after the selection (it fits in with all of the stories and supports Maxerica)

Chapter 4

continued from the last chapter 

Maxon POV

I was sitting on my throne waiting for Marlee and Carter to arrive. I was wearing my crown and trying to look wise. America was sitting on a throne at my right and she looked so beautiful and queenly.

Off to one side, a group of my advisors sat at a table scribbling notes. 

Then Marlee and Carter walked in hand in hand accompanied by a guard who stopped and bowed before my feet. 

Carter quickly dipped his head "your Majesty." 

Marlee followed with a curtsy.

"Marlee and Carter Woodwork," I began with a smile. "in light of your service to the crown, I, your king, am taking the liberty of undoing past punishments inflicted upon you." 

They both looked slightly confused and shared a look.

"Of course, your physical punishment cannot be changed, but other stipulation may. am I correct that you were both sentenced to be Eights."

"Yes, Your Majesty."  replied Cater 

"And is it Also correct that you have been in the palace doing the work of sixes for the past two months." 

"Yes, your Majesty." they said together.  

"Is it also true that you Mrs Woodwork served the future queen when she was physically unwell."

Marlee smiled at America, "Yes, your Majesty." 

"Is it also true that, you Mr. Woodwork, Have loved and cherished Mrs Woodwork , a former elite and therefor precious Daughter of Illea, giving her the best she can possibly have under your circumstances?"

Carter looked down, it was as if he was questioning wether he had given her enough. 

 Marlee piped up "yes, your Majesty!"

"In accordance with your service, I, King Maxon Schreave, am relieving you of your caste assignment. You are no longer eights. Carter and Marlee Woodwork you are the first citizens in Illea to be casteless" America was smiling ,tears glistening her eyes.

Marlee squinted at me "casteless your Majesty?" 

"Correct. You are now at liberty to make two choices. First, you must decide whether you would like to continue calling the palace your home. Second, you can tell me what profession you would like to have. Whatever you decide my fiancé and I will happily provide you with lodging and assistance. But, even after that, you will have no caste. You will simply be yourselves."

They turned to each other, quickly debating what they should do. 

Cater drew himself up and turned to me "Your Majesty, my wife and I would be happy to stay in your home and serve you. I can't speak for her, but I love my position as a groundskeeper. I'm happy to work outside, and I would do that for as long as I'm able. If the head position ever opens, id like to be considered for it, but I am other wise content."

I nodded "Very well. And Mrs. Woodwork?"

She looked at America "if the future Queen would have me, I'd love to be one of her ladies-in-waiting."

America bounced up and down in her seat and put her hands over her heart. She was so adorable I just wanted to wrap her in my arms and envelope her with kisses. "You might be able to tell that's what she was hoping for." I cleared my through and sat up straighter, calling for the men at the table. "Let it be recorded that Carter and Marlee Woodwork have been forgiven for their past crimes and now live under the protection of the palace. Let it say that they have no caste and are above such segregation."  

"So recorded." One man shouted back. 

As soon as he had finished speaking, I stood up and took off my heavy crown, while America positively leaped out of her seat and ran down to throw her arms around Marlee. "I hoped you would say that!" she sang. "I can't do this without you!"

"Are you kidding? How lucky am I to serve the queen?" 

I walked over and gave Carter a firm handshake. "are you sure about the groundskeeping? You could go back to guarding or even be an advisor if you like."

"I'm sure. I've never had a head for that kind of thing. I've always been good with my hands, and that kind of work makes me happy."

"All right," I said. "If you ever change your mind, let me know."  

To be continued.....