*all rights to KCass*
BlissfulBillie- hehehe thank u
BookLoverisGoingInsane- i laughed at this comment thank u
LadyMadisonSchreave- hi lovie. i really never know my update schedule for this sorry aha. this is like a mood/inspiration project for me but i've actually updated a LOT recently so in keeping with theme? they should be coming up soon. Also thank you again for you kind words. I so so appreciate them
Virtue01- frankly idk what i'm doing with clarkson but happy you liked it lol
K12- i totally intended more actual plot in ch23 but it just never happened so here's a verrrrrry plot heavy chapter lol
Aubreylovesthegames- omg omg hehe you are ridiculously sweet i loved that review with my whole heart thank you
Lady Elle of Illea- girllllll thank you for sticking with my erratically updating ass for such a long time! I appreciate you :)
KMlovesfanfics- wrapping this up and tying up strings while simultaneously dropping new threads for the sequel has been incredibly fun for me and im so happy you're enjoying it!
Gummybear1178- thank u lovie
Disneylover0145- my love thank you so much! I read fanfics like this and its so crazy to me that other ppl read my fanfic like this and love it ahh :*) and there will be a sequel!
Guest- you got it dude
To all of my lovely readers thank you eternally. I am still in shock about the love that this story gets and I appreciate all of your reads, faves, follows, and reviews so so so much. I love y'all so much.
Happy Birthday to all of our favorite Prince of Illea. Here's an update in honor of my darling king. To you MSchreave, i adore you.
I wrote the entirety of the second half of this chapter to taylor swift's album folklore and especially the lakes because isn't it romantic how all my elegies eulogize me. Go listen to the masterpiece. You'll thank me.
On a completely diff note, this is an extra long chapter because i had many plot points to make up from that last chapter that was literally just chaotic plotless fluffy happiness. Enjoy the whirlwind because it took me a solid two weeks to write this (as in i sat down and wrote half and then wrote the party and then finished it on another occasion) i love love this chapter and i hope y'all do too! Let me know what you think in the reviews :)))
Ergo, without further ado…
Chapter 24- Soirees & Sedition
My family practically forced me out after lunch. We had stayed talking and laughing after the food was cleared. Maxon had excused himself quietly for his budget meeting with a squeeze of my hand almost an hour ago. A glance at the clock told me that it was only around four in the afternoon.
I sighed. It wasn't like I had any other plans. Ben said Maxon had something tonight so we wouldn't be having dinner together like we had planned. I frowned. I didn't know why Maxon didn't tell me about whatever it was. It was so strange. Maxon told me almost everything. And it wasn't as though he didn't have ample opportunities to bring it up. I massaged my temples as I walked up the stairs. Thinking about that gave me a headache.
Aspen was standing beside the door to the Princess Suite when I walked up. I still wasn't at all used to it. The whirlwind brought all of my things up right after the Choosing Ceremony smiled at me hesitantly. I forced a tired smile back. I had forgiven him, but he still didn't know that. I exhaled heavily.
Aspen quirked his brow. I swallowed hard and leaned my back against my door. "I'm just tired, Aspen." I said slowly. "But thank you. And… I was hoping we could be friends again?"
Aspen's eyes lit up and a small smile tugged at the edges of his lips. I knew that expression well. He used to look at me like that when we met in the treehouse at night or he came to clean the house and spotted me across the hall. It was different now though, more settled. We weren't the naive lovers that left the treehouse that night. We were older and he would be more of a brother to me than anything else.
"I'd like that, Mer." He said, "Congratulations on your engagement. Maxon is a lucky man."
I smiled more easily, glancing at the ring on my finger. "Thank you. He's… Maxon is a really good man, Aspen. I'm lucky too."
He nodded, "I know Mer."
I nodded back and slipped through the door into my room. Noise met my ears. Someone grabbed my wrist and pulled me into the next whirlwind. Lucy's eyes sparkled when they met mine. My eyes shot back and forth around the room. Marlee and Celeste hurried around the room with my maids and theirs. My brows knit together.
