*Two days later*
-And… Princess Nicoletta is planning to visit you soon, Highness, Would you like to send a message for her…? - I don't remember if I was hearing Silvia's prattle I was too busy in my own thoughts.
I was dreaming about a little blonde boy with blue eyes, a tiny prince running around the palace calling for me, I imagined holding him in my arms while I sang to him so he could sleep; I thought about playing with him in the gardens and giving him kisses when he had hurt himself. I also could see him running to meet Maxon, my husband holding him high and saying how much he loved him. I was surely in love with that thought of mine.
-Looks like someone has her crown on the sky…- said Marlee laughing next to me.
-I see… what exactly are you daydreaming about, Highness?- Silvia asked while I was still trapped in my imaginations.
-Baby…- I answered without noticing, and then I was terribly ashamed. Marlee laughed even harder.
-Well, you could first think about your responsibilities as the princess and then you may think about having children- she said hitting me softly with her agenda, I smiled. She sometimes reminded me of my mom.
-I'm very sorry. What were you saying? - I apologized.
-Oh, I would lie to you if I said I'm not as excited as you, your Highness! So… you're going to accept? - She asked with the biggest smile I had seen her with.
- I wasn't exactly in love with the idea of marrying my kid with someone just for stopping the war. But I cannot stop thinking of my little prince…- I confessed.
-Oh, God. It's the maternal instinct! - answered Marlee, I could lie and say that I wasn't a bit scared about her comment, but I'm a terrible liar.
-Finally! You don't know how long we've waited for you to feel like that, princess- said Silvia. I was surprised.
-Really? - I asked. How many times had we had the "Baby Alert" and how many times had it been negative? They sounded really desperate.
-Of course! You fooled us so many times about a pregnancy that now we don't know what to think! - She answered. God, I was mean.
-Sorry about that. But it's really hard to be sure…- I defended myself.
-We know, but now, I'm sure that they won't get their eyes off you; we have to have a baby at all cost! - said Marlee sounding really convinced.
-I hope so…- I said a bit worried.
-You hope? Why do you say that, Highness?-asked Silvia not looking excited anymore.
-Because it has been so many times of thinking that I was pregnant when I was not, I'm a little scared that it repeats…- I said.
-Oh, America! Don't worry; I'm pretty sure that… those things only happened because you weren't sure about having a baby, but now that you actually want one… I'm sure it'll happen this time! - answered Marlee as positive as always, I wished I was more like her, seeing rainbows and flowers wherever I went to.
-May God hear you, my friend- I said and they both laughed.
-Oh, quit it with the chatter! We've things to do! - reminded us Silvia.
-Ok, so… Princess Nicoletta? - said Marlee trying to get me into the conversation again.
-What's with her? - I asked.
-She's visiting you next week, Highness. I was asking you if you'd want me to send her a message or something- Silvia answered.
-Right, I'll… write her a letter tomorrow so we can catch up…- I assured her and before she could say something someone knocked the door of the Women Living.
-Knock, knock- our visitor announced. I turned to see who it was.
-Aspen! - I said and ran to hug him.
-Highness!-Silvia scolded me.
-Princesses do not run to hug their ex boyfriends- Aspen ended her sentence, I laughed.
-It's so nice to see you! - I said happily.
-You too, Mer. Silvia, Marlee- he greeted.
-Officer Leger, I have to remind you that you have to speak properly to her highness- Silvia said, I scowled.
-Right, Sorry, princess…- he apologized.
-To hell with that! You're my best friend! - I reminded him. If he was so close to me, why would he have to treat me as his superior?
-Thank you! - said Marlee sarcastically.
-Well, you both are and Carter too. I'm so glad you're back! - I said taking him to our table so he could sit down a bit, he looked tired.
-It's good to be back, Mer! - He assured me and I smiled.
-I think I'll give you some time, princess- excused herself Silvia, she was so nice with me, sometimes I felt bad for being such an irresponsible princess.
-Thank you- I answered.
-How's New Asia at this time of the year? - asked Marlee curiously, Aspen had been sent to a mission in New Asia like a month ago, it had been really hard and sometimes dangerous, Lucy was about to lose her head, no one could blame her for missing her fiancée, yes, they were going to get married until Aspen had to leave.
