The Ever Ater

Ch.2

America's pov:

Ekkio's parents had been at the palace for a little over a week. His grandparents had gone home shortly after arriving due to comfort issues. Maxon and I greatly enjoyed getting to know Alexic and Janet. Maxon and I decided to do an interview with Gavril on tonight's report. We think that this will help reassure the people that I am recovering well. Our approval rating had been in a lul since my heart attack. Gavril is hopeful that having a sitdown interview will help boost ratings.

I was standing in front of my mirror looking at myself. Mary had just left and I was about to walk down to the studio, but first I needed to check myself in the mirror one more time. My eyes fell to the center of my chest where under the thick fabric was my irritated scar. My hands gently brushed it as I examined the dress to make sure it was not visible to anyone. I rarely even let Maxon get more than a glance at it. I was almost ashamed of how I looked after my surgery. Maxon always tried to reassure me that I was still beautiful, but I looked sickly skinny and paler than normal. Slowly my color was starting to come back, but weight was still falling off my body, something that concerned Maxon. Maxon and I scheduled an appointment with my doctor in the morning.

I decided to push all of that away for now and focus on the report and the interview. I took in the deep blue of the dress. It was a modern take on the first dress I wore during my selection. Gavril would most likely pick up on that, but Maxon might not notice. He had a lot on his mind lately trying to refocus on being king. The state of the country had Maxon anxious constantly. The dress though, reminded me of my youthful self. My hair was pinned back with the same delicate pearl pins I had worn to my first report. The entire outfit was supposed to transport everyone back into Maxon's selection. When I looked at my reflection I could still see the young, wild girl that married Maxon.

I heard a knock at my door and walked to answer it. Aspen's eyes met mine as he and Lucy stood there. I stepped out and hugged Lucy. "What are you two doing here?"

"Well Aspen's off tonight and I haven't seen you in so long. I asked if we could walk you down to the studio." Lucy seized Aspen's hand and smiled.

"I wanted to watch you and Maxon from the audience tonight." Aspen smiled at me and started walking toward the studio. I matched their pace and made small conversation.

Lucy suddenly stopped and turned toward me and smiled. "I knew something about that dress looked different." She laughed, "That is the dress you wore on your first report." She took my hand, "America, that is so sweet of you."

I smiled, "Well, it is a remake with a few modern details, but it is almost an exact copy." I smiled as I looked at Lucy.

"Maxon is going to love that," Lucy grinned, "Does Maxon know?"

"No"

Lucy grinned ear to ear and looked at Aspen. Aspen looked at me, "Mer, why did you decide to wear that?"

"Mary thought it would be a good idea. Think of it like I am playing a little game with the people watching." I stopped walking, "I doubt Maxon even notices."

Aspen shared a look with Lucy, "he'll notice America, he always does. That man can compartmentalize better than anyone I know. He will focus on you tonight and only you."

"Aspen this interview isn't really about our anniversary. It is about gaining the people back. This is Maxon's job, so I will not be at the front of his mind tonight."

Lucy started walking, "you are always at the front of his mind." I just shook my head.

We arrived at the studio right on time. I sat down in my makeup chair when Gavril came and sat next to me. We discussed the plan for the night and the course of the interview. He even explained how a little video would play right after we sat down. It all sounded very exciting.