"What's going on?" I froze, throwing my hands out to try and calm the excited storm.
Marlee ran forward and grabbed my hand. She pulled me slowly towards the vanity and pushed me into the chair. "It's a surprise!"
I rolled my eyes. "Will you please just tell me? I'm tired and Maxon has some meeting or something tonight so I can't see him."
Celeste laughed and waltzed over to us. "It's a good surprise, I promise. And Maxon knows all about it."
I narrowed my eyes. Anne and Mary nodded and Lucy grinned. I sighed, "Fine. If you insist."
Marlee and Celeste left after a while with mischievous smiles and whispers that they'd see me later. I just rolled my eyes with a laugh and let my maids keep working. They did a beautiful job. My dress fell to the floor in long white layers. The bodice hugged my curves before flowing out and the neckline dipped into an elegant V. My favorite part were the gauzy sleeves that billowed out and then tapered with three round buttons at my wrists.
I looked positively bridal. And regal. I bit my lip, trying to imagine Maxon's reaction. No doubt his plans were the same as mine. Though from Ben's voice and Maxon's reaction, I had no doubt that Maxon knew more than the vague smiles and whispered excitements I got everytime I asked.
My fingers danced across the crown of my head where Lucy had slipped a thin, golden tiara into my hair. The rest of my hair fell in curls down my shoulders. It felt odd. Not because I didn't feel like it belonged… But because it did. When I looked in the mirror, the crown looked like it was always supposed to be on my head.
I fingered my engagement ring with a smile. Maxon and I would get a life of this together. Meetings and dresses and laughing as we walked from one room to another. That was why the crown on my head felt right-Maxon and I were right.
"May I escort you to the ballroom?" A deep, familiar voice crossed the room from where my father stood at the door.
I smiled broader and nodded as I crossed the room to him. "Hi, Daddy. Are you going to tell me what this is all about yet?"
His eyes twinkled and he shook his head. "Not yet, kitten. But you know I would never lead you astray, would I?"
I smiled, shaking my head in return. "No, I trust you. And Maxon because I'm sure this is all his plan."
Dad laughed. "It's comforting for a father to know his daughter knows the man she will marry so well." He paused and extended his elbow to me. I looped my arm through his.
"But it's even more comforting for me to know how well he knows you and loves you, America. I couldn't have chosen a better man for you."
The door clicked behind us. I glanced at my feet, blinking hard to quell the tears that threatened to ruin my make-up. "Thank you, Dad," I whispered.
He squeezed my arm in reply and changed the subject. We talked quietly as we walked. I had missed him so much. My dad was one of my favorite people in the world. He always seemed to know what to say. We reached the doors to the Great Hall in what felt like an instant. I stopped short. "It's a good surprise?"
Dad nodded with a smile. He motioned to the guards and they swung the doors open. Familiar faces milled around the room. I smiled broadly. Aside from my family, most of the Selected were back along with the guards and maids I had befriended during my time at the palace. Aspen stood with a group of people in the corner.
I let my eyes wander beyond the people and to the room around me. It was decked in blues and gold. Large bouquets of flowers were placed on the tables lining the room. Music from a group of musicians-fives-on a small dais filled the room. My eyes searched the room for Maxon. I couldn't find him.
"Announcing her Royal Highness, Lady America Singer." A voice boomed from behind me. I jumped slightly, eyes widening. Dad pushed me in front of him with a grin. The guests turned to face me, dipping into curtseys and bows. That, unlike the crown, I doubted would ever feel natural. I flashed a tight smile and spun around, looking for Maxon again.
"Do you like it?" I could tell Maxon was trying to sound smooth and confident, but I couldn't help but hear the echo of nerves in the back of his voice. His hand slipped onto the small of my back
I smiled broadly and leaned into his touch. "Maxon, it's beautiful. But what is it for?"
He chuckled quietly, "Us, darling."
My brows knit together. I pulled away from him slightly so I could meet his eyes. "What do you mean, us? I thought that was what yesterday was."
He shook his head. "Yesterday was for the country and the advisors. Today is for us and our family. Now that we have that settled," he said, bowing, "may I have the pleasure of dancing with Your Highness."
