I woke up wrapped in Maxon's sheets, smiling when the sun came through the window and got to my eyes. I turned around and saw him, still asleep, looking tired but happy at the same time. I got closer and hugged him; he noticed and rested his head on my bare chest.
-Wake up, sleepy sweetheart- I told him, he made a sound and with one little move he pulled me down, I laughed.
-I don't want to- he protested with his eyes still closed.
-You have much to do, majesty. - I said caressing his blond curls.
-Well, I don't want to do anything- he said and started tickling me, I laughed twice harder.
-Maxon, stop it! - I begged, and then he covered me with kisses.
-I refuse to get up from this bed! - He said between kiss and kiss.
-Okay, then. I'll have to call Aspen so he makes you come out! - I threatened, he finally woke up completely.
-Why do you have to ruin my dreams so fast? - He complained.
-Oh, stop being a cry baby. It's my duty as your wife to make sure you fulfill your responsibilities- I said kissing his neck.
-You're my responsibility- he answered.
-Yes, dear. But I can take care of myself, thing that the people from the parliament can't do! - I reminded him, he laughed.
-Good morning, beautiful- he greeted.
-Good morning, my love- he started kissing me, ¡Oh, that heavenly feeling! I would have done anything so it could have last longer, but then someone came into the room. It was a maid, she looked at us scared, and I giggled.
-I'm so sorry your highness, we couldn't find the princess and we got worried- she apologized.
-My bad, I should have told you she was here with me- he said trying to cover our naked bodies, I was ashamed so I couldn't help but to laugh.
-Don't worry highness. I'll make sure they know- she said with a bow and got out.
-If someone says anything, make sure they blame Carter for this- I said, he laughed once more and then he hugged me harder leaving visible his back, every time I watched his scars I couldn't help of feeling guilty and hurt. I just couldn't accept the fact theta his father could do that to him, when he had always tried so hard to be perfect for everyone, he was perfect for me at least.
-You think it worked? - He asked with his lips resting on my chest.
-To hell if it didn't work! It was amazing, and we have time, don't we? - I answered smiling.
-Well, I guess we'll have to try over and over again until we make it- I can't explain how marvelous it felt having him so close, so peaceful and joyful, it was heaven itself.
-As you order, your highness! I surely won't be able to walk for a month. - And the sound of his laughter, that little sound could make me happy even in the most awful times.
-Want to help me with my duties? - He asked.
-Didn't we do that all night long?-
-Very cute, I meant… that you should come to the office with me today, you know… do some stuff together-
-Right, and we still have a project to finish- I reminded him. The project was the definite elimination of the castes. We had been working on it, but it took time and much planning, we were still in the middle of what to do with the eights, but we needed help, and that only made it more difficult because it was a silent matter, no one but him, the parliament and me knew it.
-Great, we'll focus on that today, then- he kissed my forehead and then got up from the bed, it was not easy to see him walking around naked and resist throwing him to bed again, but I had stuff to do.
We went together to the dining room where Marlee, Carter and Aspen would be waiting for us, when we entered they all looked at us with suspicious eyes and devilish smiles.
-How did you both sleep, majesties? - said Marlee with a disturbing giggle while we sat, me next to her and Maxon.
-As good as you and your husband sleep every night-she was ashamed, point for me. She hit me softly.
-And so…? - Aspen started asking.
-Oh, for the lord's sake! You cannot make a baby overnight! - I protested.
-Actually you can, princess. In fact, that's the only way you can do it! Why would we send you to your rooms if we knew there was another away? - answered Carter, I scowled at him.
-I mean that I can't be sure if it has only been like 9 hours since we… you know…- I decided to put an end to that hideous conversation.
-Let's just start eating- Maxon agreed that the conversation had gone far enough, it was so good to have him on my side.
-Of course, you must be starving. - Answered Aspen and then the giggles began again.
-Just because I'm your friend I don't send you all to the dungeons! - I complaint, Maxon kissed my hand.
-You're such a kind princess- he said sarcastically, so he was laughing at me too?
