-It's just that I don't understand why… Oh, mother of God, Mary! I can't breathe!- Mary, Silvia and me were at my room trying to choose an outfit and preparing me for The Royal Encounter, which was two day after, the next I would try on was a light green dress patterned with birds but Mary managed to choke me with how much she tightened the corset.
-I'm sorry, highness- she apologized and she let out a little.
-You were saying…?- Silvia asked.
-Oh, right… I can't understand why the emperor hates us so much! We've been more than nice with him, we've been understandable and very welcoming with his people, we're giving him our first child, what else does he want?- I asked her, she sighed.
-He does not hate you, princess. Emperor Cho is a bit of a difficult person with a personality that's hard to understand, but you must show very polite and reasonable with him- she advised me, I huffed annoyed and Mary helped me with the dress.
-Well, I don't know why I should be respectful with him when he's a total douche with us- I answered while Mary zipped my dress.
-Because, respect is a one way street, Highness- she told me and once again sounded like my mother.
-Did they teach you that at the royal assistants school?- I asked giggling, Mary was hiding a laugh too. I looked myself at my huge mirror.
-Very funny, highness- she said a bit upset and got back to her agenda.
-Ok, sorry. What do you think?- I turned around so she could see it, she analyzed me from head to toe.
-It's too simple, I'm afraid. I mean, you shouldn't wear something so outrageous but is an important meeting and you must take care of your appearance- she reminded me, I turned back to Mary.
-If you say so…- Mary helped me with the zipper. –So freaking difficult to please everyone…- I whispered and she giggled with me this time.
-Oh, that reminds me, didn't you ordered a new dress a couple of months ago, majesty?- Mary asked, a light turned on inside my head.
-Right! You told me I should have a nice dress in case I had something important to attend to, remember?- I told Silvia, she nodded. –That might work, please bring it to me – I asked Mary, she quickly ran to my closet and searched for the dress. When she took it out it looked much more beautiful than I remembered. A beautiful turquoise dress with short sleeves reaching to the shoulder, where they joined both sleeves had a bright white diamond, opened from the waist and fell into pretty waves, it was perfect. When I finally got into the dress I looked up to the mirror watching how it fit me.
-You should wear those dresses more often now that you can- Silvia complimented me.
-It's wonderful…- I agreed, Mary looked very excited. Then, the door opened.
-I shall share your opinion, highness –Maxon greeted me; I smiled and walked to meet him.
- Does it look good? – I asked, he made me turn.
- You look like a beautiful blue angel – he assured me, I got closer and gave him a tender kiss.
-We must not look- Silvia whispered to Marry and when we finally opened our eyes, they were looking at the window, Maxon laughed.
-Everything ready for tomorrow?- he asked me, he looked a bit tired.
-Yes, everything but my patience- I assured him, he smiled.
-You'll do great- he encouraged me, I rubbed his cheek.
-Is something wrong?- he looked at me concerned and held my hand.
-I just wish that nothing happens while we're out- I shook with those words.
-The rebels, uh?- I asked, he nodded.
-They're a bit of unstoppable, dear. – He answered. –I talked to Georgia today and she says that some of her people are around our palace and they'll send as much protection as we require… but who protects our people?- Maxon always tried so hard to do everything well, I wondered who really took care of him when he didn't have me?
-Maxon, you can't be looking after every single person of Illéa, stop pressuring yourself! And besides, we could tell them to take care of the town while we're in Paris. We have to think of solutions not get stressed about the problems- he sighed and looked down.
-Maybe they could, but you know it's the perfect time for them to attack- when he was nervous it was so hard to make him understand.
-Don't worry, dear. It all will be fine- I hugged him and he rested his head on my shoulder. I couldn't promise him that everything would be great at The Royal Encounter, but I could at least try to ease his worries.
The flight was awfully long and I got a bit dizzy, luckily Maxon didn't leave me alone not even a second, and we even got to lock ourselves in the bathroom a while.