I laughed, resisting the urge to elbow him in the ribs. He pulled me towards him and we stepped in time to the waltz the musicians were playing. Somehow, it was far easier to dance with Maxon than it was to dance with anyone else. "That's just as bad as my dear, Maxon. I think I will have to ban titles as my first act as Queen."
Maxon smiled, brushing his lips across my forehead. "Thinking ahead, are we?"
I forced my face into serious neutrality. I still couldn't keep the laughter out of the back of my voice. "Of course, your Highness." I stage-whispered, leaning closer to him. "I have it on good authority that Prince Maxon intends to marry Lady America. Whatever will the country say?"
Maxon dropped a quick kiss on my lips. "Well, I've heard the country is rather excited. Some even say there are parties in the streets."
I stopped. "Really?"
His eyes lit up, nodding. Maxon twirled me away with another smile. I bit my lip and watched our intertwined hands.
"They love you, darling." Maxon pulled me back to him and whispered in my ear, "almost as much as I do."
I shivered and met his eyes. The music drew to a close. Maxon bowed. I dipped into a curtsey. He grabbed my hand and led me to the front of the room. My eyes darted back and forth. The musicians had stopped playing and servers filtered through the hall with trays of champagne. I spotted May's bright red hair across the room. She looked comically excited at the prospect of drinking alcohol. I bit back a laugh.
Maxon stepped onto the dais and slipped a hand on the small of my back. He handed me a champagne flute. I flashed him a small smile and inched closer. He lifted a microphone that I hadn't realized he had.
"First off, I'd like to thank all of you for coming. And especially for all of you that kept this a surprise for our dear, America; I think we all know how hard it is to keep a secret from her."
I rolled my eyes as they laughed. "I fell in love with America a long time ago, and I speak for both of us when I say that we are beyond happy that we can say the Selection is over. We are so excited to begin our life together and I felt there was no better way to celebrate that than to bring our closest friends and family together sans camera."
I beamed. I loved him so much. Maxon raised his glass. I watched the room raise theirs before following suit with my own.
"America, you once called me the epitome of good. I hope one day to deserve that. But until that day, here is to you, my love: the epitome of heart. I can't wait to spend forever with you. To America."
I blushed, turning to hide my face in Maxon's shoulder. He kissed the top of my head.
"I love you, Maxon." I mumbled into his suit. He wrapped his arms around me."Thank you for this. It's perfect."
Maxon pulled away. I frowned, opening my eyes. Aspen stood just behind Maxon, speaking in hushed tones. My eyes widened nervously.
"What's wrong?" I stepped towards them. Maxon turned. His prince face snapped up before mellowing to a soft smile that didn't reach his eyes. "What's wrong, Maxon." I ground out. He leaned towards me, pulling his hand into mine.
"There's someone asking to speak to us."
"Us?" I tilted my head, replicating his false smile. He nodded curtly, "Us."
Two people, a man and a woman, stood at the window of a small room off the Great Hall. They leaned together, seemingly deep in conversation. Maxon cleared his throat. They turned quickly. The woman dipped into a curtsey. I stepped back with a gasp.
Maxon turned his head, worry lining his face. I swallowed hard and squeezed his hand. I stepped back to Maxon's side. A smile traced the edges of the woman's lips. She didn't look much older than me. And she wore the same clothes that she wore when she met me in the tunnels. I cleared my throat, trying to clear the lump in my throat.
"We've met before." I narrowed my eyes. "You're a re-."
The man stepped forward. "We would appreciate it if we could speak to you both alone. We have some rather sensitive matters to discuss."
Maxon's eyes met mine. I didn't respond. "The guards are trustworthy."
"I'm sure they are." The man shook his head.
I released Maxon's hand and stepped forward. "I understand. I assume the guards took any weapons you had already?"
They nodded together. I glanced back at Maxon, nodding. "North," I mouthed.
Maxon's eyes flashed with recognition. The rest of his face stayed painfully blank. I wished not for the first time that I could read his mind. He turned to the door abruptly. "Stay outside the door. We will call or come get you if you're needed."
