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You know the drill: All rights to Kiera Cass.
I returned to my suite and Lucy was still there. She was humming a tune I'd heard before. Aspen would hum the same tune when he cleaned houses as a six. I thought it best not to disturb her. I took to the chair by the window with a book but found I couldn't concentrate on the story. I needed to talk to someone about what I was feeling.
I looked up and called, "Lucy, can you please send for Marlee?"
"Yes miss." She left me alone, and I began to pace. My anxiety was abut to bubble over when I heard a light knock on the door followed by the sound of a familiar voice.
"America? You called for me?" She looked worried and I broke down into tears.
"I'm- I'm pregnant," I muttered. She looked at me and laughed.
"You are America Schreave, Queen of Illea, and you're crying because you're pregnant?" Thinking about it for a few seconds, I realized just how pathetic must look. For most women, news of a baby would make them giddy with excitement. So why was I so upset?
"Yes I am crying! Have you met me? I am terrible with children! My temper couldn't handle that much pressure! And Maxon- oh Maxon, what will he say when I tell him? He's still getting used to how much is expected of him as King, let alone the work of being a father!" My words were panicked and became unintelligible.
"He will be happy to have a child, it's not a burden, and he wouldn't have it anyother way, or with anybody else for that matter! Think about the endless fun and memories you all will have together. I mean you two are obligated to produce an heir anyway. Have you come up with a name yet?" Her eyes were huge. She was excited, and of course she would be, she loves children.
"No, I don't have a name! I just found out a little over an hour ago!" I felt overwhelmed at even that tiny task. She'll have to live with the name forever and what if she doesn't like it? What if the country doesn't like it? Not for the first time, my heart leapt thinking about how many eyes will be on me for the rest of my life.
Wait, did I just think "she"? It could be a boy...but was I unconsciously hoping for a girl? I wonder what Maxon would want.
Speaking of the father, "When will you tell Maxon," Marlee asked, nearly overcome by her excitement. "Better yet, when will you tell your Mom? You know that once you tell your Mom, the whole kingdom will know within hours." Marlee and I laughed.
"You always know how to make me laugh in situations like these. How's Carter?" I asked dodging the question.
"He's great," Marlee laughed, possibly picking up on my evasiveness. "He's actually waiting for me. We finally saved up enough to move to nicer room. We both took the day off today to move in."
"Marlee," I fixed my glare on her. "I told you that I would get you a room on the third floor. You didn't need to spend your money."
She sighed, "America, you and Maxon have done enough for us already. We have great jobs and we're happy. Besides, Carter's too proud to take handouts from the Queen."
She smiled and moved to touch my shoulder. "You're going to be fine. This is a happy thing, America. I really have to go help Carter." She started walking towards the door. Just before she slipped through, she fixed me with an intense glare. "Tell your husband." She closed the door and I was alone again. But not for long.
Seconds later, the door opened again and a suspicious Maxon poked his smiling face in.
"Tell me what, love?" He closed the distance between us in just a few steps and pulled me into an intimate embrace.
I rested my head against his chest and realized how tense I'd been since I found out I'm pregnant. But here, in Maxon's arms, my body relaxed. "Just how much I missed you," I said into his tie. I really did miss him. A lot. My eyes started to burn but I fought back the tears. Because it was dinner time and I was starving.
I stepped back, straightened his tie, grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the hall. "Let's go I'm hungry," I said while Maxon picked up his pace to keep up with me pulling on his arm.
When we got to the dining room my mother and May were standing near the window, deep in conversation with Aspen and Lucy. They heard the door close behind us and meet us at the table. As we settled into our seats and a conversation began to flow around the table, servants filled our glasses, one by one, with a deep red wine. Mom grilled Aspen about how his family was doing and May's cackle filled the room at something Lucy said to her. My gaze stopped short on the plates that emerged, balancing perfectly on the servants's hands. Finally, food.
Maxon raised his glass for a toast and we all followed, picking up our glasses of wine. Well spoken, as always, Maxon finished with a sip of his drink. I'm watching him while, I too, bring the glass to my lips- but no, I can't drink this. I quickly put it back on the table and looked around, hoping no one noticed I skipped the toast. No such luck.
"America, honey, you didn't take a drink. This wine is delicious. Have some!" my mother called across the table to me.
Well, crap. Now what? "I, uh, I'm not thirsty mom." That was convincing, right?
Not when we've attracted the attention of my lovely...persistent, husband. "But it's your favorite kind darling." Maxon said with confusion. Oh honey. I love you, but I need you to let this one go. I smiled at him and replied "Yes it is, and I love that you remember that, but I'll pass tonight."
"Well what would you like instead?" Maxon motioned to the servant closest to him issued the order, "Bring my wife the wine selections for the evening." Oh geez, Maxon. You're going to make me say it aren't you?
"Maxon no I-" My eyes flicked over to Lucy who brought her napkin up to her face to hide her smile.
I sighed and fixed my eyes on the tablecloth. "Maxon, I can't have any wine."
"Why not?" I could hear the confusion in his voice.
"Because I'm pregnant."