After the ceremony, the huge banquette proceed as it was planned; My family laughed and talked to no end, they seemed happier than they have ever been, even when two important members were missing; still that day felt glorious, and nothing would ruin it, don't worry! This time it's for real. When the time of the toast finally came, Maxon looked at me like reminding me that I shouldn't drink, I giggled at his concern.

"It's ok, dear, I'm not that reckless" I assured him he kissed my cheek.

"No, but you're full of surprises, my love…" he got up asking everyone to be quiet and took his glass.

"Dear family and friends, loved ones gathered here in this special day, special because of much reasons" he looked down to e and I smiled cheering him to continue, I loved his speeches as much as I loved him, they were so inspiring he talked with his heart. "This last month has been an experience that we surely won't be forgetting any soon, we've lost as much as we have won, but still we have to remember that everything happens for a reason, and this happened to make us see in which direction we would proceed; all my life I knew that my fate was to be a king, and more than that the father of my nation, I would take my own father's throne and lead Illéa as well as he did, and until now I hadn't realized for real that my father also made a lot of mistakes, his thirst for power blinded him and took him to the wrong direction, he forgot what was really important and he'll be reminded as the complete opposite of the man he should've been, and I myself could see that, everyday. I confess that I've always been truly afraid about all that concerns him, but I also understand that he never got the chance to stop time and think a bit about what was he doing… to himself, to his family, to his people… and I did have a chance, I've opened my eyes and I'm wide awake; Nobody gets what's to feel like life is over until they experience it, and we both have felt it, maybe she has felt it more than I have, but it was necessary somehow… to remind me that there are worse things in life that not being recognized as the person you were born to be, far more worse. So, yes, I've learned a lot from this and I'm conscious of the price we had to pay, but I'm glad… because right now I can swear that nothing like this would happen ever again, from today and till the end of my days I'll fight tirelessly to defend my country with all of me, to correct my father's mistakes and stay focused in which are my reasons for living and trying to be better every single day… she is, and everything she has given to me, and I'll never forget how lucky I am of having her by my side, and while having her I know that I have all of you, because she's the image of courage and love itself, she's all that I've always needed to get back to reality and have my feet on the ground, to comprehend my own country fully and to keep fighting for what I know is right. She has given herself completely to her people and never stopped thinking about what she had to do. She is my world and I know where she has come from and I also know where she belongs, I know that she has faith in me eve while being so great, because of her I'll never do anything wrong… So I'm honored to ask all of you to raise your glasses to our Queen, our savior, our hero, the mother of Illéa. My darling, America… Thank you, for saving all of us." At first I had blamed the hormones for making me cry as a toddler, but then I understood that I would've cried even if I hadn't been pregnant, this was how he proved me how much he loved me, even if he only looked me right into my eyes, all that I see was pure adoration. He took my hand and I hugged him tightly, in that precise moment everyone had gone away, though I could still hear them clapping, my world was him.

"You don't know how much I love you" he whispered "and maybe you never will… because nothing in this world could describe it completely"

"I love you too, God, I love you so much" I answered in tears, and took his head in my hands to give him a kiss.

"And that reminds me…" he continued with his eyes on me, his hand traveled to my stomach while still holding mine. "Another toast, for our future princes…" and they clapped excited again, I had mentioned a pregnancy before but I never said they were two.

"You're terrible at keeping secrets, Maxon Calix Schreave" I said playful, he smiled.

"No secrets to my people, remember?" I giggled at his comment.

"You'll be such a great King" I closed my eyes trying to focus my attention on the synchronized beat of our hearts; together, everything was perfect.

"Only because you're my Queen… and the mother of my children" he kissed my cheek. I turned to see how our family and friends also cried at the sight of us, every single one of them except for Kriss, she showed a bright smile and I knew it was honest; Maxon was right, we lost as much as we won, but that only made us stronger.

"Majesties, I'm sorry to interrupt but… he Queen as a special guest that would like to talk to her in private" said Silvia with a bow. I looked at my husband.

"Go… I know you have to…" I wondered how could he know that but I just smiled and let her lead me to the main hall, out of the banquette's sea of infinite congratulations and joy. I had never expected to see him that way, since he had left… I had never seen that look in his eyes, the last time I had seen him like that was when we were kids, when he still loved us somehow, my heart stopped for I bit while I took a breath to speak.

"Kota?" he was the same, my brother who I had managed to hate after he had left us, but he looked completely different, willing to talk with the truth.

"Hey, Ames… or should I call you Your Majesty now? I'm not sure…" he was ashamed for sure, he never had his head down or looked uncomfortable, not if it was me who he was talking to.

"Ames is fine… I never let anyone close call me the other way…" I assured him.

"Great, because I have to tell you much things…" he offered me his arms and I hesitated a bit, but still I took it, I needed to hear what he had to say, he would've never taken such risk if it wouldn't have been important. We walked through the hall.

"I'm listening…" I said trying to change my angry voice tone, I didn't want to be threatening, on the inside I was dying to talk to him again; he somehow… reassembled my father while speaking.