-So, how's Lucy? - I asked trying to chance the theme while the servants brought our food.
-She's very well, excited as hell- Aspen assured me.
-She should be; she's marrying Aspen Leger! A national hero! - I answered happily.
-Hang on, Mer. It's you who married Prince Maxon! - He reminded me.
-Still, you both of my men are and will be great husbands- and that was my desperate try so Maxon wouldn't get jealous, I knew he was jealous somehow. Delilah approached him a little.
-Thanks- he answered, Maxon was much focused on his breakfast.
-So, when is going to be the wedding? - I asked trying to release the tension, Marlee looked worried.
-In two weeks- he commented, I smiled.
-Make sure you invite us.-
-Of course! You're my best friend…- he started saying and then Maxon got up from the table.
-What's wrong? - I asked; he couldn't be THAT jealous.
-I… have to attend something, dear. Please enjoy your breakfast. - And he left.
-What's with him? - Asked Marlee.
-I don't know! He was perfectly fine this morning. - I answered nervously.
-Well, That's weird! Maxon has never behaved like that… -Carter told me.
-You think something bad happened? - Aspen asked.
-It might have, but he would have told me…- then someone confirmed our suspicions.
-Officer Leger, Mister Woodwork, his majesty needs you both immediately- said Mr. Leeroy entering the room.
-What's going on? - I demanded to know, he looked at me not looking so pleased.
-Nothing you should worry about, highness- he assured, I got mad, I was being left out of important situations and they had no right to do that.
-I order you to tell me now! - I technically yelled while standing up from the table.
-Well, the court has decided that it's best for you to not take place in this particular matter, I'm sorry- the three of them left the room.
-What the heck was that? - Marlee asked.
-I have no idea! And I'm starting to get tired of that old man; he never lets me help Maxon with anything! He doesn't even let me enter the office if it isn't and emergency! - I protested and sat again.
-They can't leave you out of everything just like that, can they? - She said.
-I guess they actually can… but it's not fair, it must be really important for them to leave like that-.
-Of course, don't let them disrespect you, Mer. You were a five before, we know, but now you're the crown princess and they know how they must treat you…- she tried to advice me.
-I know but I guess that I'll always be a five for them, no matter what I do- I answered.
At around two thirty that day, when I finished my business with Silvia and Marlee, I decided to "take a walk around the palace" but the first thing I did when I left them was run to Maxon's office. I knocked the door.
-Come in- he answered. He was alone, luckily, with a bunch of papers on his desk, looking at them worried, as always.
-Everything ok? - I asked; he stared at me trying to look calmed; I sat in front of him.
-It's the southern rebels, dear…- he answered, I sighed.
-What about them, now? I thought that August and Georgia were taking care of it! - I complaint.
-It isn't that easy, America. They're very stubborn and violent, August and Georgia are doing what they can but they also say that they're planning something big and there's no way for them to know about it… but they assured me that they're going to protect us in any possible way…- that left me a little stressed, they both were incredibly strong and brave, but now they had two beautiful children to look after to, the little Nerissa was only 3 months old and her Kaleb brother was 2, they needed their parents… and we did also.
-I'm sure about that, but it might be dangerous…- I said sadly.
-There is no other way, honey. We have to do what we can to protect and serve our people…- I remembered those words, it was part of the oath I had to say during the coronation.
-I know; is there anything I can do? - Probably, he wouldn't let me help either, but I had to try.
-Just stay by my side, darling. That's the best you can do- he answered looking at the floor, I touched his cheek with my hand.
-I'll always be with you, Maxon, Always. - I assured him.
-Only that way I'll be capable o f anything- he smiled at me and I gave him a little kiss on his nose.
-Anyways, is there news from the emperor? - I asked; he shook.
-Thank God there isn't! That man drives me crazy- I laughed at his reaction, it was funny to see someone who always looked so sure about everything being scared about nothing important.
-He drives us all crazy, my love! - I answered, this time he laughed with me.
-That reminds me! Someone sent a letter for you- he took out the paper and gave it to me.
