The Two

Chapter One

"Maxon, I love you." We were debating baby names.

"America Schreave," that name still sent shivers up my spine. "I love you too. I just don't want to name our son Joseph." I was eight months pregnant and still we didn't have any names picked out.

"What about Jordan?" Jordan was the name I was really pulling for. It had been a country in Africa before the Third World War.

"Jordan is perfect. And it would work if we had a girl." That was not something I wanted to think about. Ever.

When sons are born to the royal family, there is a competition called the Selection where one girl from each province is chosen and the prince picks one out and they get engaged. The Selection is how I became queen.

But when daughters are born, they marry princes of other countries to make allies since our country is still pretty young.

"Maxon?"

"Mm-hmm."

" If we have a girl, can't we do a reverse Selection? Instead of marrying her to someone from a foreign country?"

Maxon looked deep in thought. "I guess we could. But we don't have to worry about that right now. Just rest. I have to go work."

"Ok. Can you send for Marlee for me?" Marlee was one of my personal attendants, and also my best friend.

"Of course. But you should rest. Who knows when you'll need all your strength." He gave a small chuckle and went off to work.

Soon Marlee appeared at my door.

"Hey America! How have you been?"

"Good. I've slowly been getting fatter."

She laughed and came over to sit with me on the bed. As we talked, she played with my hair.

"Just remember, it's not you getting fatter, it's the baby." We both laughed.

"How's Carter?" Carter was her husband. They were caned after they were discovered together during the selection. Marlee had scars on her hands, and Carter had them on his back.

"He's doing good. Oh, I almost forgot! Guess what?" She had the biggest smile plastered on her face.

"I don't know. What?"

"I'm pregnant!"

I hugged her as best I could. "Oh, Marlee that's wonderful. How far along are you?"

" About six weeks. I told Dr. Ashlar I wasn't feeling very good and after my exam, he told me I was pregnant."

I hugged her again as she pulled a fuzzy black and white sonogram out if her pocket. It looked like a peanut was growing inside her. I couldn't help but laugh.

Suddenly, I was overwhelmed with a feeling of peace. Somehow, I knew everything was going to be okay. Especially since Marlee and Carter had been trying for a baby since they got married.

I didn't realize the pain that waited in the wings, ready to attack me without warning. Literally.