A/N: Hello readers! I am actually very sorry about this delay in updates. I got grounded for about a month as I was working on this chapter, so I wasn't able to update it when I wanted to. I feel so bad for leaving you on a little bit of a cliff-hanger, but hopefully, you all understand that I truly wanted to update this story much earlier than today.

On that note, the end is nearing. I have less than 10 chapters planned, but maybe with more suggestions, I can continue to add to this story.

As always, if you like what you are reading, considering following, favoriting, or reviewing this story. I always read the reviews and take all the suggestions into great consideration!

Enjoy chapter 25!

I was rushing. It seems like I was always rushing around, but today especially. I hogged down my lunch rather ungracefully and hurried my way up to my room without giving much of a goodbye. I think the second I was out of the dining hall I had slipped off the torturous gold heels so I could actually run up to my room. I passed guards and maids who gave me weird looks as my body flung around corners and bolted throughout the many hallways. I was skipping steps as I went up the two sets of stairs and trying not to fall all at the same time. I was running from landing to landing. I was just generally rushing, all because I felt like I was running late. And, hey, maybe I was. I didn't have time to check the clock before leaving the dining hall. I got to my room and yanked the door open. I saw Mary and another maid jump up in fright. I closed the door and dropped my shoes.

They recovered quickly and curtsied to conform to the extensive protocol. Mary came over to me, "Your Majesty, what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. I… I… I just want to get ready since I still have to plan more stuff. Am… am I too early? Do you need more time?" I huff out, nodding to the maid that I have never seen before. I just assume that she is helping Mary out with final adjustments for the dress. Normally it's just Mary dressing me and the second maid caught me off guard. I'm still catching my breath when she responds.

"Oh no, Your Majesty. You are not too early at all, this is perfect, actually. This is Kiana. She is training under me for fittings, dress design, and royal care. She is going to be a full time maid next year, and they want to train her with me for right now. She'll be tagging along for the next week or so. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all." I smile and walk over to the younger girl. Kiana looked to be maybe 15 years old, not much older than May. She was maybe 5'3" at most, and she was rather short compared to me. She had dark brown hair with gorgeous walnut colored eyes. Her dark olive complexion was dotted with the faintest freckles across her nose and cheeks. Her cheeks were extra rosy due to the embarrassment of meeting the queen in the way she had. I held my hand out for her to shake. She took it anxiously. "Hi, Kiana. I'm Queen America. You can call me America if you'd like."

"Hi…"

"So, how do you like working with Miss Mary so far?"

"It's alright. I just can't wait to help the royal family in any way possible."

"Today's the day. I guess this is a dream come true then?"

She giggles, "Just a little."

"Well, I'm glad that you are willing to help out. You look like a good worker." I wink to her.

Her cheeks fill a darker red. She sheepishly replies, "Thank you, Your Majesty."

I turn back to Mary. She smiled warmly at me, "Your Majesty, I have your dress right here if you are ready."

I nod. She grabs the dress and she didn't even have to hold it up for me to know that I love it. It's a dark red sequin floor length gown that is tight but flares out at the end. She turns it around to show me that it's backless as well. I smile, "This is perfect."

"I'm glad you like it, Your Majesty."

"Maxon is going to-" I stop myself mid-sentence so I don't say something irrationally inappropriate that I could normally say just around Mary. "Well, he's going to love it."

Mary giggles. "Alright, Your Majesty. Let's get you in it. Kiana, will you help Queen America out of her day dress while I get the prep for this dress ready?"

Kiana nods. I turn around and allow her to undo the back of the dress so I can step out of it. She gets it down and I step out of it. I can tell that she is averting her eyes from my body. Mary beckons me over to her, so I carefully walk over to her.

"Kiana, look away." Mary tells her.

