I'm starting this chapter in the middle of November, hoping that it comes out around Christmas so … Merry Christmas!

It's not a Christmas chapter but it's sort of winter-themed so enjoy!


Photo #115: The Diamond

At the beginning of her parents' engagement, any photo of them together got a grand reaction. It was comforting for the country to see their future king and queen powering through this hard time. They stayed low for a bit following the rebel attack that took her grandparents because they needed to heal. But once they were at least strong enough to fix Illéa, they went forward.

The picture Eadlyn sees is one of the first public appearances her parents made. They're young, engaged, and ready to be coronated. Before the wedding, her parents made various trips around the country, introducing themselves to various municipalities and all those fun things.

But this picture blinded the nation, literally. It consists of her parents at the top of the plane's boarding. They look out to the crowd of people who came to see them and wave. Many photos like this exist, but this one sparked the most attention. Her parents are waving to everyone, but at this angle, at this moment, the light caught onto her mother's engagement ring and the photo caught the glare.

It almost looks like a special effect.

Many interpreted it as her father spending a good amount on that ring. Others perceived it as a bright future. Eadlyn sees it as the right click at the perfect time.

-o-

Although she didn't need it, Maxon helps America to put on her jacket. It wasn't like the coat she had before The Selection, back when she was in Carolina. That jacket was short and thin as if she was wearing a paper bag. This one is so long that it went down to her feet. Instead of a zipper, it was chunky buttons. And there was a small fur trim along the edges and the cuffs.

As America refolds the collar of his jacket, Maxon sighs happily as he watches her.

"This jacket is heavy," America tells him.

"It's snowing hard," Maxon says, looking out the window. The snowflakes were so thick that it looked like a white sheet was hanging like drapes. "You need a hat, scarf, and gloves."

America scoffs. "Don't forget the bubble wrap."

"It's cold." Maxon cups her head before giving her a quick peck.

"I know."

The stewardess opens the door and a gust of wind flies in with snow. America jumps a little at the sudden chill and Maxon laughs before wrapping his arms around her. He holds her in his embrace, resting his head on her shoulder.

The future king and queen of Illéa were about to make their first appearance on their country-wide tour. They almost had to cancel their stop for today because of the snow, but they powered through for the country.

Maxon holds an arm out of her to walk out first. People cheer when they spot her red hair and their screams only grow when the couple is out together.

And as if Mother Nature was on their side, the snow stops. The clouds remain in the sky but the blizzard stopped at the snap of her fingers just so the people could see.

Maxon and America smile out to the crowds who chant their names and take their photos. The couple waves with their outer hands, interlocking their hands between their bodies.

"Your hands are freezing," Maxon whispers to America, needing to lean in close to do so.

He raises their intertwined hands to blow air on it and spare a kiss. America glances at him for a second before smiling coyly.

"I'll go back inside and get gloves," Maxon says.

America tightens her grip on her hand to keep him in place. "Don't you dare."

"What?" He grins a little. "Don't believe in gloves?"

"They're ridiculous."

"They're more sensible than frostbite."

America continues waving. "Maxon, half of fashion is selling it with confidence, or so my consultants tell me. There is a bougie girl inside of me who doesn't come out often, also what my consultants tell me."

Maxon continues his waving although he's a bit confused. "What does that mean?"

"It means that I want to show off the most sentimental engagement ring I've ever seen."

Maxon pauses for a second to watch her wave her hand to the crowd like a future monarch. This is the day that Illéa gets to see their next queen and his fiancée. Maxon didn't think he could fall more in love with her, but the day is still young and they didn't dismount yet.


That glimmer in the photo was an idea I got so long ago. There was a video snippet from an awards show where Liam Hemsworth won. In his speech, he thanked Miley Cyrus, calling her his wife. In response, she opened her mouth in shock and put her hands under her chin to display herself. And at that moment, her ring glimmered in the camera.

It was beautiful. I loved them together. And now … oh well. I still like this chapter idea.

I digress but this story has reached 200,000 reads! Thank you all so much for reading and sticking around during my slow updates.