It's the end of September 2020 as I'm starting this chapter but I'm being proactive.

This idea is old because it was from a photoset of John Legend and Chrissy Teigen where they spent the whole day in their nice bed. I was jealous and thought it would work here. (Hell it's so old that when I googled it, an article from 2015 popped up.)

Did I think I'd make it to five years? Yes, only because I take forever writing chapters.


Photo #134: Five Years

If there's one thing the people of Illéa have rarely seen, it's their ruling monarchs in such a casual setting. Not the jeans or crown-less heads, but the after-hours aesthetic. Eadlyn's seen her parents in pyjamas when it was late into the night or loose-fitting comfort clothes on the weekends or days off but that was it.

Nobody's ever seen her parents so intimate, let alone in their bed after what looks like just waking up. Who would? Eadlyn's only seen the following when she was a child and ran into her parents' room in the middle of the night to comfort her post-nightmare or early in the morning when she wanted to see them.

Eadlyn isn't sure who took this picture or if they were even allowed to do so.

-o-

America moans in her sleep when she feels someone nudging her. She isn't sure about the time but it feels too early for anyone, especially her husband since nobody else would disturb her. When the nudging doesn't stop, she turns around and pulls her comforter over her shoulder to sleep on her side.

Still. The nudging is present. This time, small whispers of her name are added.

America cracks a smile, keeping her eyes closed. Her body tingles, small hairs prickle when she feels the bed move as he gets closer to her. Soon after, she can feel his body moving closer to hers, his skin barely touching hers. America almost turns her head to look up when she feels Maxon's chin on her shoulder.

"You need help getting out of bed?" Maxon whispers to her.

His voice is deep and vibrates against her shoulder where his chin rests.

"No, but some company would be nice," she responds.

America opens her eyes and finally faces her husband. She always loved the sight of Maxon in the morning. Tousled bedhead with stubble he'd usually shave before leaving the room and starting their day. He couldn't be more handsome.

Her husband of five years. Five years of waking up to that face.

"Happy anniversary," America says.

"Happy anniversary," Maxon responds, kissing her. "Five years and three kids, my dear. We're on a roll."

America laughs in disbelief. "Please, those kids have given me so many stretch marks. Especially the twins. I didn't think I could get that big."

Maxon puts a hand on a bare spot on America's hip that peeks out of her pyjamas. There were stretch marks across the patch, extending and breaking off into more all over her body. America never complained about them because she grew to love them since they grew her babies. With his fingers, Maxon traces them, barely grazing them. He's so gentle that America feels the need to hold her breath because he's made her life so emotionally fulfilling with himself and the kids they made and raised.

"You have the waves of the sea written on your body."

America raises a brow. "Poetic."

"I try."

Before America could say anything more, someone bursts into their room. Maxon and America instinctively cover up despite still being fully dressed enough. They peek over the covers and see Lady Brice walking in as if it was her room.

"Oh, so this is why you're late," Brice says with a little laugh in her voice. She was dressed for a typical day's work, as she always is.

If she wasn't Maxon's sister, she would've apologized and scurried out. She wouldn't have even been allowed to knock on the door, but here she was standing on Maxon's side of the bed staring down at him.

"Morning, Brice," America says.

Brice smiles sweetly. "Smile."

She grabs Maxon's camera from his dresser and takes a photo of them. America beams as Maxon narrows his eyes at her. When Brice lowers the camera, she mocks Maxon's glare as she puts the camera back.

"By the way, Brice, we're not late," Maxon corrects. "You're early."

"That was photographic proof you're late," Brice retorts.

"And who are you showing that to? I'm in charge."

"The tabloids," she jokes. "Could make a big buck selling these."

Maxon's face drops. "Now that's not a fair fight."

Brice laughs a little. "Happy anniversary, dearest brother and sister. It may have been five years but that doesn't excuse you from the kingdom."

America nods as she gets out of bed. "She does have a point."

Maxon looks at them betrayed. "I can't believe you two ganged up on me."


Since the last anniversary chapter, I've been thinking about this story. It has been many fun years and I was running out of ideas and a big spirit to continue this story. I've mentioned this in past ANs that this story will be coming to an end.

You all know I love you readers and I'm still thanking those still reading or who have just started reading. That being said, the final chapter will be published tomorrow.