So, I feel the need to say how insane it is that my story has 21 chapters because normally I don't have the attention span to actually keep writing…Anyway! I know it's been awhile and I'm sorry about that, but I'm getting caught up in school and I really don't want to study for my midterm! So, enjoy you guys!
America's fingers were intertwined with Maxon's as they entered the dining area, smiles on their faces as they saw both families enjoying each other's company and laughing sincerely. "America!" May screamed before running to her sister, hugging her tightly around the waist as America returned the hug with one hand, the other still wrapped with Maxon's. "Oh, May, how I've missed you!" America said happily, looking down at her little replica, grinning widely. It was obvious that the maids in the palace had already had their way with America's family, both May and her mother adorning beautiful dresses with some of the palace's jewels. America's father and Gared were both dressed in new suits, both having had their hair trimmed. America's parents made their way to the happy couple. "No Kota?" America asked somewhat icily. Her parents shook their heads. "Good. I don't want him anywhere near here." She said coolly, embracing her family tightly as Maxon kissed her cheek and excused himself, heading over to join his mother and his aunt Adele. America smiled at her mother and father, surprised that they both had tears in their eyes. "Is everything okay?" America asked, her voice filled with concern. Her parents chuckled lightly and nodded. "Everything is fine, princess, or should I say Princess America." Her father responded, a sad smile on his face as he hugged her tightly. America rubbed her fathers back soothingly, feeling tears hit her shoulders as her father shed a few tears. "Dad, it's okay." America said, holding back tears as she smiled encouragingly at her mother, who was also crying a little. "It's just, you won, sweetie. It still hasn't sunk in for any of us." Her mother said with a grin, causing America to laugh as she held up her left hand. "It hasn't hit me yet either, honestly!" She said with a laugh, hugging her parents tightly.
America broke free of her parents and ran over to sweep Gared up, spinning him around in an un-lady like fashion as he laughed in response, hugging her tightly. "I knew you would win." He whispered, causing America to choke back tears. "Really?" She whispered back, setting him down on his feet as she kneeled down to his height. He nodded sadly at her and she pulled him in for a hug. "Why do you look so sad?" She asked softly. He looked up at her and frowned slightly. "Because now I won't see you as much." He pouted, folding his arms over his chest. She laughed and ruffled his hair. "What's so funny?!" He demanded. "You get to live here too, you goof! And do whatever you want, too! You can study Science if you want to!" America said with a smile, laughing softly as Gared let out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness for that, then!" He grinned happily before turning towards the table that held the food, his fears and his mind at ease. America brought herself up and smiled at the sight before her. Her parents had made their way over to Maxon and his family, and May was talking animatedly with one of the Silvia about something that seemed to interest the both of them, while Gared helped himself to some delicious strawberry pastries, the same kind that America had bet Maxon her first day that May would cry over. She smiled fondly at the memory, letting a small laugh escape her lips. A pair of arms wrapped themselves around America's waist, her cheeks flushing slightly as she tilted her head to meet Maxon's lips, grinning as she did so.
"They're all getting along so well." America said with a smile, watching as the two families began to seat themselves, her family mixed with Maxon's. Two seats remained empty and the newly engaged couple made their way over to them, Maxon making sure that America was situated in her seat before he sat down. There was no elevated seating area for the royal family, and America enjoyed that missing detail very much. Everyone was seated at the same table at the same height, enjoying the same things. Plates were brought out to everyone that was seated and the aromas were enough to make America's mouth water. Once everyone had their food set down, they lifted the lids to reveal a beautiful omelet with bacon, hash browns, and assorted fruits. America smiled at her family's reaction to the inviting meal, knowing that it had probably been ages since they had eaten food this well. Mrs. Singer looked up at Amberly and smiled. "Thank you, Queen Amberly for having us here." Amberly waved her off and smiled. "Please, just call me Amberly, and it shouldn't be me you should be thanking." She smiled before standing, tapping her champagne flute that was filled with orange juice to get everyone's attention. "Now, we are all here because we both have children that have fallen madly in love with each other. America and Maxon, I hope that you two will be very happy together and cherish each other for the rest of your lives. Now, let's eat." Amberly said, quick, sweet and to the point, which everyone appreciated. America was happy to find that the omelet's had cheese inside of them, which completely baffled her. The rest of breakfast was enjoyable as the families got to know each other, but America couldn't help but feel a pair of eyes staring at her.
