A/N: Suprise update readers! I wasn't going to update this story today, but i decided i should since i finished this chapter early!
Hope you all had a happy holidays!
Enjoy chapter 23 from Maxon's POV!
*Maxon's POV*
America ran off with Marlee, already whispering about God knows what. I heard them giggle from just down the hall a little bit before disappearing down the stairs. Thankfully as America walked on with Marlee, I saw Aspen. Thank God. Someone to talk to for a moment since my wife was more than happy to walk away from me with Marlee. He bows as I approach him. "Your Majesty."
"Officer Leger. How are you this morning?"
"Doing well, Your Majesty. And you?"
"Pretty good. America is…"
"Causing trouble?"
I laugh and nod. "Only in the best ways. She is going off with Lady Woodwork for whatever reason to talk. Only to cause trouble around here, no doubt."
"But as you said, it's only in the best ways." We laughed for a moment before continuing.
"Has America always been this way? Like, one to go off and cause trouble, I mean."
"Ever since I met her. Mer has always been that free spirit with trouble radiating off of her. Mer does what's right to help others and it doesn't matter if she breaks the law or anything. Since I've met her, that's who she's been. In Carolina, she would bring me food at night after breaking curfew. She didn't care that she might get caught or get in trouble. She just wanted to help someone out who needed it." He sighs, "But she's different now. The Mer I knew all the time ago isn't the same Mer you married. She isn't as careless as she was back in Carolina. She's changed in the best ways possible. She's changed because of you, Maxon."
I nod and look down. I'm not one to back down and away, but I don't know what else to say so instinctively I shy away just a little. He clears his throat, "I'll let you get to breakfast, Your Majesty. Don't want to leave Queen America waiting for you."
He bows and I nod back. Time to get to breakfast. I'm not sure how long America will be while she's off with Marlee, but I hope it's not long. Hell, she might even be there by now since I spent some time talking. I cram my hands into my pockets and begin walking the many flights of stairs that the palace has. It's not the same as walking alone as it is with America. Everything with her is more exciting. Everything with her is brighter and livelier. I understand why she said that she missed the people. It's lonely without someone to talk to or laugh with. How did I ever do this before the Selection?
I walk into the dining hall and there sits my lovely wife, Marlee, and Carter all waiting for me. "Sorry I'm late. Ran into a… uhm an advisor on the way down." Good excuse, Maxon… good excuse...
"No need to apologize." America dismisses me, "Come sit. Marlee- I mean, Lady Woodwork- was just telling me about a magazine article that she read just this morning. Why don't you tell him about it, Marlee?"
She pulls the magazine out from under the table as I sit down and start to serve myself some of the waffles and fruits the chefs made and prepared for us.
Marlee begins to read off what was said in the article. "'Queen America and King Maxon caught running around the palace.' That's the title. Alright, here we go. 'The royal couple was caught playing a game and chasing each other while palace staff rushed and bustled around them. Palace staff doesn't know what had the couple goofing off when there are important events taking place in the palace in the coming days, but whatever set them off seemed like good fun.'" Her eyes skim over the page, mumbling incoherently, before lighting up. She gasps, "Oh this is the best part! 'We love seeing the royal couple being authentic in every way possible. The joy on our new Queen's face is indescribable, and that same joy is passed onto King Maxon. It feels like we've never seen the royal family depicted in this light. Less of portraits, more like real people. We hope to see more of this in the coming future with the new king and queen on the throne. Whatever it was that sent the King and Queen into such a playful mood this past morning, we hope that they didn't get hurt and that they would invite us to play along next time!'"
America looks at me expectantly. Am I supposed to say something here? I take another bite of my breakfast as America sighs, "The best part is the pictures. Marlee show him."
Marlee leans over holding out the magazine with the paragraphs about America's and I's fun. I look at the picture they got. America running around, apologies leaving her lips in every photo. You can see me running, chasing behind her, arms ready to catch her at every second. They got one the moment I grabbed her. I can see the joy as she was being pulled into me from there. There is a smile on both of our faces, one of the most authentic pictures of us together since our engagement. One of the final pictures of us, kissing as I support her up after catching her. One of her feet flicked up in a cute, almost girly, way. I smile down at these pictures, "These are great pictures. I think they are very nice, Darling."
"I never said they weren't nice. I think they are very nice, as well. What do you think of the article, Maxon?"
