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

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

It was a month until the wedding. I was so nervous, yet so excited to be finally marrying Maxon. When it was just him and myself, I knew I wanted this so badly. Sometimes I just wished that we could elope so that I could be officially his. However, the crown part still scared me. I would be having my coronation on the same day, and be officially the Queen of Illea. Sometimes I had to remind myself that all of this was actually real; I was taking on the position that went back generations. 

I hoped that Maxon and my reign was different. Looking over the family trees and everything, it was hard to believe that Maxon came from this lineage of hard-lined rulers, and that I would be up there someday as well. I few were truly going to change this country, it was going to have to start with us. I wouldn’t let any of my children or grandchildren for that matter rule in such a way as they had done in the past. I wondered if any of them would even get a chance to rule. Maxon and I had been pouring over the diaries lately, trying to find clues as to how this country functioned in the past. We had heard of democracy before, and within the next year, we were planning on pitching the idea to the public. Someday, the people might elect their representatives. There was still so much to get worked out though. Voting methods and the power of each elected official all needed to be written into law, as well as the requirements needed to run and everything. It was quite a complicated business. We were also looking at the English system, because their monarchs had less power, but they still played a vital role in government. I hoped that any offspring of mine wasn’t doomed to have to rule this country. Someday I wanted my children to have choices of their own. I didn’t even know if there would still be a Selection. If I had it my way, I would let my child choose, and I’m sure Maxon would too, it’s just that it’s much harder to un-write laws then write them in the first place. 

Today I’d be planning the finishing touches to the music and food, along with going to a couple meetings with Maxon. Typical day. I had invited some local musicians from Carolina to play at the reception, along with some children who loved to play music, sing, or dance. At the wedding, I also let some of the staff’s family come and enjoy the night as well. I couldn’t believe how many people we had invited! There were so many dignitaries coming from all over the world, some of them newly made allies as well. I hope we will impress a lot of them with our progress. However, whatever politics is going on that day, I have to remember it’s all about Maxon and me. 

“America, are you okay? You’re sweating a lot.” I turned around and realized that I was in my room with Marlee. I had almost forgot that she was there. We were talking about palace gossip while she helped me with my hair this morning. 

“Oh, I’m fine Marlee. Sorry, I was probably just daydreaming.” I said. 

“It’s totally fine, America. I’d be daydreaming a lot if I had a wedding to plan as grand as yours! I can’t believe it’s only a month away!” 

“I can’t believe it either.” I mumbled. Marlee was curling my hair slightly at the ends and braiding part of it up so it sat on the crown of my head. I enjoyed having her as one of my personal assistants. She was always so eager to help me in any way. 

“America, don’t forget we have a fitting today!” she squealed. I had almost forgot that too. Maybe I did have to much on my mind. 

“That’s great!” I tried my best to sound excited, because I was. I was just so tired though. “I’m sure you’ll look lovely in your dress.” I said. I had asked Marlee to be my bridesmaid, because I had promised her before. May and Kenna, even though they weren’t my bridesmaids, were still very important in the wedding. They were going to help be hosts at the reception, and of course be very close while the actual ceremony happened. I had asked them what kinds of dresses they’d like to wear as well, and the palace staff eagerly agreed to help make them. All of the girls and I would all be trying on our dresses. I was a little nervous myself, because I had never tried on a wedding dress before. I knew my maids and Marlee had been working on it forever, and that today, they were just making sure the baseline fit. I wasn’t going to see all of the finer details that were going to be put on until closer to the wedding.