"Look, sis… I know that everyone must hate me right now but I also know that you're a good person and that you would listen to me, so I needed to talk to you, to explain everything to you…. Because you've always been like that, so nice and caring… I was jealous of you for that… you and Kenna were our parent's perfect little daughters… you both never let them down, Father always said that… I guess that's another reason for why I left, I felt that I was completely useless if mom and dad had you around, you didn't need me so I decided that I didn't need you either… And now I can see that… I've been such an idiot for so long, you all… even Grad and May told me that I was a fool and I didn't want to listen to them, I lost myself, America… and I didn't want to face it… until now. Your husband's really smart you know? He's right in every single thing he said… and I somehow understand how you felt… and I'm going to tell you this but I don't want you to worry… I was also threatened to death by New Asia's army… actually, all of our family had been but as Mom, James, our siblings and niece were here in the palace, they didn't get hurt at all… at least not so much, they must've been scared to their bones because of you, I myself was too… when that freaking soldier was pointing at me with his gun, I wasn't really afraid to die… I was afraid to die alone… dying while knowing that nobody cared about what would happen to me or that no one would shed tears if they knew that I was gone… then I realized that I was alone because I had caused that to me… all of you always loved me and supported me and gave me everything I needed but I wanted more… when all that I actually needed was your love. You see, Ames… our family might've not been rich or powerful… but I swear to God that I've never seen a family such as united and wonderful as ours… even with the few things that we could get for ourselves, we were lucky because we were together, and after I left I was so… empty and dead on the inside… but my pride won over myself and I couldn't go back, until now I was scared to come here and say I'm sorry, but it's worth it… better late than never, and I won't live forever, sis… You deserved a better brother and son that I've been… but I'll try to make it better no matter of hard it is…" I didn't really notice I had stopped walking and breathing until he finished talking. I couldn't believe what was he saying, but he was opening his heart to me. I swallowed feeling a bit shocked, I didn't know what to say, he had left me speechless.

"You… mean all of that?" was all I could ask.

"I had never been so honest with anyone… America, I want my family back… and it doesn't matter what price I have to pay… I understand if you don't forgive me at first but I'll try until you do…" ok, this time, it was hormones for sure. My brother wiped my tears and I took his hands in mine.

"Kota… If you thought that we hated you because you had left… you were wrong… I … hated you because you never came back, because you never dared to say those things and when we needed you and you weren't there… I thought you didn't care about us anymore and then I hated myself for still loving and missing you even when I knew that… the thing is that I learned to forgive you long ago… I never lost faith in you… you're my brother after all and if you're worried about what will the others think… I must tell you that they feel the same way" I knew it was true, even if they hadn't told me, we were family and he wanted us back, what on earth could they want more than him?

"You really think so? Because I'm thrilled to see mother again but I haven't sleep because of imaging how will she react…" I chuckled, by the lord; anyone could've said that we all were siblings with just listening to our foolish fears.

"Just go inside and before she can speak you hug her and tell her how sorry you are, the end…" I answered.

"So… we're okay?" he asked with a shy smile, I smiled back at him.

"Better than ever, brother" and it felt so relieving to say those words, he kissed me on my forehead and quickly took me to the celebration again.

"Ok, do I look alright?" he asked, I was a bit surprised that he would worry about something like that.

"Yes, why?"

"Because there's a brunette in there that didn't stop looking at me not even for a second and she's damn cute!" he confessed, my jaw fell to the floor. Was that possible? My brother liked Kriss! I couldn't really say if she felt the same way but I prayed for it.

"Well, that's really a surprise, and talking about those … I'm sure that this is something you need to now, and it's perfect that you've come back just yet because of this…" I told him before entering the room.

"What is it?" he seemed a bit worried, I laughed.

"You're becoming an uncle again… of two" I told him, he became pale white.

"You mean that you're… with twins?" he said surprised, I nodded, he took me in his arms; I couldn't remember when it was the last time that Kota had hugged me, but still it felt awesome. "Wow, congratulations!"

"Thank you… but now you should go with them before you regret having told me all of this" I pushed him through the door and he went to meet my mother without hesitating. She cried and held him tightly, feeling happier than ever; Kenna, Gerad and May went to meet him quickly, I thought of going there too but I had some other royal issues to attend.

"Oh, so that's my famous other brother in law?" said Maxon welcoming me with arms open and hugged me from behind.

"Yes, my lord… I tell you this day is the most perfect one in all my life" I said happily.

"Really? More than the day we married?" I turned to see him with a smile.

"Okay the second one then…" he laughed with me and kissed me tenderly.

For the first time in so long my heart was and felt complete again.

-7 months later-

"You felt that? They're moving!" said Maxon shocked with his hand placed on my huge stomach, he liked to feel the babies, and he could've been doing it all day long if he hadn't remembered he was the King.

"Darling, they move 24 hours a day!" I reminded him laughing.

"Yes, but it's different every time! Let me show you" he took my hand with his and put it there were he had been touching before "Alright, say something…"

"Honey, this is pointless…" but he was right, my children moved quicker than before and seemed to be dying of joy with just hearing my voice, I giggled.

"Now, feel this… Hello, little loves of my life" and they moved insanely again.

"They love your voice…" I rubbed my belly while he placed gentle kisses in both sides of it.

"And I love everything about them of course… but I have to go now" now they babies protested by kicking me strongly, both of them.

"They didn't like that idea very much…" I told him feeling a bit breathless.

"I don't want to leave you either… I'll try to finish with these matters fast so I can come back earlier" coming back to our room, not his and not mine! After the coronation I realized that I didn't really want to be in Maxon's parents room as it still felt like it was theirs, so I had the idea of making his room ours and mine would be the babies, I wanted them as close as they could be. And also I couldn't really walk much time because I was terribly tired, being pregnant with twins is not easy at all, but still everyone indulged me like that always did.

"I'll make their highnesses understand…" I assured him he gave me a small tender kiss when his replacements came through the door.

"Good morning, majesties" said Marlee and Kriss in chorus, they had never been so close friends but Marlee started to like her better since Kota proposed to her, yes they were a lovable couple and all the family adored her, and of course since she had saved my life!

"Good morning, Miss Woodwork, Miss Ambers…" he greeted them.

"Soon to be changed by Miss Singer" Kriss winked at him, at first though it had been weird but then I knew that my brother would never find someone more wonderful than her, and yes I was excited to have Kriss as my sister in law.

