Hi guys! Happy Thanksgiving! A longer chapter as promised.
"It's beautiful!" I cry, amazed. My maids have done it once again. The dress is a work of art. Glittering gold, with hues of red and orange, it has a full skirt and long, draping sleeves. The sleeves reveal my shoulders, and the neckline dips low. But not as low as Celeste's. The waist is tapered, making me look very slender. There is a short train in the back, reminding me of a wedding gown. With my hair elegantly curled atop my head and tiara peeking out, I look...like a queen.
"You look royal, Lady America." Anne says softly. I smile, pleased she thinks so. "I feel royal, Anne." Lucy exclaims, "And the Prince will think so too!" I laugh. "I hope so, Lucy."
"He will, don't you worry." she assures me. I wish I had her confidence.
"Now hurry up. You don't want to be late." Mary reminds me. "Thank you girls!" I say on my way out. "Anything for you, Lady America!" they chime. I have, by far, the best maids.
I am beginning to descend the steps when I see Maxon walking up them to greet me. "Lady America." he bows. "Your highness." I curtsy. "May I walk you down the steps?" he asks politely. "Of course. I would be honored." I reply. Guess we're playing the polite game. He puts his arm out, and I take it. We walk down the steps together.
"The Italian guests should be arriving soon." Maxon remarks. That's right. Kriss was assigned the guests, and chose to invite the Italians. She probably wants them to like her so much, they become her allies.
I think of Princess Nicoletta. I have the advantage here.
"Yes, it will be interesting to see them." I reply. Maxon continues. "We hope to make allies of them. Maybe if they like you enough they'll become your ally, and my father won't give you such a hard time." He looks hopeful, and I wish he knew. Maybe I can tell him.
"Anything is possible." I say coyly. Maxon smiles, and pecks my cheek with a quick kiss. "With you America, that is true." I smile back. We reach the bottom of the stairs, and I see Celeste watching us. She seethes. But when Maxon looks at her, she transforms from angry to sly. She grabs Maxon's arm. "Maxon," she purrs. "Come with me, will you. I have something...important to tell you." I can tell that "something important" is probably something romantic by the way she drapes herself over him and speaks with a syrupy tone. Thankfully Maxon refuses the offer and steps away, still holding my arm. "Thank you Lady Celeste, but I must escort Lady America to the Thanksgiving Feast. Shall I escort you also?"
I am disappointed, but the Selection is still in place. I must remember that. "Yes, I would be delighted if you did Maxon." She replies sweetly. "Prince Maxon." I remind her politely. She turns to me and says condescendingly, "Look who's talking. The girl who called him "Maxon" in front of the entire country." "Ladies, ladies, play nice." Maxon commands.
Celeste smiles sweetly and continues walking. "Maxon, I was in charge of the entertainment. I told the band to play some...how should I put it...romantic music. May I reserve you for those songs?" Maxon grimaces, then covers it up with a polite smile. "I shall be happy to dance with you, but I do have other responsibilities." Celeste sniffles and puts on the worst sad face I've ever seen. She's such a joke. Celeste probably ruined the whole playlist. But she is still dangerous, I have to remind myself.
We enter the dining hall an announcer speaks. "Prince Maxon, Lady America, and Lady Celeste have entered the room." The crowd bows, except for the other members of the Selection, the King, and the Queen. The Royals smile, but Kriss looks jealous while Elise just stares. Maxon's eliminating someone tonight. Will it be Elise? She looks as if she has given up. I would if I were in her shoes. Knowing Maxon didn't love me and I was here because of ties would be too much. Celeste is curtsying, and Maxon is leaning into a bow. I catch myself and curtsy quickly. Then I smile widely at the crowd. It is mainly made up of ambassadors and advisors, with a few important threes. No Italians yet.
I scan the room, taking in the decorations Elise planned. Bouquets of bright yellow sunflowers, tiger lilies, and deep red roses fill the corners. The windows are draped with garlands of leaves and acorns. The lights are dimmed, coating the room with an amber glow. The band is in the corner playing softly. My eyes land on the table. I gasp. It turned out better then I ever imagined! Corn on the cob, cranberry sauce, stuffing, gravy, rolls, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, chocolate cake and more desserts fill the table. A huge, plump turkey is the centerpiece, taking up more than its fair share of table space. Maxon compliments me on my choice of foods. "No one will go hungry tonight." he says. He knows nothing of hunger. I sigh. "Yes, everyone will be satisfied." I reply distractedly.
