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

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

“You’re a princess, you’re a princess!” May kept saying. I didn’t have the heart to correct her; that since Amberly had passed away during the attack, I would be skipping that phase of coronation. My mother was silent most of the time, while May just went on. 

“So….does that mean I am technically a princess too?” May asked sheepishly. Maxon laughed. 

“I don’t know May, but as it seems that your sister will be queen soon, I don’t see why not.” May ran up to Maxon and hugged him tightly. 

He chuckled. “Maybe you could meet some of the other princes I know when they come for events and such.” May looked like she was about to faint. I could tell that inside, this was everything and more that she could’ve hoped for. 

We looked towards my mother, who was still crying tears of joy after she had embraced Maxon. She gave a small smile. 

“He would’ve been so proud.” I knew she meant my father, and I nodded, wishing so much that he was here. 

“I know he would’ve been.” I reached over to hug her, and knew that my father would’ve wanted me to be happy; and I was. No matter how much the world would weigh down on us, I would always be happy with Maxon. 

“Thank you so much for letting me marry your daughter. I can’t express how lucky I feel to have her, and with that, I would like to give you all a gift as well.” 

“Maxon, please, you’ve already given us enough.” Kenna urged. 

Maxon gave a small smile. “That might be true but please accept this, I would like to know that my family is in good hands, and of course, close to America and I.” Maxon told them about the gift of the house, and how much it would mean to us if they stayed close. James and Kenna could raise Astra there, and my mom could actually have all the space she needed for once. I knew it would be a large transition for my family to become ones, but I never thought that something like this gift could bring so much happiness to others. 

“We’ll only be a few miles away! I can visit you all the time, right America?” 

“Ummm…maybe not all the time, May, but very often. I think I’ll be very busy most of the time.” 

“Yes we probably will, but we’ll try to visit as much as we can. You’re welcome at the palace anytime, May.” Maxon said. “I think America and I better get going, but again, I can’t express my thanks enough for giving me the family I’ve always wished for”. Maxon was genuinely grateful. He understood what it was like to loose a parent and to feel utterly lost. His family had been far from perfect, but he missed them all the same. Without both of them, he really didn’t have any other family. Maxon had never had any siblings or close relatives besides dignitaries and his one aunt. Now, we both were holding on to the one family that was left. 

“You’d better watch out for that one.” Kenna teased, pointing at me. “I hear she’s a feisty sometimes.” I rolled my eyes. 

“Ahh….yes, I have heard that. I better make sure I can handle it”. 

“Come on, I’m not that stubborn am I?” 

“Yes you are, and I love it.” Maxon leaned over to give me a quick peck on the lips. “I’m very sorry, but America and I have to go address the country now. There is much to do, and we’d better get going but you are free to stay watch the report.” 

“I’ll miss you lots.” I went and hugged them one last time. “We’ll talk as soon as we can. I think they’ve set up a phone in the house too, so you can call me when you have time.” We excused ourselves from the room and made our way down the hall once more. 

I noticed that we took a roundabout way to the room for filming, probably to avoid most of the damage. When we got there, I realized that there wasn’t anyone else besides a few camera men, Maxon, Gavril, and me. I had been so used to there being the King and Queen, or some of the other Elite there. Maxon realized it as well, I guess, because of his crestfallen demeanor and way that he set his shoulders. In a way, he looked more like a king now; the youthful boy had been replaced with responsibility and duty. I stood up straiter too, as I entered the room. I hoped when people saw us, they would see two people who were ready to handle the country, no matter what we were really feeling on the inside. I could put on that mask; for Maxon. I hoped that he wouldn’t think that he could do this alone, but of course, being Maxon, he did. 

“Your Majesty” Gavril bowed his head when we entered. “Do you think you are ready to do this?” 

“I am, Gavril.” Maxon replied. Gavril motioned him to sit down in a seat across from himself. Maxon started to take off his brace, something he had argued with the doctor about last night. Maxon wanted to present himself as a true king as his first public appearance. He winced a little bit while trying to take it off. 

“Here, let me help.” I rushed over to the seat and unfastened some of the straps for him. When we got it off, I could tell that Maxon was still in pain. 

Gavril leaned over. “Are you sure you’re okay? We can still postpone this.” 

“No, I’m fine.” 

“Maxon”. I urged. “You don’t have to do this alone. I want to help. You don’t have to go through this today.” I came and sat next to him, seeing the helplessness in his eyes. “Please let me help you…I’ll be here.” 

Slowly, he nodded, and pulled me carefully into his arms. “Okay America. You’re right. I need you here.” I let out a sigh. 

“Please tell me if anything hurts too much, okay?” I said. 

“Okay.” 

I nestled close, making sure I wasn’t hurting him. This was the first time Illea was going to see the both of us, and Maxon as king. We still might be hurting inside, but we had a duty to do. More than anything else in my life, I wanted to make this country a better place. Together, we could do it. I’d never thought I’d make such an impact like this that would change so many people’s lives for the better. Step by step, and day by day, Illea could prosper. 

Gavril said that I would come in later in the report, when Maxon announced the engagement. “I’ll just be over there”. I said to Maxon and gave him a quick kiss and went and stood off by the side.  

As the cameraman counted down, I tugged my ear. I got Maxon to smile a little, and he tugged his ear too.