She doesn't hesitate to look away. Mary peeks over my shoulder to make sure that she is actually not peeking and holds up the skimpiest red thong I have ever seen. I gasp. Mary just nods. I grab the tiny undies from her and slip them on. Mary unhooks the bra while I am pulling up and adjusting the thong. I turn around and step into the dress. She guides the straps up my arms and over my shoulders.

"You can turn back now."

She turns and a look of awe spreads over her face, followed by a deep red blush. "Your Majesty, you look stunning."

"Thank you, Kiana. Did you help design this dress?" She nods. "It is very nice. Well done."

I walk over to the mirror carefully and look. I look stunning, just as Kiana said. Somehow Mary (and I guess Kiana as well) made the dress so that way what little boob I have was pushed up despite the dress not having any padding. My hips look larger, but not in a bad way. I just generally look curvier than I actually am from the front. I turn to look at the back side. Again, I have little to no curves, but they somehow made my ass pop in the dress. I don't know if it's because of the tight fit and flared bottom or what, but it is doing wonders for my figure.

"How did you two manage to make me look so curvy in all the right places?"

"Just some basic seam work, Your Majesty," Mary responds. Kiana nods along with her.

"Well, I love it."

"That's fantastic. You look fantastic. Let's get started on hair. Kiana, it's up to you if you'd like to stay. I advise that you do if you wish to work with Queen America or any other royal family members in the future." She nods, deciding to stay. Mary nods back, "Good choice, Kiana. Alright, Your Majesty, what do you think about doing your hair tonight?"

"I like the beach waves. Can we tame them just a little and pin this part by the left side of my face back?"

"Of course." Mary says. She begins to work in taming and recurling parts of my hair. Kiana watches silently, only stepping in when Mary asks for the comb or hair spray. I know I don't sit there long before Mary steps back. I look at when she produced in only 15 minutes, and it's perfect.

"Perfect again."

She nods and turns me around to do makeup. The natural look we did early is really paying off. She adds some red eyeshadow to the crease, just to liven it up. She adds a nice red lip and touches up some of the highlights that we added this morning. This whole process only took about 15 minutes again. She turns me back around and I nod.

"Kiana, go get the ruby tiara, ruby earrings, and the white box tied up with the red ribbon in the closet."

Kiana nods and goes off. I look over my shoulder to Mary. "What's the white box?"

"You'll find out soon enough, Your Majesty." She pats my shoulder and winks. I just sigh and shake my head.

Kiana returns with all of the requested items. The white box was much bigger than what I thought it was going to be. To be fair, I didn't know what to expect, maybe something kind of small to hold jewelry since she didn't ask her to grab a bracelet or a necklace, but it definitely wasn't the box that she brought out. Mary immediately grabs the box from her, "Tell me you didn't look in that box."

"I didn't."

"Good. Set down the tiara and earrings over here. Kiana, you are dismissed. Go find Elle, there is more to help with." Kiana nods and runs off. Mary sighs, "Now, since it's just the adults. Here is the box. It's not from me. It's from King Maxon, but he told me to give it to you when you got ready for your party."

She hands me the box. I grab it anxiously. I'm not sure what Maxon could have gotten me. It's not like I asked him to get me something extravagant. All I asked was that he would keep me with him forever. And we both said yes at the altar so… My fingers shake slightly as I untie the red ribbon that ties the outside shut. The lid pops open; I brush it aside. Inside are layers of red and black tissue paper with a smaller white box on top. I can't see through the paper, so I don't know what lies under it. I pull out the small white box and reclose the lid of the larger gift box. My fingers shake again as the lid of the small boxes is peaked open. I gasp, one hand finding its way to my mouth to cover my dropped jaw. Tears start to well in my eyes. I grabbed my old songbird necklace that was nicely placed in the box. How did he get this? I thought it was lost after the convictions! A few tears escaped my eye. I wipe them away. "Mary, will you put this on me?"

She nods. It clasps on the way it did all the time ago. I smile at myself in the mirror, seeing my necklace that my dad gave me. I pull the rest of the box back to me. I peer through the tissue to see what else is in the box. I close the lid quickly. I feel the heat rising to my cheeks. Maxon, that overly flirty man, got me lingerie!

