Sunlight filtered through the light translucent curtains, greeting my tired eyes with a burst of white. I blinked against the harsh rays, and turned to glance at the clock; 9:30 flashed in my face. Crap. I slept in again. The advisors were not going to be happy, and I would be eating breakfast alone again, since Maxon always got up and about early.
The sounds of running water came from the bathroom, and I walked in to take a look. I haven't summoned my maids yet - not that I really wanted them to wait on me, and no one else would be in my bathroom at this hour anyway.
The splish splash of water grew louder as I neared, and peering in, I spot Maxon testing the steaming water with one hand while pouring in a bottle of soap that exuded a sweet scent with the other. A smile took over my tired features, and I treaded lightly across the cold marble tiles and wrapped my arms around his waist.
He jumped slightly, but turned around and planted a light peck on my lips, "Finally got up, Sleeping Beauty?"
"Why haven't you gone down to work yet? The people of Illéa are waiting for their king!" I teased. Though it's already been a few years, I still couldn't believe that I, America Singer (well now, America Schreave) was the queen of such a beautiful country. Things have progressed slightly after King Clarkson's reign, but many amendments still need to be made; the people are still apprehensive about the gradual abolishing of the castes, and the rebels were not completely convinced yet. But, Maxon is working hard every day, and very soon, he hopes, such worries would be taken away.
"Well, my dear," and before I started my usual protest, he put his hands up in surrender, "America, since you had a rough night last night, and I being the wonderful husband I am, I decided to make you a nice steaming bath before we both head down for breakfast. I don't fancy eating breakfast alone either."
A surge of guilt when through me; he was still so good to me even though I pushed him away last night.
I hugged him even tighter, and burrowed my wild red hair against him, taking in the intermingled scent of bubbles and Maxon.
Breakfast was more delicious than usual with Maxon dining with me. The eggs tasted fluffier, the pancakes softer, the juice sweeter. I made a note to myself to always try to join him for breakfast. Then I remember what I was going to talk to him about. This would be a pretty tiring conversation; I needed to go about it carefully.
"So, I was thinking," I started, nibbling on a piece of toast.
"Uh oh, thinking again?" Maxon looked up, a mixture of worry and amusement on his face, "Too much thinking does you bad sometimes."
"Well, I decided last night that we should try artificial insemination." I put down the toast and glanced up at Maxon.
"America," he clutched my hand across the table, suddenly serious, "I won't let you go through discomfort for this. We can keep trying; the doctor said there was nothing wrong with either of us."
"Maxon, I talked to the doctor, he said discomfort won't necessarily occur, it really depends on each individual."
He shook his head, his jaw set, "No, America, what if you're an individual who happens to go through discomfort? We're still young. We have time."
"Maxon," I started again, but was interrupted by a guard who had walked in.
The guard bowed, and came beside Maxon, "Your Majesty, you are needed immediately in the Meeting Room."
"I'll be right there," he replied, finishing off the last of his pancakes.
Then he stood up and kissed me on the cheek, giving me a 'we'll talk about this later' look, and strode out the room.
I sighed as I watched the maids clean up the dirty dishes, their quick hands swiftly putting everything back in order. I had expected this, didn't I? I knew Maxon wouldn't say yes easily, and yet I still hoped. I needed to talk to Marlee; she would give me the advice I needed.
But that would have to wait too; I was already late for my duties, and Silvia was probably freaking out right now.