The ceremony was a haze of beautiful memories. I drifted down the aisle with my father beside me but everyone else faded away until all I could see was Maxon and his beautiful brown eyes watching me. My father passed me to him and I felt everything in my heart fall into place. Never in my life had anything felt more right than standing in front of all those people ready to commit my life to the man looking at me with adoration. All the bishop's words were lost on me, for all I knew he could have been condemning us to a life of hardship and dangers but all I registered was the moment when he asked Maxon and I to say our vows.

I wasn't expecting much because we had just decided yesterday to get married but he surprised me for the millionth time that day.

'America, my darling, you are all that I could ever wish for in a wife and you are many things I didn't even know I was looking for.' He smiles squeezing my hands tighter between us. 'You are beautiful, loving, compassionate and generous but you are also a perfect blend of fire, passion and stubbornness as well. I don't know how I got so lucky to be able to marry such a perfect woman but thankfully I'm doing it before you realise you're too good for me.' A few chuckles spread throughout the crowd but Maxon continued as if I was the only person in the world. 'I know with certainly I will not let you go but I will never smother your light either. To love you is to understand that a light as bright as yours needs to be shared with the rest of the world. I promise to love you America, as you deserve to be loved and I will spend my life proving to you that you are the only one for me. Everyday you will know that you are always the first and last thing on my mind, you are the one I want to spend all my time with and you are the one I want to rule beside. You are my greatest friend and my most trusted confidante. I love you America Singer plain and simple, when all the world is in chaos I know with certainty that my love for you will never change. It will never lose its shine and will only grow and mature with years.' He finished and I felt the tears pool in my eyes. Silently, I questioned why he got to go first when I was now all choked up with tears.

'Maxon, you are more than I could have ever hoped for in my life. You took a chance on a girl who often couldn't promise you more than a moment. You had faith in us and more importantly you had faith in me. You had faith that someday I would come to my senses and realise the man in front of me was all I needed in the world to be happy. Through all my mistakes and all my stubborn actions you loved me, even when I didn't want to hear it. If I have your heart then you have my soul and I know that you will keep it safe because the love I feel reminds me of that. Every time I see you my heart races and it's like falling in love with you all over again. It may have taken me longer than anticipated but I know with certainty that the only place my love could ever lie is with you. I love you Maxon Schreave for everything you are to me and to the people of this country. Even when the world seems to be falling apart around you, remember that my love for you will always be true.' I finished barely holding my tears at bay.

We exchaned rings with shaky hands and the next thing I remembered was the bishop pronouncing us husband and wife. Then Maxon pulling me in for our first kiss as a newly married couple. It felt different and the same. More than anything it felt right, in every possible way. As Maxon led me back down the aisle I didn't hear the cheers, I didn't see the people's faces and I couldn't feel the exuberance of the crowd. All I was focused on was the man by my side and our life together. We had finally made it and I felt like I was flying. Luckily my husband had given me wings on my wedding day.

The press quickly snapped photo's of Maxon and I when we returned to the palace but we were immediately whisked away by Sylvia to change for the coronation. Maxon's crown and my tiara were removed in preparation for the heavier crowns we would receive when he became king and I his queen. We changed from our wedding clothes into ones we were to be coronated in. Maxon wore a military uniform, traditional of a high ranked soldier in the army and I was put in a deep blue gown that was strapless and cinched in at the waist until it flared out in large skirts. I wore a capped sleeved half jacket that covered the remainder of my exposed back. Once we were changed Sylvia bustled us back to a set of doors where the crowd had gathered. Maxon looked at me appreciatively and pulled me in for a quick kiss just before the doors opened to admit us into the grand room. I felt Maxon stiffen and I grabbed his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze, reminding him he didn't need to do this alone.

When I walked down this aisle I got to do it with Maxon and it made my heart soar thinking I would never need to do anything alone again and neither would Maxon. He had me and I had him, in the end that was all that really mattered. We trailed behind his father who led us to the podium where the same Bishop who had officiated our marriage stood to coronate the new king and his queen.

The room was deathly silent as our small procession made its way up the aisle, all eyes on us. This time I was able to take in most of the crowd and I realised the majority of the crowd were made up of the advisors and their families, I guessed, and to my displeasure a lot of the Selected had been invited, including Celeste. I honestly assumed I would never need to see her again in my life, yet there she was with her ever familiar scowl marring what I had always thought was a beautiful face. When we finally reached the podium I stepped to the side next to the nervous Sylvia while Maxon and King Clarkson stood facing the Bishop with their backs to the silent room who were all on their feet to watch as the crown passed to the next King.

