Hello readers! I'm finally back...
Virtue01 Review:
"Great chapter I am glad the situation with page was cleared up. America and Maxon together is so loving and cute. Thank for the update."
WriterQueen123 Response:
You're welcome for the update! Thank you so much for commenting.
bja133 Review:
"Is paige really telling the true? is it really that easy?"
WriterQueen123 Response:
Paige was hooked up to a lie detector the entire time, which means she is most likely telling the truth. We'll see if she continues to...thank you for reviewing!
WannaGoMate Review:
"I really want a plot twist where Paige IS apart of the Southern Rebels! It would be a full circle in my mind. BTW I was rooting for Kile and Evelyn. Random question: Do you like Grey's Anatomy? I do. Enjoy your vacation!"
WriterQueen123 Response:
I was totally thinking of going with your plot twist idea, but then I realized that Paige was supposedly telling the truth with the lie detector. The lie detector itself was tested beforehand to make sure it was working, so I have very little elbow room in that zone. I'll try to create some drama, though! I have not watched Grey's Anatomy, but my friends love it, so maybe I'll try it out! Thank you so much for commenting.
AlyssLondon Review:
"honestly I kinda skimmed through Paige's backstory bc it was a lot in a big chunk. l typically end up skim reading anyways just because I read so fast but that scene was a bit boring. some maxerica lemons at the end made up for it though!"
WriterQueen123 Response:
I really appreciate the honest feedback, and can see what you mean. I just had a lot of explaining to do, so that there would be few loopholes in Paige's story. I will keep that in mind for the future! Thank you so much for reviewing!
Payton Review:
"I'm in LOVE with your WRITING!
PLEASE write again soon!
And one more thing... thank you for continuing Maxon and America's story!
Write soon... also... Loved that Chapter!"
WriterQueen123 Response:
Thank you so much! It's been my pleasure continuing to write about Maxon and America's world.
Guest Review:
"Niiiiiccccceeeeee, I liked how Paige was "guilty" and how America was the one who figured out the southern rebel anagram! Luv it!
WriterQueen123 Response:
I'm so happy that you're enjoying the story. Thank you for commenting!
Guest Review:
"I neeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed an upddddddaaaaaaaattttteeeeee! Please"
WriterQueen123 Response:
I'm so sorry for the long wait!
Guest Review:
"Pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaasssssseeeee update soon I need more of the story"
WriterQueen123 Response:
Thank you for commenting!
Thank you all so much for commenting! This chapter is titled 'Break' because it is a break for the characters from the Rebels' case, and it is a break for you and me from reading and writing about it! I hope you enjoy.
"What do you want to do today?" Maxon asked as I shifted over to face him in bed. Early light filtered through the drawn windows. Maxon and I had recently moved to the King and Queen's suite. I still felt like the luxurious, spacious bedroom was something out of my dreams.
"I don't know," I mumbled, putting an arm over my eyes.
"The Rebels are secure, so-"
"Can we not talk about that right now?" I interrupted grumpily. "I just woke up, for goodness' sake."
"Sorry," he said and laid back down. I felt a twinge of guilt for cutting Maxon off, but I was just tired. I could feel the burden of being queen starting to take its toll on me.
"Do you want to go back to sleep?" Maxon asked hesitantly.
"No," I sighed. "What did you want to say?"
"Well, essentially, we're free for the day."
"What about the Rebels and everything?" I rubbed my temples, feeling an early headache coming on.
"Everything is secure. We can continue the investigation another day."
"Okay," I said. "That's a relief."
"It is. So now, we have a day ahead of us to plan. Whenever you're ready," he added.
"Let's just figure it out at breakfast." I collapsed back onto my pillow, needing a few more minutes of rest.
Maxon and I ate delicious omelettes with bagels for breakfast.
"Sorry I was crabby in the morning," I said to Maxon sheepishly. I realized that I had behaved rather childishly earlier. "I've been feeling really overwhelmed and exhausted lately."
"Don't worry about it," Maxon said, taking my hand. "I know how you feel."
"But you never take it out on me," I pointed out. "I'm sorry."
"You know, sometimes I forget how young we are. Other people in their early twenties like us are out being reckless. We're ruling a country, and we handle it differently. We do it however it works for us."
