It's So Much More Than That (A Selection Story)

Chapter 30

Chapter 30:

"Ugh nothing fits!" I exclaim as I'm trying to shuffle through my closet.

Mary shakes her head. "Don't worry America, I've already drawn up many new designs for you to try. Here, what about this dress? I think this would look lovely." She holds up a baby blue dress with short ruffles. "It should be comfortable and cover your bump well."

"Thank you, you're a lifesaver."

"Anytime, your Majesty." She winks.

I finish getting ready for the day and go straight to my office. I spend the morning with Marlee planning all sorts of events, and even call Princess Nicoletta – well, queen now, since last year when she got married. She gushes over our recent news. Apparently we made headlines in Italy too, which wasn't surprising due to our close alliance with them.

"Will you consider visiting us soon? Or, perhaps I can ask my husband if I can fly over to Illea for a couple days. I know it must be difficult traveling in your condition, but – "

I cut her off. "It's fine. I'm only a few months. Please check if you can though, I'd love to have you visit."

"Oh, of course, America. I'd love to visit too. I bet you're glowing already!"

"That's what Maxon says, but I don't really believe it." I admit. The morning sickness had died down the last couple days, but that didn't mean that I felt great all of the time. "Alright, I will hopefully look forward to seeing you soon, but I have to go."

"Oh no worries!" She reassures. "I'll try my best! Goodbye!"

I sigh as I hang up the phone.

"Is everything alright America?" Marlee asks.

"Yeah, I'm just tired, that's all. Do you want a break? I can handle this."

"Oh, no. I'm fine. Kile's still going to be asleep for a while. Are you still thinking about the laws of inheritance? You still have a while, I wouldn't get too stressed out about it at the moment" She says.

"I'm sorry, but I can't really help it. This is my children's futures on the line."

"America...you and Maxon will figure this out, I know you will. Just give it time. I have no doubt that the country will agree if they understand."

"That's the thing. The country already has to go through a lot of changes because of the removal of the caste system and the other half has to accept it. I hope they do understand. I mean, even though it is the one thing us as royals owe our country, there's so much more that we have to do..." I kept rambling on.

"Shh...it'll be fine, trust me." She took both of my hands in hers. "You know, you may think you have only nine months, but the fact is Ames, you probably have almost eighteen years to figure this out."

"But the New Asian Prime Minister...."

"I'm sure no matter when you decide to make changes, he will be angry, but I know it'll all turn out alright in the end."

I sigh. "Thanks Marlee. I don't know if it's these hormones or just me who's getting really worked up about this. Maxon tried to tell me the same thing, I guess."

"It's alright. Maybe you should rest, America. You're carrying twins after all."  

"I can handle it, Marlee. Really. Thank you though."

"Alright America. Don't stress out too much." Marlee excuses herself to go get Kile some lunch. A couple hours later I'm still in my office, looking over the notes I've made on the Laws of Inheritance. I've been working on all the different ways I could possibly make it work with the public's approval, but at this point, I'm skeptical if this is even a good idea in the first place. I casually run my hands over the whole other pile of papers and invitations that I'm supposed to go over.

I haven't ate anything since breakfast and suddenly all I want to do is sleep. I sigh and go up to my room, hoping to take a brief nap. I try not to think about all of the other things that I have to do today. As I drift off to sleep, I can't seem to find a comfortable position because my stomach's cramping and I feel uncomfortable. Eventually, I fall asleep.

I'm sitting at my desk working, when the rebel alarm sounds. I quickly get up, rushing to get the twins.

"Where are they?" I scream.

Only then, when I reach the nursery do I notice that the cribs are empty, and that my children are gone.

"Why there you are, Your Majesty, I was beginning to wonder when you'd show up." I turn and see a figure in the darkness. They're holding the twins who are crying out.

"Stop! No!" I run towards the figure, but they disappear like passing through a shadow. All I hear are my children's cries, echoing throughout the room...

I sit up quickly, my eyes adjusting to the familiar room around me. I glance at the clock.

4:30. Shit, I've been sleeping too long. My hands wander over the familiar bedspread that's dimly lit due to the sun setting already outside. I'm breathing heavily and my stomach is still cramping.

I lightly place my hands over my stomach, but instead of just feeling the fabric of my blouse, I feel something sticky as well.

Gently, I try to sit up, pulling back the sheets.

That's when I see the blood.

Sorry for the short chapter! I'm really busy at the moment, and trying to write a million things at once. As always, thank you for reading, and I'll be sure to update ASAP! – A