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

Chapter 3

Chapter 3:

"Ladies and Gentleman, I present to you the new King of Illea, Maxon Schreave." Gavril's voice boomed. Maxon shifted uncomfortably, but put on a brave face in front of the camera. I hoped my encouragement would get him through today. 

"Thank you Gavril for the introduction, although, I hope by now, all of you already know how I am." Gavril said. Maxon's eyes never left the ground during the opening. After a long pause, he finally sat up straiter to address the camera. 

Maxon took a deep breath "I know you have all been informed of my parent's deaths due to the rebel attack days ago. I hope that today, as a nation, we can take a day of mourning for your beloved King and Queen. Please extend this gratitude towards all who have lost family members during the attack. One of the selected, Celeste Newsome, lost her life due to this horrible incident. She, and all of the others: the maids, the guards, and anyone who lost their life in this palace; will be remembered and honored. They did a great service to their country, and I will be forever indebted to them for saving my life and getting others out safely. As King, I would like to do anything I can to compensate the families who are still grieving." 

Maxon's eyes shifted around the room, looking for me, and I gave him a nod of encouragement. I was so proud of him for including the people who had died protecting us as well. Without them, Maxon may not be here, and since there is no other heir to the thrown, the country could've fallen into further disarray. 

He continued. "Many of you are asking, where do we go now? I know it might seem difficult; scary even, to think about how our country can survive under many stresses. I am not going to let Illea crumble. I am not going to let the rebels win. We are a nation of dreamers, and with your help, I would like to eventually remove the caste system." I could picture the muffled gasps and cheers across the country. "This will be a gradual change. We can't change everything at once, and still support everyone in this country. However, it is a step. The first step is dissolving the lower castes and eventually into the higher ones. Along with that, there will be many new programs set up to help the people in those castes. Illea, I urge you, as a nation, to step up to this challenge. You will no longer just be able to live and work in your caste, but if you have the skills, you can raise above. Even I feel trapped by the caste system at times. If I could've chosen, would I want to be King? Probably not. However, I have a duty to this country. We all do. Illea can become a great nation again, if you believe in it."

Maxon paused as some of the camera men and advisors that were looking on, applauded. I could feel the sense of change and awe sweep across the country. Maxon had basically said what I'd tried to do only weeks before. This time we could actually make the changes we wanted for the people. With the Northern Rebels supporting us, and if we could get most of the country on our side, then there was room for vast improvements to our infrastructure. 

"There's once last thing I'd like to say, before we continue this day of mourning." I held my breath. "There's one person that without knowing, I would've never known what it was like to live in the lower castes. This person not only showed me what the country needed, but also what I needed as well. I need someone beside me who is going to bring the best out of this country and out of myself; show me that I am stronger and braver than I ever knew." Happy tears threatened to fall over Maxon's words. He looked over to me with a smile on his face. 

"That is why, as many are asking who will be my queen, since I never got the change to announce it before, I'll tell you now." Maxon motioned for me to come over and I hesitantly walked over next to his chair. Before I could say anything, Maxon had somehow already gotten down on his knee. Tears had already sprung from my eyes and I covered my my mouth when I realized what he was going to do. I looked into his chocolate eyes and saw all of the happiness and yearning that was there. Most of all, what I saw was love. It was remarkable to be loved by someone this deeply.