I had to admit that Paris was beautiful! I couldn't believe that I was actually there, it was so big and modern and pretty, my eyes could hardly handle all that beauty. And the press, Oh God, even worse than in Illéa, they were everywhere! Asking me things I didn't understand and taking pictures whenever they could. A bit of stressing but still flattering, Maxon seemed to be showing me off to everyone, Silvia even told me that someone had said that he was the luckiest prince and married man in all the world, I was glad, it was good for all them to know that we were happily together, and it helped to calm my jealousy, you can't blame me! Having so much French girls around you can make you feel very unsure even about if your name's pretty! America! How could that compete to Angelique or Colette or any other!
When we got to the hotel, the best hotel in all France I must say, things started to get a bit complicated. Our room wasn't prepared as Maxon wanted and he freaked out, for the first time I was ok with the idea of not understanding a word that he said, we'll the servants (shaking with fear) had to fix the room how they could, I apologized and thanked them (with a little help of Silvia, of course).
The next morning she came very early to wake us up and get us ready for The Royal Encounter.
- Time to get up, majesties! – She said while getting in. We were both exhausted because of the other night, we hardly handled that much attention. My husband was snoring terribly and I had to fight with myself to open my eyes, I did my best to wake him up, with a soft movement of my arm which he was holding. But it didn't end up well, in turned out that I had more strength that I knew or needed, Maxon complaint about the pain and he fell of our bed.
-My god, Maxon!- I ran to see if he was ok, when he finally reacted he looked at me with a shocked look.
-Hum… America dear, I'm afraid that your nightgown is falling off- I looked down to my chest to discover that I was almost naked. I flushed and covered myself with my arms, making him fall again. I was holding him after all.
-Highness, are you hurt?- Silvia asked looking not so pleased with the scene we just created.
-Mentally: yes, physically: I'm not so sure…- he answered while getting up and sitting on the bed again.
-As if you had never seen me wearing nothing but my passion!- I whispered and I swear that he stopped breathing for a moment.
-It's not time, darling- he replied, I rolled my eyes and I moved away his blonde hair from his forehead to see if he had not hit his head, he looked even more beautiful being confused and feeling uncomfortable.
-It's always time- I couldn't help of giving him a little kiss when Silvia didn't see us, but he made it longer and longer and longer, until we heard something strange outside our room. Silvia walked to the door while our lips were still pressed together, and… big mistake! She opened the door.
More than a hundred reporters, all of them with more than one camera, were waiting for us and we were still barely dressed, blushing to death and about to do something more than kissing each other. The guards came as soon as they could but I knew it was already too late, those pictures would be in the news papers from France to Illéa to New Asia.
-Well, at least they'll say that we still have the spark of love…- he said, I looked at him annoyed, but then I laughed.
-You, Prince Maxon, have no shame…- I put my arms around his neck and he holds my back. We wouldn't have done that if Silvia wouldn't have come out of the room.
-It wouldn't be the first time I hear that- I giggle and he starts kissing me again, this time a little more strongly, leaving me laying on bed and taking his lips to my cheek way down to my neck and chest.
-I hope you remember whe have an important meeting today- I said with the latest voice I had left, he had his ways to distract me and make me believe that the world was gone, that we were not royalty or nothing more, that we were just two crazy lovers.
-And I hope you remember we're supposed to make a baby…- he reminded me making way down to my stomach.
-We still have time…- I gave up. The happening wouldn't start until 11 am and it was still 7:30! He didn't need all that time to get ready and I didn't need those extra behavior classes.
At about 9, Silvia came back to apologized for what had happened and she assured us she was ready to start, but it was too late. We were both already getting ready for the reunion, as if nothing had happened, one of my maids: Olivia, was doing my hair, the other one: Hailey was fixing my dress which had been damaged by the journey and Mary was helping me to choose the jewelry and doing my makeup, I couldn't say what Maxon would have been doing, but he was really quick.
-I'm really sorry I didn't come back sooner, highness. The reporters just wouldn't go away – she said again, I could not move my head to look at her, so I did all the possible that Liv let me to talk to her.
-Don't worry about it, I just want to know… if there's a possibility of eliminating those pictures? - I asked; Silvia took a little while to answer.
-I cannot promise you anything, highness. But I'll do what's in my hands – she finally said, I sighed relieved and that made all the blush would go to the face of the poor Mary that as efficiently as always took care my face.
-Sorry…- I whispered. Olivia fought with herself not to laugh, Mary cleaned her face.
-It's ok, majesty. Just try to not breathe so strongly- I laughed.
