Responses to my lovely reviews...

AlyssLondon Review:

"definitely a bit out of character, like you said. I personally can't see America drinking more than a glass of champagne to be polite. it sounds like a fun bachelorette party though!"

WriterQueen123 Response:

I can certainly agree with you. Bachelorette was more of just a fun chapter with a fun party. I know that during the Halloween Party while the Selection is going on, America and the other girls did get a little tipsy. But, of course, America has grown up since then so that chapter may not have made complete sense. I just wanted something exciting or different to happen for the party! Thank you for commenting! I really appreciate the feedback!

Virtue01 Review:

"I throughly enjoyed this chapter it was out of character for America which made it more fun to read. The chapter was entertaining and amusing thank you and also for the update."

WriterQueen123 Response:

I'm so glad you had fun with that chapter! Your review is exactly how I was hoping the chapter would be received. Thank you!

bja133 Review:

"Hope Marlee had apple cider too! and I am assuming that everyone knows about Marlee because normally her presence would be kept a secret. But Maxon is king now so maybe it is not a big deal."

WriterQueen123 Response:

Marlee definitely had apple cider too!😂 And you're right - straight after Maxon became king, he issued an order for Marlee and Carter to be pardoned and they now live freely in the palace. Thanks for leaving a message!

Thank you all for taking the time to read my story and leave such thoughtful reviews!

Yay yay yay everyone! It's time for the wedding we've been waiting for! I literally took Kiera Cass's words almost exactly for this chapter and just changed the tense to match the rest of my story. The coronation, which takes place on the same day as America's wedding, will be written in the next chapter.

I tried, but it did no good. Any girl would do the same. The day was big, the dress was heavy, and the eyes watching were uncountable. Brave as I ought to be, I trembled.

I knew that once the doors opened, I would see Maxon waiting for me, so while all the last-second details were settled around me, I held on to that promise and tried to relax.

"Oh! This is our cue," Mom said, noting the change in the music. Silvia waved my family over. James and Kenna were ready to go. Gerad was running around, already wrinkling his suit, and May kept trying desperately to get him to stand in one place for two seconds back-to-back. Even if he was a bit rumpled, they all looked surprisingly regal today.

As happy as I was that everyone who loved me was with me, I couldn't help but feel an ache that Dad wasn't here. I felt him, though, whispering how much he loved me, how proud he was, how lovely I looked. I knew him so well that I felt like I could pick out the exact words he would say to me today; I hoped it would stay like that always, that he'd never really be gone.

I was so lost in my daydreams that May snuck up on me. "You look beautiful, Ames," she said, reaching up to touch the intricate high collar of my dress.

"Mary outdid herself, didn't she?" I answered, touching parts of the dress myself.

"My gosh, Ames, you're shaking." May grabbed my hands and tried to still them, laughing at my nerves.

"I know. I can't help it."

"Marlee," May called. "Come help me calm America down."

My one and only bridesmaid walked over, her eyes as bright as ever; with the two of them surrounding me, I did start to feel less tense.

"Don't worry, America; I'm sure he'll show up," she teased. May laughed, and I swatted at them both.

"I'm not worried he'll change his mind! I'm afraid I'll trip or mispronounce his name or something. I have a talent for messing things up," I lamented.

Marlee put her forehead on mine. "Nothing could mess up today."

"May!" Mom hissed.

"Okay, Mom's losing it. See you up there." She gave me a ghost kiss on my cheek, making sure not to leave a lipstick smudge, and went on her way. The music played, and they walked together around the corner and down the aisle that was waiting for me.

Marlee stepped back. "Am I next?"

"Yes. I love this color on you, by the way."

She jutted out her hip, posing in the gown. "You have great taste, Your Majesty."

I sucked in a breath. "No one's called me that yet. Oh, goodness, that's going to be my name to pretty much everyone." I tried to adjust to the words quickly. The coronation was part of the wedding. First the vows to Maxon, then the ones to Illéa. Rings, then crowns.

"Don't start getting nervous again!" she insisted.

"I'm trying! I mean, I knew it was coming; it's just a lot for one day."

"Ha!" she exclaims as the music shifted. "Wait until tonight."

"Marlee!"

Before I could scold her, she scampered away, winking as she went, and I was forced to giggle. I was so glad to have her back in my life. I officially made her one of my attendants, and Maxon did the same for Carter. It was a clear sign to the public of what was coming with Maxon's reign, and I was happy to see how many people welcomed the change.

I listened, waiting. I knew the notes were coming soon, so I took one last chance to straighten my dress.

The dress was truly magnificent. The white gown was fitted through my hips, flitting out in waves to the floor. The lace sleeves were short and led to a high collar that genuinely made me look like a princess. Over the dress, a sleeveless cape-like coat flowed out behind me, making a train. I'd take it off for the reception, where I intended to dance with my husband until I couldn't stand anymore.

