Hi! I am answering your wonderful reviews below...
AlyssLondon Review:
"Ahhhhh! omg the ending is honestly so cute! loving it!"
WriterQueen123 Response:
I'm glad you're enjoying it! Thanks for the support!
bja133 Review:
"I always found it odd when I read people being really good friends with someone they used to be in love with like America and Aspen. I would think it would be weird and hard to be normal... ever."
WriterQueen123 Response:
You're totally right! I'm kind of mad at Aspen for finding love after promising he would love America forever...whatever! At least they're still best friends, or "family", and America could trust Aspen to give her away. I'm also surprised that Maxon and Aspen made up so quickly. Anyway, thank you for reviewing and I hope you're having fun with this story!
America2Maxon Reviews:
"master piece
woa
aw
OMG
aw whao
sweet
dundundun"
WriterQueen123 Response:
Thank you for leaving comments and supporting!
Virtue01 Review:
"Although you literally took some of Kiera Cass words for this chapter it is still beautiful. I love the bit when Maxon whispered "Hello, my dear" and America warned in return, "Don't start" so Maxerica. Thank you for the regular updates much appreciated"
WriterQueen123 Response:
You're right that I completely copied Kiera Cass for the wedding chapter, but that was totally intentional and I hope, as you mentioned, it was still interesting and beautiful. Thanks for reviewing!
Virtue01 Review:
"Was reading some of the reviews and notice thatGuest in chapter 3 though that it was Aspen that called America Ames. No Aspen calls America Mer but May always calls her Ames and that is where Maxon pick it from so he call her Ames."
WriterQueen123 Response:
There was some confusion over America's nicknames which I tried to address in the last chapter! Yes, Aspen calles America "Mer" and Maxon or May call America "Ames," and I've been using those names accurately. Thank you for the clarification!
Guest Review:
"It's interesting how you're separating your chapters. It's like multiple little stories combining to create one story rather than a continuation of a story but at the same time it's that too. I like how you can combine multiple ideas and plots into that format as well and can change it up if you get bored."
WriterQueen123 Response:
I'm glad that you like it! I do like to include mini plots with some drama to get out of the old routine of life at the palace. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Guest Review:
"You're good at ending your chapters and making readers want to keep going."
WriterQueen123 Response:
Thank you! I do love to read a book in which the last line of each chapter is filled with suspense.
Guest Review:
"I really liked this chapter. You've captured the characters well. This was a good length chapter to answer your earlier question and my preference is longer chapters. I don't know how long this chapter was but around 2000 words is good since it's in the middle of the choices you presented to us."
WriterQueen123 Response:
I will try to shoot for around 2,000 words per chapter. The chapter you commented on, Surprise, is 1,971 words, which is pretty close. Thanks for the support and I'm so happy you think I'm embracing the characters' personalities!
Guest Review:
"Wow. That was an emotional chapter. I don't really have words besides wow. I'm glad Maxon understands though and that she got out of the situation."
WriterQueen123 Response:
Definitely an emotional chapter! One of the main points of putting in that mini plot with the rebels was to show Maxon and America's relationship strengthening, no matter the obstacles. Thanks for reviewing!
Guest Review:
"I can't help but wonder if the "nothing could ever get between us" could be foreshadowing to future chapters and it's worrying me. Loved the horse ride scene."
WriterQueen123 Response:
Who knows? Don't worry though, I won't make you depressed! Thank you for the support!
Guest Review:
"That was an interesting chapter. Maybe you can make another series later about Marlee and America's kids growing up together or something like that. Are you going to skip more time or are you going to keep consistent change?"
WriterQueen123 Response:
It's a great idea to make a series about the kids' perspectives of growing up. Who knows, maybe it'll happen! I'm going to keep making consistent changes in time - not skipping forward more than a few weeks without more action.
Guest Review:
"That was such a beautiful chapter. You're changes were interesting. When she says that no one has called her your majesty, they have in one of your earlier chapters so that's not true in this chapter. I know you were using the chapter from the book so I understand but I wanted to let you know. You've done a great job with this and I look forward to more in the future."