-Spring is a good time to visit New Asia, you know, If you like violence and people stalking you all day long- he said, I hit him softly.
-He's just playing around with you. I'm sure that you enjoyed a little…- I answered, he smiled.
-It's really nice I have to admit it. But "there's no place like home", Mer. - he reminded me of a movie we had watched when we were little.
-Right and sure you won't be leaving again any time sooner- I kind of ordered.
-No, ma'am. I have a beautiful girlfriend to take care of- he winked at me.
-And Maxon perfectly knows that, he's very sorry you had to leave Lucy- I said.
-Tell him not to worry! In fact, he even helped me. I didn't have to chance to buy Lucy her engagement ring, so… here it is- he showed me a ring with a purple diamond, simple, pretty, perfect.
-She's going to love it- I assured him.
-Thanks, but let's stop talking about me…- he said a bit worried, I got nervous.
-Something wrong? - Marlee asked.
-I heard about the emperor, are you going to do it? - He asked me.
-Not because I want my son to get married but yes-I confessed, he looked a little angry.
-Mer, this is so unfair…- I knew he was right, but how could we escape the emperor?
-I know, Aspen. But I would be glad to have a kid…-
-A kid whose only purpose is to stop a war?-
-I don't like the idea either… but Maxon said it was the only way-
-I think you're the only one here who has proved that there's much other ways than we know. Am I wrong?-
-Well, that was before I was the princess, I have rules to follow…- I answered sadly.
-When have you followed the rules, America? - Marlee asked.
-See? - agreed Aspen.
-Exactly! I have never been obedient and that only led to trouble!-
-Justice comes with a price, America. Do you really have no heart left? - He accused me, but at that moment I was blinded with anger.
-Is that really what you think about me? That I'm a bad person? - I wanted to know, I needed to know.
-I didn't say that…-
-But I know you though it- I knew Aspen, I could sense when he was hiding something behind his words.
-I'm just saying that you shouldn't forget who you are and what has brought you where you are now, Mer. Is that so wrong? - We shouldn't have fought just before he came back of what I called "A certain death".
-No, but you should say it in a nicer way- I answered trying to calm us both.
-Alright. Mer, I'm sure you'll make the right choice because you're a very good person and I admire you, I mean it- he assured me while taking my hand, I smiled.
-So cute! I hate when best friends fight, it's so sad- Marlee commented.
-I agree, no more discussing because of stupid matters. We have to celebrate that you're back! - I suggested and they both nodded.
-What are you thinking about, Highness? - He wanted to know.
-Tonight, the six of us will have dinner together at my lounge- I proposed.
-Six? - Aspen was surely lost.
-Yes! You have to invite Lucy and Carter of course! - I answered.
-Are you sure we can do that? - asked Marlee unsure.
-I don't care if we can or not! I don't follow the rules, remember? Besides, I'm the princess! It's an order-I said happily.
-As you wish, my lady- answered Aspen sounding convinced.
-Ok, then, I'll go change. Make sure you both look great; I'll make sure it'll be very special tonight! - I announced, then I went to my room to choose a dress, luckily Mary was there to help me.
-Looking for something, Highness? - She asked when she saw me standing in front of my huge closet.
-Uh, yes. It's a special occasion- I answered.
-What kind of occasion?-
-Just a small home coming celebration- I said, she looked at me one second as if she was remembering all the gowns I had in the closet.
-I think I've got an idea- she said sounding very excited. She took out a not so bulky dress; very soft pink colored with sleeves to the elbows, had fine prints of roses, and although I was not a big fan of that color, I must admit it was lovely.
-Perfect, Mary. Thank you! - I absolutely loved it. When she finished dressing me, putting on my makeup and perfume and choosing the right shoes and jewelry, I asked her for a little favor.
"For my dear husband who I love.
I'm glad to invite you to a little reunion for the return of the soldier Aspen Leger at my private lounge. It'll just be him, Lucy, Marlee, Carter, you and me. It's a special occasion, dear and I'm so glad he came back safely and well, complete, if you know what I mean. I had to celebrate this.
Make sure you come as handsome as always. At 7:30, not sooner not later.