"And we're all waiting for that with excitement, yes! But her majesty needs our attention now!" reminded her Marlee, I didn't blame Kriss… being engaged was a dream, she could stop talking about it!

"Right! How are you feeling, Mer?" she asked sitting next to my bed.

"Tired, hungry, sleepy, fat… but still happy … as always" I smiled, Marlee also sat next to me.

"That's good, really… you are very calmed in compare to other pregnant woman…" she assured me.

"And also considering you're a Queen, I think that you're better than ever" said Kriss, we both laughed.

"I leave you in good hands, my love. You know what you have to do if anything happens, right?" asked me Maxon for like the 5000 time in all the time that I had been pregnant.

"Scream until I have no voice left, I get it! Now go or Mr. McAffle will rip your head off!" metaphorically of course.

"I know, I know… I love you, my dear!" he sent me a blown kiss from the door.

"I love you too!" I answered with a smile. I turned to see Marlee with thousands of documents about the Casts Elimination Program that I had to check, now known as CEP as it was far too boring to say the whole name. "You don't need to explain, I know…" I took the folders in my hands and opened the first one.

Process of the Program: 40% progress from 100

This month results: Fifth caste is officially done.

Comments about the work: Congratulations, majesty! You did it, we're proud of you!

Atte: Mom, May, Gerad, Kota, Kenna, James, Astra, Kriss, Marlee, Carter, Aspen, Lucy, Silvia, Gavril, Mary and your beloved husband Maxon Schreave.

"Oh, by the Lord! We did it!" I said with tears in my eyes, I couldn't hide it, I was glad! Even though we still had a long way to go before we could end with the stratified way our society had had for so long, it was surely an accomplishment to finish with the cast that I had been born in, the one that had made my life so difficult and yet had brought me to where I was.

"Congrats!" they both hugged me strongly, we all had reasons to be happy one day.

"And… as a present for your effort…" Marlee took a little case out of who knows where.

"What's that?" I asked, she winked at me with a big smile.

"It's the video of your baby shower, you knucklehead!" the three of us laughed in excitement.

"They finally finished it, for real?" I asked taking the case from her hands; Maxon had filmed the whole thing but it took them and his helpers like two months to finish editing it, they were busy as hell all the time.

"You have to see it to check it!" she answered, I almost ran to put it inside the DVD and turn on the large TV. They sat next to me to see everything.

"Okay, here we go… How's her majesty feeling today?" asked Maxon, for his voice tone I could say that he was smiling, I also smiled at him but when I realized he had the camera I scowled.

"Are you really going to film this?" I complained playing with my dress, he laughed and gave me a kiss on my hand.

"It's for the recall, my dear. Our children will want to see this" he stroked my 5 month old belly with his free hand. "C'mon say something to them!"

"Alright… Okay, children… my babies, sweethearts you don't how excited we are about having you with us and that's why your father has invited all of the ex members of the Selection to the party, how about that? Your birth is the most waited of all! But it's worth it, we love you …" I said joyful.

"And we love each other" he said, I chuckled. The scene changed to the part when the girls dedicated a few words to us

"Oh God, I don't want to see this!" Marlee hid her face in my shoulder feeling ashamed, knowing who would be the last to speak. But surprisingly, Olivia was the first. For what we knew, she had been dating a lot of wealthy and handsome men, but nothing too serious.

"Your majesties… I really can't believe that it has been three years since we all gathered here pursuing a same dream, and now we're here to celebrate that our dear King is finally having a family as he always wanted… You know? I could say that I never thought that America would be the chosen one, but… I'd lie, you both were too predictable, sorry guys, really…" the three of us laughed at that as my cheeks turned into the most bright red, Marlee kissed my cheek "But… when it comes to true love, you won the biggest and best price ever… and I wish you nothing but happiness and joy for the rest of your days. Congratulations" and they all clapped excited, I never thought that the girls would appreciate me that much; I thought that they would hate me badly because I "took their prince" away from them, but for my surprise, they were really happy for us. Then it was Elise's turn, we totally freaked out when she showed us an amazingly huge diamond ring on her hand, for what she told us the lucky one seemed to be the son of one of her father's partners, and he was everything she had always wanted, she seemed to be glad with all that was happening in her life.

"It amazing to see the things that come when you find a love that's real, uninterested, and faithful … and

When I see you both, that's what 's all that I see, a great and beautiful love that has led to this day, when you see that this wonderful feelings you have for each other have changed your life and it turned into the biggest proof of your love, a child is a blessing, and I think I speak for everyone here when I say that you both deserve only the best in this world, and you've been granted it; I have no doubts that this baby will have the most caring, adorable and great parents in all Illéa, we trust you blindly because whe knew that kind of people you are, and the great couple you've managed to become. So, last but not least, America… I think you should know this" I sighed when I remembered what she was about to say, it really got to my heart "The night before the last attack and the engagement announcement, before we lost King Clarkson and Queen Amberly, and her… Celeste and I were talking about the choice that Maxon had made and I have to admit that it shocked me what she told me, she looked right into my eyes and said: You know what, Elise? If that little redhead becomes the princess I will be her most devoted subject… And I was like: What the hell, didn't you hate her?" yes, we laughed again "And she answered: I have to admit that I was jealous that Maxon and her had such a perfect relationship… but she deserves that crown more than any of us girls that came here, and yes, that includes Kriss…" someone in the crowd said "Ouch" but Kriss just giggled lovingly and kept listening "Oh c'mon, I'm just quoting her!..." she protested and continued "She has taught us many things, she said… I don't think that anyone had left without learning something from her because that's why she's here, she's brave, smart, and gives her heart to those she loves and that's what Maxon truly needs, someone who loves him endlessly and who is willing to do anything for his and support him without asking why, can you tell me I'm not right? She asked and I just nodded, that… was the last time I got to talk to her like for real and when we left that night she just hugged me and said that she would miss us all and that…" we saw tears in her eyes, it hurt to say it as much as it hurt to listen to it "she hoped that one day we would gather all together and talk about what had happened after the Selection, she said that she wanted to meet our husbands and kids and even grandkids so… somehow I know she's here with us and I know she's very proud of you both also… she would've done anything to be here today, but speaking for her… I can just congratulate you and assure you that I believe and support you tirelessly…" and that did deserve a clap, I could hear Celeste's voice while Elise spoke in her name; we also had learned so much from her, and I couldn't finish believing that I somehow touched her with all the terrible things I had done, but still… she was also my hero. Next it went Kriss and I could say that the girls were shocked to see how well we got along, she was the head of my parliament, my brother's girlfriend and one of my best friends, I bet they didn't see that coming.