"Ready, Mer?"

I turned to Aspen. "Yes. I'm ready."

He held an arm out for me, and I put mine through his. "You look incredible."

"You clean up pretty nice yourself," I commented. And though I smiled, I knew he saw my nervousness.

"There's nothing to worry about," he assured me, that confident smile making me believe that whatever he said was true, same as always.

I took in a deep breath and nodded. "Right. Just don't let me fall, okay?"

"Don't worry. If you look unsteady, I'll hand you this." He held up his deep-blue cane, specially made to match his dress uniform, and the idea made me laugh.

"There we go," he said, happy to see me genuinely smile.

"Your Majesty?" Silvia asked. "It's time." Her tone was slightly awed.

I give her a nod, and Aspen and I made our way to the doors.

"Knock 'em dead," he said just before the music rose and we were revealed to the guests.

All the fear rushed back. Though Maxon and I tried to keep the guest list small, hundreds of people lined the aisle that would take me to Maxon. And as they all rose to greet me, I couldn't see him.

I just needed to see his face. If I could find those steady eyes, I would know I could do this.

I smiled, trying to stay calm, graciously nodding at our guests, thanking them for their presence here today. But Aspen knew.

"It's okay, Mer."

I looked to him, and the encouragement in his expression helped.

I kept moving.

It wasn't the most graceful parade down the aisle. It was also not the fastest. With Aspen's leg so injured, we had to hobble our way slowly to the front. But who else could I have asked? Who else would I have asked? Aspen had shifted to fill a desperate place in my life. Not my boyfriend, not my friend, but my family.

I had expected him to say no, afraid it was somehow an insult. But he'd said he was honored and embraced me when I'd asked.

Devoted and true, even to the very end. That was my Aspen.

Finally I saw a familiar face in the crowd. Lucy was there, sitting with her father. She beamed with pride for me, though really she could hardly tear her eyes off Aspen. He stood a little taller as we passed her. I knew that soon it would be her turn, and I was looking forward to it. Aspen couldn't have made a better choice.

Beside her, filling up the closest rows, were the other Selected girls. It was brave of them to come back for me, considering not everyone who should be here was. Still, they smiled, even Kriss, though I could see the sadness in her eyes. I was shocked by how much I wished Celeste was here. I could imagine her rolling her eyes and then winking, or something like that. Making some wisecrack that was almost snotty but not quite. I really, really missed her.

I missed Queen Amberly, too. I could only imagine how happy she would have been today, finally getting a daughter. I felt as if marrying Maxon made it okay for me to love her that way, like a mother. I was certain I always would.

And then there was my mom and May holding on to each other so tightly they looked as if they were supporting each other. Around them were so many smiles. It was almost overwhelming how loved I felt.

I was so distracted by their faces that I forget how close I was to the end of the aisle. As I turned forward...he was there.

And then it seemed as if no one else was here at all.

No cameras filming, no bulbs flashing. It was just us. It's just Maxon and me.

He was wearing his crown, and the suit with the blue sash and the medals. What did I say the first time he wore it? Something about hanging him up with the chandeliers, I thought. I smiled, remembering the long journey that got us here, standing at the altar.

Aspen's last few steps were slow but steady. When we reached our destination, I turned to him. Aspen gave me one last smile, and I reached over to kiss his cheek, saying good-bye to so many things. We shared a look for a moment, and he took my hand and put it in Maxon's, giving me away.

They nodded to each other, nothing but respect in their faces. I didn't think I could ever understand all that had ever passed between them, but it felt peaceful in that moment. Aspen stepped back, and I stepped forward, arriving at the one place I never thought I'd be.

Maxon and I moved close to each other as the ceremony started.

"Hello, my dear," he whispered.

"Don't start," I warned in return, and we were both left smiling.

He held my hands as if they were the only things pinning him to the earth, and I focused on that as I prepared myself for the words coming, the promises I would never break.

"Do you, King Maxon Schreave, cherish Lady America Singer as your lawful wedded wife, protecting her, and tending to her needs through illness and disappointment?"

"I do," Maxon promised solemnly.

"Do you, Lady America Singer, cherish King Maxon Schreave as your lawful wedded husband, protecting him, and tending to his needs through illness and disappointment?"

"I do," I vowed, tears brimming my eyes.

We made our final commitments, and finally the priest announced, "I pronounce you man and wife. King Maxon Schreave, you may kiss the bride."

Maxon leaned down and cupped my face, staring into my eyes for what felt like a lifetime. Then his mouth crashed onto mine, soft, sweet, and tempting. We couldn't go too far, because everything was public, but just the warm touch of Maxon's lips had ignited a fire in me. I felt giddy with excitement and love, and gazing into Maxon's affectionate eyes, I knew he felt the same.