She looked up in time to meet Amberly's eyes and she swallowed a bit as Amberly smiled warmly at her. "Princess America, I need a word with you after breakfast." She said matter-of-factly; America nodded in return. Breakfast seemed to fly by, and America was sad to leave Maxon's side, but she knew that he had a wonderful afternoon planned with her family, so she couldn't be that upset. America and Amberly waved Maxon, Adele and the Singer family goodbye as the exited the dining area. The doors shut and they were alone at last. America looked up at Amberly curiously and smiled. "Yes, Queen Amberly?" America asked hesitantly, swallowing nervously as Amberly smiled at her. "Follow me, America." Amberly said, heading off towards another set of doors that were in the dining area, surprised when they led to a staircase. They climbed the stair case in silence before arriving at what America finally realized was Amberly's office. She gestured to one of the seats in front of her desk. "Have a seat, please." Amberly's voice was somewhat cold, but America shrugged off the feeling, smiling at her as Amberly took her seat across the desk.
"Now, America, Maxon has proposed and you said yes, so you are engaged. However, there is a lot for you to consider before we go through with any of the wedding planning." America looked a bit shocked and was clearly taken aback, but Amberly continued. "Now, while you were in the Selection, there were threats on your life that were made, and we went through every obstacle to ensure your safety. However, this is one person in particular that we cannot do anything about, really, rather than prevent their entrance to the palace, but that would cause international problems." America swallowed, nodding solemnly, all of the color draining from her face. Amberly reached across the desk and took her hands in her own, squeezing them tightly. "Now, Princess Daphne of France is not your biggest fan, not by any means. She made several threats to your life to both myself and Maxon in an attempt to let her compete in the Selection so that she could win Maxon over. You see, America, Daphne is in love with Maxon. They were somewhat close as children and they were the only ones their age around each other at any of the events that either of our countries held. Maxon told me that before the Selection she had slapped him after his denying her the option of entering and told him he would regret it. We are afraid that she is planning something to harm one or both of you." Amberly sighed sadly and walked over to the empty seat next to America. "I wanted to bring this to your attention for your knowledge, but mainly because she will be invited to the wedding, despite her words so that we can keep good relations with the French Royal family." America nodded in understanding, some color returning to her face. Amberly smiled warmly at her before continuing. "I had to let you know what was going on because I did not want you to be blindsided or taken for a fool if she was suddenly friendly towards you. However, speaking of people that are friendly towards you, we need to discuss your wedding party shortly." America grinned and let out a relaxed laugh, feeling the fear wash away.
"Queen Amberly, if I may, I feel as if I can deal with Celeste and Kriss during the Selection, anything that Daphne has to offer I can handle, especially with Princess Nicolette, who has also faced some of her threats." America said with a small smile. Amberly nodded and was about to speak, but America continued. "I also know that taking on the role as the next Princess and next Queen of Illea is not to be taken lightly. I understand that I will be under surveillance twenty-four seven for my own protection. I know that the public eye will always be on me and every move I make. I will be under much more scrutiny than yourself and Silvia ever put me through, and I can say with confidence that I can handle it. I know that I need to watch my temper and my actions, and that is something that I am willing and ready to work on. I love your son, Queen Amberly, and I would do anything for him." America said with a smile as Queen Amberly stared at her, completely surprised, but smiling. Amberly went forward and hugged America, grinning happily. "Oh, sweetheart, that's what I was hoping you would say." Amberly said with stray tears rolling down her face. "I knew that Maxon made the right choice with you, America, I just knew it." Amberly grinned from ear to ear before standing up and wiping the stray tears away. Amberly took America's hand and lead her out of the office. "Now, America, we have some wedding planning to do, don't you think?" Amberly asked, smiling as they made their way down the stairs to Silvia's office, knowing that there was about to be a lot of information to go through, and a lot of stress headed her way.
BAM. Done. Next chapter will be all about wedding planning and whatnot! Woohoo! :D Let me know what you think! 3