After about one hour and thirty minutes, my hair was perfectly curled and set aside to give the effect of a cascade, I needed a few extensions of course, my lashes were well raised, my eyes beautifully painted and my mouth of a pastel very precious pink color. The dress was impeccably adjusted and ready, my heels were shinny, my gloves in place, my tape that showed exactly "my distinction" was securely tied, my sapphire necklace rested on my chest and the earrings that matched dazzled my ears, just missing one thing. I was going from one side to the other down the hall, waiting impatiently for my husband with my nerves to the maximum.
"My god, what on earth am I doing? Who are you trying to fool, America?! You're not a lady or much more, yes you're the princess, we know! But still, this is much more than just wearing a dress and smiling to everyone, this is… huge! What if I say something wrong, uh? What then? Maxon will be so embarrassed that he'll ask me for divorce! Oh hell, no! I can't leave him! I love him, there's no way I'm doing this… It'll be a disaster if I go! No way, I have to tell him, I cannot go… I …"
-There you are; I thought you were still inside…- I heard at my back and I almost choke with my own breath. I turned around, he looked so handsome and ready, he had not even one doubting hair on his perfect head, looking so flawless, ready and relaxed, so himself. It made me feel guilty for being such a bad wife and think of leaving him. He came with what looked like a case in hand.
-What's that? - I asked; he looked at me excited.
-This, my dear, is who you are- He opened it revealing a white gold tiara with diamonds, it was so beautiful. –Since I met you, I somehow knew that it was made for you, well, it was actually my mother's but we changed her rubies for these diamonds, mother said "it symbolizes a new start". And now it's officially yours- I had worn a crown before but that was kind of those that you see on TV and movies a crown of magnificent liner and details of pure gold with many ornaments, but this was perfect, simple and pretty. He took it out and carefully placed it on my head.
-Better? - I said with a smile.
-With or without it you would look wonderful; it's just for them to know that you're completely mine. - He kissed my forehead.
-Your transport is waiting, highness- a guard of the Hotel announced. Maxon offered me his arm and I took it happily, while I had the man of my life by my side nothing would scare me. Another guard opened the limo's door for me and helped me with my dress, Maxon sat next to me and took my hand all the way, I was breathing heavily.
-You'll do great, honey. Stop it – he said with is mouth next to my ear making me shake.
- You'd be nervous too if it was your first time- I reminded him, he giggled.
-My first time was as a 5 year old child, America. But if you mean the first time that I actually had to talk with them… I ran away- I looked at him shocked, but he didn't seem regretful.
-You did what? - He showed one of his cute smiles and answered.
-I was fifteen. My father had spent so much time preparing me for sharing time with all those people, I thought I would make no mistake, but when the moment came… I freaked out and I asked for permission to leave, I told mother that I was feeling sick and that wasn't so false, I stayed locked in one of the rooms all day long, and father got mad… you can imagine what happened after we got back to Illéa. Later I understood that, no matter how much you fear your challenges, they'll always come back for you, so… it's better to try and fail that not trying at all…- he stroked my cheek. –Besides, you're the bravest person I know. You confronted the most terrifying king of Illéa, they are nothing compared to my father - he assured me, but that wasn't as comforting as he thought, I could fight with the king because he was a mean person, but I hardly had seen all those people, how could I even try to say a word to them?
- Just… don't let me do anything that makes you regret had chosen me, okay? – I asked him, he hugged me.
-There's nothing you can do that could make me regret having you as my wife – he gave me a tender kiss trying not to ruin my lipstick. - You won't be alone, America. I promise. - And we finally got there. It was definitely a palace, it wasn't bigger than ours but it was really big, it was of marble, with windows and supports of the stairs surrounded by gold and ceilings finished in tip showing the flag of France, the gardens had thousands of types of flowers and I even saw some stables behind the palace. There were so many cars and carriages and any number of reporters and cameramen waiting for the arrival of the next guests, which we were us. We got out of the limo, Maxon, of course, had to help me because of the dress; we went up the main stairs. I could hear my name in so many different languages but I only understood one:
"Here comes the most awaited couple: Prince Maxon and Princess America Schreave from Illéa. For what we know this is the first time that her highness attends to The Royal Encounter, we wish her all the luck in the world as she wasn't prepared all her life for this as her husband was…"
I felt a little bit of hurt by those worlds, I was a poor girl, that was true, but they had no right to mention it that way. We got to the gates, which were wide opened, I stopped there watching the insides, all those people, they were my challenge this time. I thought to myself: You already managed to conquer the prince, C'mon, You can do this! I woke up when I felt Maxon kissing my hand that was hidden in my glove.
