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

Chapter 7

America POV 

I woke up to the sound of my maids rushing about the room. It took me a second to realize that Maxon wasn’t beside me, although I wasn’t surprised. He normally woke up at least by 5 or 6. I tried to get going an hour or two later most of the time. Maxon had recently let me into some of the meetings, especially the ones that had to do with domestic improvement in the castes. I was so glad we were making progress in this area. We already had plans laid out for better shelters and food distraction as well as programs that will late help assimilate the castes.

“Ladies, how are you doing today?” I asked groggily. One of my newer maids, Lily, giggled.

“Lady America, we had orders to get you ready this morning; someone said that they would like you to wear this” she held up a lovely lavender lace sundress. 

“That’s beautiful, but what is the occasion?” I said. 

The rest of them giggled. I stared at them, confused. “I thought you might know, America, but in that case, we aren’t supposed to tell you, Prince’s orders.” I sighed. Leave it to Maxon to want to surprise me in every way possible. Whatever it was, I hoped that we could spend at least part of the day together. I chatted idly with the girls as they did my makeup and hair. Today, they kept it pretty light and natural, and they twisted my hair up into a perfect loose bun. All the while, I was noticing that the stones in my engagement ring very much complimented the dress I was wearing. This must be something important, I thought. Lately, I’ve been attending more meetings about the wedding than anything else. The guest invitations had finally been sent out. At least that was one weight off my shoulders. 

“There. You’re done.” Mary said. “You’ll be wanting to go to the gardens, I think. Maxon said to give you this.” She handed me a sealed note with Maxon’s seal. The ladies excused themselves and I opened the carefully folded paper. 

My Dearest America, 

Would you please do me the honor of joining me in the gardens this fine morning? You’ll know where to find me. 

Tugging my ear, 

Maxon. 

I hurried down the hallway, not caring if my fast pace was unladylike or not. I finally made it to the doors, and a couple guards smiled at me as I passed. It really was a nice day outside; even for February. Here in Angeles it never really got that cold, and even on a day like today, the first flowers were starting to bloom. I knew Maxon would most likely be at our bench, so I made my way through the maze of hedges. “Maxon?” I called, once I got closer. Finally, I got there. 

He was sitting on our bench, holding a bouquet of spring flowers. I gasped when I saw him, and ran up to hug him. 

“Hello, my dearest.” He said with a huge grin on his face. 

“Dearest. I think I can live with that.” I said. He smiled more. I noticed that there was a picnic basket on the ground and a blanket set out in some nearby grass. 

“What is this?” I asked. 

“America, do you really not know what today is?” 

I shook my head. “No, I don’t think so….Ohh.” I finally remembered. It was my birthday. Maxon chuckled. I had been so busy in the last weeks I completely forgot that my birthday was coming up. 

“Happy Birthday.” He said, and wrapped me closer. 

“So what is all this?” I gestured to the setup around me. 

“I thought I’d have an actual breakfast with my fiancee. I’m taking the morning off.” 

“What?” I exclaimed. “Maxon, you can’t just do that for me, the country needs you -“