WriterQueen123 Response:
You are correct that I went against what I'd written earlier when I said that nobody had called America "Your Majesty" yet. Her maids did earlier in the book. Thank you for the correction - I didn't catch that because I simply took Kiera Cass's words from the wedding chapter she wrote, so thank you for your understanding. Hope you enjoyed it!
Guest Review:
"I just read ALL twelve chapters of you story and it was so good! You're an amazing writer I love it! However I'm confused about Anne in the bachelorette party because they said she was missing after the last rebel attack. I'm so excited to keep reading about the coronation! How many more chapters about their life do you think you will do? Up until the last epilogue in Happily Ever After? Or even further? Great job! Keep it up!"
WriterQueen123 Response:
Thank you so much for the compliments! In the book, it says that Anne went missing after the rebel attack, but I tweaked that little detail because I want to make her departure more dramatic, which we'll see in the future. I'm not quite sure how far this book will go, but I know I always want to make it from America's perspective, not shift to the kids'. I will definitely go further than the last epilogue of Happily Ever After, because that is just when America first gets pregnant. Maybe until their last kid is born? I don't know yet, but I definitely want to make this book long. Thank you for commenting!
Thank you everyone, including my silent viewers, for your continued support in simply reading this story. Enjoy!
After emotionally reciting our vows, Maxon and I held hands and walked down from the altar together, the whole crowd cheering deafeningly. Our faces were written with unmistakable joy as we left the church. Everyone remained inside, because in a few minutes, I would be returning for my coronation.
"Maxon!" I cried with happy tears, wrapping my arms around my husband in a bear hug. The guards stationed nearby smiled in understanding. He lifted me up, twirling me around in my glorious dress.
"I can't believe it, Ames. It's too perfect," he said affectionately, setting me down gently and staring into my eyes for what felt like an eternity. His chocolate eyes were full of love, excitement, and pride. "You're going to be queen soon, darling. Are you ready?"
I laughed, entwining my fingers in his. "Not at all. And yet, with you by my side, I feel like I can figure it out."
"I know you can," he grinned. "You really can, America. Ready to go back inside?"
"Yup," I said, trying to conceal my nervousness. Maxon's strong hands rested on my shoulders.
"Don't worry, Ames. You're the determined, spirited person I know. You can handle this, like you can handle anything."
"Thanks, Maxon," I sighed. "I better go in now."
"Let's go, beautiful." I smiled and let him lead me to the backstage of the church, where my maids were waiting to make sure I was ready to be coronated. "I'll be right here, in the seats right below you, all right?"
"Okay, Maxon," I said, pursing my lips, not wanting to let him go. "See you right after."
"See you," he said with a smile and winked at me before going through the large doors and taking a seat.
Anne, Mary, and Lucy attached a light, golden cape to my wedding dress for the coronation.
"Are you ready, miss?" Mary asked, smiling.
"Ready as I'll every be," I replied, taking a deep breath.
"All right," Lucy said, picking up my cape with Mary so it wouldn't drag across the floor when I walked. Anne opened the grand doors, and suddenly, the public could see me again, vulnerable little America about to become queen. I couldn't let myself think that way.
Lifting my chin, I took the first step down the aisle again. I caught the eyes of as many people as I could, hoping to convey my gratitude for their support. At the head of the church, I knelt on the little resting stool, feeling my wedding dress and cape as Mary and Lucy fanned it out behind me.
The bishop took the ceremonial crown and held it above my head. I forced myself to take slow breaths and relax.
"Are you, America Schreave, willing to take this oath?" The bishop asked formally.
"I am willing," I answered solemnly, hoping my voice wasn't shaking.
"Do you vow to uphold the laws and honor of Illéa all the days of your life, governing your people according to their traditions and customs?"
"I do."
"And do you vow to protect the interests of Illéa, both at home and abroad?"
"I do."
"And do you vow to use the power and placement to bring mercy and justice for all Illéa's people?"
"I do."
With my final words spoken, the bishop set the crown on my head. I rose and turned to face my people as they rose in unison, focusing on Maxon, who was beaming.
"God save the queen!" They chanted, and I felt a thrill run through my veins as I realized that they were talking about me.