As the bishop began the ceremony I noticed that Sylvia was mouthing along to everything the man said and every time the older man missed a word she would tense but anyone who didn't know wouldn't have noticed the mistake.

Eventually, it came to the point where Maxon made his pledge to the people and the crown. He repeated every word the bishop said with confidence and authority. I knew he had been nervous before but I was so proud that he was ready to accept a responsibility that was so heavy for his young shoulders. The look in his eyes told me he was ready to lead, ready to make his mark on the country he loved so much. Both men were now kneeling in front of the ageing bishop as he transferred the crown from Clarkson to Maxon's head. It rested heavily on Maxon's blond hair as he rose to receive the sceptre and the orb. Maxon had explained to me earlier that the sceptre represents his kingly power. This one had a dove carved into the stem and it signifies justice and mercy. I secretly wondered why a man like Gregory Illea would have included that when he was driven by greed and a thirst for power. I guessed it was all for show just like everything else he had done for this country.

Maxon stood tall as he turned to face the people who have gathered to watch the crowning of their new king along with the cameras which would broadcast it across this country and the world. His face was stern and authoritative, showing nothing of the young boy who before was merely a prince in training to take the throne. He was a man, a king before his people, showing his strength in the face of adversity. The room erupted into cheers and applause and I felt the proud smile spread across my face.

I watched as the once king stepped away from the bishop and I knew it was my turn. Slowly, I stepped up beside Maxon and looked up at the bishop. I felt Maxon shift beside me and I looked over to see him giving me a reassuring smile before I said my own vows and received the delicate crown that announced to the world that I was Maxon's queen. Maxon helped me to my feet and together we turned to face the people. Again, they cheered as the first strains of the Illean national anthem began to play. Maxon led me back down the aisle to the applause of the people.

Finally, we made it to the end and out the door but still our jobs weren't done. Again we were whisked away for official photographs and then taken to change because now we had a reception to attend.

Back in our wedding clothes we were taken out to the gardens where the wedding had taken place. The space had been transformed into a dance floor with delicate tables encircling the whole scene. Wildflowers were exploding everywhere and sparking lights dotted the trees surrounding the space in the dying rays of the afternoon sun. More strings of lights hung across the entire dance floor and they looked like bright stars in the darkening sky. All the guests had already gathered awaiting Maxon and I's arrival.

'Ready, my love.' Maxon whispered in my ear placing a kiss on my temple and I instinctively leaned in closer to him.

'I'll always be ready as long as I'm with you.' I replied, giving him a loving smile.

When we were announced the gathered crowd burst into exuberant applause as Maxon led me gracefully to the centre of the dance floor where everyone had cleared a space for us to have our first dance. As soon as the first notes of the music began Maxon pulled me close and we swayed gently to the graceful music.

Our movements were a stark contrast to everything that had led us to this point. We were both happy to just absorb the moment and revel in the calm of finally just being able to hold one another. Gradually, couples began to join us and we were lost in the sea of formal gowns and men in tailored suits but they were just distant flutters in my vision as I danced with my now husband.

'King Maxon, may I have a dance with your new queen.' I looked up from Maxon's shoulder to see a beaming King Frederick.

'No, she's finally mine, I'm not sharing.' Maxon replied pulling me closer with a playful scowl on his face.

'Never would share his toys when he was younger. Such a selfish young boy.' Frederick scolded.

'How about you go and find May, I'm sure she would enjoy a dance with her new brother-in-law.' I said, patting Maxon on the shoulder as I stepped out of his embrace. He pouted childishly and pulled me back in, placing a soft kiss on my lips.

'The faster we get around to all the guests the more time we can spend in each others arms.' I whispered against his lips.

'Promise?' He murmured back and I smiled against his lips.

'I'm all yours.' He placed another kiss on my lips before releasing me and looking over at King Frederick.

'I'm trusting her with you Frederick. If anything happens to her my first decree as king will be to have your head.' He declared dramatically.

'You'll need to get in line. If I ever set foot on Swedenway soil they'll arrest me on site.' Frederick admits a little sheepishly.

'They're so calm. How could you have done something to offend them?' Maxon asked, a little shocked.