"Thanks, Maxon," I said with a smile, kissing him lightly. "Now, what are we going to do today?"
"I was thinking of a couples' massage," Maxon offered, grinning. "We've both been feeling a little stressed lately, so relaxing sounds good to me."
"I love it!" I agreed. "Where can we go?"
"The palace has a pool and steam room, but we don't have actual masseuses working here. It isn't good for us to leave the safety of the palace, so Aaron, my butler, could invite the highest level masseuses to us. The most popular place for a massage in the city right now is FantaSpa. I'm sure arrangements could be made with their managers. Plan?"
"Great plan," I concurred, bumping Maxon's fist. His loaded bagel fell onto the table. I gasped with laughter as he chuckled, shaking his head.
"Come on, let's get ready."
I dressed in my underwear and a soft, lacy bathrobe. Maxon wore loose-fitting boxers under a robe as well. I took his arm with a giggle as he led me downstairs. We tried to avoid the guards in the hallways, swerving in and out of sight. Aspen was on duty at the bottom of the staircase.
"King Maxon and Queen America," he hailed us, politely beckoning to us to come over.
"Good morning, Aspen," I greeted him.
"Hello, Your Majesties," Aspen replied.
"Feel free to drop the formalities," Maxon chuckled. "What's going on?"
"I just wanted to give you some personal news," Aspen started. "Lucy and I are engaged."
"That's wonderful!" I gasped.
"Congratulations!" Maxon clapped him on the back.
"Thank you so much," Aspen nodded. "We will release details of the wedding soon, but we're still planning it."
"You can come to us if you need anything," I promised.
"We're truly so grateful to have you in our lives. Thank you for the offer. Also, after the wedding, Lucy and I were thinking of moving out of the palace. It would be nice to get a place of our own."
"Anything you need," Maxon agreed. "We can help you purchase the home if you wish."
"I'll have to decline to that, sir. It's very kind of you, but we just want a fresh start together. Unfortunately, this means that Lucy would have to leave her job as a maid here. I can continue my work as general and make the commute. However, it would be too far for Lucy to get here early everyday." He paused, biting his lip. "We were planning to move out about a month before the wedding. I hope that's okay."
"Of course it is, Aspen," I said. "You two have done so much work here. We'll always support you. Just have Lucy come visit when she can! I'm going to miss her."
"Will do. I'll leave you two to get comfortable in the spa," Aspen grinned. My cheeks flushed.
"Thank you, Aspen," Maxon said.
"I'll be sure to say goodbye to Lucy personally," I added. Aspen winked before we walked away.
The spa complex was on the lowest floor of the palace. I felt my pores instantly steaming out, reacting to the heavy moisture in the air. Chandeliers suspended from the ceiling cast a romantic glow on the area. Every line in the space was soft, with no harsh edges.
"Welcome, King Maxon," announced a pretty, young blonde. "And Queen America," she added a heartbeat later. She bowed her head quickly. Her eyes were lined heavily with makeup, accentuating long eyelashes. The woman wore dark red lipstick, calling attention to her full lips. "You are here for a couples' massage, correct?"
"Yes, miss," Maxon nodded.
"I work at FantaSpa and will be one of your masseuses. My name is Leora. Please get comfortable in the room on the left. I will be there in a moment."
"Thank you," I said quietly, trying to ignore the flirtatious smiles she was sending Maxon's way. Who did this woman think she was, trying to hit on Maxon? It would almost seem hopelessly funny if I wasn't ticked.
Maxon pulled me toward our room, and he burst out laughing once we closed the door. "Did you see that woman?" he said, shaking his head.
"Oh, I saw her." I rolled my eyes and let go of Maxon's hand, sitting down on the bed.
"It's such a joke. I don't know when people are going to finally leave us alone and accept that we're married."
"You've broken a lot of hearts," I grumbled. "Kriss, Daphne, and this lady, apparently."
"Come on," Maxon crossed his arms. "I was just joking."
"I know," I shrugged, lying down on the bed and facing the ceiling. Leora came in a second later.
"How are you, Your Majesties?" she asked, inconspicuously batting her eyelashes at Maxon. I resisted the urge to puke. Leora probably just had a celebrity crush on Maxon and was trying to get to me.
