"You're only given one spark of madness. Don't lose it." - Robin Williams

I was chewing on my pen cap again. If this habit got much worse I would need to ask for more pens for Christmas. Marlee was supposed to be monitoring me for it but she had still yet to make an appearance that morning. Aspen knocked on the door and strolled on through. "Maxon still in his meeting?" Aspen asked, noticing that my spouse was missing.

I nodded and rolled my eyes, turning the volume down on my radio. "I am so tired of dealing with this Stavros stuff. I thought his execution would mean another drawer closed but apparently that's not quite the case."

"After all he did here, you really think that getting him out of here would be that easy?" Aspen asked, sitting down in the chair across from me. "Where's Carter?"

"He's not with you? That's weird. I haven't seen either of them all morning."

Aspen shrugged. "Maybe they're celebrating their anniversary?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Their anniversary is November tenth; it is currently July twentieth," I reminded him. "Whatever, I didn't really need them this morning anyway."

Aspen sat up straighter and craned his neck to sneak a peek at what I was working on. "Big birthday bash, huh?" Aspen laughed.

I looked up at the door in alarm. "It's a surprise!" I hissed. Aspen laughed and shook his head. "Okay, really it's not even that big of a party. Maxon has made it clear that he wants a small intimate gathering."

"Abundantly clear. He was just lamenting to me last night about how he thinks you are going to throw him this huge ball and invite the whole country."

"You told him that's exactly what I am doing, right?"

He nodded. "Of course!"

"It's so weird how you two are best friends now." I shook my head and leaned over my paper again, reading through the bill I had to sign. I was supposed to have it all read by lunch but lunch had long since passed and I would be lucky to finish before dinner.

"You're just jealous that I am best friends with the king!" he joked.

I rolled my eyes and snorted. "Right. Because I'm not married to him or anything."

"Exactly, you're his wife. He needs a good guy friend around to ask all of the deep confusing questions about life to. And to also have someone to talk about the woes of married life," Aspen joked.

I knew not to believe him for a second. Aspen and Maxon seemed to have become inseparable overnight. Ever since the last attack, Aspen seemed to be spending more time with my husband than with me. Come to think of it, they really had nothing in common with each other except for their mutual love for me. Somehow though, they became fast friends. Maxon took Aspen out hunting and to the shooting range, letting Aspen borrow his best guns while Aspen traded valuable information about me to Maxon. I didn't let myself think about what they talked about too much, knowing that it was probably typical boy talk and I wouldn't want to know.

Aspen cleared his throat, pulling an envelope out of his breast pocket. "By the way…" he prompted, sliding the envelope across my desk to me.

It was addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Maxon Schreave and the calligraphy told me right away what was inside. "Aspen!" I exclaimed. "I can't believe it!" He just laughed as I tore open the envelope, pulling out the wedding invitation. I barely read it before I jumped out of my chair to give him a hug.

As I was doing so, the door burst open and Marlee and Carter finally made their appearance. "What's all this about?" Carter asked, inquiring the raised voices.

"Just celebrating," I explained as Aspen handed Carter their own envelope. Marlee read over Carter's shoulder.

"January?" she asked Aspen.

"Lucy always dreamt of a winter wedding. Maxon has even granted us use of a house in Whites so it can be a genuine winter wedding," Aspen explained, once again hinting to his bond with my husband. Maxon wouldn't just loan a house to anyone, clearly.

Marlee frowned. "It's in Whites?" she asked, looking up at Carter. "Love, I don't think I'll be able to go."

"It's six months from now. What could you possibly have going on that you know you'll be busy six months from now?" I asked her, trying to wrack my brain for anything I may have scheduled that Marlee would know about. But the more I thought, the more I realized that it was Marlee who couldn't go. Which could only mean one thing… "Really?" I exclaimed, looking at her.

She smiled coyly at me, blushing. "We wanted to tell you and Maxon together," she mumbled.

"Oh my gosh!" I yelled, getting up again to hug Marlee. "Congratulations!" I shouted, hugging Carter next.

"Am I the only one really confused here?" Aspen asked from where he was seated.

Marlee smiled and put a hand on her stomach. "Carter and I are going to have a baby. That's why we were late this morning; we had an appointment with Dr. Ashlar to confirm that it was safe to tell everyone."