'Something about a bus and a river, possibly a bridge as well.' He answered vaguely looking away.

'Are you sure I should leave you with him America?' Maxon asked, only partially joking.

'Of course. There's no buses in the gardens.' I assured him moving closer to Frederick. Maxon looked at us skeptically but eventually disappeared vowing to return as fast as he could.

'Finally,' Frederick sighed pulling me into a traditional dancing hold. 'I thought he was never going to leave.'

'You know you don't always need to cause trouble.'

'Next you're going to tell me I don't always need to breathe.'

'Some may welcome that change.' I muttered and Frederick chuckled as we flitted around the dance floor of twirling couples.

'So, King Frederick, you stole my Prince, well I guess he's king now.' I glared at him, still a little angry that he would try and ruin my wedding day.

'So I did.' He answered without explanation.

'Was there a bigger reason or were you just bored?'

'Like I told Maxon, I always have a plan.' He answered confidently.

'How did you know about Aspen?' I asked accusingly.

'I heard him speaking to a maid last night before I came across you. He was telling her that he was still in love with another and that was the reason for his reservations with her. Now normally I would ignore palace gossip but when I heard him say that she came from his province in Carolina and she was here in the palace I made some quick assumptions. It just so happens I was right.'

'So you locked him and Maxon up on the roof and waited for the fireworks.' I answered angrily.

'It took some coaxing on both their parts but eventually they took the bait and there was no stopping them.' He replied proudly.

'Why, why would you do that? You could have ruined the wedding.' I demanded.

'I care for you America. You're like the little sister I never had. I feel protective of you.' He shrugged.

'Then why did you steal my future husband and lock him up with my ex-love. That doesn't seem like the best way to ensure my happiness.' I answered skeptically.

'I needed to be certain.' He replied vaguely.

'Certain of what?' I demanded in frustration, pulling him to a stop and almost knocking the couple over beside us.

'I needed to be certain that Maxon would do anything to be with you and would treat you with respect. I needed to know that he appreciated you and would never take you for granted. You're so strong willed and intelligent I needed to know he wouldn't try and hide you away and break you down just to make himself feel like a better man.' I looked at the man before me in shock. How could he care so much for me after such a short time? Not even my own brother had protected me as fiercely as the man before me now.

'What did you decide?' I asked in a small voice after a few seconds of silence. Frederick smiled at me taking me in his arms again and moving us around the dance floor.

'You make him the better man and he is very aware of it.' I could only nod in reply as I disappeared into my thoughts. My mind focused on my husband.

'Are you still mad at me?' Frederick asked, but I could tell from his expression that he already knew the answer to his question.

'No, I'm not mad.' I answered redundantly.

'Good because I want us to enjoy our last few minutes together before your husband comes to steal you away. He hasn't taken his eyes off you once.' I quickly looked over at Maxon to see him dancing with an excited May but his eyes were trained on me. He subtly reached for his ear and pulled on it and I returned the gesture with a small smile.

'King Frederick, do you have anything special planned for tonight?' I asked accusingly, returning my attention to him.

'I can't believe you think I would ruin this day for you.' He replied in mock outrage but I could see the mischievous gleam in his eye.

'You already stole the groom. Who knows what else that evil mind of yours is capable of?' I answered dubiously.

'I guess you'll just need to wait and see. The night is young.' He announced as Maxon came up behind him with a curious look on his face as he took in the king's outstretched arms.

'What have you done this time?' Maxon asked wrapping his arm around my waist and pulling me close.

'Nothing…yet.' I could hear the promise in his words but I wasn't truly worried. I was married to Maxon and nothing was going to ruin that for me. 'Goodbye newlyweds, enjoy the rest of your night.'

'I see you enjoyed your dance with Frederick.' Maxon laughed pulling me close and swaying slowly to the delicate melody.

'I'm glad you're back.' I breathed into his chest wrapping my arms around his neck.

'Maxon?' Said another male voice and I groaned into Maxon's suit, annoyed at being interrupted again.

'Father?' Maxon greeted in surprise and I quickly turned to face the once king a little embarrassed by how I reacted.

'I won't keep you long.' He smiled at me as I guilty stood beside Maxon. 'Could we go somewhere a little more private? I want to give you both something.'

'Of course.' Maxon replied following after his father as he led us to a quiet table away from the other guests.

'Please sit, both of you.' He motioned, Maxon and I took the two seats facing the former King across the table.

