"Where should we go, buddy?" I whispered in a 'baby' voice to the bundle in my arm.
I was having a really hard time balancing the heavy diaper bag in one arm and cradling Ryder in the other when I bumped into Maxon on the way down the hall.
"Oh, I'm so sor-" I started, then looked up to see Maxon grinning down at me, his hand holding up the bag to prevent it from sliding off.
"Silvia said you had something to discuss with me?" He took the bag of my sore arm, and put a hand around my waist, guiding me forward.
"Well, yes, see umm... Queen Éléonore sent a letter over inviting us to attend her daughter's wedding."
"Which daughter? She has... what? Three daughters?"
"Daphne, your 'kind-of ex'," I looked up at him, but saw no apparent signs of discomfort from talking about the subject at hand.
"Well, what are you waiting for? We should go! There hasn't been a wedding since Nicoletta got married last year!"
My dear friend, Nicoletta, the princess of Italy had gotten married to the prince of Spain last year, and I was happy to say, it was a wonderful match. They both seemed to genuinely like, if not love, each other even from their second meeting, and after a month of courtship, they had gotten engaged. Nicoletta was so overjoyed when he proposed that she called me in the middle of the night (forgetting the time difference between Illéa and Italy, no doubt) and explained to me in detail the events of the proposal. I was so happy for her that it worked out this way since most arranged marriages turn out a little awkward. She's now currently in line to be the Queen of Spain.
"If you're okay with it, I'll go ahead and write a reply."
"Yeah, of course I'm fine with it. It'll also be a good chance to catch up with the other members of the French Royal Family."
I must have still looked a little doubtful, because Maxon took my free hand and reassured, "America, I never loved her. She was a great friend and companion, but never a love interest. So, don't worry about it."
"Great, I'll go right along then. Don't you have any work to do?"
"I dismissed the meeting early. Some of the advisors got mad at each other and started arguing, so I decided to end it. We weren't getting anywhere anyway."
I chuckled, "Classic advisor rivalry, huh?"
"Yeah..." He scratched his head, "I really don't know how to go about pleasing everyone."
At that moment he looked so lost and child-like that I couldn't help kissing him on the cheek. Sometimes I still forget he was practically as confused and overwhelmed as I was, and that he needed to be reassured and led too.
"Let's do something fun to take your mind off things, shall we?" I spoke to both Maxon and Ryder, "That letter to Queen Éléonore can wait."
"Why not, my dears?" He gave me a peck on my nose, "Since we're graced with the company of this little one, we should do something special."
"No hunting or archery or riding, you know." I warned, thinking about Maxon's ideas of fun, "We need to get Ryder back to Marlee safe and sound."
"America," He stared at me incredulously, "Do you think I'm a total baby safety-oblivious person? I think I'm smarter than that!"
"Well, you were an only child, so..." I trailed off, grinning.
"Yes, but, this is common knowledge, alright?"
"Fine, fine," I laughed, slapping him lightly on the shoulder, "So what do you have in mind?"
"We should go on a picnic," He suggested, seemingly proud of his brilliant idea.
"A picnic? Really, Maxon? Is that the best you can do?"
"What? It's the most baby safe thing we can do in the palace."
"That's lame, but whatever makes you happy," I shrugged, "We should inform the kitchen about our sudden decision."
"I'll make sure they put in those strawberry tarts," He winked, then headed down to the kitchen.
"See you in the gardens!" I called after him.
When Maxon arrived in the gardens, the maids had already set out a huge checkered picnic mat with our utensils, and a baby carrier for Ryder to lie in. Some were starting to bring out our food. I laid flat on my back looking at the clouds when Maxon whipped out his camera and took a picture of my surprised face. Attractive.
"You need to let me know before taking a picture!" I sat up, "I look so unprepared in all of your pictures."
"That's a natural shot! It wouldn't have the same effect if it were warned," He spoke while stuffing a slice of apple pie into his mouth.
The rest of the day was filled with laughter and amusement. Maxon took at least a hundred pictures of me and Ryder, and we almost finished all the food prepared (which was a very unhealthy amount to be consumed), while Ryder entertained us with his baby antics. When evening came, the weather got chilly, and Maxon started shivering, which was a sign that we should be heading in soon.
"Maxon, it isn't even that cold!" I boasted, carrying Ryder out of his carrier.
"I've lived in Angeles all my life and this is pretty chilly, okay?" He rolled his eyes, helping me with the diaper bag.
"Excuses, excuses," I walked through the door.
"Thank you so much America! It was nice having a little rest." Marlee smiled brilliantly while reaching over to hold Ryder, looking a thousand times more rested than before.
"No problem, he was a lot of fun," I winked, handing over the diaper bag, "Maxon and I had lots of fun."
"Goodnight, America!" She waved as she shut the door.
I walked down the hallway, listening to my feet thud against the plush carpets with every step I took. The palace seemed lonely tonight; there wasn't as much bustling, not much activity going on around. It felt like the loneliness seeped into me, creating its own pool of emptiness in my chest. Maxon had rushed off to another urgent meeting, and I had finally decided to return Ryder to Marlee even though I wanted him to accompany me longer. It was sad how being the Queen meant no one actually talked to me as an equal, a friend – except for Marlee, but Marlee was too busy with her own family anyway.
I returned to the Queen's suite where I was greeted by a very enthusiastic Mary, who helped me out of my dress and into my nightgown.
"My lady, Avery proposed today!" She squealed, clapping her hands together in delight.
After my wedding, I found out that Mary had a gigantic crush on Officer Avery, but didn't have the guts to talk to him about it. When she finally did, under my insistent persuasions, he had asked her out and they began dating. Now, there was a happy ending to conclude this relationship.
"That is wonderful, Mary!" I beamed, turning back to grasp her hand, where, I noticed, a beautiful silver ring shone in the light. I felt terrible for not realising it at all until now, seeing as I was too distracted in my own thoughts. She deserved my full attention just as she has given me hers for the past three years.