"It's nice. I think that we need to be shown in a playful light. We are still young, and I think it is fair to be shown that way."
She sighs, "Alright."
I continue to eat, as do they. Anytime I look up Marlee is looking at America with a devious look in her eyes. My bride does a good job either trying to hide her shared look or shutting down Marlee with just a head nod. Part of me wants to ask what this is about, but I know that there is too much going on today for America to answer my questions that can wait till later. So, I don't bother asking. America finishes her food first, with Marlee finishing her plate next. America shoots her a look and Marlee nods.
"I'm going to go early. Have a lot of stuff to do today with no time to waste. I'll be back for lunch." She leans over to me. I nod to her. She stands, kisses my cheek, and leaves. Marlee stands up and runs out after her, leaving Carter and I alone.
"What do you think that was about?" Carter asks, clearing his throat.
I sigh and shake my head, eyes looking down towards my almost empty plate of waffles and fruit. "I'm not really sure. I'd like to think it's nothing."
He nods. "I bet it's nothing. If you'll excuse me. Time to work."
He stands and leaves. I sigh. Alone, again. I look over at the magazine that Marlee left out. It's a good article, full of lighthearted information about what we could be up to. 'Whatever it was that sent the King and Queen into such a playful mood this past morning, we hope that they didn't get hurt and that they would invite us to play along next time!' I scoff and laugh. What do they mean by inviting them to play along? Just invite some random press people to come into my home and hang out with the King and Queen of Illea. Ha, yeah right. Nevermind the fact that doing that is completely unethical, what about the fact that it's a major safety hazard since the caste have started merging? We haven't had a rebel attack, but not everyone is thrilled that the caste are going to be gone within the next 10 years. I sigh again and reread it. 'The joy on our new Queen's face is indescribable…' I smile down at one of the pictures where you can see America's bright smile. She does look really happy. I'm glad. I like seeing my wife happy. I remember looking at her photo for the Selection the very first time. She was so happy in that picture. I remember wondering if it was because of me. Wondering what brought such a light to her eyes at that point in time. I don't have to wonder anymore because I know. I know that anytime I see her eyes light up that way, it's because of me and because of what we have. I can't wait for it to be because of our kids and because of our family.
I take the magazine and walk out of the dining hall. I had an idea; Since I love these pictures so much, I want to print my favorite one of them and hang it in my room, so I can see her smile and bright eyes every morning no matter what. I want to stop by the Women's room to see her. I'm almost positive that's where she went. Instead of going with my heart's desire, I walk up past that room on the first floor up to the second floor. I'll visit her former Selection room. I bet it still smells of her sweet vanilla perfume. I hit the landing at the top of the stairs and whistle as I walk down the hall to the very end. I hear giggles and laughter coming from down this way as I make my way closer. I stop making noise. My footsteps are slow and calculated as I creep to that room, the room where the laughter is coming from. I stopped just outside, by one of the fake plants.
"... gonna be so excited."
A burst of laughter, "He better be. I am not helping you plan this elaborate photoshoot for him to not be excited. I mean, I would be excited if I were him. Seeing you dressed the way we have planned. You already are stunning just imagine what he's gonna think when he sees you dolled up the way I have planned..."
A nervous laugh burst through one of their lips. I'm positive it's America. I can just tell. "Right…I can't wait for this shoot. Well, I think the rest of planning this can wait. I wanted to run through some final details with you for the party tonight. Then, maybe go to visit him. I miss him already. I need to see him again."
I sighed in relief when she said she needs to see me. I hope I wasn't too loud. This 'honeymoon phase' of being in love and being newly-weds sucks because all I want is her and all she wants is me. It's hell to go through. It hurts so bad all the time.
I hear a sigh come from inside that room along with a suppressed something. I wasn't able to tell if it was a laugh or a cough or a sneeze. "Right, okay. You need to see him again… yeah…"
"Oh hush, Marlee! So what… maybe I want to do more than just see him. It's my relationship and my sex life. Besides, you wanted to know all about it not even a couple of days ago!" Oh? They were talking about America's and I's sex life… that's not weird at all… I'm not uncomfortable with that… who am I kidding? Women are complicated, and that's kinda fucking weird.
"Because I was in control, asking the questions, not you. Speaking of control… who has control in this relationship?"
"Nope, Stop while you're ahead. I'm not telling you. I'd like my sex life to be somewhat private!"