-Leave them speechless, my love - took me inside the palace and all eyes turned to us, to me, rather, I spotted Nicoletta wearing a magenta dress that highlighted her beautiful eyes, she greeted me happy. But other lady did not see me so excited, her perfectly lank blonde hair rose to turn his head to see me and her green eyes seemed to want to melt with just setting them on me, then relaxed her eyes and walked over to us.
-My dear, Maxon. So good to see you! –she greeted my husband leaving clear her French accent, she kissed him one time in each cheek, I have to admit that her golden tiara was much bigger and scandalous than mine was, it looked perfect with her red and puffy strapless dress. I looked much more natural, point for me.
-Daphne, it's always a pleasure to see you. I introduce you to my wife, Princess America – she bowed and I did the same, she offered me her hand, I took it.
- It's an honor to meet you, highness – that was not so true, being so affectionate with my husband and looking at me with hateful eyes, we wouldn't get along so well.
- What a sweetheart, did you have a good flight? - She took Maxon's free arm and led us to the center of the room, like throwing me to the dogs. Then I couldn't hear him talking anymore, I was looking to the royalty gathered there, some were older, some were younger, some of them looking very extravagant and some of them looking simple and relaxed, some of them looking at me with pitiful eyes and some of them looking at me with displeasure, one of them was Emperor Cho.
-America, mia bella principessa! Come stai, cara? – (America, my beautiful princess! How are you, dear?) I had been studying Italian for a Little time with Silvia; I actually knew what that meant. And I mentally thanked Nicoletta for saving me from all that pressure; I decided to blow Princess Daphne's head, not literally of course, but using my new abilities.
-Molto bene, Vostra Altezza. Grazie per avermelo chiesto. – (Very well, your highness. Thanks for asking) I answered; I could feel Maxon looking at me surprised and the princess burning with jealousy.
-Mamma mia! Your Italian has gotten much better than the last time we talked- she assured me with a hug. She was right, the last time I pronounced "Il mio nome è l'America" (My name is America) like what she would call: a sick cow, what would I do without Marlee and Silvia?
-It's good not to sound like a sick cow anymore- she laughed.
-Oh, Prince Maxon! My bad, congratulations for having such a lovely wife- she said to my husband, he smiles proudly. Princess Daphne was really mad.
-Everyday spent with her is a gift, Princess Nicoletta- he answered; I kissed him on his cheek. Nicoletta made a joyful sound and took my hand.
-Would you mind if I steal your princess for a bit? - Maxon nodded, I sent him a blown kiss and went to the garden with Nicoletta. It was huge, showing pretty daisies in every single one of the little roads that it had. I had to tell Maxon about getting some more flowers in our gardens.
-Ok, what exact relationship did Maxon have with the French princess? - I needed to know; She took me to one of the many benches and held both of my hands.
-Well, I can't tell you everything about it, but some rumors say that Daphne was once in love with your husband but he rejected her a few days before the selection. It's really sad, amore, but I'm glad he didn't feel the same - And I was stunned again, how many princesses had flirted with Maxon?
-Can you imagine that? I would never have met him! I…- she stopped me with an annoyed sigh.
-Don't even mention it, America! Thinking that is a sin! Princess Daphne became so cold after that, you know I like Maxon, he disserves something better than her. That means you- I smiled, she sounded so sincere and comforting with her accent.
-May God bless Maxon's taste, he saved my life! – Nicoletta laughed with me. –Though I have to admit that he chose the worst option ever, I mean that I'm not a princess on the inside at all, I'm practically a disaster, but… he's so perfect that I don't care much about his decisions- she looked at me with accusing eyes.
-Per Dio, America! You're great just the way you are, if your husband didn't and doesn't want you to change a thing about you why would you want it? - she asked me, I raised my arms.
