needs to be with me." He sighs and runs a hand through his hair. "Ames, it's just for two hours. You're the one who said you wanted some alone time. Anyways the babysitter I found is more than capable to watch Emmaline." "Who would that be?" I ask sceptically. Maxon looks at me with a smug grin. "Your mother. I called her and asked her and she was more than happy." "Maxon, it's getting late. She needs rest as well. God knows Astra and May have been driving her insane." I argue. "America, Emmaline will be a break for her. Anyways it's too late. She's on her way and I told the guards to let her come straight up here." I sigh and place a kiss on Emmaline's forehead. I watch as her eyes start to close. "See Ames." Maxon whispers. "She's almost asleep anyways."

We sit there on my bed for several minutes, just enjoying the quietness. The door opens slightly and my mom sneaks into the room. "She's asleep already Magda. You have an easy job tonight." Maxon whispers. My mom walks over and hugs me. "Alright America, hand your daughter over. She's going to be fine." I place a kiss on her forehead and hand Emmaline over to my mom. "Magda, I had the room across the hall from us cleaned so you can spend the night in there if you want. There's a bassinet in there for the baby and anything you need is…" "Maxon, I know where everything is. Now don't you start worrying too." My mom smiles. "I did raise five kids you know." "And you did a wonderful job." Maxon adds. My mom waves goodbye and leaves the room quietly. Maxon turns to me the second the door is closed. "Oh no mister. Dr. Cole told me to wait four months before sex." I state. Maxon smirks as he starts removing his shirt. "Who said we had to go that far." His voice gets huskier with every word. I lean up and kiss him. He pushes me onto the bed and runs a hand under my nightgown. "America Schreave, tonight you are mine." He deepens the kiss and turns off the light. For a few moments I forget about all the problems I have to deal with in the morning.

I hope you all enjoyed the first chapter. The next chapter should be up around June 30th the latest (hopefully earlier). Until next time my lovely readers :)

-SelectionGirl0723