"Mary." I clear my throat. My voice still sounds weak due to my shock and embarrassment at what's inside the box, "would you mind stepping out? I'll be okay to finish getting ready on my own."

She giggles just a little, I guess she knows what's in the box then. "Whatever you wish, Your Majesty. Your shoes are by the door." She curtsies and leaves.

I wait for the door to close all the way before I even move. Once I hear the latch, I get up and lock the door. I scurry back to open my box, curiosity flooding through my system. I set the lid up and get to actually tear through all of the paper. On top is a white note, addressed to me, written by Maxon.

It reads: My Darling America,

Surprise. I know, it seems like I'm surprising you with gifts a lot. Don't worry, Darling, this won't be all the time that you are getting surprised with gifts, just every once in a while. Speaking of receiving gifts, I also know you really don't care for receiving gifts since you claim to be blessed with so much already, but I figured that this little surprise would be an exception to your distaste. The first item you should have pulled out of this box was the songbird necklace you used to wear all the time. You are probably confused. Don't worry, I completely understand. You have every right to be confused. You thought you lost this. I thought my father sold it or pawned it off. We both thought it was gone forever, but here it is. My apologies for the delay between returning it to its rightful owner.

Allow me to explain to you how I found your precious necklace and to clear up the confusion of how it's even possible that it is sitting in your hands right now: after the convictions, my father put the jewelry that you gave up to pay the man's debt in a safe that I found in the King's Suite's closet about a day or two ago. That safe had been locked for a considerable amount of time, and I had to have it broken into to see what was inside since my father locked it up. It was all worth it when I found the jewelry I gave you and your lovable songbird necklace. You might be confused why I didn't just give you the necklace you had worn so favorably the second I found it. Well, I was going to give it to you all along, trust me, I was. But I wanted it to be special. Something as special as that necklace deserves a special occasion to be returned. It hurt like hell trying to keep it from you and making sure you never found out until the moment was right. Luckily enough for me, you presented an opportunity when you told me about the photoshoot. I figured that it would be nice for you to wear during that. I requested that it was cleaned and brought back to me so I could make sure you got it, and it was just returned today. I hope that it brings you an immense amount of joy, just as it did during the Selection. I know how much it means to you. Especially since it's the necklace you got from your father.

Now, the rest of your gift. Like I mentioned before, you told me your ideas for the shoot and got me to model with you. I am thrilled to help you and be a part of this with you. I feel as if you deserve something a little extra for this shoot, though. So, I may or may not have bugged Mary to get your measurements and I may or may not have asked her to make you some custom lingerie for your shoot after she was done with your dress. You deserve to feel beautiful and powerful and sexy, and if this does it for you, then I can't wait to see you thrive off of that energy. Now, go peek through the box, find somethings you love, and try them on. Maybe you can show them to your husband who might even be next door. My darling, I hope you love them as much you love those devilish strawberry tarts. I love you, America. Forever and always.

-Your Darling Maxon

Ps. I requested lots of blues because I know it's your favorite color, plus you look absolutely stunning and rather sexy in blue.

That man is beyond a flirt! I set his note down and began to look at the gorgeous custom made lingerie he got me. The first thing I pulled out is a sheer navy blue bra with matching sheer panties. I pulled out a light blue sheer nighty and a red sheer nighty. He also got me a strappy black bra (that I will have to learn how to put on because of how many straps there are) with a matching pantie set (that apparently is a garter set which will be nice for some thigh highs). He got me a lace light blue bra and panty set. The final thing I pulled out was a royal blue silk robe with my initials (AS) embroidered onto the left breast pocket.