'What's this about father?' Maxon asked.

'I know I have been a poor father and most of the time I was a terrible husband as well.'

'Mom loved you dad, despite everything you did.' Maxon sighed and I could tell he was still struggling with this new man who was sitting before us.

'I know and that makes how I treated her even more despicable but I want to change, I have to change, for her.' He finished in a soft voice as if he wasn't even speaking to us anymore. Slowly I reached across the table and took Clarkson's hand in mine and looked up him tenderly.

'She would be proud of everything you've done. You are becoming the man she always knew you could be.'

'Too bad I am too late.' He said with a sardonic smile.

'It's never too late to fix our past mistakes.' I answered earnestly. He replied with a weak nod and I knew he wasn't certain of my words but I hoped one day he would be.

'What did you want to give us father?' Maxon asked and I pulled my hand back and took Maxon's instead, who was looking skeptically at his father.

'I was going through Amberly's things and I came across some letters she had written just before…' He trailed off, the memories seeming to hit him, stealing his words.

'There is one for each of you.' He finally said after he composed himself. He reached into his jacket pocket and removed two envelopes and handed them to Maxon. The letters were sealed inside thick paper envelopes with the queen's seal. One had Maxon's name and the other my own. Maxon held them both reverently, these were his last connection to his mother.

'She was always so proud of you Maxon. I just wish I could have given her a better life. The life I always promised her. Don't make my mistakes. Never forget the importance of family. The Kings of this country have a tendency to be consumed by greed and a lust for power. Don't follow in our ancestor's footsteps.' Maxon's father warned as Maxon continued to look down at the envelopes before finally putting them into his own jacket pocket.

'I love America and I'm going to spend everyday showing her just how much.' Maxon said firmly looking at his father.

'And that is what makes you a greater king than I ever was. You're going to do great things for this country Maxon and I will proudly watch from the sidelines as your mother's spirit glows inside of you.' A small smile lifted the corners of Clarkson's lips as he looked on at his son as if seeing him for the first time.

'You helped make me who I am too father.' Maxon says in a small voice looking down at our joined hands.

'I did far more wrong than I ever did right.'

'I remember the good. Even when you were harsh on me I still wanted to make you proud, so I would try harder. I wanted your love and your approval. Finally, you're willing to give me that. That means a lot.'

'I'm sorry I didn't give it to you sooner. I was selfish and now I have to suffer my mistakes for the rest of my life.' The king said bitterly looking away.

'You're not alone. When you're done punishing yourself we'll be here, both of us.' Maxon said looking to me and I nodded my head slightly in confirmation. I knew this was as close to forgiveness as Maxon was ever going to get. The pain this man inflicted on Maxon was hard to just forget.

'I don't deserve either of you. A loyal son and a beautiful, forgiving daughter. How can I ever be deserving of the kindness you have shown me?'

'Learn to forgive yourself.' I said in a quiet voice looking up at the repentant man offering us all his darkest fears and regrets.

'I don't deserve forgiveness. I deserve to live with my guilt for the rest of my life.'

'Everyone deserves forgiveness, everyone deserves just one more second chance.' The king nodded his head at my words but I could tell at this moment in his life he didn't believe them. After several minutes of silence Maxon pulled me to my feet and we began to make our way around to the rest of the guests.

After several conversations with nervous advisors who were trying to ensure the security of their jobs and several awkward conversations with the eliminated members of the selected we finally reached my family. However, not before Celeste tried her hand at a few last back handed comments before Maxon rushed me away from her sensing my temper beginning to flare.

However, seeing my family immediately relaxed me. When I saw that Kenna was here I quickly broke free of Maxon's hold and ran over to her wrapping her in a tight hug.

'I've missed you.' I said quietly pulling away from her.

'I missed you too Ames.' She smiled turning to reach for her husband and I immediately let out an enthusiastic squeal then look back at my sister excitedly noticing what I missed when I first hugged her.

'I have a niece?'

'Yes, this is Astra.' She beamed at the little bundle, amazingly still sleeping in James's arms.

'She's beautiful.' I whispered running my finger delicately along her hairline where I saw small tuffs of red starting to sprout.

'Oh no, she has the red hair.' Maxon said gravely beside me wrapping his arm around my waist again. 'Beware, you are going to suffer many temper tantrums from this little beauty. I've had first hand experience.' He warned looking down at me as I scowled up at him.