They bowed shallowly and the door clicked behind them. Maxon gestured to the loveseat behind our guests. We sat across from them. Maxon watched the man expectantly. He cleared his throat and leaned forward in his seat.
"My name is August Illea. I am the leader of the Northern Rebels and the last living descendant of Gregory Illea."
Maxon's grip tightened on my hand, but it was the only indication that he had any reaction. "And you're here why?" He asked coolly, "to reclaim the throne I've spent my entire life preparing for?"
Even I had to hold back a shiver at Maxon's voice. I had never heard him speak with so much restrained anger. It was icy. It scared me more than I wanted to admit. I believed in Maxon more than anyone else, but I didn't want him to become his father. Another Clarkson would be irrevocable.
August shook his head. "No, we believe you will be a far better king than your father. We believe that you and Lady America represent the change that's so necessary for Illea. We would like to work with you."
Maxon's grip relaxed slightly. I leaned forward. "And you are?" I asked, gesturing towards the woman sitting beside August.
She grinned, "I'm Georgia. Georgia Whitaker."
"Soon to be Illea," August wrapped an arm around Georgia's waist. "Georgia and I head the Northern Rebels together. We'd like you to join us."
Maxon leaned back. His hand ran along his chin like he was stroking a beard that wasn't there. I bit back a smile. Maxon was so handsome.
"What is it you want us to do?" He asked.
August turned to Georgia. She nodded quickly. His head tilted to one side and her eyes flashed in reply. It was like they had a whole conversation wordlessly. I bit my lip. I wanted that with Maxon-the easy affection and silent words passed between us. Sometimes I wondered if I would ever have it. But Maxon ran his thumb up and down the inside of my wrist. I met his eyes. They softened almost imperceptibly. I love you. I believe in us.
Maybe Maxon and I did have that now. Maybe we were settled now and we could understand each other tacitly. I hoped we did. I leaned into his side. A small smile flickered across Maxon's lips.
"We want you to abolish the castes." August's clear voice cut through my thoughts and rattled me to the core. He was asking us to abolish the castes. Abolish the castes.
I froze. Maxon stiffened for a moment. "Unfortunately, you're talking to the wrong person. I'm not king."
"Not yet. But you will be." George piped in.
"And the Northern Rebels believe you will be the one to finally change Illea for the better." August said, "We believe the two of you will create the Illea of which we have only dreamed. Will you make that Illea with us?"
Maxon didn't say anything. I stood, a clear dismissal either way. "It was so lovely to speak with you both. Is there a way for us to contact you?"
Georgia pulled a piece of paper and a pen out of a handbag. She scribbled numbers down and extended her hand. I flashed her a small smile. Maxon's hand found the small of my back. "We will be in touch soon." His voice found that icy neutrality again.
August and Georgia stood. Maxon pulled away from me to open the door. "Be sure they are seen out safely." He told Aspen quietly. I watched Aspen nod and August and Georgia followed him down the hall.
I sighed deeply. Maxon shut the door and strode across the room, wrapping his arms around me. I leaned into his chest.
"This is big, Max." I mumbled. "This is actual ruling stuff. I didn't think it would start so soon. I thought we would have some time."
I felt rather than heard his grumbled agreement. "They want to abolish the castes. They asked us to abolish the castes."
I nodded. "I don't know how you stayed so calm."
Maxon dropped a kiss on the top of my head. "Honestly, I don't either. But you wanted to do the same thing. When you had to present a philanthropy project-you told me you wanted to abolish the castes."
I pulled away from his arms, walking to look out the window. "I know, it was stupid and dangerous I-I- it was a bad idea, Maxon. You told me not to do it and Maxon… You were right. How do we tell them that it's not feasible? That it's a pipe dream?"
Maxon stayed silent. My brows knit together. I spun around. He looked calm, if a bit worried. His throat bobbed. I froze. Maxon's expression was an ice cube that ran down my spine. Somehow he told me enough with just a glance. But he confirmed it anyway.
"America, I'm already doing it."