-You said it, he disserves better. But I've promised you both to be the nicest I can be- I reminded her, she scowled.
-Sometimes being yourself has a better effect on people, but you're the princess so I won't question you! - I laughed.
-You're the princess too! - I reminded her.
-And talking about princesses… The ice's one is calling us inside now- we both giggled at her reference for Princess Daphne and got inside.
For what Maxon had told me, now we were going to take places on our tables, it was something like modeling for the rest of the people, showing who we were and imposing respect. First of all were the kings of France, their daughter and husband, and then would go the kings of England with their little son, and then the princes of Russia. We were fifteenth couple, Maxon helped me straighten my tiara and smoothing my tape, "Crown Princess of Illéa" it said, and his said "Crown Prince of Illéa" of course.
-Take a deep breath, we'll go slowly - How difficult could it be? Walking down a hall, smiling and greeting the guests, it couldn't be so bad!
-Curious, that's the same thing you always say in the bedroom- I remind him so I could relax a bit, he laughs and gives me a tiny kiss.
-I feel glad that you're not worried- I took his arm and I straighten my posture, with my eyes facing forward. "When you look forward, things will happen even more quickly" Mom always said that. God, I missed her! If only she could have been there with me, I wouldn't have felt so out of place, somehow she was, the whole world would see the reunion, but I begged no one saw the pictures that had been taken earlier that morning. If anybody saw that, our reputation would officially be finished, I didn't want to even think about what the Emperor could say about that.
-And now, Prince Maxon and Princess America Schreave, royal monarchs of Illéa - the presenter announced and we started walking, slowly as he promised, I smiled sweetly and greeted with a gentle gesture to those who could see me directly. The Queen of Ireland was very friendly and she smiled back.
- You see? They don't bite, as far as I know- he said when we took our seats.
-I'm not purple? I didn't breathe like at all! - he smiled and then he whispered to my ear.
- You are such an angel, I love you so much – he kissed my neck, when I lifted my eyes, Queen Miyamoto , who was sitting in front of us, was more than surprised, maybe in Japan there were no such things as public displays of affection.
-Uh, sorry- My husband apologized while I smiled with flushed cheeks. She just opened her fan and looked away. The German prime minister and his wife sat next to the kings of Japan, next to us were the kings of Ireland and next to them were Emperor Cho and his wife, for our good luck.
-So, Prince Maxon, I'm very sorry about your parents, we didn't have the chance to tell you earlier- said the prime minister, Maxon sighed, I stroked his hand.
-Thank you very much, they're dearly missed, I assure you- he answered as calm and polite as always.
-Of course they are, they were very responsible and correct kings- said Emperor Cho.
-And their son is the same of course, you're a very good lieder for what we've seen, Prince Maxon - The king of Ireland was very nice to us too.
-You see? They love you- I whispered to him, he looked at me affectionately.
-And they should love you too- he answered. Then I thought that this situation wouldn't be so difficult after all, they would surely want to talk with Maxon more than with me, and I would just have to be his pretty doll.
-America, come here a second! I want you to meet someone –Nicoletta called me from the other side of the table.
-Excuse me - I announced and ran to her. I could hear Daphne saying something like I had restless legs or something. She was talking to who I thought would be the Indian Princess, I had not heard much about her except that she was extremely attractive, deep dark eyes with long black hair that hung to her waist, using all kinds of very bright and fine jewelry in a fuchsia sari with golden accents, simply spectacular .
-My dear, I introduce you to Princess Rajnandhini, Your highness, this is Princes America from Illéa- the princes smiled to me.
-You can call me Dhini, dear. I've heard much about you, Nicoletta can't keep quiet when it comes to you. –she answered, I sat next to Nicoletta.
-I can't imagine why… Whoa, let me tell you that you're really pretty – I couldn't keep it to myself and that was my best way of sounding friendly.
- You're so kind, thank you! Being honest to you, I can't help of envying your eyes- she confessed, I laughed with Nicoletta; I never had considered myself as a marvelous looking girl.
-I'm sure that we'll be really good friends the three of us – Nicoletta said.
-Ugh, you don't know how much Princess Daphne scolded me for being late, her airport was so crowded! Who does she think she is to blame me? - Dhini complained. So she was the last one, Maxon had told me that the entrance ceremony would be delayed a bit because one of the guest wasn´t there yet.