'I'd watch it son otherwise you might be experiencing one right now.' Dad chuckled placing a hand lightly on Maxon shoulder. I noticed he didn't flinch as badly as he had the first time my family came to visit the palace and it warmed my heart to see Maxon immersing himself into my family.

'I think you might be right Mr Singer.' Maxon laughed tightening his hold on me.

'Call me Shalom or when you feel comfortable, dad. You don't hear any of my other kids calling me Mr Singer.' Dad scolded lightly, moving over to look at his new grandchild.

'Of course…Shalom.' Maxon said, hesitantly testing the name out on his lips.

'Now, I don't want you giving me one of these too quickly. I'm not sure I'm ready for that from my kitten.' He said warningly to the new King.

'Dad.' I hissed, giving him a stern look.

'Oh don't listen to your father America.' Mom said bustling over to us. 'You two give us a child as quickly as you can make one.' I groaned at my mothers inappropriateness and let my head fall into my hand as my cheeks flamed red.

'It's okay my darling,' Maxon chucked pulling me in so my head was tucked in against his chest, 'we can start a family whenever you're ready. There's no rush.'

'I'm ready to leave my family.' I grumbled and felt his laugh vibrate through his chest.

'Not too long America, I want to see my grandchildren before I'm dead.' Mom demanded.

'I wish I were dead.' I muttered.

'Darling, it's not that bad. Families are meant to embarrass you.'

'Then why am I the only one with red cheeks?' I asked looking up at my smiling husband. He quickly ducked down and placed his lips against mine and whispered,

'You look adorable and I love your family.'

'At least one of us does.' I grumbled not willing to turn back and face them, lest my mother say something else inappropriate.

'America.' I froze in Maxon's arms startled by the familiar voice.

'Kota?' I asked, twisting to face him. 'What are you doing here?'

'My sister was getting married, how could I miss this?'

'You missed my wedding and Astra's birth.' Kenna muttered glaring at our older brother.

'You look magnificent America.' Kota gushed ignoring Kenna's comment. 'How about we take a spin around the dance floor? That is, if his majesty can spare you?'

'Um, sure.' I answered hesitantly, looking at my brother skeptically.

'Have fun.' Maxon whispered, placing a kiss in my hair before releasing me.

'Impossible.' I answered in a low voice walking over to my beaming brother. He took my arm in his and led me to the dance floor eagerly and I found myself questioning what his motives were.

'You know America I'm so proud you married well.' He praised twirling me around the dance floor.

'I'm sure you are.' I muttered.

'What was that?'

'Nothing, I'm glad I married Maxon too.' I covered placing a fake smile on my face.

'Yes, you married very well. However, I was upset with the speech you made about the removal of the caste system. I find it's a very fair system. Those who are willing to work get rewarded like I have been.' He continued pretentiously and I desperately bit back my retort at my brothers elitist attitude.

'The caste system is flawed, too many people are suffering because of it. It's time for a change.' I said simply, not wanting to get into an argument with my brother. I just wanted to get through this song and get away from him.

'You're just like dad. I suppose you know about his association with those rebels?' He stated as if the mere mention of the people who fought to bring down the caste system left a bad taste in his mouth.

'Yes I do, he's helping to save a lot of people with the information he provided Maxon and his father.'

'You know he was the reason I left. I found out about who he was affiliated with and wanted to distance myself from him as much as possible. I wanted to be more than our wasteful father.'

'Our father is not wasteful. He is a good man who put a roof over your head and food in your stomach. Don't talk about him that way.' I growled barely restraining my anger.

'And what a patchy, leaky roof it was.'

'He did the best he could. He is someone who should be rewarded for his hard work not you. You don't deserve anything you have if you can't be thankful for what our father sacrificed for us.' I said stopping abruptly in the middle of the dance floor glaring at my ungrateful, selfish brother.

'Don't act so high and mighty America. You are the biggest hypocrite of them all.' He answered smugly.

'You're delusional.' I replied crossing my arms over my chest defensively.

'You made the biggest jump in castes of anyone. You sit here in your palace on your moral throne pitying those around you who suffer but do nothing to fix it.' He said in a low voice and I knew he was trying to rile me but I wouldn't bite. I was confident in everything I had done to help the people of Illea and it was only the beginning. If people like my bitter brother suffered under the new regime it would be an added bonus.

