I try to stay steady while I walk down the aisle with Aspen on my arm. Keeping a smile plastered on my face, I silently thank and look over the large crowd before me. All the Selected are here, staring at me with complete adoration, except for Celeste and Elise who aren't present. Marlee gives me a wink as I walk by, blowing me a kiss. Aspen straightened when we passed by Lucy; I could tell she was trying so hard to keep her attention on me, but she couldn't help herself from staring at her soon-to-be husband. And then there's May and Kenna, hugging each other tightly with tears streaming down their faces. Mom putting forth so much visible effort to keep her tears in check.

I almost forget what's waiting for me at the end of the aisle, so I look forward and he's there. In his cream colored suit with his blue sash, the medals and badges catching the light from the setting sun. His heavy crown set perfectly on top of his slicked back, golden waves. It's like the cameras stop flashing, there's no one watching. There's only me, and only him; nothing felt so right.

Aspen and I hobbled up the steps slowly with his bad leg. I turn and give him a kiss on the cheek, saying goodbye to so many things. He takes my hand and puts it in Maxon's extended palm. Giving me away. Me and Maxon turn to each other.

"Hello, my dear," he whispers

"Don't start."

We're both left smiling, and he takes my other hand. He stares deeply into my eyes, showing me how much he loves me in so many ways. The priest says his words, and it's finally time to say our vows.

He turns to Maxon. "Repeat after me, Your Majesty. I, Maxon Schreave..."

Maxon nervously clears his throat. "I, Maxon Schreave," he begins.

"Take you, America Singer, to be my wife, my queen, my equal."

Maxon repeats again, his chocolate brown eyes sparkling with excitement.

"To have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish till death do us part," Maxon finishes.

I smile as the priest turns to me. "Now repeat after me, miss. I, America Singer..."

I repeat after him and finish my vows, not faltering like I thought I would. How could I, when Maxon was there keeping me steady?

"Now is the time for personal vows," the priest announces. "King Maxon?"

Maxon smiles. "America, from the moment I first saw you, I knew you were the one with whom I wanted to share my life. Your beauty, heart, and mind inspire me to be the best person I can be. I promise to love you for eternity, respecting you, honoring you, being faithful to you, and sharing my life with you. This is my solemn vow."

I attempt to hold back my tears, but one tear decides to be rebellious and slips down my cheek. Maxon lets go of my hand to wipe away the stray tear, making me want to cry harder.

The priest turns to me. "Maxon, today I take you to be my husband. Together we will create a home, becoming a part of one another. I vow to help create a life that we can cherish, inspiring your love for me and mine for you. I vow to be honest, caring and truthful, to love you as you are and not as I want you to be, and to grow old by your side as your love and best friend."

These words are so utterly beautiful, I never want this moment to end. Maxon seems to think so too; a few tears stream down his face as well.

"America, do you have this man to be your husband, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to him as long as you both shall live?"

I utter out the two words with the most pride and certainty as I can. "I do."

"Maxon, do you have this woman to be your wife, to live together in the covenant of marriage? Do you promise love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, and forsaking all others, be faithful to her as long as you both shall live?"

"I do." I didn't think his smile could get any wider.

Someone hands the priest the pillow with both of our rings on it, mine was taken the night before the wedding, but Maxon hasn't even seen his yet. It's a wedding band, the same color gold as mine.

Maxon takes my ring from the pillow and gently picks up my left hand.

"I, Maxon Schreave, give to you, America Singer, this ring as a symbol of my commitment to love, honor, and respect you. With this ring, I thee wed."

I do the same thing, praying his ring fits and I don't mess up the words.

"With the power invested in me and the holy church, I now pronounce you husband and wife." He turns to my king. "Maxon, you may kiss the bride."

Maxon removes his hand from mine and places it gently on my cheek; the other on my waist. I wrap my arms around his neck as he leans into me. This kiss, this beautiful kiss seals everything I never thought I would have wanted. It seals our vows, our promised words. This single moment made me love him more than ever.

I vaguely remember applause, but all I'm focused on is Maxon's beautiful smile as we pull away. All I want is to run down the aisle and have him pull me into a hug; I still have my vows to Illéa. My palms start to sweat as I try to remember how to say my vows. I'm so scared I'll let the country down, I'll never be as good as Amberly, but I'll try my hardest.

The priest motions for me to kneel down. "Are you, America Schreave, willing to take this oath?"

Butterflies fly in my stomach when he says 'Schreave'. "I am willing."

"Do you vow to uphold the laws and honor of Illéa all the days of your life, governing your people according to their traditions and customs?"

"I do." My voice is surprisingly smooth and easy.

"And do you vow to use your power and placement to bring mercy and justice for all Illéa's people?"

"I do."

"And do you vow to protect the interests of Illéa, both at home and abroad?"

One final time. "I do."

Maxon moves behind him and grabs a perfectly fitted crown. It's similar to his, but a little smaller and less fancy.

He places it on my head and announces, "God save the queen!"

The priest knocks his staff against the ground twice, and the people around me repeat Maxon. He takes my hand and helps me from my knees, and we finally get to walk down the aisle as husband and wife.

Back at the castle I wait at the top of the stairs with Maxon behind closed doors, waiting for the guards to announce our names. He takes my hand and gives me a small peck on the cheek.

"May I announce, Their Majesties, King Maxon Schreave and Queen America Schreave!"

Maxon squeezes my hand slightly at hearing my new title. The doors open and we walk down the stairs, hand in hand. A slow song starts, and Maxon puts his arms low on my waist, mine around his neck.

"I'm so glad I get to call you mine," he whispers.

I smile. "I can't believe this happened!"

"I never got to tell you how beautiful you look. When I saw you walking down the aisle, I was so sure I was going to faint then and there."

I giggle lightly. "Oh, stop it, Maxon."

"What, it's true!" He moves closer. "I love you, America Schreave," he sighs, testing my new name.

I move closer. "I love you."

He leans in and touches my lips to his; I can hear everyone sigh from the sight. He goes to hold me closer, and I rest my head against his shoulder. This feeling couldn't have felt more right. I couldn't wait for what our future held.