-She thinks she is the ice princess- Nicoletta answered, I giggled.
-Or maybe the princess of dishonor… I heard from the countess Caroline that she has cheated on her husband so many times that she already forgot! Can you believe her? Poor Prince Maxon, the Selection somehow saved him… Oh, right! You're the winner, aren't you? It's a little bit late to say it but, congratulations! - She reminded me. Countess Caroline was from Denmark, I had talked to her before, and she was someone who enjoyed the gossips
-Thank you, I'm still feeling very lucky- I assured her, he looked at me a little concerned.
-We'll keep an eye on your husband for you, dear. Princess Daphne is a very persistent young lady and that makes her even more dangerous, you see how she has been with him all day long? - I looked back at Maxon, it was true, here it came again Princess Daphne willing to steal my husband. –And don't think that the royalty are gossips, America. We just say what cannot stay hidden and discover those who deserve to be discovered.-
-May I ask what's the French Prince doing now? - Who could blame Daphne for cheating if the person who had promised his love to her was never around?
-He's always with his in-laws…- Dhini said, Nicoletta nodded and continued.
-The poor Prince Frederick is always trying to impress Daphne's parents because she has told him that he wasn't good enough to become the king- she finished, I was a bit of shocked.
-I understand that, you don't know how difficult can it be to please your in-laws, in my case my late father in law; King Clarkson was far from being just a difficult person – Nicoletta had heard my complaints much times but Princess Dhini looked surprised.
-Right, I heard so much rumors about King Clarkson that it gave me nightmares!- Dhini said and I laughed with her.
-You have no idea how rude that man was to me, but still he was the father of the man I love. If I have to thank the deceased for one thing is for being able to create Maxon, but rather it was due to Queen Amberly.-this time all three of us released a chuckle. I spent what looked the rest of the morning and all afternoon with them, talking or eating sweets and drinking champagne, comparing the royal gentlemen, telling a little about us, I even dared to mention Aspen, of course I didn't say that I had been seeing at the same time I saw my prince. Maxon wanted me to share some time with those who liked me and had things in common, he said that they could help me deal with the stress of being the crown princess, and so I did. When I saw Daphne approaching him again I decided it was time for me to intervene, I kindly say goodbye to my new friends and left.
-Missed me?- I asked sitting next to my husband and giving him a little kiss, for my surprise that didn't send the princess away, she wanted some more time with him, she sat next to me.
-Look at you two, so in love and joyful… I wonder how much time it'll last- she said, I giggled indignantly.
-When it's true love, dear Daphne, it lasts forever- Maxon hugged me from behind and she looked at him with disgust. Prince Frederick walked to meet us.
-Daphne, my darling. Your parents are waiting for you- he said, the princess gave me a final death glare and left being followed by her husband, I felt bad for him.
-Oh God, I perfectly know that Daphne was kind of intense, but this is being a stalker!- I turned to look into his eyes.
-It looks like I'll have to hold on to you much more…- I said.
-Do it as much as you like, you have my permission and willingness- he whispered, his breath tickling me.
-You see? This is what I was talking about!- Emperor Cho raised his voice and stood up from his chair, pointing us out with his finger, sounding angry. What had we done now? –This… impertinent girl, turned into a princess! You late father's helpers have much right to not let you govern Illéa completely, she is blinding you! Confusing you with unexciting feelings! Making you become someone disrespectful and impulsive! That's one more reason to not turn your nation into an ally, with her taking the power it'll be a complete mess! I've asked you for an heir, where is he now? You've made a terrible choice, Prince Maxon! Choosing someone from one of the lowest classes to rule with you, how could you even think that? You have to face it, please open your eyes and see what big damage you're causing to your people! Don't be a fool, grow up and be like your father! Be a man, be a king and be smart, for the Lord's sake! She wasn't born a princess, she can't be a princess now and she'll never be it! She's nothing but a lie, a disgrace, and your biggest mistake! – I was shaking terribly, shedding desperate tears, feeling dead on the inside, praying for some comfort but it was more than clear that no one would want to give it to me.
-I … just need one moment- and I ran away, crying, not caring about anyone else.
To be continued…
Dreamer.