"Wow…congrats man!" Aspen said, shaking Carter's hand and hugging Marlee from where he was sitting.

"Today is a day for all kinds of celebration!" I said, putting an arm around Marlee. I gently steered her toward my balcony as Aspen grabbed some wine from Maxon's well-stocked liquor cabinet in the corner of the room to celebrate.

Marlee sat down on a chaise lounge across from me. "Oh America, I wish I could have told you sooner but Dr. Ashlar recommended we wait until we passed twelve weeks…"

I shook my head at her. "It's no big deal. I'm just so happy for you."

She leaned her head on the pillow behind her. "Yeah. I'm just scared that it might be a little too soon. I mean, we decided to start trying but we never imagined it would happen so fast." She paused. "Have you and Maxon talked about kids yet?"

"Marlee, we haven't even been married for two months yet!"

"Really?" she asked, doubt playing in her voice. "Wow, it seems like you guys have been married for so much longer."

"I don't know. It's still early," I answered vaguely, not wanting to delve too deeply into this conversation. I didn't want something getting out that Maxon and I hadn't talked about first.

Marlee laughed and nodded. "I can understand that!" Carter came out and brought me a glass of wine and a folded up piece of paper. "This just came from Maxon."

I took it and unfolded it, reading Tuesday night is date night. In the movie theatre tugging my ear. My heart fluttered at his words and I smiled at our inside joke. On the back was another note. P.S. Wear your most comfortable pants! It's going to be a long night! I giggled and stood up, barely paying any notice to my friends as I ran over to our bedroom to change into my pajama pants and a cotton shirt.

The floor of the palace was cool on my bare feet as I ran down to the bottom floor where the home theatre was located. When I walked in, Maxon was in his pajama pants he hardly ever wore and had just finished making two batches of popcorn. I jumped into his arms, kissing him fiercely. "I have so much work to get done," I moaned, thinking about that bill sitting on my desk.

Maxon shrugged. "I do too. The beauty of being king and queen though is that you have a very flexible schedule." He lifted a box up from the table by the popcorn machine. "Strawberry tart?" he offered, winking at me.

I just shook my head and followed him to one of the plush couches. He started the movie and took his seat next to me, putting an arm around my shoulders as I started to munch on the popcorn. "Before the movie starts, I thought that we could talk about some things," he said.

My stomach dropped painfully and I looked over at him. "And it doesn't have to do with your big birthday bash next month, does it?"

He smiled sadly. "I'm afraid not. No, I just wanted to clear some things up. About kids. We never came to a real decision and the advisers will start to ask questions soon…I want to be able to give them a sound explanation."

I set my bowl of popcorn down and sat cross-legged in front of him. "Agreed. So…I still think we should wait."

"Me too but I think we both want to wait for different reasons," he assumed, looking at me curiously. "I'm too busy."

I nodded. "I'm still traumatized."

"We're young."

"I'm not ready to share you with anyone yet."

"It's just not the right time."

"I'm just not ready to be a mom." We sat in quiet for a few moments, absorbing each other's answers. "I mean, I'm eighteen-years-old, barely, and we've only been married for two months. Not to mention the fact that we've only known each other for what, eleven months? Not even a year." I nodded to myself. "I think I could use another couple of years before I consider having kids."

Maxon frowned. "What you said, about sharing me? What's that about?"

I rolled my eyes. "Maxon, c'mon…"

"No, really, tell me. I won't be offended."

I looked at him, getting lost in his brown eyes for a few seconds as I sorted through my thoughts. "We've known each other for eleven months, right? Five out the eleven, I wasn't your only girlfriend. I know, I know…it's just part of the Selection and it is partially my fault because I was so reluctant but is it that wrong for me to want to be selfish for a year or so and keep you all to myself?"

He smiled his signature crooked smile and took one of my hands in his. "It's not wrong at all. I feel the same way. I'm enjoying having you all to myself. Now you're just competing with the advisers for my attention."

"Let's not forget about your bromance with Aspen," I joked.

He nodded. "Who would've thought? But soon enough he'll have his own wife to dote upon. He did give you the invitation this morning, correct?"