'You're a bitter person Kota. I'm glad you left our family in search of riches and fame because now I don't feel so horrible telling you that I never wish to see you again. Don't return to the palace and do not demand any favours of me. You aren't deserving of any generosity from me or anyone in our family. You showed us no kindness and we will return none to you. I think you should leave Kota, you aren't welcome here.' I finished firmly glaring at my older brother. I barely recognise the boy I grew up with in the bitter, conceited man whom stands before me now.

'The people will rise against you America. Money is power and those with it don't want this change. You have sealed your own fate.' He warned and then turned on his heel and disappeared into the crowd of dancers.

'America?' Maxon's voice broke into my angry thoughts and immediately I wiped the angry scowl from my face. 'What happened?' He asked taking my hand and pulling me from the dance floor.

'I think I just disowned my brother.' I said a little shocked by what had just transpired.

'How are you?' He asked cautiously cupping both of my shoulders.

'I don't know.' I answered in confusion. I couldn't seem to pin down any concrete feelings about what just happened. If anything I felt less burdened knowing I didn't need to deal with Kota's selfishness anymore.

'Well, we need to go and cut the cake. Do you think you're going to be all right?' He asked in concern.

'I'm fine, lets go feed these people cake.' He continued to look at me in concern for a few moments before taking my hand again and leading me to the extravagant cake by the refreshments table.

It had so many tiers I was surprised it hadn't collapsed in on itself. It was an explosion of colour with wildflowers bursting from every tier and on the top there was a cluster of orange blossoms. It looked magnificent, maybe a little over the top, but still lovely.

'Ready to cut our cake my queen?' Maxon asked with a big childish grin on his face.

'Where's the knife?' A maid quickly rushed up beside us and Maxon took the knife from her and we both turned to the cake ready to cut it, when I heard something odd.

'Maxon, do you hear that?' I asked curiously looking around for the source of the noise.

'Yes, what is it?' He asked looking around as well and placing the knife down beside the cake as the crowd which had gathered began to mutter.

'It sounds like…a ticking noise.' I said a little confused leaning closer to the cake. 'It's coming from the cake.' I look up and I see a dark head of hair standing back from the crowd. I would know that mischievous smile anywhere.

'Maxon.' I said worriedly, pointing to King Frederick.

'I know.' He answered pulling me back from the cake just as the ticking noise stopped. There was a loud bang and Maxon threw me to the ground and shielded his body with his own as cake showered down on the startled guests.

Most of the guests followed Maxon's lead and dove to the ground to get out of the way but the one's left standing were covered in our wedding cake.

'Maxon,' I said looking up at my cake clad king, 'You've got a little something, just here.' I ran my finger along his chin and scoop up some of the frosting. 'You know, it's quite a nice cake. I think it may taste even better on you.'

'Why is it always cake with that man?' Maxon grumbled shifting slighting on top of me.

'You taste really good.' I murmured kissing a line down his jaw.

'Maybe we should get out of here.' He suggested forgetting about the King who had covered our guests in sweet frosting.

'Frederick Jamison Glaystone!' I heard Olivier screech and I ducked around Maxon to see she was covered in cake. It seemed she wasn't enjoying her husband's joke.

'Yes, love?' Frederick asked innocently only further infuriating his wife.

'Don't you dare.' She growled, stopping in front of him. 'One day, that's all I asked for. One day where you didn't ruin it with one of your practical jokes.'

'How do you know it was me?' The king asked defensively and I shook my head at the foolish king.

'Cake? This has you written all over it. I can't believe you. I'm done. I'm leaving on that plane tomorrow but you can stay here. I don't care where you go. Stay here, go fight a rebel, I don't care but you will not be coming back with me.'

'It's my castle, love.'

'Oh, he should just be quiet.' I grumbled laying back against the ground with Maxon still lying on top of me.

'Why? This is very entertaining.' Maxon asked looking eagerly at the warring couple.

'I can't even look at you right now.' Olivier answered angrily turning from the smug king but his wife's back seemed to frighten him more than her words could.

'Wait, you don't mean that Olivier? Olivier?' He asked a little desperate as he quickly ran after her and tried to take her hand. She turned and glared at him and I even recoiled at the anger behind her eyes. The king dropped it quickly and took a few steps back, a little alarmed by his wife's fury.

'Olivier?' She didn't answer him, instead she just turned and continued her march to the door, a pleading king sticking close to her like an extra shadow.