Love, America.
Crown Princess of Illéa"
Mary assured me that my note would arrive safely and smoothly and then she excused herself.
I looked myself in the mirror once more to check that everything was ok, it was. I went to my lounge which was a light blue painted room with a large table and a balcony, it also had a tea table and some of my favorite books, my piano music sheets, my piano of course and violin. It was like my little den, a place only made for me (and my guests of course). Maxon had prepared it for me on our 2nd anniversary and I was absolutely crazy about it, if I could had spent the rest on my days locked in there with him I wouldn't have thought it twice.
When I got there, the only missing person was my husband, not so surprising; I had told him like 5 minutes ago.
-Your Highness- Carter greeted me and the four of them stood up from their sits. I was going to show the same respect but I was so excited to see them all gathered in there that I decided to just be myself.
-It's good to have you here, Lucy!- I said and hugged her, she look so pretty with that light green dress and her perfect curls moving around when she walked to meet me.
-Thanks for the invitation, Your Highness- she said with a little bow.
-Oh, stop it with the formalism, tonight I want you all to enjoy and have fun- I said taking her hand, she smiled shyly.
-Still, you were very nice to do this for Aspen, I have to thank you someway- she insisted.
-You already have, my dear- I reminded her and I took her to the table.
-You look very pretty, Your…- Carter was about to say but I gave him an accusing look. –America- he corrected himself.
-Thanks, Carter. Mary was very helpful and nice as always- I answered and Lucy seemed curious.
-Right, Mary. Is she ok? - She asked nervously.
-She's fine, Lucy. She's happy and very pleased to work here- I answered trying to calm her.
-Oh, that's good-
-Hey, Mer- Marlee approached me looking anxious.
-Something wrong? - I asked lowering my voice.
-No, but Carter is looking a little worried, he hasn´t even said a thing about my dress! - She was completely hurt.
-I'm sure he's just distracted and let me say that you look beautiful- she did, she had an orange dress that made her skin look gorgeous and her hair was tied up in a long and straight ponytail.
-Thanks, you do too. I love that color on you!-
-Really? Don't I look like a salmon or something?-
-Of course not! You're precious, but… since when do we care so much about the way we look? - She asked; I was shocked.
-Well, since we entered The Selection, I think… you know what it takes to conquer the prince! - I joked and she laughed.
-You should know better than I do! - She reminded me; I smiled.
-I hope I'm not crashing the party- said Maxon standing at the door.
-Of course not, Honey- He approached me and took my hands.
-Beautiful as always- he said and then he kissed my right hand.
-See? How you dare to compare a salmon with you! - Marlee joked.
-Oh, there's the guest of honor- he announced and Aspen came closer.
-Your Highness- he greeted.
-Officer Leger- he answered, we stayed quiet for a bit until we all started laughing crazily, and Maxon gave him pats on his shoulder while they both smiled.
-I don't understand the joke- said Lucy confused.
-Oh, they never act like that unless Silvia or someone from the court is watching them. They're very close friends- I explained.
-Wow, that's amazing- said Lucy happily.
-Well, I guess we better sit- Maxon announced and we did it.
-Uh, dear. You told the people from the kitchen that we were going to eat here, right? - I asked hoping he had done it.
-No, I thought you prepared everything! - He answered and I started shaking.
-Oh, lord. What would you do without me? Delilah! - Marlee called and our servants entered the room with our food.
-I suck as an organizer- I scolded myself.
-No, you're just a bit forgetful- he assured me while rubbing my arm.
-What a lovable princess! - said Marlee chocking with laughter, we all had to laugh with her. I was learning, my mistakes seemed nothing but fun.
After eating and chatting and playing 4 rounds of poker, not proper of the princess but still! I won one time! I was surprised that Lucy was so talented at that game; Aspen decided to make an announcement.
-Here he goes- said Marlee excited; we held our hands to watch the scene.
-Lucy, my love…- Aspen said and kneeled in front of her, she was absolutely shocked. –Would you grant me the honor of becoming my wife? - I could have sworn we were all holding our breaths until Lucy jumped to his arms insanely happy. Marlee and me clapped at the beautiful scene.
