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

Chapter 34

Chapter 34:

"What do you think?" I say, peering over my husband's shoulder. It's been about a week since we finished the nursery and since then I've dedicated most of my time to amending the Laws of Inheritance. I've even demanded a few meetings on the matter, all of which ended without much of a decision from the advisors. They seemed torn on whether or not it really mattered at this stage, or whether we should find out the genders, just to know. That's the thing with twins: you never knew what one would be born first.

I watch patiently as his eyes follow the lines I typed on the page.

Eventually, he says, "I think it's good. It's the best that we can do. I think that we should propose something on the report this week."

"Really?"

He turns around and gives me a peck on the cheek. "Yes, really." Maxon whispers. "I'm ready for this Ames, whether or not the country is. There has to be a way to convince them that this is a good idea, without compromising their perception of us."

"When did we ever care about what their perception was?" I teased.

"When did you ever care...that's the real question?"

"Maybe never. I don't know. I will promise any daughter that we have though, that she doesn't have to marry anyone she doesn't want to, that's for sure. And any sons we have too..."

"What about the Selection? Could we have one for a princess?"

"I don't know. Is there some sort of rule against that? I mean, no heir has been born a girl, so I don't know how that works. I think your point here about having the first-born child, no matter what gender they are, receive the crown, and is a good point to start with. What we want to focus on is the line of succession, and not the Selection immediately."

"That's a good idea, since we have at least eighteen years, I hope."

"I don't think they'll grow up that fast."

"We'll see."

I now sit in my room, waiting patiently to finish getting read for the report. I go over my proposition over and over again in my head, making sure there wasn't some aspect that I hadn't covered. Tonight, Mary's dressed me in a loose-fitting sky-blue gown that's actually pretty comfortable, even though the material has to stretch over my growing stomach. It has a high neckline and short sleeves that She's also added a pair of comfortable flats to the mix and has curled my hair so it's down in long, red waves. The more I think about it, Mary has put me in the perfect dress for this occasion. I'm wearing simple jewelry and I don't look like a queen necessarily. I look like an expectant mother that simply wants to put her best foot forward.

"There you are, America."

"Thanks Mary." I say. "You really did wonders with this dress. It's so comfortable."

"You're welcome. I figured that you'd like it."

"I do, really." Suddenly, a knock comes from our door. "Excuse me, Mary." I get up and shuffle over.

"Maxon." I say as I open the door. He's wearing on one his nicer suits with a light blue tie that matches my dress.
"America, can I steal you for a moment?"

"You don't have to knock Maxon, it's your room too."

"Oh, right." He runs his hands through his hair nervously.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

"Oh! Um...I just wanted to talk to you a little bit about...well, what we're going to say."