Maxerica

An Invasion

Four guards rush in right after the window shatters.
The ear piercing siren goes off.
I grab Kaden and Eadlyn while Maxon grabs Ahren.
Two guards rush us into the safe room and close the hidden door behind us.
Maxon and I had a safe room installed to the living room, as well as a few others places, a couple of months after we were married. Most of them just connected to the room, including this one.
I sit on one of the two cots in the room with each of the kids. Maxon kneels in front of me.
All three of the kids are crying, and it takes both of our full efforts to calm them down.
"It'll be alright," I promise.
"That was scary," Eadlyn cries.
"I know, I know."
I hug her and pull her onto my lap.
"That noise was loud," Ahren says.
"It was wasn't it?" I reply.
"I didn't like it."
"I didn't either."
"I just want to go finish the movie."
"Me too, but we can't."
"Why are we in here?" Eadlyn asks.
"Because it's safer in here," Maxon tells her.
"It is?"
"Yes sweetie."
"Why?"
"Because not so good things are happening right now."
"Are we going to be ok?"
"We're going to be just fine."
"Promise daddy?"
"Promise sweetie."
"Ok."
She sniffles and I hug her close.
Kaden holds his arms at me and pouts.
I put an arm around him and hug him close too.
We all sit together for awhile, comforting each other.
Kaden yawns.
"Tired?" I ask.
"Yes mama," he sleepily mumbles.
"Then go to sleep. It's bed time."
"I need my jammies."
"You're going to have to sleep without them for tonight."
"Ok mama."
Maxon grabs the only three blankets from the shelves.
The twins lay next to each other on my right while Kaden lays in my left with his head in my lap.
Maxon lays a blanket on the twins, on Kaden, and on my legs.
"You should take this blanket Maxon," I tell him.
"No. You need it more than I do," he insists.
"But Maxon."
"I can't let you get sick."
"I can share with Eadlyn and Ahren. You take this one."
"I don't need one."
I push the blanket off.
"Then I guess no one's using," I test.
"I guess not."
"Maxon please."
"You need to use it. We can't risk you getting sick. I'll be fine without it."
I hesitate.
"Please America. There's no point in arguing," Maxon pleads.
"Alright," I give in. "But you're sleeping on the other cot."
"I will."
"Ok..."
He goes over and lays down, which is satisfying enough for me.
I look at each of the kids who are all asleep.
I run my hand over Kaden's head.
I lay my had back and drift off to sleep.

Maxon is the one who wakes me up.
My eyes feel heavy as I force them open to look at him. He's kneeling in front of me.
"We can leave now," he informs me.
"We can?" I ask.
"Yeah."
"What time is it?"
"Two in the morning."
I groan.
"I know. Come on, let's go to our rooms."
He picks up the twins. I pick up Kaden and stand up.
He leads me out and I'm shocked at what I see.
The hallways are destroyed. Some of the windows are broken, most of the decorations are either broken or in a place they aren't supposed to be, not to mention there's bullet holes and a bit of what I think is blood on the walls and floor.
I look at Maxon, but he's focused on our kids.
When we get to the boys room maids are cleaning the stuff that was knocked onto the floor up. Most of it was kids toys of anything that was rummaged through.
I lay Kaden in his bed and put the blanket on him.
"Go ahead and go to bed. I'll get the kids laying down," Maxon directs.
"Alright."
He kisses my cheek.
Two guards escort me there
Everything's torn apart and scattered throughout the room. Glass from the window litters the floor.
I start to pick stuff up but a guard stops me.
"We will pick that up in the morning your majesty," he informs me.
"Oh, alright. Thank you," I say.
I grab a nightgown from our dresser and change in the bathroom.
When I exit I see Maxon sitting at his desk with his laptop.
I go over to him.
"You can go to bed darling. I'll be over after I read this report," he tells me.
I nod and go to the bed.
I lay down and pull the blankets up high.
I feel a bit dazed. I'm exhausted and I didn't realize the damage would be this bad.
I look at maxon before I fall asleep.

When I wake up next it's on my own time.
I still feel exhausted and my back aches.
I look at the clock. 8:30.
I push myself up into a sitting position.
I look over and see Maxon asleep at his desk. He looks even more exhausted. He must've stayed up working for awhile.
I get up and try to stretch my back. It doesn't even crack.
I sigh then go over to the door. I open it a bit.
The guard glances at me then looks away.
"Excuse me," I call quietly.
He looks at me.
"Yes your majesty?" he questions.
"Could you get Maxon and I our breakfast?"
"Of course your majesty. I will have a maid get on it."
"Thank you."
He bows as I close the door.
I go to the bathroom, taking my time while I get ready.
Once I'm done I go over to Maxon and gently shake him awake.
He opens his eyes and looks at me.
"Morning," I gently greet.
"Good morning," he yawns. "Did I fall asleep?"
"Seems like it."
"Sorry."
"It's fine. Just don't push yourself to hard ok?"
"Alright."
He takes a deep breath and let's it out.
"Are you alright?" I ask.
"Just a lot going on," he explains.
I put my hand on my back and arch it, trying to stretch.
"What about you? Back hurt?"
I nod.
He stands up.
"Sit, I'll rub your back," he orders.
I gladly do, sitting so I'm facing the seat.
He gets some lotion and rubs my back again.
He does so until someone knocks.
Maxon zips up my dress and opens the door.
I stand up as a maid brings in our breakfast.
She puts the tray on the bed then leaves.
Maxon and I sit across from each other and begin eating.
"This attack was really bad and much more than I realized," Maxon informs me.
"It is?" I ask worried.
"Yes. Several guards and maids were killed. To many."
"I hate that."
"Me too. But there's something worse."
I look at him.
"What?"
"A group of rebels we've never dealt with before is responsible for this attack. And while we were dealing with the attack her ex a town was invaded."
"Where?"
"Dominica."
Me heart nearly stops.
"Heidi's there," I start to freak out.
"I know. And she's fine," he promises.
"You're sure?"
"I'm sure."
I let out a sigh of relief.
"But the town was destroyed."
"Wow..."
"Out of 76 people only 13 survived."
"Oh no. That's horrible."
"It is."
"Was it New Asia?"
"Yes."
"That's not good."
"No. War may be starting which is the last thing we need or want. It's devastating."
I nod in agreement.
"I'm thinking I'll go down there and spend a few days with the mayor. I think it'll give the people a little hope."
"That's a good idea. When are we going?"
"Not we. Me."
"Maxon. I want to go too."
"It's to risky right now."
"Then you shouldn't be going either."
"I need to. I want to see the family's and give my condolences. I need to see the damage and decide if we should try to rebuild the city as well."
"I can go and help with that."
"What about the kids?"
"They can come with us."
"No. I will not risk their lives."
"But you'll risk yours?"
"Yes. For my country I will give my life."
I shake my head.
"I need to go America."
"Fine. I can't stop you. But you need to think about your family as well."
I get up.
"America."
"I'm going on a walk."
With that I walk out.