"Afternoon, but yes he did. There was also some big news from Marlee and Carter. It looks like we'll get to see just how ready we are for kids because Marlee is pregnant." I warmed at the news, especially the smile that slowly spread across Maxon's face.

"I'm so happy for them. For everything they've gotten. There are few things that I would quantify as being worth defying my father and saving them was definitely one of them."

I crawled closer to him on the couch. "What about me?"

He sighed, putting his hands on my hips as I settled in his lap. "I still haven't decided yet," he said in a husky voice. I could feel just how enticing I was to him at the moment. He kissed me passionately before moving his lips down my neck to pay special attention to my breast. His fingers brushed the hem of my shirt and I pulled away, already short of breath.

"The door?" I gasped out as Maxon's lips nipped at my ear, right at a delicate spot.

"Locked," he breathed out. "I told you, Tuesday night is date night. No disturbances."

I coughed out a laugh. "In that case, we should make this a weekly thing." That was the last coherent thought I was able to form as Maxon started to undress me. Afterward, I went through in my head the list of rooms we had yet to leave unscathed as far as us making love was concerned. We had been busy for the last month or so and not in matters of state.

I was initially worried that he wouldn't even remember what I had said about having a Tuesday-night-date-night but that next Tuesday I was playing with Fitz on the floor of our study when he walked in dressed in his riding outfit. "C'mon, go get changed! We have a date to go on tonight!"

And so it went for the next few weeks. He took me to the conservatory one night where we had a moonlit picnic and ended up having a mini sleepover under the stars. Another week we went down to the kitchens and I taught him how to make lemon chicken with mashed potatoes.

One bright Tuesday in August, I woke up alone in bed. I was instantly disappointed. Maxon hardly ever left our bed without telling me first but he hadn't had to get up early in the last month or so. After the disappointment came worry.

I called for my maids and just threw on a simple dress, telling them to do my hair quickly and efficiently so I could find my husband. It was a little after eight by the time I wandered down the hall to his study and found him in there with Aspen, Carter, and James; our replacement for Stavros.

"What's wrong?" I asked, drawing their attention to me standing in the doorway.

Maxon hardly hesitated before answering, "The New Asians are on their way here." I opened my mouth to say something but Maxon held up a hand to tell me to stop. "Military is on high alert. I've got it covered."

I looked at Aspen, seeing the worry lining his face. "Why are they coming?"

"Apparently they want a cease-fire," Carter sighed, doubt toying in his tone. He perched on the arm of one of our chairs and crossed his arms. "And maybe that is all they want? You can't know what their other motives could be until they're here."

Maxon nodded, considering his words. "For our sake, I really hope so. I do think that it should be just America and I in here with them though. Other people will make them think that we don't trust them."

"We don't trust them," I reminded him.

"Right, but this is our home. We can't seem scared here in our own home. This is our home turf so we naturally have the advantage. They should feel more threatened by being here than us," Maxon explained. "You and Aspen can stay in the passageway over there and listen in, just in case they do try anything. There will be guards up on the roof on lookout so you'll be the first ones to know if they attack from the outside."

"But…" I started to say but Aspen and Carter started to discuss their plans for security for the day. I had learned weeks ago that with the three boys I was lucky to get in a word. "Maxon," I finally snapped, drawing their attention to me again. "We need to figure out what we want to be part of this peace treaty. We know that they aren't easy negotiators."

"I've already figured it out; we're offering them the territories we took from them, out in the Pacific. We don't need them anymore really. Honduragua can handle all of the fruit growth. We hardly use the islands out in the Pacific. Really, it's just Twos that use it for vacation. We're also pulling out all of our troops from New Asia."

I frowned. "Is that enough?"

Maxon looked at me, his eyes meeting mine. In that one look I could see how worried he was. "I hope so," he finally confessed.

Officer Avery knocked on the door to Maxon's study. "Your Majesty, they're here," he announced.

Maxon nodded. "Thank you Officer. Please, bring them up here." Carter and Aspen both nodded respectfully to us and slipped into the passageway, pulling the door shut behind them.

I ran my hands over my dress. "Why is it that I am always underdressed for these things?" I tried to joke but my voice came out with a lot more fear in it than I wanted.