"Hello, everyone! I'm so happy to see all of you here… and I'm also very thrilled that Celeste's presence still remains in our hearts, thanks for those beautiful words Elise… Well, for what I can say I just can assure you that their majesties have gone through a lot… they've experienced lost, fear, rage and the undeniable desire of justice and peace… I know that we have all witnessed how opposite they are but the thing is that together… they're just perfect, and I also noticed that every day I spent as a Selected and as an Elite, and I loved them both dearly and I still do… because I know that great people deserve a great love and lucky those who find it, it's not easy and it's not always beautiful but when it gets to our hearts, girls… I can tell you for sure that you'll never want anything else than what you have with him, and you'll fight for it… you'll do even the unthinkable for having him near in any way possible. And look at them! Married, they've just become the kings of Illéa and just about to begin a family, but what's most important is that we can see them completely pleased with each other, and that! Ladies and only a few gentlemen … Is true love, and if you're not so convinced of it I ask you… what on earth could it be if it's not this? Cheers for our beautiful Queen!" she finished and we clapped again, and I think you must've guessed who was last.

"Hi, girls! First of all I've missed you badly and I'm totally head over heels to see you all again, it's amazing! I never thought that I would get to spend another day with you, don't hate me I'm being honest "she and us giggled, everyone was overly joyful that day "So… before I speak of our King's great romance, I'll speak about my best friend in all the world… I met her not so long ago, she was a brilliant, beautiful and nice girl… but unluckily she had to experience what was like to have her heart broken… what it felt to lose the only certainty you ever had and have to begin everything all over again, but she took that chance… she decided to go for that dream we all had even when she was not so sure about wanting it; she proved everyone that she was powerful in her own way, that courage is something that not everyone can have and boy! She has it, thousands of it! And that's a gift, I can tell you so; she supported us, she opened her heart to us but what she most did is what that she never forgot what was truly important, what was that little something that had to guide her life and her actions for us all to have the best life possible… America Singer, was and still is one of the best people I've ever known, she's strong and it's because of the people she loves that she is the way she is, and I don't think that Maxon could've chosen a best partner, I can say feeling completely sure that once that America keeps you inside her heart, she'll never let go of you, ever in her life and that she'll protect you tirelessly… because she knows that what makes this world go round is not power, or money, or crowns, or territory… it's love, pure and wonderful love and that's also something she has lots of… and she's absolutely willing to give it to anyone who needs it… so I really trust in that you'll be great parents, and all of us who have the pleasure to be around you… we feel lucky that we can share your lives and see how magnificent you've become, and how awesome heirs you'll twins will be, sorry to ruin the surprise " the girls clapped and cheer endlessly when she told them that we were having twins"… To finish I'll just say that… I'm proud of you, and I'm sure that everyone who knows you feel the same, I know your parents would feel the same because you've shown it… you both are a life example and heaven will always reward you for that, cheers!" she finished, I could say that we were both her and I were crying like hell, but it didn't matter, at that moment everything I cared about was that I had all the people I loved with me, and God, I was being loved back… and it was perfect. After like two hours of watching and repeating all the video to see our favorite parts, it happened. I was sitting on my favorite chair while looking the pictures that Maxon had taken that day and laughing hysterically, but I started feeling a sharp pain inside me, I placed my hand there where it hurt badly and tried to catch my breath again.

"Something wrong?" asked Marlee as all of the color on her cheeks went away, they both stood up and knelt next to me, I tried to smile to them so they wouldn't worry but the pain grew even bigger with every move I made, it was awful.

"I don't know what's happening…" I confessed, Kriss placed her hand gently on my belly, I can saw that the three of us shivered terrified when she looked up to us.

"Well?!" demanded to know Marlee.

"I'm not sure if that's it but… I think you're having contractions" I breathed heavily and closed my eyes strongly so I wouldn't feel like I was being torn apart by my own babies.

"And what does that meant?" but my question was answered almost instantly "Oh, oh" something was very strange down there.

"What?!" screamed Marlee holding my hand like there was no tomorrow.

"My water just broke…" I said shaking to my bones, it couldn't be! But how could've been sure? I had never been in labor before, I had never seen so scared in all of my life and I had been close to death in more than one occasion!

"Oh God, but how on earth did that happen?" she answered making me get even more nervous.

"I've heard about this kind of births… it's called something like… premature! It's premature! Yes, Doctor Stevens told us, right?" Kriss reminded us, but it just couldn't be true… he had said that premature labor used to be a bit more difficult and dangerous than the regular ones, but at that moment I couldn't think clearly.

"By the Lord, I'm going to die!" I complained; Marlee held me close to her chest so I could calm a bit, but the feeling was too strong to ignore.

"No, of course not! you're having you're babies, and that's it! Breathe, America, breathe!" she told me sounding like the coronel of the military service.

"I am breathing, other ways I would be already dead!" I answered not caring if what I said made any sense or not.