"We're fine, thanks," Maxon answered.
"My colleague will work on the queen, and I can massage King Maxon. Does that sound alright to you two?" I couldn't hide my mouth dropping. I quickly pursed my lips again.
"Leora, I would prefer you to work on me," I blurted out. A smile played across Maxon's mouth. How did it work out that the best masseuse around was a cute twenty-year-old? Leora narrowed her eyes.
"Of course, my queen. It would be an honor," she said smoothly. The door opened and a handsome man strode in. He bowed to us and closed the door.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesties," he greeted us. "My name is Derrick. Leora is my sister." I could clearly see the resemblance between the two siblings, though Derrick looked about five to ten years older.
"Hello," Maxon and I answered.
"I can see I'll be working on the king?" he questioned. Maxon nodded. "Sounds good." The masseuses dimmed the lights in the room and scooted Maxon and my beds closer together. We were instructed to lie face down, and our robes were cast off.
I turned my face to the side and saw Leora staring at Maxon's muscular back. Let her stare, I thought. Maxon was mine.
Leora removed the clasp of my bra and placed the ends on the bed. She rubbed lotion onto my back, kneading my shoulders with perfect strength. Her soft hands traveled to my back, loosening my muscles and undoing the stress of the past few weeks. I exhaled deeply, enjoying myself thoroughly. I closed my eyes and felt calm seep into my features, relaxing my mouth and letting my head sink completely into the pillow. It smelled softly of lavender and chamomile.
I made eye contact with Maxon at some point. His eyes were glazed and he seemed wholly blissful. I smiled to myself at the image. It was nice to see my husband so relaxed and happy.
By the end of the massage, I felt so much better. Leora had loosened so many tight knots in my back and neck that had been bothering me. I reluctantly admitted to myself that it was the best massage I'd ever had.
"Thank you so much, Leora. You're a fantastic masseuse," I told her.
"Thank you for the praise, Queen America. I'm glad I met your expectations," she said smugly. I felt like snatching the comment back, seeing her superior expression.
"You're very talented," Maxon said to Derrick as well.
"Thank you for inviting us to massage you. It's good to hear that your experience was positive. You are always welcome at FantaSpa in the future, and we'd love to come back to massage you again at any time," Derrick concluded politely. "When you are ready, you may return to your rooms. Excuse us." Derrick bowed and left the room.
"See you soon," Leora said cheekily with a curtsy before following her brother out.
"Well, she's fun," I said sarcastically.
"How was your massage?" Maxon asked, sitting up in the bed and throwing his robe back on.
"I hate to admit it, but Leora was the best masseuse I've ever worked with. It was a great massage. How about you?"
"Amazing. I feel like I could fly now," he remarked. I laughed. As I started to sit up I realized that Leora had forgotten to clasp my bra again. I started fidgeting with it, but Maxon came up behind me.
"Do you mind?" he asked, leaning in so I could feel his sweet breath on my face. My heart skipped a beat.
"Never," I breathed. Maxon deftly snapped the bra on and draped my robe over my shoulders. He sat on my bed, putting an arm around me. I felt sparks tingle my skin wherever we touched.
"America..." he began, hesitating.
"What?"
"Why were you so bothered by that woman, Leora?"
"She was clearly trying to flirt with you," I said defensively. "How else would I feel?"
"I know that, but I just want to let you know that...you don't have to be jealous. There will be other women around who may want me, or be jealous of you, but I'm all yours. I found Leora funny because she may have thought that there was a sliver of a chance I'd want her over I know that I'll never want anyone else, and I never want you to doubt that, or yourself."
"I know that it's not rational to feel envious, but it just felt like she was taking something that was mine," I said honestly. "And I know that you aren't mine, Maxon. You can do whatever you want. I just couldn't really control that feeling, and it was annoying to see that she thought she had a chance with you."
"I am all yours, Ames. And nobody can ever take something that I don't give them. Just remember that, okay? I don't want you to feel uncertain about yourself over other women. We've chosen each other."
"You are the kindest husband ever," I laughed. "Thanks for checking in with me."
"Of course." He kissed me slowly, warming my mouth and leaving me wanting more. "Let's go upstairs."
I giggled and agreed, jogging upstairs to finish things with my one and only love, Maxon.