"It's not like you had much notice." He held his arm to me and I joined him behind his desk, leaning against his strong body. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I was planning on fetching you later. I wanted you to sleep a bit."

"Jesus, Maxon, if any of us needs more sleep it's you. You're always coming to bed after me and getting up before me."

He shook his head. "I'm a light sleeper, you know that. When I was a teenager I was practically an insomniac. I spent my nights wandering the halls. The guards probably thought I was crazy."

I laughed quietly, resting my head against his chest. I could hear his heart beating under my cheek. "I guess besides being part vampire, you're a pretty good husband."

"I'm a great husband! You're an even better wife though." He stroked my back and took a deep breath. "This could be a long meeting. And stressful. We've done nothing to make them want to negotiate with us which is why I'm being so cautious."

"Well, no matter what happens today, we're doing it together." I twisted my fingers in his as he smiled and nodded.

"Before I forget…" he left me and walked to the safe in our bookshelves. He opened it and pulled out our more modest crowns. He placed mine on my head with the upmost precision and then merely dropped his on his head like it was a regular ball cap. "There, now we look more official." I chuckled and reached up to adjust it a bit so it fit more normally on my head.

Officer Avery came in again and behind him King Don and Queen Oyun strolled through the door, their heads lifted high as if we were guests in their home. I just kept reminding myself that these were the people that Elise grew up surrounded by. Their customs and manners were the same.

Maxon guided me toward them as Avery left the room, shooting me a worried glance before closing the door behind him. I just thought about the number of guards hiding in this room at that moment and felt comforted by their presence. "King Don and Queen Oyun, it is an immense pleasure for me to finally introduce you to my wife, Queen America."

I curtsied as King Don and Queen Oyun looked me up and down. Finally Queen Oyun bowed deeply as King Don said, "So this is the girl I can blame for the loss of over one thousand New Asian lives?"

I tried to hide my shock at the number. I knew Maxon was hiding the total tally of deaths from me but I never expected it to be that high. "Let us not forget the amount of Illean soldiers that have died on your soil," I reminded him.

King Don laughed as if it was no bid deal at all that he was responsible for the deaths of thousands. "She's a feisty one, King Maxon. I can see the Five in her."

"Enough of this," Maxon snapped. "You said you wanted a cease-fire?"

King Don nodded and laughed again. "Yes. As your girl just pointed out, you have lost a lot of men as have we. I would like to end this war so I can pursue better conquests than this shamble of a country."

"As would I but I know that this isn't coming without a price," Maxon said.

"Can we sit?" King Don asked, motioning to the couch behind him. Maxon nodded and King Don made himself comfortable seated next to his wife before proceeding. "All of our property in the Pacific."

Maxon nodded. "Done. The papers are right here for you to sign this morning."

"And I don't want any more Illean soldiers in my land."

"Also done. We've already started shipping them all back."

King Don nodded. "So I've noticed."

Maxon paused before asking, "Anything else?"

King Don and Queen Oyun exchanged a long look before he finally shook his head. I started to get the impression that the queen in New Asia didn't have near the equality I did with power. "We are not asking for much because we know you don't have much to give. We are also very aware that you, King Maxon, are ruling over this country very differently from the late King Clarkson. We are willing to put our faith in you for change. Hope. A new regime."

I saw Maxon relax a bit but knew that we were both still on guard. "And what do we get from you?" I asked, crossing my arms.

"Our support in any future wars you might fight."

I frowned. "That's it?"

"America," Maxon whispered. He looked back at King Don. "You have an agreement, Your Majesty." He extended his hand and they shook on it.

Maxon took King Don to his desk and started pulling out the papers that needed to be signed and traded. I took a seat across from Queen Oyun and noticed her looking around the room in awe. "Is this your first time in Illea, Queen Oyun?"

"Yes, it is," she answered simply. "Do you have any tea?"

I was so worried about this meeting that I had completely forgotten that it was my job to be the host in the palace. I practically jumped to my feet. "Yes, we can go to the Women's Room where the boys can't bother us," I offered.

The queen hesitated and looked over at her husband. "I would very much like that." She smiled at me and followed me downstairs to the Women's Room. Paige was in there dusting and yelped when she saw us come in.