-We're still getting married? - She asked excited and Aspen nodded.
-How do you even ask that, darling? I've waited for this moment for a month! - He answered joyful.
-I cannot do more that wishing the best for you both, in fact… I'd like to propose a toast…- Maxon said while standing up with his cup. - To Lucy and Aspen, so your lives will be full of joy and love… and for the next prince of Illéa! - He said and we all drank our wine.
-Thank you, dear- I said and gave him a kiss on his cheek.
-Are you pregnant? - Lucy asked; I shook my head.
-Not yet, Lucy dear. But soon- Marlee answered.
-In fact, as soon as possible! - announced Carter standing up. – With your permission, I would like to send you both to bed and not to come out until we know that our heir is coming! - I froze; we both looked at each other. The remaining three nodded agreeing.
-What?!- I screamed.
-You should use all the free time you have, Highness. We know that you both are busy and if the child is needed right now you should better get started-advised us the always so sweet Lucy, she couldn't know that she wasn't helping at all.
-Right, my darling. I'll be tied up with work next week- Maxon agreed, I looked at him stunned.
-You mean it? - I asked concerned
-I do! Right now, in fact! If you excuse us…- he took my hand and made me stand up; he took me to the door.
-Good luck! – said Marlee, Maxon thanked them and said goodbye, we got out and he took me to the hall, I was just stupefied.
-What the hell was that? It was supposed to be a celebration for Aspen!-
-I know, my sweet America. But they've made me realize that I don't have much time with you on private… and I'm in desperate need for one…- he confessed looking so innocent but saying the most bold things.
-Oh, my prince! - I gave up and started kissing him hungrily, there's no way you can resist Maxon Schreave. His lips went down to my neck and then to my right shoulder crossing my chest to the next shoulder. I wouldn't have stopped him if I didn't realize that we were kissing against the wall.-Honey, we should go to bed, and now- he stopped his kisses and lifted me in his arms.
-As you wish, my lady- he answered and I laughed surrounding his neck with my arms. He kept kissing me until we got to our rooms, one next to the other.
-Mine or yours? - I asked.
-Well, I slept in yours last Thursday…- he reminded me, we didn't have much time to share our beds so we did what we could.
-Alright- I opened the door with the hand that was closest to it. He took me to his bed and he left me there softly while he took off his jacket, I bit my lip; I could see his perfect body hiding behind his shirt.
-Come here, love of my life- he asked me and I jumped to his arms smiling. He continued to kiss me until he got to my stomach and then he decided I had to lose the dress, he took it off so fast that I didn't even notice. I kissed his neck teasing him while I opened his shirt buttons one to one, I liked to feel him breathing heavily. When he was finally shirtless I rubbed his very defined muscles.
He started kissing my chest pressing my body against his; I was completely blind with desire. He took off my bra very determined and he unleashed my hair, which was very cute by the way, but too late, I wouldn't stop him now. He took off his shoes and then he pounced to me leaving me perfectly lying on bed.
-I love you so much- I whispered very close to his mouth, I could see him smile and then he sealed my words with a soft and tender kiss.
-I love you too, with every part of me- he replied, I started feeling something cold against my neck and I realized I was still wearing my jewelry, I pushed him a little while I took off my necklace and earrings and left them on his nightstand, he looked a little anxious, I smiled and started kissing him again wanting him crazily. I finally felt it was the moment; I stroked his back, full of scars that I would have liked to prevent from happening, but I swore to myself to never let anybody hurt him again; I got to the commeasure of his pants and managed to take them off.
-I hope we get all the blessings we need this night- he said and I laughed, he hugged me strongly like never wanting to let me go, asking for all my love and soul. I took a deep breath and took off his underwear; my god, he was really ready. He did the same with mine and with a soft kiss on my forehead he was introduced within me making me moan. Our bodies brushing against each other, causing the strongest and most incredible sensations that may exist, making us one. Each move full of love and passion, every kiss and every touch was perfect. He was perfect and he was all mine.
And we stayed up all night, experiencing, loving each other with even the smallest parts of ourselves, hoping that our love would lead us to something somehow little that everyone expected us to give them, but big because we would love it as much as he loved me and I loved him.
To be continued…
Dreamer.