-Who could it be?- I asked opening it, it couldn't be my family, they were living really near to us, in the house that Maxon gave me and I couldn't think of anyone else.
It said:
Ciao, mia bella Principessa America!
How's the wonderful Illéa at this time of the year? Spring must be really pretty there! And it must look even better having a cute and charming princess like you, I've missed you badly, dear, you should know. The reason why I write is to report a little mistake, they may have told you that I was visiting Illéa next week; I'm not going, darling, the reason? Well, as you should know, next week is the "Royal Encounter" in France, and royalty from around the world will attend, the good thing is that I'll see you there! Sono così entusiasta! It's going to be your first time as the Crown Princess of your country, I just hope you don't get bored talking with the German Prime Minister like you did at my birthday party, I understand you, amore mio; that man is the most obnoxious person I've ever met! Anyways, it'll be really fun and you'll get to meet the other princesses with me! I'm so thrilled to show off that you're my friend with the other people! You'll be my new toy! (Just kidding) Anyways, I guess we'll catch up there! I'm dying to know everything about you and Maxon. Until then.
Crazily waiting to see you!
Your friend, Princess Nicoletta.
Kisses from Italy to you all!
-The Royal Encounter? What's that? - I asked Maxon who was plunged in his work again.
-Oh, it's the royal reunion that happens every five years, all kings, queens, emperors and rulers of every nation go. The first one took place in Illéa actually, but I don't remember where is it going to be this time, don't worry we still have time…- he wasn't paying attention to me while he talked, I sighed and decided to use my only tool that always worked with him, I got very close to him, when he stared at me I just kissed him passionately. When I was sure I got him just for me I continued.
-Honey, we only have three days left. - I reminded him.
-Right! I'll ask Mr. McAffle to send me the information, don't worry, dear- He kissed my check and made me sit again.
-Well, Nicoletta says it's going to be on France this time, why didn't you tell me about this? - I asked.
-I'm sorry, beautiful. I've been busy, you know that, and I didn't want to make you nervous, I know how you get with this kind of happenings- he answered reading those freaking papers over and over again.
-You should have, but what are we supposed to do? - I wanted to know the reason why he thought I would be uneasy with that.
-Not much actually, but you'll have to talk with every single person there and… that's kind of hard, I myself find it very awkward, they're kings for God's sake! What is there to talk about with them? As us, they never leave their palaces! - He started complaining, I laughed.
-Then why should I be so scared about it?-
-This time it'll be a bit more difficult, America. It's another test for us, they want to know everything about you and if you say something they don't like… things will get ugly- he held my hands, okay, now I was worried.
-I should call Silvia…- I answered.
-You probably should, but its ok, I would bet my life that you'll be as lovely as always- he tried to calm me down.
-As lovely as I was with your father? - He smiled.
-Ok, you'll have to be a little nicer with them- he advised me.
-And what exactly are you going to talk about? - I asked; it would be good to know everything I could about the reunion.
-Politics, mostly. New projects, examining and comparing our economies, analyzing social problems in our countries, watching the new advances… and if we're lucky enough, we'll make some allies- he said, I bit my lip. Damn, it'll be complicated!
-So… the emperor is going to be there? - I wanted him to confirm that, he nodded not looking so happy about it. -I'm screwed! - I answered stamping my face on his desk.
-No, sweetie, you'll be great! - He encouraged me stroking my head.
-That old geezer hates us, Maxon! Just imagine what he could do with so many important people surrounding us! He'll crush us! - I said terribly scared at just thinking about it.
-Not if you show them how smart, cute, nice and brave you are- he took my face in his hands.
-How are you so sure about that?-.
-Because I know you very well, I know that you're always fair and kind with those who need you; you're the voice of an entire country who's shouting for its freedom and progress; only you could have the power to change all of our lives and make them better, you're exactly and everything that a good, prefect princess should be. I'm sure about that- he left me speechless.
-Have I told you how much I love you? - He laughed.
-You don't need to- he pressed his lips against mine giving me all the strength I needed.
To be continued…
Dreamer.