"America," she curtsied and then nearly ran to the door.

"Wait, Paige, could you please bring us some tea?"

She looked between Queen Oyun and I and blushed, bowing her head. "I'd love to, America."

After she left, Queen Oyun turned to me. "You allow your maids to call you by name?" She sounded both astounded and intrigued.

I shrugged. "Special circumstances. She actually helped me after I was shot by some rebels."

Queen Oyun gasped. "The rebels shot you? When?"

"This past winter. It was no big deal."

"If I had known…I always told Don that partnering with them was a bad idea. And to think that they shot at you, their future queen…was Maxon with you?" she demanded.

"Yes, he was," I admitted reluctantly. Queen Oyun sat back, absorbing this. "Maxon wasn't king yet and he hadn't chosen me yet. There was still three other girls in the palace." I didn't know why but this seemed important to share with her.

She nodded. "I see. You and King Maxon certainly do lead exciting lives." I knew it was meant to sound candid and endearing but I thought I detected some jealousy in her voice.

"How long have you and King Don been married?" I asked, realizing that I knew next to nothing about the New Asian royals.

"About nine years," she replied. I guess that I had always assumed that the New Asians had been around forever but I realized that this war had only been going on for about eight. She must have seen me doing the math. "Yes, my marriage with Don has been pretty much consumed by this war."

"Consumed?" I repeated. Paige came back with a tray of tea and then quickly excused herself. "I'm afraid I don't understand exactly what you're talking about."

She suddenly turned to me. "Are you happy, Queen America? Are you happy with your decision to be queen? To be Maxon's wife?"

I was stunned by her question. I was even more stunned by my lack of confidence in answering. "I mean…I love Maxon."

She smiled kindly and shook her head. "That's not what I was asking. Are you happy as Maxon's wife?"

Her words seemed to hit home. I realized that the reason I hadn't been able to relax or get sleep is because I wasn't completely happy. I was lonely most days, even being surrounded by my closest friends. I missed my family that I rarely got to see despite them living thirty minutes down the road. I missed being able to walk out my front door to get the paper without having to worry about getting shot or swamped by photographers. Most of all, I missed seeing my husband everyday. And this was all because of being queen. "I like being queen," I said quietly.

"And I know you do. Your problem is that you don't like how much time it takes away from your personal life. Being queen suits you. You're strong-willed and stubborn but compassionate. Those are qualities that make a great queen," she complimented.

I frowned and I felt my shoulders sag. "Don't call me a great queen. Not after I killed so many of your people."

Queen Oyun sighed and nodded. "There is that. But I know that you have lost far more than we have. After all, we assisted the Southern Rebels in their attacks here which ultimately killed King Clarkson and Queen Amberly. It was then that I drew the line and told Don that we could not support those people anymore."

"What you were saying about me being queen…were you speaking from personal experience?"

She hesitated before answering. "Don and I were in love when we got married. It is very rare in our culture to marry someone you really love. I'm sure through your interactions with Elise that you have figured that out by now. But then he became king and the war started and we were so young. We had a child and for a while we were a good team but as caring for a baby became more demanding and the war got more serious, we drifted. I'm afraid that we lost that spark. Don has changed since fighting this war. He's more callous, more desperate even. Luckily we had a little boy so we had the excuse for not having anymore kids when really it's because we hardly even sleep in the same bed anymore and our marriage is in shambles." A tear slipped out of her eye. "I'm only thirty-years-old. I shouldn't be dealing with this now, at my age."

I didn't know what to say to her so I just put an arm around her small shoulders and held her as she cried. Soon our tea was gone and we went back to Maxon's study where King Don was just finishing. I managed to help Oyun touch up her makeup before she came in so her husband wouldn't suspect anything. "Thank you for everything," she said graciously as they prepared to depart.

"Feel free to call me anytime," I told her, wanting to hug her but holding back because I knew it would be inappropriate in front of company.

Maxon and King Don shook hands and soon they were walking out, leaving me and Maxon alone. After a few moments of silence I headed toward the door as well. "Where are you going?" Maxon asked.

I turned and looked at him, trying not to meet his eyes. "Just…I have some work to do." I walked down the hall to my study and sat in my desk, not getting any work done because my mind was too preoccupied with my conversation with Oyun. I made a few phone calls and then stared at my papers some more.

