Thank you to all who read the last chapter! I'm sure it wasn't enjoyable but thank you all the same. Lady Kalee, patience is a virtue but I assure you it will happen soon. Mockingjay04 yes you were correct! And I will take care of everything don't worry. jonelle I'm glad you like my story! Keep reading though, it will happen soon! Juliana Rose oh I know I was just teasing! Haha! It's hard to when you're typing it though lol! babysister1997 do you mean is Maxon going to leave? Idk here's the next chapter for you! lilythemermaid I'm glad you do! Keep writing your fanfic please! Karen I'm glad you liked the chapter and I'm trying to update more so don't worry! And to your question you have to find out ;) Percabeth42100 thanks for following my story and I hope you like it! Iridescent Swan thanks for also following my story and I hope you're enjoying it! Bookworm123112 thanks for following my story and having it as one of your favorites! Love ya!

Okay people I really suggest you read my new story! Just go to my profile and try my first chapter! This one is one I think y'all would like! Thanks!

Love Smashleigh

Chapter 38:

The limo engine rumbled loudly as we waited on the steps of the palace. Our bags were being placed in the trunk as we made a few goodbyes. The Queen was almost balling to see us leave but we assured her it'd be for only a month. I convinced Maxon to only let us take a short trip because we can't leave his home forever. His Mother was already beside herself about why we were leaving. Maxon didn't tell her the real reason of course. He'd never do that to her and make her enraged towards his Father and worried towards us. But some part of me wished he would because then he may never do it again.

"You be careful." the Queen said taking my hands. "You're already seven months into your time." she said softly so no one could hear us except Maxon. "You're lucky I let you go at all and not keep you here."

I nodded my head and kissed her on both cheeks. "I'll be alright. We'll be back a good month before they're actually due." I told her. "I promise. And besides, I need a little trip before I'm rushing around the nursery for the next few years."

I earned a laugh from her and she kissed me on both cheeks in return. "Oh indeed you will! I thought this little one was a hassle but you'll have two of him!"

"I wasn't all that bad was I?" Maxon asked wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "I mean look at me now."

"Still a hassle." I smiled up at him. "But well worth it."

He planted a soft kiss on my lips before turning to his Mother. She embraced him with open arms and whispered something in his ear that I couldn't hear. He responded with a nod before turning to me with a smile. Linking our arms we said one last goodbye before making our way down the stairs. Maxon took one last glance around before sliding in next to me. I squeezed his hand reassuringly and he gave me a shy smile.

"Darling you don't have to if you don't want to." I told him. "We can always stop now."

"No!" he exclaimed clutching my hand. "I won't let him hurt you anymore!"

I leaned my head on his shoulder. "It's you I'm worried about now. When we get back won't he have a new hatred for us? Surely, knowing you, you'd take any hits intended for me."

"But this time I'll fight back." he told me confidently.

Upon reaching the airport I noticed a crowd had gathered to see us off. Paparazzi were pushing along the edges of the thin rope separating us and Maxon was hesitant to open the door.

"Come on." I nudged him. "I'm with you the whole time."

He nodded hesitantly before opening the door. Immediately we were met with a million flashes and I could barely make out the hand Maxon extended to me after he got out. When I exited everyone went crazy to see me, but I assumed it was because of my pregnancy. Technically I was only supposed to be four months right now but my large bump definitely contest that. Maybe they thought it was twins that made me look so large at this time? I mean they are twins but maybe they think that?

"America! America!"

"How are you feeling Your Grace?"

"Why the sudden trip?"

"Why do you two look so distant from each other?"

Did I look distant from Maxon? No, someone was just trying to make me turn towards them for a snide response. They all seem to be doing that lately.

After climbing the steps to the plane I immediately leaned against one of the walls out of sight from cameras. Maxon came over to me quickly and placed a hand under my chin. Tilting my head up to him I saw the worry etched in his face. "Darling, are you alright?"

I nodded wearily. "That was a bit too much." I told him honestly.

"Come here and rest then. We have a long flight ahead of us." he said leading me to one of the seats opposite of all the people outside.