"Did I say something America? Why are you..." He realizes his mistake. "Oh. I said no one will be hungry. Yet we are never hungry as Ones, Twos, Threes, and Fours. But Fives, Sixes, Sevens, and Eights could be starving for all I know. I'm truly sorry America." He looks so apologetic that I say "It's fine, Maxon. Really it is. I know you have done much to help, and for that I am grateful." I smile up at him, expressing my gratitude. "Tonight is a night to be grateful." I add. He smiles back, relieved. "Yes it is."
"Ladies and gentlemen, the royal family of Italy!" I hear the announcer say. I turn and see the King and Queen of Italy, along with Princess Nicoletta and her siblings. She smiles warmly at me. I smile back. We should talk.
Later that night, we do talk. After stuffing ourselves with turkey and other delicacies, we stand in a corner and sip wine that tastes like nuts and fruit.
"Lady America, you know you have the Italian Royal Family's support as to becoming queen. A country with you as a leader would be a country worth fighting side by side with. Especially after you proposed the elimination of the caste system. If I can make this known to the Illéa royal family, I will. As will my parents."
I stare back, astonished. I know I had Italy's support, but for her to make it known would be wonderful! The king might let me marry Maxon! "That would be wonderful, Princess Nicoletta." I say.
She smiles, the continues. "Make sure you dance with the Prince tonight, and I shall make the announcement then. Also, please call me Nicoletta. I am your ally, if not your friend."
"I would love to be your friend, Nicoletta." I reply. She grins, then pushes me towards Maxon. "Then, as a friend, I suggest you go dance with the one you love."
I walk to Maxon and curtsy. "Your highness, may I have this dance?" Maxon bows. "I would be honored, Lady America." He takes my waist, and I hold my dress. Then our hands touch. A pleasant shiver is sent down my spine. He makes me feel like no one has ever made me feel before. It is amazing.
We start to dance to a slow sarabande. A good one for talking. "What are you thinking, America?" Maxon asks."Your thoughts are a mystery to me." I pause, looking for an answer. Should I tell him about Nicoletta? No, he will find out soon enough. "Oh, I'm just thinking about how delicious the food was." I joke.
"It was quite delicious." he plays along. "The only thing is, well, there wasn't enough chocolate cake. It is personally a favorite of mine, but there was none left for me. I was very disappointed."
I laugh. Discovering something new about Maxon is rare. "Well, I'll be sure to tell the chef to reserve some for the Prince next time I plan the food."
He laughs also. Then we just dance, lost in the music and content with each other's company. All too soon, the song ends and Nicoletta walks to the stage.
She picks up a microphone and clears her throat. "Dear Illéa, I have an announcement to make. First of all, I would like to thank you for your hospitality. My family and I have felt very comfortable and at home. Second, I would like to comment on the lovely ladies of the Selection, especially Lady America. Italy is hoping she will marry your lovely Prince, because we believe she will change the country for the better. Lady America has our full support, and if she becomes queen, Illèa will have gained an ally. Thank you for your consideration." She ends. The crowd bursts into applause, and everyone turns to look at Maxon and I. Maxon has his arm around my shoulder, and mine is around his waist. We must look like a couple. Iblush. So many eyes are watching us.
Maxon turns to me and smiles at my embarrassment. Then he lifts my chin and lightly dusts my lips with his. In front of the whole country! I blush even more and smile, pleased. He kissed me in front if his parents! In front of Kriss! We stand there for a second, basking in each other's presence, forgetting everyone else.
The crowd starts to chant "elimination" several times. I guess they are getting impatient, and maybe they hope Maxon chooses me right here, right now. I hope that. But I know it isn't possible.
Maxon gives in, and walks toward the stage. He starts to talk. "I know you want me to end this Selection, as I do. But I still have not made a choice. I will make an elimination, if that satisfies you. He turns towards Elise and Celeste, who are standing near each other. Who will he eliminate?
Celeste, oh please Celeste.
"I am very sorry to have to eliminate you, but I fear we have no spark. Marrying you would be a mistake, for you and I. You are an intelligent, kind, and caring person, but not right for me."
It's not Celeste, unless Maxon likes to lie.
"Lady Elise, please understand, but I am eliminating you."
Elise does not look surprised.
"Thank you for staying at the palace and being patient, but I shall ask you to return home. Enjoy your stay for the rest of the time."
The crowd cheers, happy for an elimination. Elise just walks out of the room. I want to talk to her before she leaves.
Maxon gets off the stage looking tired. The rest of the feast is spent sitting in a corner, watching Maxon dance with Celeste and Kriss. Kriss looks mad at him, (for the kiss, I suppose) but Celeste just looks determined. I occasionally talk to people, and dance a little bit, but soon retire to bed.
I open the door to my room, about to call for my maids. But when I enter, I see Elise sitting on my bed, crying. I rush to her. "Elise!" I cry. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine, America. But we need to talk."
Wahahaha, cliffhanger!