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Thank you so much to everyone mentioned and unmentioned who read, liked, followed, or reviewed my story! It truly means the world that people are reading and enjoying my writing!
Hi guys. It's been a hot sec. Like over a year actually. I didn't even realize it had been so long until I logged on to publish this chapter. I have been adding bits and pieces to this story for a while now and keep forgetting to update or write more. I really am so sorry. I hope this chapter and the coming chapters I am working on will make up for it. Thank you for all your kind words while I was on my accidental hiatus. Your comments asking for more updates really do work! Thank you again!
This will be the final part of the Royal Visitors chapter series so… enjoy!
Without further ado… Chapter 11 Parlando Con Amanti E Sconosciuti: The Royal Visitors Part 4
We passed the doors, Maxon's firm grip on my hand guiding me on. As soon as we were out of sight of the Great Room, Maxon released my hand. I frowned. Glancing up though, I saw the princess tackle Maxon in a hug. My brow furrowed, yet a tiny smile played on my lips.
Maxon cleared his throat and straightened his now rumpled suit jacket. My smile broadened. "Darling, I'm sure you know Princess Nicoletta."
I dipped my head, curtseying. "Your Highness. It's a pleasure to be your host tonight."
Princess Nicoletta beamed. "The pleasure is all mine, truly. And please, for you I am just Nicoletta."
Maxon squeezed Nicoletta's shoulder before returning to my side. He led me to a small alcove and we sat down on the bench.
"Nicoletta and I have been friends since childhood. Emilia, her brothers, Daphne, and the two of us were thick as thieves at every state event you could imagine." Maxon explained. "You would love Italy… and England… and France. I can't wait to take you everywhere."
I leaned towards him and he pressed his lips against my forehead. "How much longer Maxon?"
"Soon darling. I promise."
Nicoletta coughed. We glanced at her, startled. "I am actually here because of that, to help.
"We are all pulling for you in Italy. You are the only one left besides Lady Marlee that is real and acts like it. And obviously, you have our dear Maxon's heart."
"It's not that obvious, Nic," Maxon grumbled. His cheeks flushed.
I looked expectantly at the princess. "You were saying?"
"Yes, of course." She smiled, "I am to be coronated queen to five weeks time. I have suggested to my father a bill be brought up establishing trade with Illéa. But the bill will be contingent upon Maxon choosing a bride I approve and the coronation of Maxon and his bride within eight months of such an agreement between our countries."
I gasped. "You're kidding."
"No. I am not." Nicoletta said. "We like you America. We like you because you are change. Italy can only ally with an Illéa that has a change coming."
I looked at Maxon. "Is this true?"
He nodded. I took a deep breath, trying to steady my pounding heart. "I'm sorry, but this… this is all a bit much to take in."
"There's more, darling." Maxon placed his hand on my back, rubbing soothing circles.
Nicoletta nodded again. "We will be communicating with King Clarkson to establish this, but I have been made aware that the dear monarch of Illéa is not fond of you."
"Please tell me you have a plan for that too." I groaned, bringing a hand up to rub away the creases in my forehead.
Maxon bit his lip. "Not exactly." I sighed. Maxon took my hand and squeezed it. "My father's opinions of people are not easily swayed. His good opinion, once lost, is lost forever: though sometimes, as with you, without just cause. Nic and I, we hope-"
Nic interrupted him. "We think that so long as you don't attract his unfavorable attention, you'll receive his blessing. I call it the Amberley theory: act as much like the Queen and you will be adored by your father-in-law."
Maxon shot her a glare.
She raised her hands in a conciliatory motion. "Fine, you will be tolerated by the King."
I sucked in a breath. "And this will work?"
My eyes locked onto Maxon's. He stayed silent, but his eyes murmured the answers. I don't know. But this is our best shot. Please.
I swallowed hard. "I trust you."
Nicoletta nodded curtly, but a smile stretched across her face. She placed a hand on my shoulder and squeezed before slipping past us and rejoining the party.
Drunken peals of laughter spilled out of the Great Room. At least that was going well.
Maxon pulled me into his arms. I nestled into his chest. The steady rhythm of his heartbeat echoed in my ears. I didn't want to think about what would happen if that rhythm stopped. I didn't even want to think about what that meant.
All I wanted was to marry Maxon. He saw me in a way no one else did and loved me in a way no one else could. Maxon was my forever.
My mind spun when I wondered where I would be without Maxon. It was impossible to tell what my life would have been if I hadn't applied to the Selection, if I hadn't been selected, or if Maxon had been more his father's son.
"It will work, America." Maxon's voice pulled me out of the caverns of my mind.
I pulled away from his slightly so I could look him in the eye. "You don't know that. Hat happens if I lose myself and you're not there to help me find me again?"
Maxon shook his head, placing his hand on my cheek. "I will always be here. I promise."
I wanted to believe his promise to badly that I let myself. I pushed Clarkson and the rebels and all of Illéa's problems out of my head. I let myself believe in a fairytale-if only for a moment.
I smiled at him. He read through it easily.
"It will be okay, America. Even if we're wrong, I won't stop until you are my wife and my queen. It's always been you."
I let my head fall against his chest. He held me for a second, letting me savor our small moment of peace.
I looked up at Maxon again. "We will rewrite the stars together if we must."
His rewritten stars twinkled in his eyes. We were no star-crossed lovers. And if we were, then we would change the stars.
I swallowed hard again, nodding. Maxon leaned down to kiss me. I smiled against his lips. It will be okay.
We slipped back into the Great Room amid the Italian chaos.
Maxon's words echoed in my head. It will be okay.
I prayed to every forgotten god that he was right.