"So, just by that, I have a feeling he's in control…" Well, she's not wrong.
"Marlee…"
"And you prefer that way. Don't you, Queen America? Or does he call you something worse? Maybe something degrading?" Once again, she's not wrong. Well, at least not completely. I don't degrade my wife, I hate that, but I am in control because it makes her go wild. And I can't fucking help but love the way she looks at me when her mind is racing with those dirty thoughts. It's so hot… and when she's hot for me, she's happy too. And we all know the saying 'happy wife, happy life'...
"Marlee, stop it. We have work to do!"
"What if I were to go ask him his thoughts on the matter…?" She tested America. I panic. I wouldn't allow her to even ask, but even if she wanted to ask me any questions. I would have to run to the other side of the hall just so it would look like I'm not listening in. Oh geez. I didn't think this through.
America clears her throat. She rushes her words. "So, about this party. I was hoping that you could help supervise the set up while I work before lunch. Then after lunch, I'm going to get ready and help with the final setups, which I would like you to help with. Specifically, the table decorations because those are rather large and the maids will be so busy anyway, I just think it would nice for you to help them so they are running around fran-"
"Okay, I'll stop. But you are filling me in at some point. I want the full scoop." Oh, God…
"No." America sighs, shutting Marlee down, "I don't have to spill everything to you. Anyway, back to table decorations…"
Okay, well that was uncomfortable to listen to. I can only imagine how my loving wife must have felt.
I walk away without worrying about my shoes being too loud. I want to look back to see if maybe one of the steps that I took got their attention or made them peer out of the room. I don't look back though. What would I even do if I did? Just stare at her? Well… that doesn't sound too bad. I want to see her eyes looking into mine. I wish she would visit my office soon. I sigh as I walk up the stairs to my office, still thinking of her crystal blue eyes staring up at me.
I walk in and sit down on my couch. We had sex here, a memory I'll never forget. Her bra is still in here. Tucked away safely, so nobody finds it. My eyes look down at the magazine I forgot I had. Right. I need to call to see if I can get this printed to be the same size as the other photograph I have so I can hang it up.
I write myself a note and stick it to my desk, so that way I don't forget. Just then, a knock goes through the wooden door. I go to answer it, walking hastily across the floor. "Yes?"
"Hi…" She flirts obviously. I can just tell. Her voice is sweet like candy, and she is leaning against the door frame just right, accentuating her figure in the best way possible (America says that she doesn't have curves or doesn't have many curves. I think that what she has are delicate curves. Smooth, elegant, subtle, and crazily sexy). I could stare at her all day.
"Hello, Darling. Would you like to come in?"
"I would love to." She smiles sweetly and walks in. Oh boy… this reminds me of the time she tried to seduce me with that red dress… She looked amazing, but it wasn't her. This is the same thing, it isn't her. I can tell she's trying. She is swaying her hips more, working harder to make herself look sexy while doing the simplest of tasks. I wonder how long it will hold up…
I close the door as she makes her way through my work quarters. Her eyes scan the space like they do every time she enters a room. She looks for something to catch her eye. Immediately, her eyes land on my desk. I'm not sure what catches her eye there, but she is drawn to it. Almost like a moth is attracted to the light, except she isn't a moth at all (I feel she is all too pretty to be a moth. More of a butterfly. Specifically a monarch butterfly. Partially because of her hair to match the wings. Partially because we are monarchs being king and queen). She grabs something off the desk and looks at it. Her body turns back to face me and she leans so effortlessly on my desk. A small smile spreads across her face from whatever she is looking at. She holds it up for me to see. I walk over and look at it. My eyes take a moment to register what I'm actually looking at, but when I finally get it, a small chuckle escapes my lips. It's the note I just wrote about getting the photograph from the magazine. She must think it's funny that I want something like that.
"Yes, Darling?"
"I'm not mad. Just curious. Care to explain?"
"I like this photo here," I tell her, pointing to the picture of us kissing when I was holding her up, "and I want it for my office."
"That's cute Babe." She sets the sticky note done, no longer worrying about it.
"As are you, which is why I need the photo."
She laughs. "You are a flirt…"
"As are you… I heard how you said 'hi' to me earlier. I'm not stupid Darling."
She laughs again, "It's only because I love you. Speaking of loving each other so much, are you excited for the photoshoot date?"
