Hi everyone! (I'm finally back...)
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lav Review:
"when is the next update?"
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Eek! I'm really sorry it took me so long to update.
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Thank you for commenting!
Virtue01 Review:
"Great chapter although it was adapted from The Ever After book it still remains one of my favourites. Thank you for the update a given us this lovely chapter you are so considerate to your readers."
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Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the previous chapter.
WannaGoMate Review:
":) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)! That's all I need to say."
WriterQueen123 Response:
Yay! Thanks for the enthusiasm.
Thank you to all who are reading my story! I really appreciate the support. I feel so guilty that it's been almost a month since I last updated. I have a lot going on, so I hope that you all can understand. It was too ambitious of me to start writing two FanFiction stories at the same time (I'm also writing one for To All the Boys I've Loved Before). I now have to balance my school and extracurricular activities/sports commitments with two writing commitments. I value your support and patience with my totally inconsistent writing uploads. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Maxon organized the stack of papers on his desk, clearing his throat. "Are we ready to begin?"
Our group of advisors nodded collectively. This afternoon, we were having a meeting about the best way to merge the Fives and Sixes together. The Sixes and Sevens had been combined two months ago, and so far, the plans were moving forward steadily.
"First of all, we are on track to dissolve the castes completely in less than a year's time," Maxon began. "I'd like to thank all of you for understanding our vision of a casteless Illéa and helping Queen America and I accomplish that. The finish line is in sight." Maxon's short speech received scattered applause and nods of affirmation from the advisors.
The conference continued smoothly. We discussed how the matter could be dealt with so that Fives would rebel minimally.
"Naturally, the Fives will feel like they are being demoted," I spoke clearly. "As any caste would, they may feel annoyed to be merged with the old Sixes, Sevens, and Eights. Over time, stereotypes have blossomed like poisonous flowers. People with the higher caste think they are better than those with the lower one. To promote equality, I suggest that we host events where people from different former castes can get to know each other. Once they have met each other, played games together, and formed bonds, people can gain new perspectives and respect one another." I sat back in my chair, lightly placing a hand on my protruding stomach.
"Where would these events be held?" asked Sir Connelly dubiously.
I answered him smoothly. "At the palace, of course." Some of the advisors shifted in discomfort.
Finally, Lady Reina spoke up. "Isn't there a safety issue there, Your Majesty?"
"I don't understand you're concern. We have parties at the palace all the time, and this would be a productive gathering."
"But they could start a riot..." Lady Reina mumbled.
"Why would they start a riot?" I asked, fighting to control my tone. "We're helping them. If the people of Illéa knew that we are directly trying to help them as individuals, they'd work together with the government for a better outcome." Maxon put his warm hand over mine, sensing my agitation and trying to calm me down. I glared at him, challenging my husband to oppose me.
"I'm not sure about this," Sir Connelly started hesitantly. "Like Lady Reina suggested, inviting strangers to these events could compromise the safety of the King and Queen. Also, it would certainly be expensive to hold many of these occasions."
My eyes narrowed. "Thousands of people in Illéa are starving," I said quietly. "Thousands don't have homes and struggle to keep their children, their loved ones, alive. As royals, we are served decadent meals, sleep on the softest beds, and wear beautiful garments. It is our duty," I took a deep breath to release some anger, "to use our fortune in a way that supports Illéa. I don't care if I'm served stale bread and cheese for the next five years of my life. The country should come before our high life."
An uneasy silence filled the room. "Well, that is a great idea that Queen America brought to the table," Maxon said, trying to cut through the tension of the space. "We can discuss plans further tomorrow. Please meet here at eleven o'clock sharp. This meeting is adjourn." The group bowed to us and walked out of the room.
I couldn't believe it. Maxon wasn't agreeing to my idea; he was putting a pin in it. None of them understood. The only way to help the poorer people of our country was to empathize with them, to get to know them and help them build connections with others.
I stalked towards the door, but Maxon grabbed my shoulder before I could exit the room. "America, are you okay?" he asked gently. I clenched my jaw.
"That group of advisors knows nothing," I hissed. "They're so obsessed with old views, they don't know how to make forward progress."
"Ames, you can introduce an idea, but you can't make them all accept it," Maxon reasoned. I shrugged and started to leave. "Wait, America. Are you sure you're fine?"
I closed my eyes in exasperation and turned back around. "I never said I was fine, Maxon. But I'm definitely better than the former Eights dying on the streets because they aren't welcomed by the other members of their temporary caste."
"Okay. I'm sorry."
I spun back around and left the Meeting Room.
I felt drained after getting so worked up about the caste issue, so I headed up to my suite for a nap. I changed into a comfortable maternity nightgown and cozied up under the sheets of my bed.
After about twenty minutes of resting, I heard a knock on the door. "Come in," I said sleepily.
Maxon peeked his head through the doorway, smiling when he saw me in bed. "Can I join you?" I nodded indifferently.
After changing out of his suit, Maxon slid into my bed. "I wanted to talk to you about the meeting today," Maxon said softly. "I'm-"
"It's okay," I interrupted. "Maxon, I'm pregnant and hormonal. I stand by my idea, but I shouldn't have become so impatient."
"You don't have to come to the meetings if you don't want to," Maxon said tenderly.
I frowned. "Are you kicking me out?"
"No! Of course not. In fact, I think your plan to host events at the palace is brilliant. It's unfamiliar, that's all." I couldn't hide a proud smile. "I simply don't want you feel pressured to work while you're tired. You know, while you're pregnant and all."
"I'm fine," I promised.
"Have you been thinking of any baby names?" Maxon asked curiously.
"We don't know the gender."
"But you must have some ideas," he said, staring dreamily at the ceiling.
I giggled. "You clearly do. What are you imagining?"
"If it's a girl, what do you think of Edelweiss?" he proposed. "We both love the gardens, and the edelweiss is a flower. Also, Edel is a cute nickname."
"I don't know," I mused. "It doesn't really sound like a name to me. I like how you're thinking, though."
"Okay. For a boy, I like Andrew or Aaron."
"Those are nice," I agreed. "Now we just need to know whether we're having a girl or boy."
A comfortable silence settled between us. We were both envisioning a future family, and I felt myself dropping off to a slumber. A minute later, I murmured, "Thanks for coming up, Maxon. I'm glad you're here."
A half smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Any time, my love."