A/N

Hi, all...Getting close now. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this newest chapter! -SJ :)

"Love?"

I open one eye, and see Maxon leaning over me. I turn away from him, pulling the duvet over my head and mumble, "People in comas sleep in."

"There's fresh juice," he tempts me.

I just grunt in reply, so he tries again, "Strawberry tarts?"

Sighing, I prop myself up on my elbows, "You actually had me at fresh juice. Is it in a big glass?" Maxon holds up a pilsner, three-quarters full. He smiles as I pull on my robe and take my seat at the table, and hands me my juice as if bestowing a first place trophy upon me. Breakfast looks a little different than usual, though for the last couple of weeks, I haven't felt much like partaking. The stress and odd hours led us from taking a piece of toast on the run and calling it a morning to skipping the meal entirely. I try to figure out what's different, and finally it strikes me that Maxon's customary carafe is missing.

"Mary forgot your coffee this morning," I comment, taking a swallow of juice. "That's not like her. The stress must be effecting her, too."

Maxon shrugs it off, "I'll get some when I go downstairs. Let's not bother her now. I have a feeling she will have her hands full today."

"I think there's a reprimand in there somewhere."

"Was it that thinly veiled?" he jokes.

"Hmmm. Speaking of, when did you get in last night? Georgia left way after the midnight guard change and you still weren't back."

"The trade agreement we thought would take another year," he begins.

I interrupt, "The one with The German Federation and Great Britain?"

"Yes, love. We signed last night, and then congratulated each other on the signing. I do wish you could have been beside me for it. Your work with Gretchen helped move it forward."

"Well, according to both Nicoletta and you, there are good things resulting from these circumstances. So, that is comforting at least." I take another sip of juice and then another, until I drain the glass. Nothing beats the oranges from the tree in our gardens. Maxon is watching me, and suddenly I am self-conscious. "It really does taste wonderful today."

Maxon smiles, and reaches for my hand, "When I came in last night, I was so afraid I would wake you, I almost took Calix's bed. But, I just wanted to be with you. I am pleased I managed to give you at least one night's decent sleep. You are beginning to look rested again." He gently supports my arm as he looks at the fading bruise left by Didasko's hand. He brushes his lips across the inside of my wrist, near my palm.

I squirm a little from his close examination, my initial petulance melting away. But with what remains, I share, "You weren't so quiet. What did you trip over on your way in?"

"Someone moved an armchair in the path from the door to the bedroom from when I left the room before dinner to when I returned to sleep. Can't imagine how that happened?"

I smile, "I haven't the slightest. Couldn't possibly be the fifth arrangement of furniture Georgia and I completed last evening."

"Of course, how thoughtless of me. How else did you keep busy?" he looks at me over his tea cup.

I wait until his mouth is full, then respond smirking, "I wrote a silent musical score—as I can't use the piano right now. And then had Avery and Georgia perform it, using their forks as puppets, of course."

He sputters, "Really, love. Was that completely necessary?" I snicker as I toss him an extra napkin and he mops up his lap. "The problem is, that I can picture Avery doing that at your request." He gives up on his undershirt and tosses in into the corner, shaking his head and sparing a half-smile. "At least I haven't dressed yet."

I get up from my chair, and lean over the back of his, resting my chin on his shoulder and wrapping my arms around him. "When is she arriving?" We both know who I'm referring to.

He sighs, "She called last evening, before her plane took off from Paris. She'll be here before lunch."

"And the schedule of the day?"

"Everyone is taking breakfast in their rooms. I am meeting Daphne in the parlor. When she and Frederick are safely there, and the other countries have joined us, a team will neutralize her guards. And, the games will begin. The only thing I am worried about is how circumstantial our evidence is. We have only just begun to corroborate their story with a paper trail," he pats my arm absentmindedly, and I plant a kiss by his ear.

"Everyone already believes you. They seem ready to think the worst of Daphne."

He shrugs, "Apparently, trying to re-start a war between two prosperous countries is not the only thing she's been up to lately. Her plans exceed claiming Illea's kingdom, and show her desperation to be influential in the world. If not for her personal grudge, she may have been able to cause quite a bit of destabilization in the European kingdoms. Her mistake was trying to pit Elise against you."

"She has made more than one, but underestimating me seems to be her perennial favorite." I return to my chair, "I'm just sorry I can't be there with you to face her."

His face reflects that want, "I know, love. I know. I'm a little jealous that you get to watch the whole drama play out on closed-circuit television. I actually have to be there, and pretend to reciprocate her twisted emotions." He shivers a little at the thought, and then rolls his eyes. "We never even kissed."

"It's because you're so amazing, you inspire complete fealty with or without your lips sealing the deal," I tease him.

"Good lord. You could enjoy this a little less."

"Yes, and you could let me out of this beautiful cage," I narrow my eyes, and set my jaw. I know at this point that I have absolutely no case, or chance, but a few more jabs make me feel better and worse at the same time.

Maxon sighs and stands, "I'm not going to argue this anymore, America. I'm going to finish getting ready." I turn back toward my food, chastened.

Minutes later he emerges from his closet, putting the final touches on his official military uniform. I remember the first time I saw him in his dress jacket. I thought he glittered, and he looks no less handsome this morning. Without thinking, I stand up and it takes everything I have not to salute. The sarcasm and irritation from earlier evaporates. After all, he is doing this for our family, for me. He looks up and sees me smiling at him, and his smile spreads across his face. All is forgiven.

I cross the room, meeting him at the bedroom door and taking his hand in mine. "I love you," I whisper, and I stand of tiptoe to kiss him. He returns the kiss, light and sweet.

"And no matter what you see or hear, I love you. So much." He reinforces his statement by pressing his lips to mine again.

I straighten a medal that had gone askew. "Ready?"

"Well, let's see if I remember my new mindset: my closest ally is now enemy number one; your brother is my long-lost confidante; my father was a compassionate man and dynamic ruler inspiring others at every turn; and my wife has been critically injured and I am, apparently, okay with it." He sighs, "I'm ready as ever."

"Maxon," I say, as he turns to leave.

"Yes, love?" His voice is hopeful that I will give him a good reason to avoid going downstairs.

I pluck some yellow roses from a nearby arrangement and hold them out, "Don't forget to bring a gift for your newest dear." My grin assures him I am not resentful.

He grins back and takes them, throwing out, "Yellow. She always did like yellow," over his shoulder as he disappears down the corridor.

BlueGirl 1234: Thanks! :)

jthornestudent: Hope you enjoyed the latest chapter! :)

Strike OOO: Thank you so much-hope this update is soon enough for you. :)

Kmerebird: How sweet! I PM'd you answers to most of your questions. Thanks for the ideas, and I appreciate you reading and reviewing. Hope you like the update! :)

The Devil Wears Westwood: Always like seeing your name pop up for a review! Well, I was gonna say... But, you're right. Maxerica might not happen for your story, but is just part of the status quo in mine. Next chapter-in my head it is "THE DAPHNE"... :)

PEETAMELLARKLOVER123: Thanks! :)

Dominic: You are so welcome. What a sweet review. I appreciate your comments. Thank you so much. If you want, let me know how you like this chapter? :)
maxamerica love: Thanks for coming back! :) And, the sequel is in the works, but if it isn't good enough, it won't be posted. You'll have to let me know what you think of it!

coralsea25: Oh, Nicoletta, she is just so much fun. We'll do our best to keep America locked upstairs. She can be unpredictable... :)

Thanks again for reading! XOXO SJ