"What do we do?" Kriss asked losing the last bit of peace we all had left, she was the one who always kept calm in that kind of situations, but we were terrified! None of us was a mother… yet! How could we know what to do?

"Well… call Maxon, Doctor Stevens, Mrs. Singer, Silvia, my husband, Mr. McAffle, Mr. Leeroy and Mr. Phillies, also Gavril, Officer Deaton, Aspen, Lucy, Mary, Delilah, baby girl Celeste, Maxon's aunt Adele, Kota, Kenna, May, Gerad, James, Astra, August, Georgia and their children and whomever I'm missing! The twins are coming!" screamed Marlee in a strange mixture of excitement, fear and madness, it sounded cute but I had no patience or nerves left.

"From all that list just tell my husband, Doctor Stevens, Silvia and Mary to come, call my family and tell them it's time, that's all… you Marlee stay here, and for the lord's sake! Come back quickly, Kriss!" she nodded firmly and went to the door running.

"Oh God, what if something goes wrong?" I said in pain, I held Marlee's hand with such strength that my own hand was colorless.

"Don't you dare, America Schreave! Everything is going to be all right! You'll have your babies, Maxon will cry in excitement and it all will be beautiful!" she said furiously, my sweet and kind friend, so "relieving" as always.

"I don't really think so… have you ever witnessed a birth?" I asked almost screaming.

"Not really, why?" she said smiling.

"Because it implies that my children will be coming out from a place that only Maxon has ever gotten access to!" I cried, the ache I felt all mixed up with my fear created a mess inside and outside my body. I heard everyone screaming everywhere "The babies are coming!" Like I didn't know, it was a terrible fuss.

"Too much information…" she said uncomfortable, I scowled at her in hatred "But that's ok, just breathe and don't think about the pain"

"It's like you were telling a bird not to fly! Are you sure I'm in labor because I'm pretty sure that I'm being sliced into tiny pieces from the inside…"I cried feeling the terrible pressure inside me, the worst is that the babies moved tirelessly and it seemed like I was being ripped part of the skin, it was horrible.

"Yes, and those pieces are called babies, darling! Nothing you cannot know about" she stroked my cheek gently as I shivered like a warm in her arms, at that point I wasn't sure if I was crying or sweating, and it didn't really matter.

"Majesty, we're ready!" said Doctor Stevens coming into the room, he had two nurses coming with him, one on each side, Mary entered after them and then Silvia and Kriss followed them, there was only one person missing…

"Okay, we have half of the palace in here, but… where the heck is the father?" I yelled at them angrily.

"He was kind of shocked when I told him…" confessed Kriss biting her lip in shame, the doctor put me gently into my bed and the nurses along with Mary managed to take my clothes off.

"I don't care if he became a stone or anything! Bring him here right now!" I demanded.

"Majesty, try not to shout so much… the contractions will get worse if you don't calm down" said Doctor Stevens, and this time I felt the tears falling down my cheeks, Maxon couldn't miss it… he just couldn't.

"I hate to say I told you so…" whispered Marlee taking my hand again.

"Well, then. Don't say it!" I replied catching my breath again.

"Oh, my God. I can't believe this is happening! But she's just 8 months of pregnancy! Isn't it a bit rushed?" asked Silvia running round the room, it made me dizzy so I stopped looking at her.

"Not really, today is 9 months exactly. Congratulations, majesty… the birth will proceed with no complications" that managed to make me relax a bit. Mary ran to the bathroom and came back with a bunch of towels and some water for me. "Is she ready?" he asked to one nurse.

"Acceptable dilation, doctor. We may start soon" she answered.

"What does that mean?" I cried, Kriss stood next to me and rubbed my hair lovingly.

"You don't want to know…" she assured me, I held a piercing scream as I felt another contraction taking place.

"Okay, looks like we'll have to start pushing, majesty…" said Doctor Stevens as the nurses spread my legs, it couldn't have been more uncomfortable but I just prayed for it to end.

"Wait, Maxon's not here yet…" I sighed.

"He'll be here soon, majesty. You just focus on what you have to do" said Silvia, I had so many people around the bed and the most important one was missing.

"Just a minute more, please!" I needed him by my side, I just wanted him to be there, I wanted him to be the first to see our children, I wanted to see his reaction and looking at them for the first time, I wanted to keep the memory of him holding then and kissing their foreheads. And just when I thought that I had no time left, he came in, completely shocked… shivering, and pale, he looked beautiful. I smiled to him when he approached me and kissed my cheek while he offered his hand to me.

"We're…? I'm…? You…? Babies?" he couldn't even speak! He was so sweet!

"Yes, I think so…" I answered and we both giggled.

"Ready, my lady?" asked Mary smiling.

"It's now or never" I answered happily.

"Alright, then… push, majesty" and so I did, I couldn't say at that moment that everything was beautiful and that I heard as the little birds sang for me, and that I imagined flowers everywhere and butterflies announcing the birth of my kids. But it somehow felt right, the whole world knew what was happening and I felt like they were all there with me, even those who weren't there physically… My father, Celeste, even Queen Amberly… I dedicated that day to her, for her to know that as she never gave in about what she wanted, neither would I have done it. My whole life seemed to go through my head in that brief second: When May or Gerad where born, the look in my parent's eyes, when Kota left the house, when Kenna got married or when she told us she was pregnant, when I met Aspen, the day I got the letter for entering the Selection, when I met Marlee, the first day I saw Maxon, the first time we kissed, the great sorrow I felt when my father died, the last time I saw Celeste's deep eyes, when Maxon proposed, the day of my wedding while I said "I do", our first pregnancy alert, the look in Emperor Cho's eyes as he left this world, when Kota apologized to us, the first time the babies kicked… it all had led to that very moment, everyone speaking at the same time, some of us crying in pain, some others giving directions of what to do, Maxon whispering the sweetest things on my ear. And at the end, we were all shut by a small and perfect cry, I let myself fell on the bed and tried to open up my eyes to see the tiny bulge that Doctor Stevens held in his arms, the baby cried and cried as the nurse cut the last part that united us.

