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

Chapter 35

Chapter 35:

In the week following the report, the country's response was somewhat divided, as expected. There were also many questions that followed our proposition on the report. Surprisingly, a greater percent of people from the lower castes supported the idea of a female heir, however, those from the higher ones left more questions about what it could mean for our foreign relations and the family itself.

"What do you think?" I glance up as Maxon enters our bedroom, holding a report from the polls – the same one that I was looking at earlier this evening.

"Well...the data seems interesting...but understandable, I guess." He says. I'm exhausted from being on my side and my feet are still aching from earlier this week. Maxon seems to understand my change in mood and gives me impromptu back and foot messages whenever he can.

Maxon comes and sits on the bed as close to me as he can. "You really don't have to worry about that, honey, I'm pretty sure we're going to end up changing the law either way, since there was some positive feedback. Plus, I've got Stavros and the team working on it now, so that it really shouldn't be a problem. I hate to exercise all of our power on it, but I think if we just change it slowly, people will be more likely to be accepting."

"Oh Maxon, you don't have to do that. I could've gotten Silvia or Marlee to –"

"Ames, I don't want you to be stressed, that's all. I know this is all coming up fast and I can tell, you've been overworking yourself." His hands start making even circles on my back, reassuring me.

I sigh, and lean back into the pillows, just tired of everything.

"America, what's wrong?" Maxon prods.

"Nothing's wrong. I just have a couple of basketballs growing out of my stomach and I've had a headache all evening.... plus I have a baby shower to plan and everything and..."

"Shhh...Ames. It'll be alright."

I sigh, letting Maxon settle down next to me. "It'll be alright is a really bad thing to say to me right now. Especially given that I have probably a couple more months until these two rascals get here and there's still so much more that we have to do."

"We don't have to do much else, America. Besides, how much work can planning a baby shower be? I mean, just put up some streamers and invite people over."

I shoot him a look.

"Sorry, I just mean, try not to think about it too much. There's plenty of people around to help. I can get your sisters here too, if you want. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to help, as well as maybe Lucy or someone."

"It's ok Maxon. I've planned a dozen of these things before. Marlee and I have already decided that it's going to be next month. And I'm already working on the guest list, and...."

"Ames..."

"Yes?"

"You know what I'm going to say."

"Yes, I do. And I'm saying, that I can handle this."

"But you need to rest. Not be stressing out so much."

I pout, rolling over to the other side. "Only if you give me strawberry tarts."

Maxon leans in, pressing his lips close to my ear. "What was that?"

I roll over and playfully hit him with my pillow. "Pregnant woman over here. I'm the queen and I demand that I have strawberry tarts."

He lightly dodges my assault. "Okay, okay, is there a certain type of tart that you want? After all, apparently, I am your servant and I must wait on my queen..."