Finally, around lunchtime, I heard a babyish squeal and seconds later Kenna walked into my study. She looked around with a smile. "Nice digs," she complimented, setting Astra down on the floor to crawl around.

I got up to give her a hug, both of us swaying and holding on to each other for a long time. "Thanks for coming," I told her.

"Well you sounded so distressed on the phone. It'd be remiss of me not to come." We sat facing each other on one of the sofas in my study with Astra sitting between us, making cute toddler noises. "Are you going to tell me what's wrong or am I going to have to pull it out of you?"

I nodded. "I've just been wondering a lot lately if I made the right decision. Then I talked to the queen of New Asia about it this morning and that didn't help at all."

"Wait, what? The queen of New Asia? And what are you talking about, right decision?"

"The king and queen of New Asia came this morning to negotiate a peace treaty. I'll tell you all about it later but the queen just completely opened up to me about how being king and queen pretty much ruined her marriage and I'm just scared that's going to happen to us."

Kenna frowned. "And you're talking about this with me because?"

"Because Amberly isn't here to ask, it's too soon for me to ask Mom and Marlee and Carter clearly have a great marriage…you're the only one I can think of that I know who has had a remotely stressful marriage," I explained.

"But that's just because of money and even then, we're Ones now. Sure, James and I fought over little things but that's normal. It's a big adjustment to be married."

"I guess I was just assuming that it would be the same as when we were engaged. I mean, we were sleeping in the same bed every night then. We were seeing each other every day. There's still just something different…I hate doubting myself especially after how long it took for me to realize that I wanted this."

Kenna put a hand on my shoulder and moved closer. "Well like I said, why are you talking to me about this? Why not Maxon?"

"Because it did take me so long to decide that I wanted to be princess. I feel like if I told him all of this it would just be a slap in the face," I reasoned.

She shook her head. "No. He's your husband. You two have to talk to each other about anything bothering you. Especially under your circumstances because you were kind of thrown into the lion's pit."

I looked away. "I guess…" I sighed.

Kenna laughed and put her arms around me. "I've missed having sister heart-to-hearts."

"Me too. I just miss you guys," I admitted. "You're closer than ever but I still feel like you all are back in Carolina."

"Well you can call us anytime. Things were getting bored back at home anyway," she joked.

"I find that hard to believe what with all of you living there." I finally pulled away from her and she stroked my hair.

"You are the queen of Illea. If you don't like something, change it. Just remember to be patient and understanding. You have the power that most people can only dream about. Take advantage of it."

I waited up for Maxon that night. When he came in our room he wore a guarded expression, changing and going from his closet to bathroom quietly. He knew something was up. I basically didn't talk to him the rest of the day because I needed to keep a clear head.

When he finally sat down in bed next to me, he threw his hands up. "Okay, what did I do?"

I started. "What?"

"You're clearly mad at me. What did I do?"

I didn't think that my aloofness was going to make him think that I was mad at him. Of course, that is how I handled my anger with him during the Selection. It wasn't a surprising mental leap. "I'm not mad at you. I just needed to think a bit this afternoon," I confessed.

"And talk to Kenna." As king, he knew everything including any visitors I had. It wasn't an obsessive thing. It was just something where the guards had to inform him of everyone that passes through the gates that doesn't work or live in the palace.

I nodded. "Yeah. I just needed to talk to my big sister."

"Are you going to tell me about it or make me guess?" he asked softly.

I shook my head. "No. I talked to Queen Oyun today and she kept asking me if I was happy here. If I was happy being your wife and being your queen. I mean, I knew the answer but it did make me question…"

"You're having second thoughts?" The fear and pain in his voice was palpable.

"I just…I'm so lonely all of the time. Here I am in this palace full of people and I feel more alone than ever. I feel like the only thing I've managed to do as queen is kill a thousand people and I don't want that to be hanging over me the rest of my life."

Maxon considered my words and folded my hand in his. "I guess now would be a good time to tell you of an idea I had earlier."

"What?"

"You said you've been lonely which I know is partly because we don't get to see each other as much as I had hoped. Then today, when you walked out of my study, I hated having to watch you leave. So, maybe we could both share a study."