"Congratulations, my kings. It's a beautiful baby girl" Maxon held our daughter as she looked at her in adoration, I started to cry again, they looked perfect together.

"Hello, sweetheart. Welcome to real life…" he told her and approached me again so I could see my baby, my first baby, another huge part of my heart turned into a small and precious princess.

"Oh my God… she's so cute!" said Marlee with teary eyes, Kriss held her hand also crying. I took my daughter's little hand with one finger and she made a low sound, showing a tiny smile on her beautiful face.

"Hey, darling… Were you the one that woke me up every night with hunger?" I asked to my baby girl and her she rubbed her tired eyes with her hands, amazing ... it was I who had squeaked to get her out of me and she was tired, she was so small and adorable, my darling.

"God, I love you…" said Maxon happily, his eyes were a bit shinny.

"I love you too, and I love her for sure!" I replied.

"Can I hold her?" asked Marlee smiling, I nodded and Maxon gave the baby to my best friend, she giggled. "Oh, wow… she looks exactly like your mother…" she told to my husband. I hadn't really notices but it seemed that Maxon actually had.

"I know…" so that was why he was crying, he saw his mother in our baby girl.

"Then no doubt about if she's beautiful" we chuckled.

"Take a rest, majesty. We'll continue later when you're strength is recovered…" said the doctor, I smiled to him still feeling a bit breathless to answer properly.

"And my God, Mer… you do have strong lungs… I've never heard you scream like that" said Kriss, but I had to accept that it hadn't been easy at all, how can you tell anyone in such pain to keep her yelling to herself? That just wouldn't be possible, but still I flushed.

"Sorry…" I whispered trying not to laugh. Maxon rubbed my cheek gently.

"Was it that bad?" he asked, I could see he felt guilty behind his eyes, like it had been his fault.

"Believe me, love. You don't want to know how it was…" I responded exhaustedly, he laughed "Now you do believe the fact that you're a father?"

"It's still a bit surreal" I snored annoyed, but then giggled along with him. "We still have other one to go" he stroked my still a bit big belly were my other baby still rested, waiting for the moment we would meet him or her.

"Give me just five minutes and I'll be fine…" I told him while he kissed my forehead, I realized that it haven't been that bad… it just hurt, a lot, but it was worth it. Marlee was enchanted with her new niece, and I wondered how would my siblings react when they would see them, I bet that they were on their way to the palace as soon as Kriss called them, actually I asked her about them in that precise second.

"Did my family say anything?" Kriss, who had been looking at the baby as she had seen light for the first time, woke up from her dream when she heard I was talking.

"I think the question is: What didn't they say? Your mother was breathless, May screamed like a little pig, Gerad couldn't stop saying: They babies are coming, Kenna clapped insanely, Astra also screamed along with May, James laughed and I'm pretty sure that my sweetheart got a heart attack the minute he heard…" she looked down but still she smiled, I couldn't stop myself from chuckling a bit when I heard my brother's new nickname, I was so happy for them. Somehow they were made for each other.

"The Singers are such a special family" said Maxon playful.

"Yeah, and without that family you wouldn't have no wife or children…" I hit him softly on his arms.

"I thank you parents everyday for that" I raised my head to give him a little kiss, I started thinking about what would be our own family like, would I ever become like my own mother? Would Maxon treat the twins as if they were angels that nobody could even see? My dream was coming true, I couldn't wait to have them both in my arms… and it looked like my still unborn baby thought the same because after I had that thought, the contractions began again, I sighed as the pain went back, Maxon held my hand knowing what was about to happen.

"Uh… Doctor Stevens?" he called him nervously.

"Oh God, God, God! The other one's coming!" said Marlee like jumping a little.

"Tell me something I don't know…" I held my stomach softly waiting for the pain to go away, but it wouldn't, not until the baby was out.

"It's ok, majesty… Just one more time" comforted me Silvia, what would I do without her watching me all the time? Doctor Sevens and the nurses went back to their positions. Mary took the baby from Marlee's arms and she came to support me again.

"Guess you know what to do now, the last effort, majesty. You can do it" said the doctor and I began the work again, it hurt badly but I decided to do it a bit stronger to end with it as fast as I could. This time I didn't shout so much, I just held my breath the largest time I could and held both Maxon and Marlee applying the same pressure I was feeling on the inside, I could feel them scowling with pain.

"Just a bit more, dear…" said my husband trying to hide the fact I was hurting him.

"It's not that easy, you know?" I answered.

"I can see a head, keep it up" said the doctor.

"I didn't really need to know that!" I complained.

"No one needed to…" agreed wit me Marlee, I would've laughed but I felt as I was being cut in half so…

"Ok, here he is…" announced him finally, I have to admit that my son cried a lot more than his sister did, this time they gave him to me as soon as he was presentable. He kept on wining a bit when he got to my arms.

"A he? We have a son?" said Maxon shocked.

"For lack of one we got them both" I answered happily as I touched my baby's cheek softly, he was a big bigger than my daughter was, little tears flowing through his cheeks as he complained for being taken out of where he had been for nine months, I kissed his forehead and that was when he stopped crying.

"Oh, my… You realize what you just did?" I rested my head on my husband's shoulder.

"Causing you all a temporal deafness?" I answered as my baby boy moved his little body on my arms.

"More than that… you never finish making me insanely happy, America Schreave…" oh, he was crying, for sure.