After taking my seat he took one across from me and pulled out a small table. Folding my arms I rested my head in them and closed my eyes. Maxon rubbed my arm reassuringly and placed his head on mine. We watched the place ascend from the window and in the distance we could see the palace. I smiled at how beautiful it looked and how corrupt the inside was. Thankfully we wouldn't be there for a month.

I was shaken awake a while later and realized we were landing. Peering outside I noticed that it was nighttime where we were landing and outside there were stars twinkling in the sky.

"Welcome to Italy." Maxon told me softly. He must've just woken up to because I noticed he wasn't fully awake.

I was so glad Princess Nicoletta let us visit for the month. She was ecstatic to here of my pregnancy and promised that her cousins wouldn't give me any wine this time. I laughed on the phone when she told me this and told her I would keep an eye on them.

We exited the plane and I was relieved to see that, true to her word, there would be no paparazzi. I was even happier to notice she was there waiting for us. We've grown closer since out phone conversations and I truly feel I've made a new ally for Illeá and a new friend. She comes up and gives me a quick hug, careful to avoid my stomach, and then turns to Maxon. He kisses her on both cheeks and she gives him a hug.

"Maxon it's always a pleasure." she says in her thick accent.

"Nicoletta thank you so much, again." he says. "I believe she could use a bit of adventure before being locked up in the palace for a while."

She laughs. "Oh I quite agree. A woman needs something to remember before being locked away with her children. But I look forward to when I can have one of my own."

"Oh!" I exclaim. "Are you getting engaged soon?"

She sighs. "I'll discuss that with you later. But yes."

I realized she's most likely going to be shipped off and married. I place a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "Well no matter where you go you'll always have me."

She smiles at me. "Maxon you better protect this woman because she is someone to keep."

He wraps an arm around my waist and nods. "Trust me I do every day."

"Well!" she says as if the conversation were forgotten. "Let's go to the palace shall we?"

I was absolutely speechless when we arrived at the front gates. The palace looked magnificent. "Nicoletta this is beautiful!" I exclaim.

"Thank you." she says. "The Palace of Caserta has been in my family for generations and though it is a little outdated it certainly is breathtaking."

(A/N Look up images because I can't describe this well. It really is beautiful!)

The large front lawn consists of three lakes with statues adorning the edges. And lit up at the end, sitting against the dark sky, was the palace. No doubt it was larger than Illeá; well it was more like three times the size of Illeá. Surrounding the palace was miles and miles of forest which provided privacy to everyone.

"Just wait until you see the inside." Nicoletta coaxed me.

"Oh if it's as beautiful as the outside I may never leave!" I exclaimed when the car pulled up to the front steps.

"We can't have that!" Maxon exclaimed.

"But you can come and visit again whenever you like." Nicoletta assured me.

Climbing the short steps the front door were thrown open and I was speechless. The ceiling was domed and intricately carved figures were strewn across the ceiling and walls. The floor echoed the sound of our heels and the swishing of our gowns. I couldn't stop myself from wanting to explore every room!

"Oh now I'm definitely never leaving!" I said. "Look at all this architecture!"

"You were a Five weren't you? Well then no wonder this is so amazing!" Nicoletta said.

"AMERICA!" voices squealed.

I turned to see Orabella and Noemi rushing up towards me. Wrapping me in a tight hug I tried hugging both back. "CAREFUL!" Nicoletta exclaimed. "You'll squish her!"

"Oh mio caro!" Noemi exclaimed. "Congratulations!"

"Thanks!" I say. "And you know the best part?" They lean in closer and their eyes grow wide. "It's twins."

"DAVVERO!" they both exclaim and were about to hug me again but Nicoletta pulled them away.

"Let them get some rest ladies." she told them. "I'm sure they're exhausted."

"Of course if you don't mind!" Maxon cut in quickly.

Nicoletta waved her hand. "I insist! You'll have a busy day tomorrow anyways."

I hug them all once more before being led away. Still I could not help but look at all the architecture in the building. All of it, hundreds of years, etched forever into stone!

"Thank you." I tell Maxon giving him a side hug.

"I'm glad you're happy. Tomorrow we'll see even more, okay?" he says.

I nod my head eagerly. "Deal."