I cocked my head to the side. "What, like I move my stuff into your study?"

"Or vice versa but yeah. I understand if this seems a little hovery but I miss you too. I want to spend as much time as possible with you. Plus, when we have kids, it'll be easier to know where they are."

"Maxon, you don't have to convince me of this. It's a great idea!"

He shifted so he was sitting right in front of me, holding both of my hands in his. "This was a lot to ask of you, I know. Being queen. Believe me, I was scared that it would be too much but I should have known not to underestimate you. And underestimating you is a bad habit of mine. If you're worried that being king and queen is going to interfere with our marriage, you have to talk to me about it so we can work it out as husband and wife." He smiled. "We are pretty good at making up."

I pushed his shoulder. "That was almost a really nice speech," I joked.

"We can't all be born into perfection. Come here," he said, putting his arm out so I could nestle myself into his body. I could hear his heart beating under my cheek and the tick of the second hand on the clock hanging on the wall. I looked over as it chimed midnight.

"Happy birthday, Your Royal Husbandness," I whispered, leaning up to kiss his jaw.

He smiled and pulled me closer. "Thank you…my dear."

This is going to be a long AN. I'm sorry, I know y'all just read a lot! 5,850 words to be exact! anyways, first of all, i've been putting this off for as long as possible but i finally have to do it because i don't know what the next week is going to bring. next thursday, the 21st, i am leaving for university which means that updates will probably be few and far between. i know, it saddens me to say so but i'm not dumb; i know college is hard work. i will try my best though to update! I've turned into a basket case of emotions these last few days because it's getting real that i'm moving out and i'm just freaking out about that so i'm not sure if i'll be updating before thursday. so there's that. don't lose faith though; i'm not giving up on this story! (And never fear As the One fans, i'm posting the epilogue sometime today.)

secondly, anybody else hear the exciting news from Kiera yesterday? TWO MORE BOOKS! (technically three including Marlee's novella) I knew she was working on something related to the Selection because whenever somebody asked her about future projects she would not say anything. but yeah, that is super-duper exciting. I fan-girled for a few minutes.

Lastly, i could have never imagined the reactions i got for last chapter! you guys must have really liked it! i never expected the outpouring of love i got from your guys and all i can say is thank you thank you THANK YOU! keep up the good work!

PeetaOrMaxon: glad you liked it! ps, i like your name. ;) (the winky faces in this font look kind of evil, don't ya think?)

booksforbreakfast: thank you! since you like books for breakfast, i think you'll appreciate me updating in the morning. if you live in the States. If you're ahead of me in time...this is awk. shut up ellie.

Guest: thanks girl :D

michey J: patience, young grasshopper. there will be kids. I mean, you have to remember that America is only 18 and ruling a country. I'm only 18 and i'm freaking out about going to college. not to mention the fact that she has a minor case of PTSD; i'm not sure if i made that clear or not. i mean, i don't know who wouldn't after going through those attacks that she did and watching a lot of people die. she has a lot on her plate right now so once her life calms down a bit and she's able to establish a bit more of a routine, she'll start thinking about having kids.

Melody: yes, it was the Great Gatsby! it's one of my favorites, as cliche as that sounds!

Theoneforever: yeah, but it just happened that her getting shot was the only way to really convince Maxon that Stavros was a bad guy. He's pretty bullheaded like that.

Someone the World Forgot: trust me, Maxon did think of that. he really wants kids. but again, he is two years older than America and he didn't go through quite the transition she did these past few months. she was also pretty clear that she isn't ready and that it is ultimately her decision.

WeatherBug02: that's one of the reasons why we love her! she is pretty unpredictable, yeah?

Guest: i mean, their fighting definitely calms down a lot after those first few months of adjusting to their new roles in life. America even says that in the epilogue that Kiera just released yesterday. but yeah, they have a lot to work through for the time being.

Prnamber3909: thanks for explaining you name! and yeah...maxerica struggles. but you have to admit, they make a pretty good team when they work together!

PEETAMELLARKLOVER123: congrats! someone had to do it! and America certainly is having a rough go of it but hopefully it'll smooth over for her later on!

that's it guys! thanks for reading!