"Hey… you've never been the emotional type, you hate it when I cry" I scolded him.

"I'm crying because I'm so thrilled! Can you believe it? I'm a father! You're the mother of my children! We have twins! You've given me the best on heart, how can I not cry?" I laughed at watching him so excited, I had no doubts that he would be a great dad, such as mine had been. A king, a husband, the father of my kids… but more than any of that, Maxon Schreave was and always would be the love of my life.

"Congratulations" Mary approached and left my daughter with Maxon.

"I need a tissue" said Marlee, her happy tears were too obvious to hide.

"Me too" said Kriss. Then someone knocked at the door.

"Come in" I answered, and my entire family entered with huge smiles on their faces.

"What are they?" May asked being the first one to talk.

"Boy and girl…" answered her favorite brother in law, she squealed happily and almost ran to hug the four of us.

"I can't believe this! These are the princes of Illéa , you know? They're your children! You had two beautiful babies with a king! Oh, this is just too much!" said my sister in excitement.

"Call the ambulance, this kid will have a heart attack" laughed Kenna holding Astra in her arms. Kota got closer to see the babies.

"Hey, why aren't them blonde or something?" he asked and Kriss almost hit him to death.

"Because genes act in very mysterious ways, dear brother" I answered. I was more than happy that my children reassembled their late grandmother, Queen Amberly would always be very close to my heart.

"Congratulations, my love" said my mother kissing my cheek. "I'm sure that your father would be dying with joy right now" ok, that just managed to make me cry insanely.

"You really think so?" I said with broken voice.

"Oh, honey , I'm so sure that I'd bet all your siblings to prove it" joked mom, Gerad scowled indignant and I chuckled.

"She's just fooling around, bro… Having children is the most wonderful thing that could ever happen to anyone" Maxon kissed me gently.

"Have you thought about names yet?" asked May playing with my son's little hand.

"Well, no actually… we just found out the gender so… Would you like to help, May?" told her Maxon, my sister almost died with the idea.

"Okay, ladies first so…" she looked at her new niece like analyzing her from head to toe, I smiled. "she looks like… a very powerful little girl, friendly, graceful, funny, very pretty, no doubt… she's a princess for sure"

"Eadlyn" translated my mother, the baby gave us a tiny smile at hearing her name.

"Then Eadlyn Schreave it is" I announced "Princess of Illéa".

"It's beautiful as she is" replied Maxon giving Eadlyn a sweet kiss on her forehead "She likes it also".

"Don't you dare to doubt about my abilities, my lord" said May proudly.

"Ok, Miss Professional Name-Giver, what about your nephew?" I told her letting my son on her arms.

"Well, about him… he looks… also like a son of leaders, centered, fair, handsome, gentle, brave like his mother… and as smart and wonderful as his favorite aunt" ended May.

"Hey, who said you were the favorite?" protested Marlee.

"I gave him his name, duh!" she replied, my mother rolled her eyes happily.

"Ahren" she said, my heart rushed a bit, it was perfect. I was surprised they knew that much about names, without them, what would I've done?

"So Eadlyn and Ahren Schreave?" asked Kriss, I nodded. "Awesome, they fit them perfectly"

"We know, thanks May" said Maxon.

"Whenever you want, majesty" everyone laughed at her comment.

"Well, no more babies until these two have grown a bit" I assured all of them.

"Knowing you both, I wouldn't say so…" said Marlee with no intention f being discrete.

"Enough" I smiled to her.

"I don't think we'll ever want more than what we already have" Maxon kissed my cheek. I swear that my heart grew ten times bigger that day, 5 because of each baby. I felt fulfilled, like there was nothing in the world I would love more that my little babies and my loving family.

Later that day, Maxon and I put the babies to sleep on their beds. After an entire day of playing with them, kissing them, changing them, bathing them, feeding them… we were all exhausted, but still feeling lucky about them, they had become the center of my world and I was pretty sure that it would continue to be like that.

"You, my Queen, are the greatest thing that has ever happened to me" my husband held me from behind as we watched our newborn kids sleep peacefully, nothing more precious that the sound of them breathing and wondering what would they be dreaming of.

"Look at them… just this morning they were still with me like they would be there forever and now… they're here… I feel a bit empty, I have to accept it" he smiled with his lips against my neck.

"Do you think… I'll be a good father?" I knew exactly what was he thinking of when he asked me that, his own father. I turned around and stroked his cheek.

"Honey… the fact that you had a terrible father doesn't mean you're going to be like him. Maxon, you know more than anyone what's like to feel hated by the man that give you your life… and when I saw you with the kids I swear to God that I've never seen you so… complete before… if you cannot give them all the love you give me, then no one will… and I'm sure you're going to do that because… they'll love you back as much as I do. I know you… and I know that you're absolutely incredible in everything you do, especially when you do it from the heart. So if you ask me, well… I'm actually worried that you'll consent them way too much" he kissed me tenderly.

"I love you…" he whispered.

"If I'd love you more than I already do… my heart would explode…" I replied.

"Just love me as much as I do" I giggled when his smile showed up against my lips. That was a promise not to be broken ever in my life.