I put them all back in the box and closed it up. I went to put it back in my closet. I'd have to try stuff on later. I finished getting ready, which included me getting my shoes from by the door along with the rest of my jewelry and tiara. I walked over to my bedside table and found the white note cards that Maxon insisted I had in my room even though I am hardly ever in here. I needed to thank that silly man anyway.

I began to write a note to Maxon: My Dear Maxon,

Surprise indeed. I wasn't expecting you to do this for me. Thank you for getting the necklace. I missed it so much. I love it. You really have no idea how much it means that I can wear my necklace again. The lingerie. I love it all. I truly do. You, Mr. Schreave, are quite the flirt. I mean, getting the picture from the magazine is one thing. Hell, even getting my necklace back is one thing. But having custom made lingerie for me… Now, that is something else. I will never be able to repay you for all that you do. Well, I might be able to… just not in the form of gifts or money. (Let your imagination run on that one, My Love.)

I wasn't able to try any of these lovely items on, unfortunately, Mary already had me dressed before I even had the chance to open the box (she has this adorable girl who was probably 15 years old as a trainee for dress design and royal care and we decided to not scar her too much), but I might be able to give you a little fashion show tonight after the party. You'll just have to wait and see. I love you more than you could ever know, My Darling Maxon.

-Your Dear, America

Ps. I'll let you call me 'your dear' one time because of this. That's it though, back to 'Darling' once you say it.

I took the note and went to my door to slip on the black stiletto heels I would be forcing myself to wear throughout this party. I went to the mirror and put my earrings in. After two attempts to get them in, I finally did, and with minimal blood loss. I left my room only a few seconds after. As I walked I looked for a maid or a guard who would be willing to do me a quick favor. Luckily, I found one right before I hit the stairs.

"Excuse me, Miss?"

She curtsies hastily and turns back to me, "Sorry, Your Majesty. What can I do for you?"

"Would you be able to get this to King Maxon? I'm not sure where he is, but if you could find him and make sure he gets this, that would mean the world to me."

"Of course." She grabs the note from my hand, "Will that be all?"

"One last thing. What is your name?"

"Everly."

"Thank you, Everly. That will be all."

She curtsies and scurries off to find my husband to give him the note that I probably could have given him myself. I walk back to my room. I wanted just another minute before I went downstairs. Besides, I had to touch up the makeup from my light tears.

Once that was done, I left my room. I could hear the music from the second floor. I could see the light from the second floor. My whole party was all set up and it looked fantastic. The Italian monarchs were there already, and I could even spot Maxon waiting for me by Aspen. The first person to stop was Silvia. She tapped my shoulder lightly.

"Your Majesty, what do you think?"

"It's exactly what I envisioned. The flowers look nice. The fabric draping is spot on. The food looks delicious. It's perfect."

"I'm glad you enjoy it. Congratulations on your marriage. I'm so glad you are part of the royal family now. Good work on the design choices. I'll leave you to celebrate with everyone else." She curtsies, leaving me to stand and stare out at the crowd of people.

I walk over to Maxon and Aspen. They both have their backs turned to me, talking to each other without problems. "... she is something else."

Maxon laughs, "She is more than something else."

They both take a drink from their glasses. It looks like they both got the scotch Maxon loved so much during the food selection. "So, she's excited about the pianos?"

"More than excited, I think. She looked like she was starting to cry when I told her."

"Wow."

"Yeah." They both take another sip from their drink.

I clear my throat loudly. Maxon turns around and just about spits out his drink when he sees me. He swallows it forcibly and whistles. "Damn…"

"Oh, hush." I dismiss it. As much as I love knowing that he is all fired up because I look this way, I don't need him to be so vocal about it. Well, not right now at least. Quickly I kiss his cheek before giving Aspen a hug.

I return back to Maxon. He smiles and kisses my cheek. "Hello, Darling. Sorry about that. I can't contain myself when you look so damn fantastic."

"Oh hush! Thank you, though. Did you get my note?"