The reception was fantastic. Maxon and I walked arm in arm everywhere, greeting all of our guest graciously and thanking them for making it to the wedding. Finally, after we'd gotten to almost all of our guests, it was time for our first dance as husband and wife.
The lights in the room dimmed as Maxon held my hand and rested his other on the small of my back, making me melt inside.
"I love you," I whispered, feeling magical in this special moment.
"I love you," Maxon smiled lovingly, sending tingles through my spine. When would the surge of eagerness triggered merely by being around my love ever stop?
After our magnificent dance, Maxon and I just held each other on the floor while other couples joined us, swaying to the soft beat of the music. I saw Aspen and Lucy dancing together, fondness in their eyes. My heart swelled with joy for them, knowing they would be perfect for each other.
Marlee and Carter were also holding each other, and I smiled, excited that my best friend had also found love and was expecting a baby.
I also caught sight of Daphne dancing with a man, probably a politician from France. She didn't seem to be enjoying the intimacy with the man, who looked about thirty and had a curly moustache and long beard, at all. She caught me looking and glared at me, shooting daggers with her fierce gaze.
"What happened to Daphne?" I asked Maxon, making sure to keep my voice low.
"She married an older French senator for the money, I suppose. They're ten years apart. She's the queen of France, now."
I nodded in understanding. "She doesn't seem too happy with that other man."
"Their families arranged the marriage after it was clear I was taken." He smiled, leaning down so our foreheads touched.
"Will she ever get over you?" I asked. "We're all married now."
"Who knows?" Maxon said sadly. "I don't want her to be unhappy, but she's pushed too far."
After a few more dances, everyone sat down at their assigned tables and dinner was served. Dessert, of course, was my favorite, decadent strawberry tarts with cream.
"Are you ready to get out of here?" Maxon asked after the clock announced midnight, a mischievous glint in his eye. Most of our guest had already left as the night progressed.
"Any time," I laughed. After a last good-bye to my family, Maxon and I headed to our suite. We would soon move into the Queen and King's suite. Before leaving, I caught Marlee's eye and she blew me a kiss, giggling. I rolled my eyes, unable to stop the flush rising to my cheeks, and waved before going off with Maxon.
In my room, I dressed in my robe and entered Maxon's to find him sitting fully clothed on his bed. I sat beside him, stroking his hair.
"Are you alright?" I asked, concerned.
"I've never been better, America," he said, proving this with a long kiss. "I - I'm just..." I could see a glimmer of worry in his eyes as we pulled away.
"Why are you worried?" I pressed gently, putting an arm around his shoulders.
"What if I hurt you?" He expressed, leaning into me. "I hate to bring it up, but what if I'm as bad as Hunter Bersole? I couldn't stand it if you were in pain because of me."
"I'm not afraid," I said, looking directly into Maxon's eyes. "I know at the end of it all, you'll never stop loving me, and I won't stop loving you either. There is no way in the world you could compare to Hunter Bersole," I promised, shuddering at the name. "This will just be an experiment. Don't worry, just relax. If anything's wrong, we can always stop and try again later. I know you'll be gentle."
He nodded in agreement and took off his jacket and shirt. "Let's do this."
We lay together under the covers of Maxon's bed, fully undressed. Nobody outside of my family had ever seen me so vulnerable, and yet I felt strangely comfortable and at peace with my husband seeing every part of me. We had broken down every last wall and barrier.
Maxon kissed each of my fingers delicately, and then I did the same to his. Motivated, he ran his fingers on my stomach, chilling me, while I traced his strong abs.
Finally, we connected. I felt something release inside of me, causing my whole body to relax and slump over onto Maxon. I felt a little sore, but it was nothing compared to the elation and desire inside of me.
"All right?" Maxon asked quietly, slowly.
"Perfect," I panted. We held each other like this, rolling over together, pressing into each other firmly. I was pleased at how perfectly I fit in with Maxon, as if our bodies were made for each other. Finally, we came apart, groaning deeply with satisfaction.
We kissed intensely, exploring each other mouths while our fingers dug into each other's soft hair. It was the happiest moment of my life.
After whispering our promises of love, I nestled into Maxon and fell asleep to the rhythmic rising and falling of my husband's chest.