The hours, days, weeks, months and years went by just like seconds after that day. Suddenly the twins turned one year old, I was hearing Ahren say "mommy" for the first time, I helped Eadlyn take her first steps, I saw my son running to Maxon when he hurt his leg and watched my husband kiss him on his forehead so he would stop crying, I sang my daughter a lullaby so she wouldn't have nightmares on her sleep, I watched them sleep on Ahren's bed with Celeste on the middle. I saw the twins playing with Kyle, Marlee and Carter's son, I watched as Eadlyn led Lucy to the aisle throwing flower petals all the way, I kissed Astra on her cheek while she blew the candle of her eleventh birthday, I laughed with Kriss while she told me she was having my brother's baby cause surprisingly I was also pregnant with my third son: Kaden, I helped mom to wake up from her shock when May told her she had a boyfriend, I saw Gerad grow and become a heartbreaker with the ladies, but still being as wonderful as my father had been, he became so much like him. I felt my jaw fall to the floor when I got Nicoletta's wedding invitation, who could be the lucky one? I smiled at waking up the morning of my 10th anniversary with Maxon, and I cried a bit when we went to visit my father's tombstone after so many years since he died, I watched my son's talent at taking pictures along with his father, he was proud I could notice; I laughed as Marlee scolded Kyle and Ahren for joking way too much with her, I almost screamed at watching my cat all painted in blue and heard Eadlyn and Ahren and Kaden running through the hall to meet their father so I wouldn't yell at them . I clapped in excitement while Eadlyn was proclaimed Crown Princess of Illéa, and comforted Ahren when he got his heart broken for the first time, I saw as Kaden turned pale when I told him that our fourth baby was coming. And I kissed Maxon the day of his birthday, no need to know how many years he had back then, and cried happy tears when I saw my daughter playing along with Osten, her youngest brother. And like that our lives went by, without us noticing, our babies turned into teenagers, and we turned from young adults to adults in all the sense of the word. As much as our children grew, so did our love… and responsibilities.

-18 years later-

"She's late, majesty" says Silvia reminding me that Eadlyn hadn't come to meet us yet after 15 minutes since Mary had told her that we waited for her on my lounge.

"You think she's having second thoughts?" I ask, she turns pale.

"Not if you rather so, my lady" she replies, I sigh and stand up from my chair carefully not to ruin my dress as this is an important day..

"If I don't come back in ten, just proceed to make them enter the dining room" I say and she knows what I'm talking about.

"Yes, majesty" we both get out of the lounge and I'm on my way to my daughter's room, I find my ten year old son on the hall and approach to fix his hair, he must looks his best today. "Running around the palace instead of being with your brothers and father as I told you, uh Osten?" I scold him.

"I was… looking for Eady, mama" He lies, I can notice. I kneel to see him eye to eye.

"I told you that Celeste cannot be in the ceremony, honey…" I know him far too well, he loves Celeste dearly as much as my other children.

"But she's also part of the family, mom!" he complains crossing his arms to his chest.

"I know she is, but you know how she gets when she sees strangers, now go with your father, we'll be there in a second" I kiss his cheek and continue to find Eadlyn sitting on the piano. She looks like is she had seen a ghost. "Oh, baby" I know how she's feeling

"Mom! I thought you were…" for the way her eyes look I can see she's nervous, I can't blame her. I run to my daughter to hold her in my arms, other ways I can't get the truth to come out of her.

"Tell me…" I beg and Eadlyn sighs.

"I can't… I just can't, I don't want to, mom!" she complains, I take her head in my hands.

"You said you were willing to do it, Eady…" she's always been like this, so sure in the outside, but on the inside… she's a sea of doubts.

"I know but now… I'm terrified!" she shakes in my arms, and I smile. My baby girl is afraid, who couldn't be if he or she was in her place?

"Honey, you know that my children…" I begin, she knows how it ends.

"Are not quitters, I know… but is this really necessary, mama?" she ask, I rub her cheek.

"Here's the thing, darling… Look, you're not the first royal to have a Selection, and I know it's scary… but… If you never take chances, Eadlyn, you'll never know what's to win something you've fought for… Just imagine what would've happen if I'd never entered the Selection and met your father, none of you would exist and I would've cried my eyes out for the rest of my pitiful existence feeling heartbroken by your uncle Aspen!..." she shivers with that thought "Honey, look at me" she does "We're not forcing you to do anything… it's your choice as the Crown Princess… and you can reject it if you want so… but I'll not hide the fact that I'll be really disappointed, you're brave you're smart, you're beautiful… I know that for sure, I know you can do this, but if it's not what you want, then I'll understand" I assure her, she bites her lip… thing she does when she thinks far too much.

"And what if I don't get my fairytale romance like you did? What if none of them is my perfect match?" oh, her childish fears, I kiss her forehead smiling.

"Then we'll try again…" she rests her head on my shoulder and I stroke her brown curls "And again, and again… Remember that love makes us strong, dear, but fear ends us… And once you find your one, you'll never want anything else in this world"

"God… Just wish me luck" she's made a choice, and I'm proud of her.

"Of course, my darling, of course…" I tell her knowing that her own adventure is about to start.

-THE END-

Hello, dear readers! Ok, first of all… I have to apologize because I haven't updated in so long! But as this was the last chapter I had to work on it a lot and as you see it's pretty long… I had to do tons of research for America's memories as I had no idea that the twins had other two brothers! And I was so shocked… but I have to admit that I was glad because just two children weren't enough for me. I swear that my heart aches right now! It's over! My so loved fanfic has come to an end! But it was amazing to write it and it was also amazing to know how you reacted to this twisted situation I created, haha! I loved it and I love you all! So, TELL ME WHAT YOU THOUGHT ABOUT IT! What things did you like? What things didn't you like? Was it too long or too short? Was it too weird? Haha! Well, lastly… I'll thank everyone that followed the story, it was really my pleasure to give you kind of a continuation of the trilogy and doing it my own way was just awesome, and the fact that you actually liked it was… breathtaking, really! I love the Selection truly, madly and deeply and I just wanted to express my thoughts about it somehow because America is such a character, really! She's so brave and kind and I love her! (Thanks, Kiera! Haha) And so… this is my goodbye, dear readers, thanks for all your support… and if we have the chance I'll hear from you in another fanfic! Thanks for everything and I hope you liked it.

Hugs and Kisses, goodbye!

Dreamer.