Hi everyone! It's been such a long time since I've updated this story. I'm sorry; I really don't have a valid excuse for taking such a long break. In all honesty, after so many years, I'm feeling much less inspired to write about the Selection world. However, I really am sorry for drawing this ending out. I've totally been procrastinating, and I apologize. I'm going to knock out a few more chapters for this fanfiction and then say good-bye! I appreciate you all and hope you enjoy.

My eyes scanned the officers in the security headquarters, finding nothing but steely resolution. I would not find my much-needed answers here. "Good day," I said through gritted teeth before exiting the room, not bothering to watch the officials apologetically nod their heads in respect as I left.

I felt anger building up in my chest, hurt swirling in my gut as I dashed through the palace halls in search of Maxon. I forced myself to breathe deeply, knowing there had to be a valid reason behind his orders to keep me out of the situation. Pain and humiliation made me seethe nonetheless. Several security guards asked whether I needed any assistance with something, concern apparent in their eyes, but I politely dismissed them.

I headed for the hospital wing, knowing my husband had gone looking for Eadlyn's gauze and ointment. Thoughts and questions and insecurities rooted themselves in my mind. I loved Maxon- this I had no doubt of- but why was he keeping secrets from me? I rounded a corner to find Maxon walking in my direction, clutching a small bandage box in one hand.

"Hey, Ames. Did you find the snacks..?" he asked, trailing off as he registered my look of betrayal. His forehead adorably creased with worry, but I ignored my heart's flutter. "What's wrong?" Maxon implored, striding towards me quickly and reaching for my hand with his free one. I snatched my hand back to stay focused, taking another deep breath to compose myself. He stepped back, a wounded look on his face.

"Can we talk privately, please?" I requested frigidly. I couldn't tell whether my voice was trembling with rage or devastation.

"Sure, what's going on?" Maxon muttered, whipped by my sudden change of emotion. I pursed my lips and walked into an empty conference room, Maxon following me reluctantly. He closed the door behind us, set the bandage box on a nearby chair, and crossed his arms.

"I overheard the security team talking," I stated, looking boldly into Maxon's eyes. "Something about an overflow of death threats, I think?" Maxon bit his lip, uncrossing his arms while clenching and unclenching his fists. "When I asked them for details, they refused to disclose any information. Or rather, they were under orders to stay silent about the issue." Guiltiness washed over Maxon. He had always been an open book when it came to his emotions. "I was wondering," my voice cracked, to my frustration, "why that might be."

"Look, I'm sorry, America," he said after a moment of hesitation. "It's true that there has been an overwhelming amount of hate mail making its way to our security center recently. The center a few miles from the palace, where they screen all of our mail and food products before they can come into contact with the palace," Maxon clarified. I raised an eyebrow. He sighed miserably. "And, yes, it's true that I asked security to refrain from informing you about the problem. It's disturbing to think about, and I don't want you to lose sleep over something we can't control."

"Maxon, I'm not some helpless woman that will faint at the thought of hate mail!" I insisted, trying to meet his troubled gaze.

"Of course I know-"

"How many times do we have to go through this?" I cut him off, my tone pleading. "How can you expect us to have a healthy relationship if you don't trust me, and you don't view me as an equal? If you're still keeping secrets after everything we've been through? I thought we were a team."

"America, please forgive me. I truly am sorry." His hand twitched forward, as if reaching for mine, but he pulled it away on second thought. I crossed my arms, waiting. Maxon's flowery apologies wouldn't solve our problems. "I'm sorry that I kept the death threats a secret, and I'm sorry that people are sending them in the first place. I can't stand the thought of you and the kids feeling anything but loved, yet our family image is far from pristine at the moment. Due to the abolishment of the caste system, many upper class citizens that used to reap the benefits of the hierarchy are angry."

Maxon stepped closer and carefully placed his arms around my neck. I melted. He was so close I could see the gold flecks in his umber irises. "Many believe that you're the cause of their problems," he whispered. "So many stupid rumors swirl around Illéa- that you've seduced me in order to eradicate the system, that you've brainwashed me...disgusting things." I swallowed down an acrid taste in my mouth. I knew that Maxon and I couldn't be favorable everywhere, but I thought more of Illéa would have recognized the good we had done.

"And I'm afraid," Maxon continued. "We're almost totally safe inside the palace walls, but I don't want to think about how we'd be greeted if we simply took a stroll in the city. We've made so many necessary changes, and the majority of Illéan citizens are beyond grateful, but the vocal people who despise us are those with money. Those who have the power to spread gossip in magazines and organize campaigns. I hate keeping us cooped up in the palace, but I'm afraid of what could happen to us outside of it. I'm afraid of what our children will have to face when they grow up and realize how cruel our country can be. I'm afraid that you'll grow to resent me for the position I've put you in." Maxon took a deep breath. "I'm sorry."

I was speechless for a moment. On top of a blossoming fear for my precious toddlers, and the public's impact on our family, my heart hurt for Maxon. He had been carrying this burden alone to make the weight on my back lighter. I wound my arms around his waist and rested my head against his chest. His taut muscles relaxed, and he hugged me closer to him, burying his face in my neck. I inhaled slowly, processing the information Maxon had shared with me.

"I understand, Maxon." I drew slow circles on his back with my fingertips, and he shivered. "I'm sorry you've had to go through this alone. You're so noble, my love. But you don't have to face difficult things on your own." I pulled away gently, raising my hands to cup his face and look deeply into his warm eyes. "I don't resent you for anything. I'm proud of the work we've done for our country, and the millions of lives we've bettered. Though our reign has been admittedly more challenging than I expected, I'm here to stay. Let me in. Let me support you like you support me. Please."