His arm snakes around my waist to pull me close to him possessively. I don't mind it. He whispers into my hair, "I did, My Dear. I'm glad you like all of it. Hopefully, I'll be able to see some of it on you later…"

"If I'm feeling nice I might." I smile, "Or I could make you wait till the photoshoot."

I look over to Aspen. He stares down in his drink, trying not to intrude on our moment together. "How are you today, Aspen?"

His dark head of hair pops up, "Doing well. How are you, Your Majesty?"

"Oh, drop the formalities! It's just me. I'm still Mer, still Ames, still America. But, to answer your question, I'm doing pretty well. Thank you for asking. What were you two talking about before I interrupted?"

"Coincidentally, we were talking about you," Maxon tells me.

"Man, you really can't get enough of me, can you?"

"Never." He tells me. I laugh at him.

"Well, I should go make some of my rounds. You owe me at least one dance, both of you."

"Yes, Ma'am." Aspen jokes.

"Go visit. We'll be around."

I wave goodbye to them. My feet walk over to the long table full of all of the food. I tried not to, but I ended up grabbing a strawberry tart. As soon as the sweet tart comes in contact with my tongue I melt into it. It is so perfect. I walk a couple of steps over to grab one of the Americano cocktails to sip on as I begin to mingle. I depart from the food, knowing I can go back anytime to get another tart or a mini plate of veggies. I wave to a few people as I make my way through the crowd to find Princess Nicoletta. I don't find her. Instead, she found me. "Queen America!"

I turn to the sound of her voice. Nicoletta has never been one for just the simple things in life, at least since I've known her. She has always been so out there with bold jewelry and popping colors. So, it doesn't shock me when I see her wearing a pinkish purple dress that really looks fantastic with her golden skin. It's flowy and long and beautiful. There's one strap, and her waist is accented with a gold belt. She looks stunning.

"Princess Nicoletta!" I rush over to her and give her a hug. She hugs back, crushing my body only the tiniest bit, but it's okay because I haven't seen her in a little while.

"Queen America! Wow… this is stunning." She gestures up and down with her finger at my dress.

"As are you!"

"So, you must tell me all the details about your wedding and marriage so far." She grips onto my arm and begins to walk me over to a standing table so we can chat.

"Well, Maxon is amazing. I find a new reason to fall in love with him every day. He is even better to be around now since we can just be with each other and we don't have to worry about anyone else."

"That's sweet. I bet it is much better without all of the other girls around. How was the wedding?"

"It was very nice. Romantic. Sweet. Perfect. It was everything I wanted for my wedding, and I got the man I wanted as well. The reception was beautiful. My dress was stunning. My coronation was nice, kind of long, but it was okay. We had a private after party for family and friends. We played games and danced and laughed. So much laughter. Then we left our own party to be alone."

"Ooo, be alone as in…" She made an inappropriate gesture with her hands to represent sex.

"Oh my God! You are just like my advisor!"

"I'll drop it. My apologies Queen America. What have you been up to rec-"

Nicoletta is interrupted by a loud speaker going off with an announcement, "Queen America and King Maxon please meet at the front of the stage. Queen America and King Maxon please meet at the front of the stage."

I sigh, "I guess I have to go."

"We'll talk later." She tells me.

I leave her to go up to the front of the stage. I weave my way through the crowd, just ready to get whatever I have to do so I can mingle again. It takes longer than I expected to get through the group of people. Even though the only people that are here are some guards both on duty and off duty, my family, some of Maxon's advisors, Marlee and Carter, Lucy, and the Italian monarchs. Despite the slight problems getting up to the front, Maxon and I meet up by stage where Silvia stands holding her clipboard, ready to give instructions. "Speeches and first dance."

I nod. Maxon guides me to the steps so I can go on stage with him. He goes up first, allowing me to hold onto his hand as I carefully step up onto the stage. Maxon holds onto me at my waist as I walk anxiously over to the microphone with my drink in hand. He ends up pushing me forward a little. Oh, I guess I'm speaking first.