Okay, so I was just going through (spoilers) Elise's wikia page and it said that she wasn't present at Maxon and America's wedding and I think I wrote her in it for one of the earlier chapters ... whoops. Let's just pretend that she was there just for the sake of this story.
Photo #63: Old Faces in New Asia
From what Eadlyn knows about Illéa's history, New Asia and Illéa were at war. After her father became king, he drew up a truce between the two countries and enlisted his former suitor, Ms. Elise Whisks, as Illéa's ambassador for New Asia. Thus he ended the war which was staged by his own father to distract the Illéan people from the domestic problems they were facing in Illéa. As of right now, Eadlyn's father is working on a trade agreement but they're not sure if it'll work or not.
Eadlyn recalls that sometimes her mother and Miss. Elise would share the often business call that sometimes turned personal, occasionally asking how their families are and stuff like that. There were times where even Miss. Marlee would be in on a three-way call. It was touching to know that women who were once young adolescents competing for the heart of a prince could still converse decades later like mature women. Eadlyn wonders if her suitors will stay in touch after her Selection like they did for her father and her grandfather.
The next photo on the wall is a diplomatic picture taking place in a parliament office. It's from a newspaper and has Eadlyn's parents stand face-to-face with Miss. Elise and her husband. That was when they all took a trip to New Asia when they were all younger. Eadlyn doesn't remember much since it was a long time ago, before Osten was born, but there was a lot of food to eat.
-o-
America and Maxon walk through the New Asia airport holding each other's hands as reporters take numerous pictures of them and asking rapid fire questions. With their free hands, America and Maxon hold their kids close to them and protecting their faces from the camera flashes. When they reach their car, the driver opens both of the doors as the airport's security blocks off everyone who either has a camera or a recorder. America puts her seven-year-old twins in first before herself and Maxon carries three-year-old Kaden around to the other side of the car.
Once the doors are closed and the car starts driving, America and Maxon finally relax. Their kids, on the other hand, sit up on their knees and look out the window as if nothing happened. They look at how different New Asia is from Illéa and share amazement with one another.
"Oh my..." Maxon says tiredly, putting a hand to his forehead. "They all ask the same questions just with different words."
America laugh a little. "That's the world of journalism. They try to trick you with their words just so you'll mess up and that'll be the headline of the century." She waves her hands across her face, as if she was displaying something. "Breaking news: King Maxon contradicts himself."
America laughs, Maxon's tries to.
After a long car ride, Maxon and America along with their three kids arrive at New Asia's Embassy. America steps out of the car and is amazed by the building before her eyes. The antiqueness of the embassy looked amazing with it's multitude of colors, America couldn't even begin to imagine what it would look like at night. Her and Maxon walk up the pathway, their kids just a few steps in from of them. Asian representatives bow as they pass with serious expression on their faces, Maxon and America nod their thanks as their kids look up to see if they'll crack a smile. (Some did).
Once they're inside, the Schreaves are faced with all these influential people. They all bow in recognition and respect for the royals. As they all return to what they were previously doing, one person stands out to personally greet them.
The few years that have passed have been kind to Elise. Her jet-black hair has been cut short which compliments her grey pantsuit. She still dresses elegantly and demure, looking as professional as one could be. She gives Maxon a two-cheek kiss, a gentle hug to America, and a happy smile and wave for the kids.
"Your kids have grown so much," Elise says, looking at the three of them in admiration. She looks over her shoulders. "I assume your three must be hungry. I'll have some - "
"Mama!" Another voice calls.
Elise turns around and sees a little boy running up to her. He hugs her at her knees and when he looks up, Maxon and America open their mouth at the cuteness. He shares her dark hair and eyes, really resembling his mother.
"Aiden," Elise says to her son before starting to talk in her language. "Where's Bà?"
Aiden shrugs as a man wearing a business suit runs up to them.
"Sorry, my Huā," the man, Elise's husband, says to her as he leans forwards to pick up their son. "I looked away for one second and then he was gone."
Elise smiles dearly at him. "Ken, meet King Maxon and Queen America from Illéa along with their kids."
Ken says his greeting as he bows. Aiden gives them a small wave as he gives a toothy smile.
"As I was saying," Elise continues, "you all must be hungry from your long trip. Ken, what is there to eat?"
"Fried Edamame?" He guesses. "Spring rolls? Bahn Mi bites? There's a lot of food." He looks at the three Schreave kids. "Come with me so you could see for yourselves and pick what you want. The food's great."
Elise smiles as she watches her husband walk off with the Schreave kids, watching his face light up as he describes what each delicacy is to the kids.
"Your kids are lovely," Elise tells Maxon and America.
The two of them smile, returning the compliment. They chit-chat for a little, Elise saying how she would want to have at least one more son just so Aiden could have company or at least someone to run around the embassy with - that is, when he's here. But when the catching up conversation is over, it's time to get down to business.
"Elise," Maxon starts, "we're going to need to talk about a possible trade agreement..."
Elise had two sons, I know, but let's just assume that the other one wasn't born yet.
All the Chinese words are from Google translate and here are the translations:
Mama - Mommy / Bà - Daddy / Huā - Flower
Stay Tuned - every mother's favorite day is coming up.