Maxon leaned his forehead against mine, breathing shakily. "Thank you. Thank you for understanding. For being here. I'm sorry."

"Shhh," I breathed soothingly. I stroked the soft hair at the nape of his neck, letting him calm down in my arms.

Suddenly, the door of the conference room opened wide. Maxon and I jumped apart instinctively as the cleaning staff bustled in, immediately horrified for intruding upon our moment. "Our sincerest apologies, Your Majesties," said the two servants, Claire and Rémy. They bowed low, their expressions nervous.

I giggled, taking Maxon's hand. "Not to worry, Miss Claire and Mr. Rémy. We'll get out of your way." Claire stumbled over her words, insisting that we should stay and apologizing profusely, but I assured her it wasn't necessary. Maxon grabbed the box of bandages from the chair, and we walked out hand in hand. We both burst out laughing once we were out of earshot of the duo, making jokes easily and poking fun at each other.

As we walked toward the twins on the lawn, Maxon got serious for a moment and pulled me closer with his arm around my shoulder. "Thank you," he whispered, kissing me on the cheek. I smiled.

Review Responses:

Guest Review:

"I'm reviewing before reading the chapter, but I know Kenna dies around Christmas. I love how you stayed true to the story!"

WriterQueen123 Response:

Thanks for reviewing!

Guest Review:

"I enjoyed your fan fiction so much! I only found it yesterday, and I've been reading on and on. The fact that you are not a professional really stumps me. And I'm sorry about those rude comments. I didn't write any, but I understand your prior and much more important commitments."

WriterQueen123 Response:

That means so much to me! Thank you for your considerate note.

lululovetoread Review:

"YAYYY you're back! Loved this chapter! So nice to see them as parents and from the toddler perspective instead of the teenage! Im curious if you will continue with this timeline or go back to the orignal?"

WriterQueen123 Response:

Thank you! I'm continuing with the timeline in between The One and The Heir, with Maxon, America, and their toddlers.

Virtue01 Review:

"Thank you for the update I know that you have other commitments and so it good of you to make the effort. This is a good chapter I like the idea of America wanting the kids to experience life outside the palace. Maxon is in for some of America temper because he has been hiding info from her. The way you wrote and detailed the chapter that leads up to her hearing the information about the death threats was brilliant. Hope you enjoyed your Christmas day wishing you Happy new year and stay safe."

WriterQueen123 Response:

I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter! Hopefully you liked this one :)

bri Review:

"this is such a great series with extremely believable and realistic writing! you've gotten the characters down so well. please update!"

WriterQueen123 Response:

Thank you so much for your lovely comment!

Amy Review:

"I love your writing so much! I really like what you're doing with this story, and your writing style is really cool. I hope that you update soon(ish), but that's not my call to make! you've brought me a lot of help in recent dark times, and reading this would help me so much. so thank you."

WriterQueen123 Response:

I'm so glad that I've been able to make your world a little brighter. That truly means so much. I'm sorry I haven't updated sooner!

Guest Review:

"Hey I just want to say that as a high schooler I get it. I am working on my own fan fiction about America and Maxon having the twins and you've actually done a lot of what I was thinking. I think that you should ignore the rude comments because to me it makes you stronger when you push past and write when you want to. I've learned that when you write because you think you should the content isn't as good. Write when you have time and when you feel inspired and definitely don't feel rushed at all. There's no time limit. Stay safe and get good grades."

WriterQueen123 Response:

Thank you so much for your support. I'm so glad you understand!

mollymoo Review:

"This is soooo good! I read all the chapters in less than a day. It sounds like you're the actual author! Keep writing please!"

WriterQueen123 Response:

Thank you for the review!

Molly Review:

"I LOVE LOVE LOVE this sooooo much! I recently discovered it, and read all the chapters in less than a day! You are very talented, and inspired me to start writing. Keep writing!"

WriterQueen123 Response:

That means so much to me! I'm so glad you've gotten into writing. Keep it up!

gabyselectionlover Review:

"i really hope you update soon but if you dont want to i get it"

WriterQueen123 Response:

Thank you for your understanding!

Guest Review:

"Please update soon! I really enjoy the story!"

WriterQueen123 Response:

Thanks!

Kittymeowmeow157 Review:

"Is there any possibility of another update? This story is fabulous! No rush though."

WriterQueen123 Response:

Thank you very much! I'm glad you've enjoyed it.

Carter Kane Reviews:

"Anne died and America didn't have any friends back in Carolina."

"I was hoping their honeymoon would be in Italy and they could celebrate with Nicoletta and her family, too."

WriterQueen123 Response:

Those are some cool ideas! I personally went with something else, but thanks for sharing.

Whitchation Review:

"Hey,LOVE this series so much! A review would be much appreciated."

WriterQueen123 Response:

Yay, thanks for writing to me!

juniper Review:

"this was a very good chapter but, it was short. Next time try and expand your horizons."

WriterQueen123 Response:

Thanks for reviewing!

Johy Review:

"please new update, this story is great ! you write it very beautifully"

WriterQueen123 Response:

That means a lot to me! Thanks.

Guest Review:

"Hey, I really love this story! I know you're busy but I'm sure you could find time to update considering you have tons of people waiting! Its kinda unfair to be this inconsiderate towards everyone but no worries, its not a big deal... Just making sure you understand :)"

WriterQueen123 Response:

I'm sorry! I completely understand where you're coming from, and I apologize for the long break I took. Thank you for your support!

CMarie14 Review:

"Just as always, your writing is amazing! This chapter was worth the wait!"

WriterQueen123 Response:

Thank you so much! I'm glad.