'Do you think they'll sort it out?' I asked Maxon who had turned back to face me.

'He deserves everything he's about to get from his wife. Now, I have more pressing matters.' He murmured leaning his head down and placing a passionate kiss on my lips. However, he pulled away far too quickly for my liking. I tried to pull him back down but he got to his feet and offered me his hand instead.

'Lets get out of here whilst everyones distracted.' He smiled as I got to my feet. Thanks to Maxon the only cake on me was where he had kissed me. The rest of our guests weren't so lucky. Everyone was trying to get the cake off them as we snuck back into the palace and made out way up to the third floor.

When Maxon started pulling me in the opposite direction to his room I looked at him quizzically.

'Where are you going?'

'They've been working on the King's suite so it would be ready for us. Well, technically me. Your room is adjoining it but I don't plan on letting you in there tonight or any night for that matter.' He smiled sheepishly tugging me down the corridor.

All of a sudden we came to a stop at the end of the corridor in front of a grand set of double doors and Maxon looked down at me nervously. Boldly, I leant up and brushed my lips against his and that was all the invitation he needed before fumbling for the doors. They opened and Maxon quickly swept me off my feet and carried me across the threshold never breaking his lips from mine. He fumbled again to shut the door behind him until we were alone in the dark room. He set me down and was running his hand over the wall aimlessly until suddenly the room filled with a dim light.

'Nice room.' I gasped between hungry kisses.

'I don't care.'

'Wonderful, neither do I.' I smiled back as Maxon started to fumble with the buttons on the back of my dress. Immediately, I stiffened, feeling the blood rush from my body in a mixture of fear and shame. At first Maxon didn't notice but moments later he stopped trying to undo the many buttons trailing down my back.

'America?' He said cautiously pulling back and looking deeply into my eyes.

'I don't…it's just…' I trailed off.

'America, what is it?' He asked in a gentle voice running his thumb along my cheek bone soothingly.

'My back.' I whispered and I wasn't even sure if he heard me.

'America my darling, I love you. You are beautiful in every way. I don't want you hiding anything from me.' He implored holding me tightly as I nodded weakly.

'You should have a perfect wife, not me and my scars…'

'America, I am the reason for your scars but they are a reminder of your strength, not your flaws. No one is flawless. It's our imperfections that make us who we are.' He said tenderly moving around me so his hands rested on my back where my scars were still angry and red, not yet fully healed. I tensed again at his touch and he placed a gentle kiss on the back of my neck before undoing each button on my back carefully, placing a kiss on every inch of skin he exposed. Slowly, the tension began to slip away from my body with every kiss, every caress. Finally, the beautiful gown fell to my feet with a flutter and I stood before my husband in nothing but my underwear, all my secrets on display.

'Perfect.' He muttered placing a few more kisses on my back before spinning me around to face him and I wrapped my hands around me self-consciously.

'Don't hide from me America.' He whispered brushing his lips against my own and slowly I unwrapped my arms from myself and snaked them gently, delicately around his neck.

'I love you Maxon.' I barely got out between our passionate kisses.

'You're the most beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on, never doubt that America. You're more than anything I ever hoped for. I love every inch of you, even the ones I have yet to explore.' He smiled suggestively. I returned his smile until his lips captured mine again and I felt my hands move of their own accord eager to get Maxon out his clothes so I could have his solid, bare chest pressed against my own. I sighed when I finally had his shirt removed and I could melt against his warm skin.

All of a sudden my feet came out from underneath me again and I was in Maxon's arms. He walked me over to the bed and rested me gently against the covers as if I was a fragile piece of glass that would shatter if he didn't handle me with care. I quickly looped my arms around his neck and pulled him back down for another kiss unhappy with the distance between us. He pushed me back until we were both in the centre of the bed his body covering my own.

'I love you America Schreave.' He muttered as he trailed kisses down my neck and I shut my eyes, letting my body take over.

'I love you Maxon Schreave.' I gasped and willing gave myself over to oblivion.


I hope you enjoyed it. I'm sorry it took forever but Frozen just came out over here on DVD so I've kind of been watching it non stop and bugging my friends with quotes for the past two days since getting it. I know what you're thinking, it's been out for ages how can we just be getting it now. Well, in Australia it takes a few months for us to get it after the rest of the world. Anyway, I hope you like the chapter I know it was long but there was a lot of ground to cover :) I apologise if there are spelling and grammar errors. My eyes were tired.