"I am." And while that is true, I know nothing about this. America is supposed to tell me all the details in due time, but I can't help but ask her a few questions and get some answers. Maybe she'll get some ideas or something like that. "I do have a few questions for you."
"I am the woman with the answers to these questions that you claim to have."
"First, for this photoshoot, am I taking the pictures, or are we bringing someone in?"
"You're taking them. With this shoot, it will be more… exciting for me if you take them and more… fun for you." She pauses, thinking of the proper words to use which makes me think that this is going to be a little twisted. Alright, America. What in the world do you have planned for us? "I just think it will be better if you get a chance to go use our hobby and talents with me in a more exciting way."
"Alright. That's very considerate of you. Second, what type of shoot is it?"
"What type?"
"Yea, like what is the feel of the shoot? What words would you use to describe how this shoot should feel? Like, do you want this to be playful, serious, calm, or relaxed?"
"Uhm…" She stops talking to think. "I'm not 100% sure I can tell you everything with this because I do want it to be a surprise. But I can tell you this, it's going to be… mature. Think… raw… or natural. Maybe… flirty."
"Okay… Mature?"
"You'll understand with time." She winks. Oh? Oh. Oh, is this going to be… erotic?
I clear my throat. Thinking about America doing something of that nature has me both turned on and slightly proud of her. Proud because I know she doesn't think she is the prettiest woman or the most attractive, but she is to me. I'm glad that she is finally going to see the side that I always see from her if that is what she has planned. Turned on because… well, it's her doing sexy things that can drive a man wild inside… I need to stop thinking of her bare body under silky sheets… and her beautifully gentle curves… the way her eyes grow with want and lust… how her smooth skin feels under my fingertips… How she moans my name... Snap out of it, Max! "Anyway, is there going to be any props or anything like that?"
"Maybe… flowers. Nothing large or extravagant I don't think."
"Alright. Where are we doing this?"
"It's a surprise. Just… I'll have Marlee give you more information later."
"Last question: why does Marlee have to be there?"
"She's going to help with posing and how I will look, which is extremely important for this photoshoot. Plus, if we're doing a shoot, I want many outfits, so she's gonna help with that. And supervision. Make sure we don't get hurt or anything. It's either that or a guard…"
"I will be fine with Marlee then." If she is planning something sexy, then I want it to be just me and her. She is insisting that someone be there, though. I'd rather it be Marlee than a guard or a random maid. And if it's not going to be seductive and sensual, then at least it'll be supervised by Marlee.
"I had a feeling that would be the case."
She steps closer to me. Her arms get slung around my neck, forcing her into me more. I look into her piercing blue eyes. She gazes back into mine. I can only imagine how soft they look to her compared to anyone else that happens to make eye contact with me. My hands find her slim waist and snake around, pushing her even closer to me. There's really no place closer she can go from this point. It's our bodies against each other, and no further apart. I place a delicate kiss upon her forehead. She folds herself into me, sliding her arms down to be around my waist. I cradle her head into me and she just relaxes for- what honestly might be- the first time today. We stay close, hugging each other, for a long time. It's almost as if she refuses to let go. To be fair, I also don't want to let go. Never in my life do I want to let her go. I almost did and it was hell.
We do end up pulling away, but it's only when America realizes that there is a tear escaping her eye. She pulls away quickly, wiggling out of my grasp. She wipes the underside of her eye, as she turns away. She does this wiping motion maybe two more times before fanning off her face. She looks down at her feet, hands in fists on her hips, and she sniffles. Just as quickly as she pulled away she turned back to me. Her eyes are red, maybe from contact or maybe from a single tear. Her cheeks are rosy. She looks so similar to when she did when I first met her. Beautiful as ever.
"Sorry." She wipes her eyes more and dabs her cheeks to make the almost blotchy red color go away.
"No need to apologize. Hormones?"
She nods and laughs, looking normal again. It's almost like she never cried. "Yeah, I let my mind wander and it didn't work out. Clearly."
"That's alright. Why don't you go back to work? Set up for the party and stuff. Okay?"
"Okay. Oh, by the way. Mary is planning on putting me in red or black for the party…" She kisses my cheek before walking off. Her footsteps stop by the doors to my office, "And we know you were outside my old room."
She opens the door, ready to leave, but my words stop her. "See you at lunch, Darling."
She just smiles and leaves. I had a feeling they knew I was out there. I didn't plan on making it a secret. I'm just glad that I didn't freeze up on my response to her.